By Megan O’Brien, deputy inside editor
Event of the Week: Friday, Nov. 20
Every Friday, The Riot Theatre in Jamaica Plain is home to ComedySportz Boston, an improv show presented in the confines of a sports match. ComedySportz puts two teams of audience members head-to-head in improvisational competition. The players come up with scenes, games and songs based on the audience’s suggestions. A referee moderates the games (involving anywhere from seven to 12 players) and calls fouls when needed. Volunteers are often asked to join the action on stage and participate in a game. Audience members judge the competitors and choose a winner. Food and drinks are not included in the ticket price but are available for purchase. 146A South St., Jamaica Plain; 8 – 10 p.m.; $15.
Thursday, Nov. 19
The country’s longest-running queer youth theater program will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a benefit, Beyond the Stage, at the Microsoft New England Research and Development Center in Cambridge this week. True Colors: Out Youth Theater is the largest program belonging to Theater Offensive, a company with a focus on representing the diversity of LGBT individuals. Guests will see performances and have the opportunity to mingle with members of True Colors, as well as other members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. 1 Memorial Drive, Cambridge; 6 – 8 p.m.; $50.
Saturday, Nov. 21
Grab a bag and a bike lock, get on a two-wheeler and meet at Copley Square this weekend to participate in the scavenger hunt, food drive and biking excursion hybrid – the Annual Cranksgiving Bike Ride. Participating bikers will explore Greater Boston and its grocery stores to benefit The Somerville Homeless Coalition, the Red Cross and the Greater Boston Food Bank. Bikers set out with a list of specific food items to purchase: they must obtain the items and bring them to the finish line, after which the items will be donated. While the event itself is free, participants will need approximately $15 to purchase food. 560 Boylston St.; 1 – 4 p.m.; free.
Sunday, Nov. 22
Forego the stress of gaining the dreaded “Freshman 15” during your Thanksgiving break and participate in a workout with other local students. Fit University at Northeastern is partnering with Fit Boston University for the first annual Tough Turkey Fitness Challenge, a 5K run with stops for fitness challenges along the route. The athletic test is a seven-day challenge throughout the week of Thanksgiving to keep all in shape. Registration is required at www.gofitu.com. The first 10 Northeastern students to register will be awarded a free Fit NU shirt on the day of the event. The Back Bay Fens; 11 a.m. – noon; free.
Monday, Nov. 23
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, Boston is already experiencing feelings of Christmas cheer. Three days before the national turkey-crazed holiday, spend a Monday evening at Christopher Columbus Park and witness the lighting of the blue-and-white trellis, an overhanging archway prominent in the green space. Over 50,000 blue lights will adorn the 260-foot-long structure, literally brightening one’s holiday. Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh, Santa Claus and Miss Massachusetts 2015 Meagan Fuller will be in attendance. Live music and snacks will be provided. 110 Atlantic Ave.; 5 p.m.; free.
Tuesday, Nov. 24
The Boston Public Library Central Library in Copley Square offers tours on Tuesdays to showcase the work of library architects Charles Follen McKim and Philip Johnson. Guides will also explore the institutions’ art collection, including works by Daniel Chester French and John Singer Sargent, upon request. Visitors gather at the library’s Dartmouth Street entrance in the McKim Building to walk through the 163-year-old structure and learn about the evolution of the library. Tours are approximately one hour in length. Groups smaller than eight people do not require a reservation. 700 Boylston St.; 6 p.m.; free.
Wednesday, Nov. 25
Spend one last night in Boston to see three Berklee musicians in Somerville before heading home for Thanksgiving. notloB music has teamed up with Arts at the Armory to present Julian Pinelli, Ethan Setiawan and Noah Harrington. Pinelli is a multi-genre violinist and fiddler in his second year at Berklee studying jazz violin. Setiawan is a mandolinist whose credits include a performance on NPR and Harrington is an award-winning acoustic and electric bassist. The event is free, but a donation of $5 to $10 is suggested. The café will also be selling soup, sandwiches, desserts and assorted beverages during the event. 191 Highland Ave., Somerville; 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.; free.
Photo courtesy ComedySportz Boston
