By Sophie Cannon, deputy A&E editor
Thursday, Feb. 9
Salam, shalom, peace. Join the Northeastern University Center for Spirituality, Dialogue and Service in its annual New England Interfaith Student Summit and have the chance to explore the concepts of diversity and inclusion in the Northeastern community. This year, attendees will have the amazing opportunity to listen to keynote speaker Valarie Kaur. Kaur is a civil rights lawyer, Sikh activist and award-winning filmmaker who speaks out about religious discrimination issues. She is also the founder of the Groundswell Movement and will be speaking about the multifaith organization and the work that they do. 7:30 p.m.; West Village F; free.
Friday, Feb. 10
What’s black and white and read all over? The Boston Globe, of course! The annual Boston Globe Travel show is back and ready to transport news lovers all around the world, or Globe, with activities, food, music and more. Hosted at the Boston World Trade Center, this event is designed to show the wonders of international travel to the average consumer in an effort to awaken their inner travel bug. Attendees will walk through the venue, stopping at informational booths about cruises and vacation deals while also having their own mini-vacation right in Boston. Enjoy free food and drink samples, live cultural entertainment, giveaways and raffles and other surprises as the day progresses. Sponsored by Boston’s own Logan International Airport as well as many others, enjoy a day of leisure and travel without ever leaving the city. 5:30 – 8 p.m.; One Seaport Lane, Boston; $10 online, free to Boston Globe subscription holders.
Saturday, Feb. 11
Dodge, duck, dip, dive and dodge as you cheer for Northeastern at the 2017 Battle of the Schools. Hosted by the Boston University Thai Student Association, Battle of the Schools is an annual multi-school competition. Participants this year come from Boston University, Northeastern, Harvard, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Suffolk, Tufts, Emerson and Babson; an eight college lineup for the ages. Teams will be facing off in the classic dodgeball competition but will also be participating in other games such as Pictionary, a relay race, benchball and more, yet to be announced. Originally set for October, the Battle of the Schools couldn’t bear to be canceled and so they postponed the date so you can come out and rally for your school. 2 – 5 p.m., SAC Gym, 1 University Road, Boston; free.
Sunday, Feb. 12
Celebrate for a cause this Valentine’s season with Kissing Away Cancer. Northeastern Colleges Against Cancer is back this year with their annual Valentine’s Day concert, featuring the amazing a cappella groups of NU. Join The Downbeats, Pitch Please, The Unisons and Treble of Huntington as they sing their hearts out on the Afterhours stage in an effort to raise money for cancer treatments. The organization asks for a $3 donation, but audience members may pay as little or as much as they would like, all the proceeds going to the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life at Northeastern. Great music and an amazing charity, so come out and spread the love. 5 – 7 p.m.; After Hours; $3 donation encouraged.
Monday, Feb. 13
Find yourself transported to the heart of the Syrian refugee crisis in an eye-opening screening of “After Spring.” Join the Boston Consortium for Arab Region Studies at the Regal Cinema Fenway for a special, one-day only screening of the award winning film produced by Jon Stewart. The movie follows two Syrian families and one aid worker through their struggles to make a life for themselves in Zaatari, the largest camp for Syrian refugees. This timely and heart-wrenching film is a must see for anyone struggling to fully understand the capacity of the Syrian crisis and civil war, and for any citizen of the world. The movie will be on the big screen in Boston for just one night, so make sure to reserve a ticket. 7:30 – 10:40 p.m.; 201 Brookline Ave., Boston; $14.
Tuesday, Feb. 14
Single and ready to mingle this Valentine’s Day? Come eat, drink and chat the night away at the annual Dating While Progressive mixer. Hosted by Socializing for Justice, this organization prides itself on collecting over 3,000 members who have social justice, philanthropy and progressive ideals in common. Meet like-minded people who happen to be single and are ready to make lasting connections. Appetizers and refreshments will be provided with the ticket price, as well as a raffle ticket to win the door prize sometime during the evening. Tickets can be purchased at the door, but arrive early in case they sell quickly. The event is open to anyone 18+ arriving before 7 p.m. and 21+ after that. 6 – 8:30 p.m.; 903 Boylston St, Boston; $10.
Wednesday, Feb. 15
Doodling in your textbooks not satisfying anymore? Come to MassArt’s group drawing night and express yourself outside the margins. Draw Together: Creative Expression for Post-Election America, is a free space in which participants can draw and sketch away the feelings of the day in a safe and therapeutic environment. The group drawing session is staffed by volunteer professionals and professors of the college. All art supplies will be provided, but participants may bring their own if they so desire. No past training or skill level is required, all you need is the will to draw, paint, sketch or doodle in a constructive and peaceful way. This event is part of the DRAW/BOSTON series at MassArt which focuses on bringing art from over four dozen artists together into one collection. Participants can also wander through the gallery and see the collection for themselves. 6 – 8 p.m.; 621 Huntington Ave, Boston; free.
