By Elissa Taublib, news staff
Thursday, Nov. 16
Art, history and music will blend together for unforgettable performances at “Art in Tune” at Museum of Fine Arts Boston. A century ago, the Musical Instrument Collection of the Museum of Fine Arts was founded. To celebrate this milestone, the galleries at the MFA will have special musical presentations. Some of the performers include: Nancy Hurrell, who will be playing the portable Irish harp and English dital harp in the English Regency Gallery; Peter H. Bloom and Olav Chris Henriksen, who will be playing French flutes and guitars in the 19th Century European Paintings Gallery; Mimi Rabson and Norman Zocher, who will be playing the electric violin and the electric lap steel guitar in the American Modernism Gallery. These are a few of the many performances by renowned musicians. 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.; Museum of Fine Arts; free with museum admission
Friday, Nov. 17
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, give back by supporting Boston’s homeless cats at Catsgiving. Organized by MSPCA Boston Adoption Center and MSPCA-Angell, the food drive for outdoor cats will be collecting canned and dry cat food to help supply feral cats with food for the winter. If you are not able to go to the shelter, your donations can also be ordered off the Amazon Wishlist and delivered to the adoption center. 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.; MSPCA Boston Adoption Center – 350 S Huntington Ave, Jamaica Plain; free
Saturday, Nov. 18
Drag queens and children’s books: The combination you didn’t know you needed, but you now can’t refuse. Join the Boston Public Library’s Lower Mills Branch for dramatic readings of beloved children’s books by drag kings and queens. Attendees are invited to dress in drag, storybook ending not guaranteed. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Boston Public Library Lower Mills Branch – 27 Richmond St., Boston; free
Sunday, Nov. 19
Organized by the Boston Jewish Film Festival, the Women on the Verge Short Film program is a short film series which focuses on women in the midst of personal, artistic and historic transformations. Some of the films to be featured in the festival include “A Portrait of a Beautiful Woman,” “Wig Shop” and “116 Cameras.” There will also be a screening of the FreshFlix Short Film Competition winner. FreshFlix is an annual competition also organized by Boston Jewish Film Festival that includes short films from Israel, the United States and the United Kingdom. 2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.; The Institute of Contemporary Art; $16
Monday, Nov. 20
What better way to kick off the week and get in the holiday spirit than by attending the 15th annual lighting of Christopher Columbus Park’s signature trellis? Organized by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department and hosted by Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the Friends of Christopher Columbus Park, the holiday trellis lighting transforms the park into a winter wonderland. Students and instructors from the North End Music and Performing Arts Center, Berklee College musician Sam Robbins and singer Sharon Zeffiro will be performing a selection of holiday classics. Additionally, refreshments, holiday treats and giveaways will be provided by the Marriott Long Wharf Hotel, HP Hood LLC, Joe’s American Bar & Grill Waterfront, New England Dairy & Food Council and Magic 106.7. 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.; Christopher Columbus Park; free
Tuesday, Nov. 21
If you enjoy running, music and making new friends, this is the event for you. Organized by the Boston Midnight Runners, Tuesday evening’s 10k boot camp run with music is a six-mile run through the streets of Boston at night accompanied by great party songs. There will also be five breaks for body weight exercises, making this the ultimate workout. Who would miss an opportunity to have fun while also being fit? The event is free and open to the public, but if you plan on going, you must sign up on the MyCrew App. The event starts at 7 p.m., but make sure you arrive at least 15 minutes early in order to check in for the event. 7 p.m. – 9:15 p.m.; Scholars Bar – 25 School St; free
Wednesday, Nov. 22
Kick off your Thanksgiving break with an event that combines books and meeting new people. Organized by Trident Booksellers and Cafe, this book swap is a chance for you to get rid of that old book that has been on your shelves for ages and trade it in for some new reading material. You can bring up to five books in good condition. However, remember it is not a drop-in event. The swap order will be drawn at random, so you can enjoy a drink, get some food and enjoy book-themed activities around the room in the meantime. 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.; Trident Booksellers and Café – 338 Newbury St; free
