Event of the Week : Saturday, Feb. 13
If classes stopped you from enjoying all the winter festivities, come to Jamaica Plain for a massive snowball fight. The Hyde Square Task Force, along with their youth leaders and Latin Quarter community members, will team up for an all-out snow war. If you live in Jamaica Plain, this is a great way to meet neighbors and talk to some community leaders about how to get involved. The event will go on even if there is no snow, in which case soft-foam dodge balls will be used in place. However, it will be rescheduled if there is any rain or sleet. 361 Centre St., Jamaica Plain; 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.; free.
Event of the Week: Saturday, Feb. 6
Lunar New Year is next Monday, but you can get a head start this Saturday at the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA). Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese traditions will be on display with several demonstrations such as the Gongfu tea ceremony and Sae-Bae bowing ceremony. Several performances, highlighted by the lion dance, will occur throughout. There will also be art classes where you can learn how to make a coin holder called Bok Jumoni and Chinese hand drums. While you’re at the MFA, don’t forget to check out its extensive collection of art from the Song Dynasty or try one of the free Art of Asia gallery tours. 465 Huntington Ave.; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; free.
Event of the Week:
Monday, Feb. 1
As Huskies, we never give up at the Beanpot, and this could be the year we win it all. Northeastern has long been the underdog in this annual battle of the Boston universities, with its last men’s championship win in 1988. In the first round of the Beanpot Northeastern will face Boston University while Boston College will play Harvard University. The winners of each game will then duke it out for the Beanpot trophy, while the losers will battle for third place bragging rights. Don’t miss this opportunity to show off your school spirit. TD Garden, 100 Legends Way; 5 – 10 p.m.; $30-40.
Event of the week: Sunday, Jan. 24
CRASHfest will blow you away with an eclectic mix of sounds from the hottest indie bands. The House of Blues will be transformed into a world-class dance hall with three stages, luxurious lounge areas and studio-quality speakers so that you get the most premium listening experience possible. Bands include Angélique Kidjo, Kishi Bashi, The Dhol Foundation, Monsieur Periné, Debo Band, The Steel Wheels, Leyla McCalla Trio, Tongues in Trees, Session Americana and Zili Misik. Global street food, beer and custom cocktails will be served. 15 Lansdowne St.; 4:30 – 11:30 p.m.; $40.
Event of the Week: Friday, Jan. 15
Star Wars fans will enjoy The Boston Public Works Theatre presentation of a space opera by Kevin Mullins. “Citizens of the Empire” features a hero, Marcus Kent, fighting to free his people from space stations and border planets. He is joined by a robot, an interstellar garbage woman, and a madam of a space brothel. Idealism and despotism clash in this battle of galactic proportions. 527 Tremont St.; 8 – 10:30 p.m.; $25.
Brass Union restaurant in Somerville is continuing its series Movie Mondays series this week with “Elf,” the 2003 film starring Will Ferrell. Ferrell plays Buddy, a man raised among Santa’s elves at the North Pole who travels to New York City in search of his father. Attendees can enjoy the holiday comedy on a 70-inch screen with full surround sound and complimentary popcorn. Themed food and beverage specials centered around the movie will be available for purchase, so anticipate a plate of spaghetti drowned in syrup. 70 Union Square, Somerville; 8 - 10:30 p.m.; free; 21+.
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.
Book fanatics will likely be found at Hynes Convention Center this weekend, where the 39th annual Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair will be held. It will be three days of bibliophilic bliss as 122 dealers from 10 countries congregate at the center. The weekend’s programming includes a behind-the-scenes look at popular TV series “Antiques Roadshow” with one of the executive directors; a “Typewriter Rodeo,” during which poets sit at vintage typewriters and create individualized work on the spot; free expert literature and writing tool appraisals; and a panel discussion about how to start a collection of antiquarian books. For those wishing to start their library but lacking the funds, selected items will be available for $100 or less. 900 Boylston St.; times vary; $10 - $20.
The Waltham Mills Artists Association (WMAA), one of Greater Boston’s oldest artists’ communities, is holding its 39th open studio weekend starting this Saturday. Artists from Lincoln Studios, the home of nearly 20 studios and two galleries, and Metalwerx, a Waltham-based non-profit school and community studio, will join artists from the WMAA to meet and greet members of the community, give studio tours and exhibit and sell their original works. Over 75 artists, working in mediums ranging from woodworking to film leave, much to be explored at this two-day event. 144 and 289 Moody St.; noon - 6 p.m.; free.
Event of the Week: Saturday, Oct. 31
Nocturnal New Englanders flock to Coolidge Corner Theatre every year for the annual overnight Halloween Horror Marathon. Advertised as “12 hours of monsters, mayhem and masks,” the event will begin with a performance by progressive-rock Northampton band Dust Witch. At midnight, the marathon will kick off with a double feature of “Trick ‘r Treat” and a to-be-announced film. Following the two movies, marathon goers have the option of sticking around for an additional four films, one of which is “Halloween II” and three of which are still unannounced. Those who attend in costume have the opportunity to win a prize. 290 Harvard St., Brookline; midnight - noon; $20 - $25.
The 20th Anniversary Boston Veg Food Fest will pop up at the Reggie Lewis Athletic Center this weekend. Presented by the Boston Vegetarian Society, the event brings together 120 food providers, speakers, chefs and educational exhibitors in the name of plant-based nutrition. The festival offers a chance to talk directly to food producers, learn about new vegetarian and vegan items, shop at special event discounts and become more informed about what types of vegetarian foods are available. Bringing reusable shopping bags is encouraged, as none will be provided. 1350 Tremont St.; 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.; free.
Event of the Week: Tuesday, Oct. 20
Anna’s Taqueria commemorates 20 years of serving Boston with a Fan Appreciation Day this Tuesday. Tacos are buy one get one free. Guests can enjoy complimentary chips and salsa and sip on samples of hibiscus tea and horchata. For every burrito sold, $ 1 will go to ReVision Urban Farm, a community-based urban agriculture project that grows produce and provides other foods to ReVision Family Home, a shelter for young mothers and children. Beginning at 6:30 p.m., local student a cappella groups will perform at various locations. All Anna’s Taqueria locations; 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.; free.
