What to do in Boston this weekend (Nov 14 - 16)

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Market Basket enters the beer chat. New England’s favorite grocery store just partnered with Vermont-based Zero Gravity Beer to bring More For Your Dollar lager to MB Spirits and MB Beer & Wine locations across the state, plus Market Baskets in Maine and New Hampshire. True to its name, a 12-pack costs just $12.99. (Boston.com)

Kuya Jay’s Ube Kafe is making a move. The Filipino spot moved from Cambridge’s Kendall Square to 415 Medford St in Somerville’s Winter Hill area. You can expect a similar menu as before — hot chocolate, matcha, lattes, plus sandwiches and sweet treats. The grand opening for Kuya Jay’s Ube Kafe is Saturday, November 15, at 11 am. (Boston Restaurant Talk)

Flour Bakery kicks off a marathon you’ll actually want to sign up for. The holidays are here, and to sweeten the incentive to check out how Flour has decked its halls, they’re kicking off a Holiday Window Challenge. Visit all 10 Flour Bakery locations between November 28, 2025, and January 1, 2026, to receive a free box of pastries. Sign-ups for the challenge go live on Friday, November 14, at 12:00 pm EST. You can find all the details by clicking here (hint: info is towards the bottom of the page).

South Station unveils three new dining spots. Some new dining options are set to open in Boston’s newest tower in spring 2026. This includes Proper Fare, an all-day market, cafe, and lounge; The Moseley, a casual fine dining restaurant; and a yet-to-be-named bar/lounge. (Boston Restaurant Talk)

Plus, pastis de natas. IYKYK. Joey Bats Natas started construction on their South Station location, with plans to open in early 2026. In the meantime, Joey shared on Instagram that they were given the go-ahead to set up a temporary booth to start selling their viral Natas.

Three major northeast restaurants just lost their third Michelin star. They say bad news comes in threes, and in this case, three restaurants in Chicago, New York City, and outside of Washington, D.C., have lost their third stars. The news comes out ahead of the upcoming ceremony for the Northeast Michelin Guide. Masa (NYC), Alinea (Chicago), and the Inn at Little Washington (D.C.) will now be listed as two-star restaurants. (Robb Report)

Boston continues to fight food insecurity. Regardless of the status of SNAP benefits and the government shutdown (which is finally over), the Boston community is coming together to ensure that everyone has access to food. Here are a few more places you can donate, volunteer, or find food.

Messy Sonder/Marriott breakup leaves travelers stranded. Sonder and Marriott officially ended their partnership on Sunday after Sonder was unable to meet the financial aspect of their agreement. This triggered a near-immediate shutdown of Sonder properties, with guests being emailed to inform them that they had to vacate by Monday morning. Things went exactly the way you’d expect. (savor + roam)

Speaking of messy: The government shutdown is over, but travel won’t return to normal anytime soon. There is no switch to flip to set air travel back to “normal.” Flight schedules have to be rebuilt, for starters, along with schedules for the flight crews and air traffic controllers. (Afar)

Forgot your passport? Not if you have an iPhone. On Wednesday, Apple launched Digital ID, a feature that allows you to store your passport in your Apple Wallet. Currently, this is an acceptable form of ID at TSA checkpoints at over 250 airports nationwide. (The Points Guy)

The tiny alligator in the Charles River has been rescued. (Boston.com)

The holidays will be leaner this year for many. The 40th annual Deloitte Holiday Retail Survey results are in, and if you were looking for more recession indicators, here they are. Consumers plan to spend about 10% less on gift-giving this year than they did last year, with 7 out of 10 shoppers engaging in bargain shopping.

Being an influencer isn’t actually being your own boss. When you see an influencer champagne toasting at one of Boston’s newest restaurants, they didn’t end up there just because they’re pretty. A significant amount of research goes into determining who gets invited to media events, encompassing everything from aesthetic considerations to who engages with your content and how they do so. Publicists shared tips on how to get your influencer brand going with Boston Magazine.

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A curated rundown of unique events happening this weekend in and around Boston that I’m either attending or wishing I were. If you’re looking for weekly happenings, like wine tastings and yoga classes, scroll to the next section.

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Some places in Boston haven’t forgotten about Thanksgiving. Sam Adams Boston Brewery (30 Germania St, Boston, MA 02130) is celebrating Friendsgiving at Sam from Friday, November 14, through Sunday, November 30. Book a heated outdoor igloo in the Beer Garden and enjoy different food packages, ranging from a Pretzel Pack to a Sharing is Caring Sampler, featuring warm Bavarian pretzels, chicken tenders, and cheesy quesadillas. Reservations start at $28.45 (before food and drink).

Need to warm up after a visit to Snowport? Head to Deck 12 (Yotel Boston, 65 Seaport Blvd, Boston, MA 02110) where their winter pop-up, Apres, returns from Friday, November 14, through Tuesday, March 3. Sit fireside and thaw out with a bowl (or flight) of chili or a seasonal cocktail while the Boston skyline glitters around you. Book your reservation now. Tickets are $28.45.

The Holly Jolly Bar returns to Harpoon Brewery (306 Northern Ave, Boston, MA) from Thursday, November 13, through Sunday, December 28. The halls are decked from floor to ceiling, and the menus are filled with seasonal sips and bites that will fill you with festive cheer. Tickets are $19.90 and include a 90-minute reservation and one welcome cocktail (non-alcoholic options available).

Tickets are now on sale for Boston’s Winter Fest. Opening day is December 6. Tickets start at $7.22.

Immerse yourself in the brilliance of George Balanchine’s Jewels with the Boston Ballet at Citizens Opera House (539 Washington St, Boston, MA 02111) from Thursday, November 6, through Sunday, November 16. Originally choreographed in 1967, the performance “showcases three distinct styles of newclassical ballet” and was inspired by Balanchine’s visit to Claude Arpels’ jewelry showroom in New York City. Tickets range from $36 to $199.

If snow sports are your thing, you won’t want to miss the Snowbound Expo happening from Friday, November 14, through Sunday, November 16, at the Thomas M. Memino Convention + Exhibition Center (415 Summer St, Boston, MA 02210). Listen to speakers, learn about New England ski resorts, and the latest gear. Tickets are $16 for a one-day pass or $32 for a three-day pass.

Feast on your favorite Greek foods at Greek Fall Fest on Friday, November 14, through Sunday, November 16, at St. Athanasius the Great Greek Orthodox Church (4 Appleton St, Arlington, MA, 02474). Rain or shine, dine in or take out featuring baklava, moussaka, galaktoboureko, roast lamb, spanakopita, Greek coffee, and more. Free to enter with food and drink available for purchase.

As a final goodbye to outdoor market season, Brighton Elks Lodge (326 Washington St, Brighton, MA 02135) is hosting the Elks Lodge Bazaar: 2025 Fall Season Finale on Saturday, November 16, and Sunday, November 16, from 11 am to 5 pm. In addition to over 120 vendors, the event will feature a canned food drive, a live DJ, and more. Entry is free with food, drink, and more available for purchase. Pets are welcome.

If you ever wanted to understand your astrological birth chart, don’t miss the Astrology 101 class being taught at Venus House (16 Cohasset St, Boston, MA 02131) on Friday, November 14, from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. Tickets are $35 and include a copy of your personal birth chart, plus an hour-long deep-dive into the meanings of the different planets, signs, and houses, and how they work together to tell your story.

End the week with a relaxing Sound Bath Restore + Reiki session on Friday, November 14, from 7 to 8:15 pm, at The Point Barre + Yoga (20 Orleans St, Boston, MA 02128). Tickets are $40.

Martini fans won’t want to miss Martini Night at Short Path Distillery on Friday, November 14, from 5 to 11:30 pm at Short Path Distillery (71 Kelvin St, Everett, MA). Order a signature martini or build your own. Free to attend, with food and drink available for purchase.

Say goodbye to Color Flows on Winter Street at the Color Flows Closing Block Party on Saturday, November 15, from 3 to 9 pm. Already transformed with artwork, performers, and vendors, Winter Street will be going all-out for one final party in the heart of Downtown Crossing before the holiday season begins. This is a free event with food and drink available for purchase.

Get ready for an afternoon of fierce drag, enchanting bingo, and “spellbound” cocktails at the Defying Gravity Drag Bunch & Bingo party this Saturday, November 15, from 1 to 2:30 pm at Time Out Market (401 Park Drive, Boston, MA). Tickets are free, with food and drink available for purchase.

Warm up after a chilly week at The Lodge Apres House Party presented by Loon on Saturday, November 15, from 7 - 10 pm at Sam Adams Downtown Boston Taproom (60 State St, Boston, MA 02109). Kick off winter with a night of dancing, trivia, and more. This is a free event with food and drink available for purchase.

Melt in Your Mouth, the newest vendor at Boston Public Market (100 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02108), is celebrating its opening with a Launch Party on Saturday, November 15, from 1 to 3 pm. Stop by for the demo stall for free samples, contests, Q&As, prizes, and delicious, all-natural desserts. Free to attend.

The longest-running drag show in the US is making a stop in Boston with A Drag Queen Christmas on Saturday, November 15, from 7 - 11:30 pm at Schubert Theatre at The Boch Center (265 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116). Tickets range from $64 (including fees) to $160.

Short Path Distillery (71 Kelvin St, Everett, MA 02149) had a big year of a lot of updates. To help clear some space, they’re hosting a Boozy Garage Sale on Saturday, November 15, from 10 am to 1 pm, featuring everything from furniture to whiskey barrels at discounted prices. Free to attend. Food and beverages available for purchase from the cafe + bar.

Whether you’re sober-curious or enjoy a good glass of NA wine, don’t miss the Tomorrow Cellars NA Wine Tasting on Sunday, November 16, from 1 to 4 pm at Dray Non-Alcoholic Bottle Shop (18 Union Park St, Boston, MA 02118). Co-founder Tracy Sweeney will be on hand, serving complimentary pours of Tomorrow’s premium non-alcoholic wines. This is a free event with no ticket required.

New recurring: Every Sunday, join NamaStay Sober Yoga for a free yoga session from 6:15 to 7:15 at The Point Barre & Yoga Revere (56 Salt St, Revere, MA 02151). Each session is friendly to all levels, including beginners.

Plant parents, join fellow green thumbs and support local artists at the Holiday Plant Market on Sunday, November 16, from 10 am to 4 pm at Arts at the Armory (191 Highland Ave, Somerville, MA 02143). There will be two floors of over 40 vendors, including Plant Therapy by Elissa, Girl Meets Cactus, Prana Plants, and more. This is a free event.

Leave a book and take a book at the Book Swap and Social on Sunday, November 16, from 3 to 5 pm at The West End Museum (150 Staniford St, Suite 7, Boston, MA 02114). The West End Museum is celebrating the opening of the Little Free Library created in honor of Fanny Goldstein, the creator of Jewish Book Month and a West End Brand Librarian. This is a free event. Please bring a book to swap if you have one (but they have extras if you don’t).

Help decide who serves the city’s best espresso martini at Time Out’s Best Espresso Martini Contest on Sunday, November 16, from 1 to 5 pm at Time Out Market (401 Park Drive, Boston, MA 02215). This is a free event, but VIP tickets ($27.86) are available, allowing you to skip the lines plus enjoy exclusive pours and experiences. 100% of proceeds support The Greg Hill Foundation.

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As a reminder, the Commuter Rail has $10 weekend passes, which give the ticket holder unlimited travel on Saturday and Sunday. The pass is activated during your first trip on Saturday and remains active until Sunday night.

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Hosted in the newly-renovated Copley Square, shop the Copley Square Farmers Market every Tuesday and Friday from May 16, 2025, through November 25, 2025. Every week, shop a vibrant selection of produce, protein, baked goods, ready-to-eat meals, artisan goods, and more from over three dozen Massachusetts farmers and food producers.

Shop the legendary Haymarket, America’s oldest open-air market, every Friday and Saturday from 6 am to 7 pm. Vendors have fresh and affordable produce, dairy products, meat, and seafood. Just steps from Boston Public Market and MBTA’s Haymarket Station.

Jamaica Plain holds its weekly Farmers Market every Saturday from 12 pm to 3 pm year-round in the Bank of America parking lot (677 Centre St, Jamaica Plain, 02130).

Every Saturday from November 1, 2025, through April 11, 2026, you can shop for local and healthy foods at the Somerville Winter Farmers Market at Arts at the Armory (191 Highland Ave, Somerville, MA 02143). The market is held weekly from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm except for 11/29/25 and 12/27/25.

Boston’s biggest winter market, Snowport (100 Seaport Blvd, Boston, MA), returns for its 7th season beginning Friday, November 7, through December 28. The market will be open seven days a week, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, with extended hours in December.

Get in the holiday spirit at the top of the Prudential Center (800 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02199) at View Boston’s Stratus Winter Oasis. Indulge in a festive cocktail or two while surrounded by festive décor and take in unforgettable views of the city. Note: A ticket to View Boston does not guarantee immediate entry to Stratus.

Need to warm up after a visit to Snowport? Head to Deck 12 (Yotel Boston, 65 Seaport Blvd, Boston, MA 02110) where their winter pop-up, Apres, returns from Friday, November 14, through Tuesday, March 3. Sit fireside and thaw out with a bowl (or flight) of chili or a seasonal cocktail while the Boston skyline glitters around you. Book your reservation now.

The Holly Jolly Bar returns to Harpoon Brewery (306 Northern Ave, Boston, MA) from Thursday, November 13, through Sunday, December 28. The halls are decked from floor to ceiling, and the menus are filled with seasonal sips and bites that will fill you with festive cheer. Tickets are $19.90 and include a 90-minute reservation and one welcome cocktail (non-alcoholic options available).

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 about 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.

You can find a full rundown of recurring walking tours, food tours, bus tours, and trolley tours of Boston in my Beginner’s Guide to Boston.

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.

Ease into the weekend with a Friday Yoga Flow for all levels at Boston Public Library Honan-Allston Branch (300 N Harvard St, Allston, MA 02134) every Friday through September 19 from 3 to 4 pm. This event is free, but registration is required as each class is customized to participants’ preferences. Yoga mats, blocks, and straps will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

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 a complimentary non-alcoholic drink.

If you’ve always wanted to learn how to navigate Boston by bicycle but have been too intimidated to start, join a Weekend In-And-Back Guided Ride with A Better City TMA. On Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am to 1 pm this spring and summer, join a free, three-hour bicycle ride from one of the many bike paths outside the city (meeting location disclosed upon sign up) and traverse the Urban Loop through downtown before returning to the start location.

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.

Natural wine lovers, don’t miss the free wine tastings at Petrova Chocolates (61 Salem Street, Boston, MA) in the North End every Friday (3 - 7 pm) and Saturday (12 - 3). Each week, they open bottles of Eastern European natural wines from countries like Georgia, Bulgaria, and Greece. These tastings are free and require no tickets or reservations.

Love Child hosts free wine tastings every Friday from 5 pm to 7 pm and Saturday from 12 pm to 3 pm at their South Boston location (364 West Broadway, Boston, MA). These tastings are free and require no reservations.

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.

On Saturdays, Boston Harbor Distillery (12R Ericsson St, Boston, 02122) leads VIP tours ($50) and barrel-side tastings of their spirits ($20).