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- what to do in Boston this weekend (jan 31 - feb 2)
what to do in Boston this weekend (jan 31 - feb 2)
Flowing through the dead of winter
Nicole Tommasulo
31 Jan • Estimated Reading Time: 22 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.
food news
ICYMI, Boston’s own King Arthur Baking Company, the oldest flour company in the U.S., has a pop-up shop on Newbury Street (172 Newbury St, Boston, 02116). The shop is currently set to only be open through Feb 16., but was initially set to close on Dec 31. With one extension already, everyone has their fingers crossed we get to keep the shop around a little log. But just in case, stop in now to pick up your favorite King Arthur products, from bread flour to sourdough starters.
planning ahead:
valentine + galentine events
Valentine’s Day is less than a month away, and whether you love the holiday or hate it, there are a few fun events and deals happening around Boston that you should know about.
shops + sweet treats
Boston’s Little Miss Cupcape (250 Newbury St, Boston, 02116) has opened pre-orders for their Valentine’s Day menu, available for pickup or delivery between Jan 31 and Feb 16. Highlights include their Valentine’s Day Cupcake Pack, Conversational Heart Mini Cakes, Bake At Home Cookie Dough rolls, and a cute little box of XOXO Cupcakes. If you’re gluten-free or vegan, don’t worry; there are cupcakes for you, too! Use code SAVOR10% for 10% off your order. Can’t make it in to pickup your order? Little Miss Cupcape does same-day local delivery + overnight shipping.
If you want a one-stop shop for VDay/GDay supplies, head to EBO Grocery (110 Meridian St, East Boston, 02128) in East Boston. They have everything: oysters, caviar + necessary accouterments, fresh produce, used vinyl, and a whole wine wall to browse through.
classes + workshops
Grab your Galentine (or Valentine) and come to The Urban Grape for a special Valentine’s Day Charcuterie Board Workshop on Tuesday, Feb 11. Tickets for two are $125 (solo are $95) and include a flight of three wines, a 10 × 10 board, cheeses, meats, and more fun accompaniments as you learn how to make your charcuterie board step-by-step.
Get festive with your gals at the Valentine’s Day Flower Arranging Workshop at AeronautBrewing Company (14 Tyler Street, Somerville, 02143) on Thursday, Feb 13, from 7 - 9 pm. Tickets are $85 and include a two-hour workshop with floral designer Rebecca Allamey of Moosh Floral, plus materials (cut flowers, greenery, vase, + floral clippers) you get to take home with you.
Go on a sensory journey through rare essences and exclusive ingredients to create a bespoke fragrance with Pine 617’s Valentines Perfume Making Class at Boston Public Market (100 Hanover Street, Boston, 02108) on Thursday, Feb 13, from 5:30 - 8 pm. Tickets are $72.50 if booked by Feb 3; otherwise, they are $125.
Spend an afternoon celebrating the season of love with a special Galentine’s Gathering at Be the Light Yoga Studio (482 Shirley St, Winthrop, 02152) on Saturday, Feb 15, from 12 - 1:30 pm. There will be a 30-minute empowering barre class and a 30-minute self-love-themed restorative yoga flow. Then, enjoy delicious acai bowls and coffee — courtesy of Selva Coffee House — while making friendship bracelets. Tickets are $22.
unique ways to celebrate
If you’re looking for a cute spot to have an intimate dinner with your Valentine or a few of your closest Galentines, book time at Over the Tunnel Bookstore inside EBO Grocery (110 Meridian St, East Boston, 02128). Why it’s a good deal: Part of your booking fee is put toward a credit to use in the grocery for your event (think: oysters, caviar, bubbles).
unique things to do in Boston:
jan 31 - feb 2
Everything here is happening this weekend only. Scroll down for recurring events every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in Boston.
all weekend long
Celebrate the bleakest parts of winter this weekend at How Bazaar: Dead of Winter, a Brighton Bazaar winter pop-up on Saturday, Feb 1, and Sunday, Feb 2 at Charles River Speedway (525 Western Ave, Boston, 02135). Come shop weird and witchy wares from 11 am - 6 pm while enjoying seasonal sips, snacks, and enjoy the Persephone Room, an experience celebrating the dualities of the queen of the underworld.
friday
january 31
classes + workshops
Reoccurring (biweekly): Join the French Library (53 Marlborough St, Boston, 02116) for La Pause Café. Come to Le salon on the Library Floor for free coffee, tea, and a comfortable environment to improve your French skills. Registration is required. Registration is required. $5 for non-members.
Brush up your pottery skills with a Sip & Sculpt Pottery Class with Pottery with a Purpose at Juicygreens (61 South St, Jamaica Plain, 02130) on Friday, Jan 31, from 6 - 8 pm. Tickets are $85 and include PWAP’s Beginner Pottery Kit, a complimentary juice from Juicygreens, and a step-by-step workshop on pottery basics.
saturday
february 1
classes
Make your own candle and learn all about cannabis at the Candles & Cannabis Experience at Rooted In (331 Newbury St, Boston, 02115) with Candlelux this Saturday, Feb 1, from 7 - 9:30 pm. Tickets are $45 and include materials to make a soy candle and a 20% discount at Rooted In.
wellness
Sweat, stretch, and surrender to Emo, Screamo, and Pop-Punk at Emo Yoga at Windowmaker Brewing (190 North Beacon Street, Brighton, 02135) with Health Goth Yoga. Tickets are $29 and include one beer (or non-alcoholic drink). Please bring your own mat.
Whether you’re new to yoga or want to brush up on the basics, join Michael Ponte either by live stream or in person at Down Under School of Yoga Back Bay (1112 Boylston St, Boston, 02215) for Mastering the Essentials: Building Strength Part 2 — Twists, Backbends, & Forward Folds. The class will be held on Saturday, Feb 1, from 1 - 2:45 pm. Tickets are $30. Mats will be available to rent for $3.
tastings, pop-ups, + parties
(New) Reoccurring: Enjoy a quiet hour of crafting at Porter Square Books Boston Edition’s (50 Liberty Dr, Boston, 02210) Audiobook and Craft Hour every Saturday beginning Feb 1, from 1 - 2 pm. Grab a drink and a snack from Travelmug Cafe and get cozy among fellow booklovers and crafters.
The Boston Cocktail Challenge is back and has added mocktails to their event. Come to Time Out Market (401 Park Drive, Boston, 02215) on Saturday, Feb 1, for the Boston Cocktail Mocktail Challenge. Grab your friends for a day of sipping, sampling, voting on, and celebrating handcrafted cocktails and mocktails. Tickets start at $19.
The Grand Boston (58 Seaport Blvd #300, Boston, 02210) is hosting the 6th annual Galentine’s celebration on Saturday, Feb 1, from 6 - 10 pm. Tickets start at $40 and get you access to live entertainment, dancing, a glam bar, games, food, drink, photo ops, and more. Mandatory all-red dress code in effect.
sunday
february 2
wellness
Flow into a new week with Candlelight Yoga set to soul and R&B Upstairs @ Bow at Bow Market (1 Bow Market Way, Somerville, 02143) on Sunday, Feb 2, from 6 - 7:15 pm. Tickets are $15. Please bring your own mat.
Cozy up and wind down with a Tibetan Singing Bowls & Gong Sound Bath with Nirvana Healing Arts in Union Square (Somerville, 02143) on Sunday, Feb 2, from 7 - 8:30 pm. Tickets are $44. Please bring your own yoga mat and blanket.
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.
winteractive
If anyone knows how to enjoy winter after the holiday season slows, it’s Québec. Inspired by and partnering with our northern neighbors, the Downtown Boston Alliance has again brought WINTERACTIVE to Boston.
The exhibition is a walkable art experience stretching from Government Center to the Theater District. Not only are multiple Mr. Pinks hanging out, adding color and whimsy to the city, but there are also great light-up installations, giving Bostonians a reason to leave the house even after the sun goes down.
A map of the artwork is available here. The installations will be viewable from now until March 30, 2025.
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
Last year, Moki Sauna debuted a winter pop-up downtown, inviting Bostonians to enjoy a pop-up sauna and polar plunge in an urban setting. This year, they’re back and have set up their wood-fired saunas and cedar cold plunge barrels at Somernova (14 Tyler St, Somerville, 02143) until April 15. Sessions start at $45 for 1 hour.
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.
Chase away — or press pause — on your end-of-weekend stress with a movie night at Sam Adams Boston Brewery (30 Germania St, Jamacia Plan, 02130). From 6 to 9 pm every Sunday, the brewery hosts a free weekly watch party. Their final February movie theme and movies are TBA.
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 Licenced 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 for use, but you are welcome to 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 who wants to can learn and commune over perfectly brewed, high-quality, sustainable coffee.
Come to DeLuca’s Market Wine Cellar (11 Charles Street, Boston, 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 Back Bay on Saturday for The After Brunch, between 2 pm and 5 pm, for their weekly free wine tasting.
winter pop-ups
Reoccuring: Skip the slopes and head straight to Sam Adams Boston Brewery (30 Germania St, Jamaica Plain, 02130) for Après Sam on Saturday and Sunday for all of February. You can reserve a heated igloo (which includes a bucket of Cold Snap), hang in the Beer Garden with a local live DJ, or head to the Barrel Room Lodge, where an acoustic cover band will be playing.
Ongoing: To get festive above Boston, visit ViewBoston’s Stratus Winter Oasis. At the top of Prudential Tower (800 Boylston), Status Bar has been transformed into a winter wonderland where guests can sip seasonal cocktails while the city glitters around them. Tickets are $38, including admission to ViewBoston exhibits and one beer, wine, or signature cocktail. This also gives you access to The Beacon Bistro, View Boston’s restaurant.
Ongoing: To literally warm up after a walk around Seaport, book a table at Deck 12’s heated rooftop outdoor bar (65 Seaport Blvd). Like in previous years, there is an Apres theme, complete with heaters, fondues, chair lifts, gondolas, and more. Reservations are strongly recommended.
Ongoing: Stay warm while enjoying the city skyline at Seaport’s Rooftop at the Envoy (70 Sleeper St, Boston, 02210). Grab one of their signature hot cocktails (or crafted mocktails) and cozy up to your friends in one of the igloos, ice boxes, or around your own fire pit. $25 deposit to book; minimums depend on time + day.
ice skating in Boston
Boston Common’s Frog Pond Skating Rink (38 Beacon St) is open daily from 10 am - 10 pm, with the last entry admitted 30 minutes before closing. Anyone 58 inches or taller must pay $10 to skate. You can also rent skates ($15 for adults, $10 for kids), rent lockers, and get your skates sharpened ($7). New Year’s hours: Dec 31st: 8:00 AM – 1:00PM; Jan 1st: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
From now until mid-March, enjoy outdoor ice skating at Skate @ Canal District (300 Athenaeum St) in Kendall Square. Lessons and season passes are available. All-day admission is $6 for adults, $4 for students + seniors, and $1 for children 13 and under. Open daily (M, T: Noon - 5 pm; W, TH: Noon - 8 pm; Sat: 11 am - 9 pm; Sun: 11 am - 6 pm).
Located right behind the Stony Brook MBTA stop, the DCR Kelly Outdoor Rink (1 Marbury Terrace) in Jamaica Pain is a volunteer-run, donor-supported operation. Open now through mid-March, Sunday through Friday: 12 pm – 7:30 pm, Saturday: 1 pm – 7:30 pm. Skating is free, and all-day skate rental is $4 cash ($5 credit card).
winter markets
Farmer’s Market season never ends in Boston; it just moves inside. Visit Somerville’s Winter Farmer’s Market every Saturday from 9:30 am - 1:30 pm inside The Center for the Arts at the Armory (191 Highland Ave).
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 Far.
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