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- what to do in Boston this weekend (apr 25 - 27)
what to do in Boston this weekend (apr 25 - 27)
let the festivals begin
Nicole Tommasulo
24 Apr • Estimated Reading Time: 19 minutes
Table of Contents
P.S. If you have an event, new attraction, new hotel, or restaurant opening you’d like me to cover, don’t hesitate to reach out. Like the newsletter? Feel free to buy me a coffee.
food news
‘World’s Best Sandwiches’ are coming to Back Bay. Florence favorite All’Antico Vinaio was spotted moving into a space on Boylston Street in Copley Square this week. While no details have been shared about expected openings yet, buzz is already building for this popular sandwich shop. All’Atico Vinaio was named by Saveur as the World’s Best Sandwiches’ and already has multiple locations across New York City, Las Vegas, and in Southern California, including Beverly Hills, Venice Beach, and Koreatown.
East Boston’s Slush King (211 Bennington St, East Boston, MA 02128) opens its order window for the season this Saturday, April 26. Besides slush, they serve some of the best homemade gelato in Boston, along with soft serve, frappes, ice cream sandwiches, and fried dough.
The Big Queer Food Fest is back this year and has expanded from a one-day mini-festival to a multi-day convention. From April 28 through May 4, attendees will enjoy tastings, dinners, competitions, panels, and other soirees, including a final tasting at the High Street Food Place. The event features acclaimed chefs from around the country, including James Beard Award-winning chef Karen Akunowicz of Fork & Knife and Top Chef alum Arnold Myint, whom I had the pleasure of meeting on a trip to Nashville in 2023. Events are happening all week long, and some tickets are still available.
travel news
Another big week for Southwest Airlines. As the airline moves away from egalitarianism, more new changes were introduced this week. For the first time, Southwest will offer extra-legroom seats starting May 1. For now, there’s no extra fee if you’re lucky enough to snag one of these seats, but this may change as the airline continues to roll out its new seating plan. (The Points Guy)
Rome is in mourning. Many are flocking to Rome this week to pay their respects in Vatican City following the passing of Pope Francis. Anyone who already had plans on visiting should prepare for navigating around diplomatic traffic in the air and on the ground. Visitors should also note the Sistine Chapel will be closed during mourning and conclave. (Afar)
unique things to do in Boston:
april 25 - april 27
Everything here is happening this weekend only. Scroll down for recurring events every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in Boston. Like the newsletter? Feel free to buy me a coffee.
all weekend
Celebrate Earth Day by participating in the 26th annual Charles River Cleanup. Held Friday, April 25, and Saturday, April 26, all along the Charles and Muddy Rivers, join neighbors in what has historically been one of the largest river cleanups in the country. Registration for volunteers is now open.
Boston’s biggest cat show, the Catsachusetts Cat Show, is being held from Friday, April 25 until Sunday, April 27, on Porrazzo Skating Rink (199 Coleridge St, East Boston, MA 02128). Watch cats compete in agility contests, vote for your favorite cat in the cat show, and shop vendors selling feline crafts, trees, toys, and more. Tickets are available at the door for $5 - $15.
Celebrate creators of color this weekend at the Boston Comics in Color Festival. The first of its kind, the festival is spotlighting local and national illustrators and graphic novel creators from Friday, April 25, to Saturday, April 26, at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center at Roxbury Community College (1250 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02118). This family-friendly event will feature panel discussions, an artist alley, cosplay contests, and live art demos. Entry is free.
If you’re planning on celebrating Independent Bookstore Day this year, make sure to pick up your Metro Boston Indie Bookstore Crawl Passport. Participating bookstores are handing out stickers, discounts, and more to shoppers with passports and passport stamps. Visit every participating bookstore now through Saturday, April 26, for a chance to win a gift basket filled with prizes.
Originally organized to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first cherry blossom trees gifted from Tokyo to Washington, the Japan Festival returns to Boston Common (16 Charles St, Boston, MA 02108) from Saturday, April 26, to Sunday, April 27, from 11 am to 5 pm. There will be over 30 food stalls, vendors, live music, demos, and more. Entry is free.
This is also the final weekend to see the Comm Ave Mall Holiday Lights before the next holiday season.
friday
april 25
classes
Learn the basics of building a terrarium at the Glass Gardens: A Terrarium Workshop with Bluebird Bouquets on Friday, April 25, from 6 - 7:30 pm at Boston Public Market (100 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02108). Led by founder and florist Haley, you’ll build your terrarium using provided decorative stones and plants. Tickets are $70 and include materials.
Slide into the weekend with a Sip & Sculpt Potter Class at High Street Place Food Hall (100 High St, Boston, 02110) on Friday, April 25, from 6 - 8 pm. Led by Pottery With a Purpose, learn how to make pinch pots and coils while sipping on a flight of drought beers from Alewife. Tickets are $72 and include a beginner pottery kit and beer flight.
Just in time for porch weather, Short Path Distillery (71 Kelvin St, Everett, MA 02149) is hosting a Spring Cocktails Mixology Class on Friday, April 25, from 7 - 8:30 pm. After a welcome beverage and tour of the distillery, settle in for an in-depth mixology class led by bartender and spirits specialist Christine Boussalini. Practice and taste-test your own springtime cocktails using Short Path Distillery spirits while learning all about tools, techniques, glassware, and garnishes. Tickets are $85.
saturday
april 26
festivals, pop-ups, + parties
Kick off the weekend with Drag Brunch upstairs at Lamplight CX (110 N First St, Cambridge, MA, 02139) on Saturday, April 26, from 12:30 - 3 pm. Led by Brook Poole, there will be appearances by Bossi Boots, Killah, and Miss Succubus, plus free pastries by Iggy’s and a Crazy Tacos pop-up. Tickets are $20 and include entries for prize giveaways.
Celebrate craft beer’s past, present, and future at the Massachusetts Craft Brewers Festival this Saturday, April 26, from 1 - 8 pm at Boston Center for the Arts, Cyclorama (539 Trement St, Boston, MA 02116). More than 40 Massachusetts craft breweries, including Harpoon, Castle Island, Harpoon, Samuel Adams, and Twisted Fate Brewing, will be serving their best beers, along with limited-edition seltzers, ciders, and kombuchas. Tickets are $55, including unlimited beer samples, or $10 for non-drinkers.
classes
Celebrate Earth Day with Pottery with a Purpose at a Make Your Own Plant Pot or Vase Class this Saturday, April 26, from 4:30 - 6:30 pm at Boston Public Market (100 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02128). Over this two-hour workshop, you’ll learn pottery basics like pinch pots and coils and bring home 1 - 2 pieces of handmade pottery. Tickets are $73.
Indulge in the Tres Leches Cake Class held at Game On! Fenway (82 Lansdowne St, Boston, MA) on Saturday, April 26, from 2 - 4 pm. The class will feature a 12oz strawberry cake, where you’ll learn how to properly soak it with rich tres leches infused with coconut, as well as decorate it, including piping techniques. Tickets are $50.
sunday
april 27
festivals
The 29th Annual Greek Independence Day Parade and Festival will take place this Sunday, April 27, from 1 to 4:00 on Boston Common. The parade kicks off at 1 pm and will travel down Boylston St to Charles Street with the Honorable Mayor of Athens, Haris Doukas, and the Honorable Mayor of Boston, Michelle Wu, and Consul General of Greece in Boston Symeon Tegos acting as parade Grand marshals. After, the Common will be hosting a celebration of Greek culture, including Greek dance troupes, Greek food, and vendors. Entry is free.
markets
Shop one of the biggest vintage markets in Boston at the Spring Thrift Market @ The Cyclorama this Sunday, April 27, from 1 - 6 pm at Cyclorama (539 Trement St, Boston, MA, 02116). With over 60 different vendors, food trucks, free drinks, and more, there’s plenty to see, shop, sip, and sample. Tickets range from free to $15, with early birds receiving free stickers, totes, and first dibs on clothing selection.
classes
Join PAGU (310 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139) for two different cooking classes on Sunday, April 27. First, from 11 am - 1 pm, learn the secrets of making Onigiri ($59). Or how to make the perfect Hand-Pulled Noodles from 1:30 until 3:30 ($119).
wellness
Have your cards read at the All She Wrote: Tarot Readings with Heronkind Tarot’s Lauren Walleser at All She Wrote Books (75 Washington St, Somerville, MA, 02143) on Sunday, April 27, from 1 - 4 pm. Lauren’s readings are gentle, fun, and inclusive and offer both gifts and heading. Readings are $25. Limited appointments are still available.
Flow into a new week with an Immersive Yoga session with JOYN Yoga at WNDR Boston (500 Washington St, Boston, MA 02111) on Sunday, April 27, from 9 - 10 am. Tickets are $40 and include admission to the museum. Please bring your own mat.
Start your Sunday with Volo’s Women’s Walk around Seaport on Sunday, April 27, from 9:30 until 11:30 am. Start with a private shopping session at lululemon (62 Seaport Blvd, Boston, MA 02210) after check-in at 8:30 before walking Harborside Walk to HeyDay Seaport. Participants receive complimentary gift bags, water, protein bars, and a 6-month membership to HeyDay. The first 10 to arrive receive free custom tote bags and more goodies. This is a free event, but registration is required.
reoccurring winter events
As a reminder, the Commuter Rail has $10 weekend passes, which gives the ticketholder unlimited travel on Saturday and Sunday. Pass is activated during your first trip on Saturday and continues to stay active until Sunday night.
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tours
Taste your way through Back Bay with a Back Bay Evening Chocolate Tour. For $55, take a guided walking + tasting tour of one of Boston’s most beautiful neighborhoods while learning Back Bay’s historical and architectural significance. Plus, enjoy tastings at four different locations where you’ll sample hot chocolate, cookies, cupcakes, and cake from Back Bay’s most iconic establishments.
Boston Athenaeum routinely holds Art & Architecture Tours throughout the week and weekend. Tours are always free for members, $15 for adults, $10 for students/educators/military, $8 for children 11 and under, or $4 using your EBT, WIC, or ConnectorCare cards.
Whether you’re a local or visiting Boston for the first time, there’s never a bad time to take a tour. For something a little different (and delicious), book a spot on the Freedom Trail: History Tour & Brewery Taste. Follow the Freedom Trail, stopping at 11 of 16 major landmarks along the trail, with Hub Town Tours before enjoying lunch and beer tasting at Democracy Brewing.
wellness
If you need a weekend pick-me-up, come to The Moxy Boston Downtown (240 Tremont St, Boston 02116) for Rooftop Yoga on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 - 10 am. Led by Julianne Maquire (Saturday) and Claire Metrick (Sunday) from YogaHub, you’ll flow through a dynamic vinyasa yoga experience, expending energizing movement with breath and community. Tickets are $25.
Start your weekend with a dose of wellness at The Hidden Art Gallery (25 Myrtle Street) in Beacon Hill, which hosts weekly Explore Meditation with Watercolor classes. Held every Friday from 3 pm - 6 pm, learn the basics of meditation while intuitively creating with watercolor. Classes are $55.
Reconnect with your ability to digest and rest during a Sound Bath Meditation with Ramon of Ib and Flow (247 Walnut St, Brookline, 02445). Sessions ($50) are held every Sunday.
Wind down from the weekend and prepare for the week ahead with a Grounding Meditation session every Sunday from 5 - 6 pm at Blissful Monkey Yoga Studio (663 Centre Street, Boston, 02130) in Jamaica Plain. Led by Licensed Mental Health Counselor Brennan Mallonnee, you will be guided through techniques on how to calm stress responses and practice trauma-informed grounding techniques for anxiety. Tickets are $20. Yoga mats, cushions, and blankets are available, but you can bring your own.
If you’re trying to bring balance into your life this year, start your Sunday brunch with a gentle yoga flow with Brewery Yoga at Lamplighter CX. The class is held every Sunday from 12:30 - 1:30 pm at Lamplighter Brewing Co.’s CX location (110 North First Street, Cambridge, 02141) in their upstairs taproom. Tickets are $25 and include a beer token or complimentary non-alcoholic drink.
classes + workshops
Whether you already love screenprinting or are completely new to this printing method, DARK MODE hosts DIY Screenprinting workshops at their storefront in Bow Market (1 Bow Market Way, #24) in Somerville on Friday (7 pm) and Saturday (6 pm and 7 pm) nights. Tickets are $45, including t-shirts.
DARK MODE also hosts Candle Making and Intention Setting Workshops every Thursday at 7 pm in their storefront at Bow Market in Somerville. Tickets are $50.
Spend your Friday learning to make classic Italian cuisine with Self Up Cooking Classes (19 Kingston St) in Downtown Crossing from 6 pm - 9 pm. Every week, they host an Italian Dinner with Tiramisu Finale cooking class and dinner experience, where you can learn how to make a three-course meal, including a luscious tiramisu for dessert. Tickets are $100 and include all ingredients.
tastings
Coffee lovers, this one is for you. Every Friday at 10 am, Counter Culture Coffee (374 Somerville Ave) in Somerville opens their Training Center for free coffee tastings. Anyone can learn and connect over perfectly brewed, high-quality, sustainable coffee.
Come to DeLuca’s Market Wine Cellar (11 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114) in Beacon Hill for a free wine tasting every Friday from 4 - 7 pm. Every week, resident wine expert Donovan handpicks a mix of familiar favorites and bottles from up-and-coming vineyards or hard-to-find vintages to share among participants. No ticket is required.
Every Friday at 6:30 pm, GrandTen Distilling (383 Dorchester Ave) in South Boston holds Friday Night Flights: a chance to get to know their full line-up of spirits (plus special limited-run bottles not available elsewhere) at an intimate tasting. Tickets are $25, and seating is limited (10 max).
On Saturdays, Boston Harbor Distillery (12R Ericsson St, Boston, 02122) leads VIP tours ($50) and barrel-side tastings of their spirits ($20).
Love Child holds free wine tastings every Friday (5 pm - 7 pm) and Saturday (12 pm - 3 pm) at their South Boston (364 West Broadway) location. These tastings are free and require no reservations.
Come to The Urban Grape (303 Columbus Ave) in the South End on Saturday for The After Brunch, between 2 pm and 5 pm, for their weekly free wine tasting.
farmers markets
Farmer’s Market season never ends in Boston; it just moves inside. Visit Somerville’s Winter Farmers Market every Saturday from 9:30 am - 1:30 pm inside The Center for the Arts at the Armory (191 Highland Ave).
Jamaica Plain holds its weekly Farmers Market every Saturday from 12 pm - 3 pm year round in the Bank of America (677 Centre St, Jamaica Plain, 02130) parking lot.
Rosalind Village is celebrating the return of its Winter Farmers Market. Every Sunday from 11 am - 2 pm in the ABCD Parking Lot (32 Birch St, Boston, 02131), shop fresh produce, meat, fruits, and specialty foods, plus appearances from summer market favorites, including The Neighborhood Farm and Lilac Hedge Farm.
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