10 things to do in Boston this weekend
BosTen is your weekly guide to events and cool happenings in and around Boston.
Skip Netflix this weekend—here are 10 ways to get out of your home and not be bored in the city. If you’d like BosTen delivered to your inbox every Thursday, click here. Want more things to do? Check out our events calendar at boston.com/events. You can also learn even more about awesome events around Boston by joining the BosTen Facebook group.
23rd Annual Taste of Jamaica Plain
Sample bites from more than 20 local eateries while supporting a good cause at the 23rd annual Taste of Jamaica Plain this Thursday. Some of the favorites set to be on hand include Chilacates, The Frogmore, J.P. Licks, and Tres Gatos, with funds benefiting the Ecumenical Social Action Committee (ESAC) a nonprofit that helps create more opportunities for residents of Boston and eastern Massachusetts, particularly children and the elderly. (Thursday, Nov. 15 at 6 p.m.; Our Lady of the Annunciation Church, Boston; $10–$49; all ages)
Lamplighter Brewing Co. birthday
Cambridge-based Lamplighter Brewing started celebrating its second birthday with the release of a Harry Potter-themed beer, and will continue the party on Friday and Saturday with Lampfest. Try out the brewery’s new barrel-aged Quad and other new releases, enjoy free games and swag, and nosh on food from The Bacon Truck and Brato Brewhouse + Kitchen. (Friday, Nov. 16 at 5 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 17 at noon; Lamplighter Brewing Co., Cambridge; free; 21+)
Boston Antiquarian Book Fair
Last month, we had the Boston Book Festival. This month, we have its niche cousin, the Boston Antiquarian Book Fair, which caters to collectors of rare, antique books and other bibliophiles of all stripes. Now in its 42nd year, the festival will have free appraisals, literary curiosities on display, and collectors from all over the globe over three days at Hynes Convention Center. (Friday, Nov. 16 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 17 from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 18 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Hynes Convention Center, Boston; $20 for Friday’s session, free for Saturday and Sunday; all ages)
Letters to Cleo
Boston-based Letters to Cleo and its lead singer Kay Hanley were alt-rock royalty in the late ’90s, blaring from the bedrooms of many a teenager thanks to songs like “Here and Now” and the a pair of tracks on the soundtrack of the 1999 film “10 Things I Hate About You.” Letters to Cleo hasn’t toured in more than a decade, but they still play local shows on occasion, including a pair this weekend at the Paradise. They’ll be joined both nights by fellow Boston-based pop-punk group American Hi-Fi, who are probably best known for the 2000 hit “Flavor of the Week.” (Friday, Nov. 16 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 17 at 8 p.m.; Paradise Rock Club, Boston; $29.50; 18+)
Harvard-Yale at Fenway
For the first time in more than 100 years, “The Game” won’t be held at Harvard or Yale. Instead, the 135th edition of the annual college football rivalry game will be played at Fenway Park. With identical 5-4 records and sole possession of 3rd place in the Ivy League standings on the line, Saturday’s matchup looks to be a fun watch for both neutral observers and fans of both teams. (Saturday, Nov. 17 at 12 p.m.; Fenway Park, Boston; $80-400; all ages)
Camp Harbor View Citython 5k
As we approach the season of giving, consider supporting Boston’s youth with the third annual Citython 5k on Saturday. Proceeds from the race support Camp Harbor View, which brings children from underserved neighborhoods to Long Island in the Boston Harbor for two four-week summer camp sessions as well as year-round programming for the whole family. After the run, enjoy a brunch and live music on the Common. (Saturday, Nov. 17 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Boston Common; $50; all ages)
Holiday Grand Wine Tasting
Whether you’re looking for a holiday gift for the vino lover on your list or you just want to spend a Saturday afternoon sampling local wines, Boston Public Market will have you covered this weekend. Choose from more than 50 wines from more than a dozen local wineries, and get discounts on any bottles bought during your session. (Saturday, Nov. 17 from 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Boston Public Market, Boston; $15; 21+)
Harpoon Friendsgiving
Harpoon will host its annual dinner benefiting the Greater Boston Food Bank this Sunday, featuring dishes made with Harpoon and UFO beers, plenty of beers on their own, and live music and raffles. Your ticket goes toward feeding those in need. (Sunday, Nov. 18 at 6 p.m.; Harpoon Brewery, Boston; $70; 21+)
Fenway Hurling Classic
If college football isn’t your thing but you still want to see some non-baseball sporting action at Fenway this weekend, check out the Fenway Hurling Classic this Sunday. The afternoon starts with two semifinals pitting Clare against Cork and Limerick against Wexford, before a final between the respective winners at 3:10 p.m. Visitors can also chow down on an all-you-can-eat buffet all afternoon. (Sunday, Nov. 18 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Fenway Park, Boston; $25-100; all ages)
BKBX Adventure Brunch
Want to check out the soon-to-open adventure gym in Allston before anyone else? The team behind the gym (the same company that runs Brooklyn Boulders) is hosting a free morning workout outside its new gym. Following a light run, enjoy a sneak peak preview and a light brunch.. While the event is free, you must RSVP to attend. (Sunday, Nov. 18 from 930 a.m. to 12 p.m.; 219 Western Ave., Boston; free; all ages)
