Compiled by Rebecca Sirull, News Staff
Entry of the Week: Monday, Sept. 23
Love pork? Love judging people? Then Porkapalooza is the event for you. Three chefs battle it out to create the most creative and delicious meal, using the key ingredient: a pig part. The meals are served family-style to be enjoyed and judged by all participants, who will get to determine which chef is the Head Hog. Guest Chef Karen Akunowicz of Myers + Chang joins Executive Chef Kevin O’Donnell and Chef Michael Lombardi Jr. at the Salty Pig for the showdown. Beverages are included, so you can pig out, just don’t hog it all. 130 Dartmouth St., Boston; 7 – 9 p.m.; $25; porkapaloozaboston.eventbrite.com.
Thursday, Sept. 19
Hit the streets of Boston for an evening of music, fun and moderately-priced alcohol at the Downtown Crossing Block Party. Mix and mingle with people from around the city in an upbeat, friendly environment. The event features free appetizers from 49 Social and the sweet sounds of local bands, The Swinging Johnsons and Hot Like Fire. Come enjoy one of the last block parties of the year with friends old and new and keep that summer spirit alive. Note: Must be 21+ to attend; 32 Summer St., Boston; 5- 8 p.m.; free; downtownboston.org.
Friday, Sept. 20
Need your art fix and the MFA’s just not cutting it? Come check out the South End Open Studios, featuring the work of over 200 artists from Boston. Celebrating its 27th anniversary, the event will encompass 12 major buildings and various smaller spaces in the South End, including several noted galleries. Get the chance to meet and talk with the artists, as well as purchase art directly from them. Many artists will also be holding in-studio demonstrations in a wide variety of media, including photography, paper quilts and letterpress printing. 539 Tremont St., Boston; 11 a.m.- 6 p.m.; free; useaboston.com/seos-2013.
Saturday, Sept. 21
No matter what culture you’re part of, everyone can appreciate a good festival. Come celebrate Armenian Independence Day with a full day of festivities. Enjoy delicious Armenian food and drinks, as well as traditional music and games. There will also be special folk dance performances by Hamazkayin Erebouni Dance School and Ensemble of Greater Boston, Zangakner Performing Arts Ensemble and Arev Armenian Folk Ensemble. The festival is free until 6 p.m. At 8 p.m., tickets can be purchased for $50 to see musical guests Andre and Sofi Mkheyan. Whether you’re Armenian or not, come experience a unique culture and a day of fun. 47 Nichols Ave., Watertown; 12 – 6 p.m.; free; facebook.com/bostonkermesse.
Sunday, Sept. 22
Let out your creative side and try your hand at some art projects inspired by the Institute of Contemporary Art’s permanent collection. Local artists lead group workshops in a variety of different media, for all skill levels. Learn more about the creative process and the techniques used in creating the beautiful exhibits on display in the museum. Classes are held every Sunday for free with museum admission, and do not require any pre-registration. 100 Northern Ave., Boston; 2- 4 p.m.; free; icaboston.org.
Tuesday, Sept. 24
Get ready to rock the vote and make your voice heard at the preliminary municipal election. Citizens of Boston will say goodbye to Menino as they vote for a new mayor, as well as councilor-at-large and district city councilors. The 12 mayoral candidates have been fiercely campaigning over the past several months, debating hot-button issues like the potential construction of a casino at Suffolk Downs. The race remains extremely close and many of the candidates will be in tight contention come election day. Registered voters are encouraged to come do their civic duty and cast a ballot. City-wide; 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.; free; cityofboston.gov/elections.
Wednesday, Sept. 25
Calling all aspiring Lisbeth Salanders, robot enthusiasts and bored engineering students. Circuit Hacking Night at Artisan’s Asylum is an opportunity to meet experienced hackers and engineers, learn new skills, and work on current projects. There will be a free introductory soldering lesson and electronic kits available for anyone interested in starting a project. All proceeds of kits and other merchandise will go towards funding the Electronics & Robotics lab of Artisan’s Asylum, including buying new equipment, keeping materials stocked, and general upkeep. Come to learn something new, make headway on an existing electronic project, or just to spend time with like-minded individuals. Note: Must be 18+ to attend; 10 Tyler St., Somerville; 6 – 8 p.m.; free; artisansasylum.com.
