Compiled by Rebecca Sirull, News Staff
Entry of the Week: Saturday, March 1
Race through the streets of Boston with a team of friends, crazy costumes, shopping carts and much more at the Boston Urban Idiotorama. As a parody of the famous Iditarod dog sled race, the route will take participants to five different bars, where they will complete a variety of silly challenges like pole dancing and a talent contest, in between drinks of course. Teams will also aim to collect the most donations for the Boston Medical Center food pantry, by bringing food with them or having friends meet them with contributions at one of the checkpoints. Each team is encouraged to decorate their shopping cart and themselves according to a theme, and race their hearts out to win Spirit of Idiotorama, Best Team Talent or one of the many other prizes. Finally, a chance to be rewarded for acting like an idiot. 21+; 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.; 9 Landsdowne St.; $15; bostonurbaniditarod.com.
Thursday, Feb. 27
Save a life and satisfy your sweet tooth at the Massachusetts General Hospital’s fourth Annual Cupcake Tasting event. Come participate in the weekly blood drive and afterwards be rewarded not only with good karma but also with a delicious treat. Participating vendors include Flour Bakery, Panificio, Sweet Cupcakes, Jostess Bakery and Lyndell’s Bakery, each providing an array of tasty flavors, like red velvet, chocolate salted caramel and Boston cream. Cupcakes will be available all day, along with long-sleeve t-shirts for all donors, so be sure to stop by, no registration necessary. Giving back never tasted so sweet. 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; 55 Fruit St.; free; massgeneral.org/blooddonor.
Friday, Feb. 28
If you haven’t had the chance to check out one of Boston’s most popular concert venues, the House of Blues, now is the time. Electronic music artist Infected Mushroom will headline, accompanied by special guest Butch Clancy, to put on a performance that will keep you on your feet all night long. Originally hailing from Israel, Infected Mushroom is made up of duo Erez Eisen and Amit Duvdevani. The group pioneered the psychedelic trance movement, an offshoot of the trance subgenre of electronic music, and has since gained worldwide recognition for their contribution to the genre. Join them on their FungusAmongUs tour and your night will be sicker than those mushrooms. 18+; 10:30 p.m.; 15 Landsdowne St.; $20; infected-mushroom.com.
Sunday, March 2
For those students who aren’t heading home or jetting off to an exotic destination, kick off your spring break with Casino Night at the Fenway Center. Organized by Co-op Connections, this and other events throughout Co-op Spring Break are a way for students who are staying in Boston to still relax and have some fun, even as they continue working. The night will feature casino games like roulette, craps and blackjack, as well as food and a photo-contest. Students will also have opportunities throughout the night to win prizes like restaurant gift cards, Celtics tickets, Northeastern gear and more. Come show off your best poker face and try not to be too jealous of your friends in Cabo. 5 – 7:30 p.m.; 77 St. Stephen St.; free; northeastern.edu/coopconnections.
Monday, March 3
If you hear “Armenian entertainment” and think of “Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” then it’s time to expand your cultural horizons. You can do just that at the Berklee Middle Eastern Festival, a celebration of arts from Armenia and the surrounding regions. Hear the music of flutist Sato Moughalian, the Perspectives Ensemble, a cappella trio Zulal, the Pletensita choir and Berklee World Strings. These musicians will be joined by painter and Syria native Kevork Mourad, who creates paintings onstage, influenced by the music around him. Audiences will also enjoy a performance by the Sayat Nova Dance Company, which specializes in traditional Armenian dances. Check it out and keep up with a new kind of Armenian culture. 8 – 10 p.m.; 136 Massachusetts Ave.; $8-12; berklee.edu/events.
Tuesday, March 4
Mardi Gras is all about the theatrical, over-the-top and hedonistic, so what better place to celebrate than at a Vaudeville burlesque show. The Teaseday Club hosts its special Mardi Tease! performance, featuring four of the company’s burlesque performers, chosen by a fan vote, as well as soul singer Emily Hecht, comedians Matt Kona and Nonye Brown-West and a guest magician. Guests will also receive door prizes and creative cocktails from the club’s expert mixologists. Don’t just settle for a Fat Tuesday when you can have a Fat Teaseday. 18+; 7:30 p.m.; 255 Elm St., Somerville; $20; teaseday.com.
Wednesday, March 5
Channel your inner Queen Elizabeth and head out to afternoon tea at The Catered Affair. Snack on tea sandwiches, scones, tarts and other petite delicacies as you sample a variety of premium loose leaf teas from different areas of the world. Situated right by the Boston Public Library courtyard, the restaurant also offers a beautiful view for patrons to enjoy as they dine. Take an afternoon to treat yourself and feel like royalty; side effects may include speaking in a British accent and involuntary pinky raising. 2 – 4 p.m.; 230 Dartmouth St.; $32; thecateredaffair.com.
