By Megan O’Brien, deputy inside editor
Saturday, Sept. 19
With Boston Calling still a week away, those in need of a concert fix may find themselves heading to the Hatch Shell on Saturday. Rain or shine, Mixfest will bring together five musical artists for this annual event. Headliner Rob Thomas will be joined by “Riptide” singer Vance Joy, Third Eye Blind, Andy Grammar and Rachel Platten, voice of the chart-topper “Fight Song.” Gates open at 11 a.m., and a suggestion page about the event on the Mix 104.1 website advised listeners to arrive early, as the area tends to fill up fast. 47 David G Mugar Way; 2 p.m.; free.
Thursday,
Sept. 17
The 31st Annual Boston Film Festival (BFF) opens this week. In the past, the BFF has earned national press coverage and boasted a star-studded list of attendees, including Adam Brody, Greg Kinnear and George Clooney. Films aim to educate, entertain and enlighten audiences. The 2015 BFF will commence with the premiere of “Papa.” Directed by Bob Yari, the movie tells the true story of Ed Myers, portrayed by Denne Bart Petitclerc, as he ventures to 1950s Cuba after receiving a response to his fan letter to Ernest Hemingway. Different films will play every night until Sept. 21. 175 Tremont St.; 7:30 p.m.; $5.
Monday,
Sept. 21
September through April is slam season. Every Monday evening, Massmouth, a storytelling nonprofit organization, will host a Story Slam at Cambridge’s Club Passim. Slammers may sign up to recount a five-minute story based on the weekly theme. This week’s theme: starting over. Every week, two winners will be awarded prizes and the chance to compete in the “BigMouthOff” at the season’s close. 47 Palmer St., Cambridge; 7 p.m.; $10.
Wednesday,
Sept. 23
Nearly every Wednesday, Boston University (BU) hosts a public program at the Coit Observatory. The weekly public event allows the community to learn about astronomy and observe the night sky through binoculars and telescopes. Now is a good time to experience what the night sky has to offer before Boston heads into another winter. 725 Commonwealth Ave.; 8:30 p.m.; free.
Friday,
Sept. 18
In 1970, former US figure skating champion John Misha Petkevich and his Harvard University classmate John Powers founded “An Evening with Champions,” a figure skating exhibition to support cancer research and treatment. Now in its 45th year, the show has raised nearly $3 million total. Friday and Saturday night, audience members will see the likes of two-time Olympian, World Bronze Medalist and three-time US champion Johnny Weir, two-time Olympic and four-time World Champion figure skating pair Ludmila and Oleg Protopopov and more. 79 North Harvard St., Allston; 7 p.m.; $10.
Tuesday,
Sept. 22
Hockey fans can get their fill in anticipation of the coming season when the Boston Bruins launch their 2015-16 preseason. Although the Bruins technically play their first game on Sunday against the New Jersey Devils in Providence, R.I., those who wish to witness the six-time Stanley Cup-winning team at TD Garden can do so on Tuesday. The Bruins will go head-to-head with the Washington Capitals. Discounted student tickets are available but going fast. 100 Legends Way; 7 p.m.; $49.
Sunday
Sept. 20
Instead of taking the T to explore Boston this weekend, join Hub on Wheels and bike around Beantown. The ride begins at City Hall Plaza, where participants can opt to bike a 10-, 30- or 50-mile loop that winds through the city, the harbor and Boston’s green space. Upon registration, each biker will select one of three organizations to receive 10 percent of their entrance fee: Tech Goes Home, Boston Bikes or Special Olympics Massachusetts. In addition to the ride, those who sign up will also receive bike support, snacks and a gift bag. 1 City Hall Square; 6:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.; $50.
Photo courtesy Luke Addison, Creative Commons
