September 3, 2018 - September 9, 2018
Monday, September 3rd
Institute of Contemporary Art Labor Day: Free Admission | Seaport | Free
In honor of Labor Day the ICA is offering free admission for all on Monday, September 3.
34th Bread & Roses Heritage Festival | Lawrence | Free
As the region’s only true Labor Day festival, 34th Annual Bread & Roses Heritage Festival is an open-air arts and music festival honoring Lawrence, Massachusetts’ multicultural roots and rich labor history while commemorating the most significant event in Lawrence history: the 1912 Bread and Roses Strike. A day of activism and family fun, the Festival boasts 3 stages of socially conscious performances, an array of family activities, rows of community vendors, historical trolley and walking tours, culturally diverse food offerings, educational presentations and more!
Luxe Rooftop Labor Day Party | Theatre District | $$$
Afrique Events presents the Lux Rooftop Labor Day Party for food, drinks and networking. 2 PM - 9 PM.
Asian Street Food Night Market | Chestnut Hill | $
Welcome to the one and only authentic Asian Street Food Night Market in the Greater Boston Area! Dealmoon brings you this unique experience of Asian street food culture on September 3rd in Chestnut Hill, MA. Twenty-eight local vendors will be cooking and serving over 60 different kinds of Asian dishes and snacks, including Chinese crepes, Uyghur lamb kebab, all kinds of skewers, fruit teas, and Thai dessert! Vendors include the popular WuEr BBQ, Silk Road Uyghur Cuisine, Four Spoons, Dakzens, Next Door Cafe, IQ Kitchen, Tom's Bao Bao, Beard Papa, Evy Tea, The Dapper Doughnut, Fruity, Jahunger, Toichi Ichiban, Wang's Fast Food, Spicy World, Yi Soon Bakery and more!
Tuesday, September 4th
Vocal Jazz Cafe | Roxbury
Every Tuesday at Slade’s Bar & Grill stop by for the Vocal Jazz Cafe. Hosted by Kaicee King, sign up for the open mic and have the opportunity to sing with the band. No dress code and free cover.
Zumba On the Esplanade | Esplanade
All summer long we are hosting FREE fitness events – for members and non-members – throughout the Boston community. Our Summer Series is all about having fun, getting your sweat on, and sharing a love of fitness! All events are co-ed. Zumba is a total body workout based on Latin and International dance movements and rhythms.
Wednesday, September 5th
The Black Comedy Explosion | Roxbury | $$
Join Boston’s bad boy of comedy, Jonathan Gates as he hosts the Black Comedy Explosion every Wednesday. Featuring some of the best comedians seen on shows such as BET’s ComicView, Def Comedy Jam and Comedy Central. Doors open at 7PM and show starts at 9PM. $15 cover.
Thursday, September 6th
Melanin + Moxie Blog Launch Party | Back Bay | Free
Come join Melanin + Moxie for its big reveal! Be prepared for an evening of filling your cup with #melaninmagic, good company, and delicious teas. Attendees have the opportunity to win special giveaways, network with other diverse women in Boston, and receive special good bags, courtesy of Tea Forte. Light hors d’oeuvres will be served. Melanin + Moxie is a blog and community dedicated to connecting, uplifting, and empowering women of color to be their fullest selves. Visit our website to subscribe to our mailing list; stay up-to-date on upcoming events; and to enter for a chance to win one of our blog launch giveaways!
Author Talk Back Series ft. Vita Ayala | Fenway | Free
Join Finesse Lit for our first Author Talk Back featuring comic book writer Vita Ayala! Vita Ayala is a queer Afro-Latinx writer out of New York City, where they live with their wife and cat sons. They have written for DC, Dark Horse, Image, Marvel, and Valiant Comics, and have creator owned work through Black Mask Studios (THE WILDS) and Vault Comics (SUBMERGED). They’re non-stop, like Hamilton! Event is free. Check in table opens at 5pm, the talk kicks off around 6pm. Please arrive on time - space is limited!
Screen on the Green - Black Panther | Jamaica Plain | Free
JP Centre/South Main Streets presents “Black Panther” as part of our Screen on the Green series, on the lawn of the Loring Greenough House. This exciting action adventure movie stars Chadwick Boseman, Lupita Nyong’o, and Michael B. Jordan. It is considered one of the best of the series in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Jazz By Any Means Necessary | Roxbury | Free
Unwind to the sounds of live jazz as you enjoy a delicious meal at Haley House Bakery Cafe. Time is 7 PM to 10:30 PM. No cover, live musicians, free parking and great food and drinks. All ages are welcome.
Boston’s Throwback Thursday at Slade’s | Roxbury | Free
If you are looking for a spot where the DJ keeps the music popping from beginning to the end this is the night for you. We have all the old school R&B, Reggae, Hip-Hop and slow jams you could want! Join us as one of Boston's premiere DJ Moe Dee plays all of your favorite roller skating song back in the day.
Friday, September 7th
Caribbean Karaoke | Dorchester | Free
Calling all Caribbean music lovers, all wannabe artists and real ones too! Come sing your favorite Caribbean tunes - Beres, Krosfyah, Kartel, Machel - we got them all. Bring a friend, drink some drinks and lewwe fete!
An Urban Education: Open Mic | Roxbury | Free
Join us for an open mic night (hosted by Meta Art) on the state of Urban Public Education. Jonathan Kozol's works on public education will be featured. We encourage you to share your opinions, experiences and solutions on the state of public education in Boston and across the country. All ages are invited to attend this free event. Frugal Bookstore Inc. will be in attendance selling books on the topic of Public Education. Food & drink will be available for purchase!
Institute of Contemporary Art First Fridays: Summer Nights | Seaport | $$
Celebrate what’s left of the summer season with high energy beachy beats by Dj Guru Sanaal, a sunset dance party, a sip of Iced Sunshine, performances by Niu Raza and cool contemporary art. Join us the first Friday of every month from 5 PM to 10 PM for an evening of art, music, fun activities, speciality cocktails and dancing all night.
92nd Annual Italian Feast of Saints Cosmas & Damian | Cambridge | Free
This will be a fun filled weekend for the entire family. Come and join us as we celebrate a 92 year tradition! This will be one of our biggest and best feasts we have ever had and we welcome people from near and far. This annual tradition will include FREE performances by top national recording artists and favorite local bands. This page will be updated as we announce our national acts. There will also be cooking demonstrations throughout the weekend by local chefs, amusement rides, games, a food festival, beer and wine garden, cannoli eating contest, parades, Disney characters and a healing service.
Hampton Beach Seafood Festival | Hampton, NH | $-$$
A spectacular Seaside Festival (Ocean Boulevard closed to traffic) featuring sixty of the Seacoasts top restaurants serving an abundance of mouthwatering seafood. Choose from favorites like fried clams, shrimp, and lobster (steamed, fried or in a roll) to non-seafood items like BBQ Ribs, “Blooming Onions” and sumptuous desserts. Eighty arts & crafts vendors promoting locally made products and hundreds of Ocean Boulevard merchants offering end-of-the-season sidewalk sales. Continuous entertainment on two stages featuring, spectacular fireworks display (Saturday), culinary chef demonstrations (Saturday and Sunday), a 200 foot beverage tent serving beer and wine, beach cabana bar in the sand and annual lobster roll eating contest (Saturday).
MFA First Friday: Country Bash | Fenway | $$$
Grab your cowboy boots and head to the MFA for September's First Friday! Our "Country Bash" will feature make-your-own quilt design, a DJ spinning country music hits and a sweet tea signature cocktail. Open to visitors 21+. Valid ID with proof of age required for entry. Free for members and free with Museum admission! Order your tickets now to secure your spot at our monthly weekend kickoff. Advance tickets are strongly suggested as the event can sell out.
SoWa First Friday | South End | Free
On the First Friday of every month, the artists, galleries, shops & restaurants of the SoWa Art & Design District open their doors to the public for an evening of art, culture and inspiration. Meet the artists in their element and view their latest works, shop the galleries & boutiques, then afterwards dine at one of our world class restaurants. Come and enjoy the fun. The event is free and plenty of parking is available.
Saturday, September 8th
5th Annual Cheri’s Family Fun Day Picnic | Dorchester | Free
To bring together not only the Haitian community, but families within the city of Boston to come experience the beautiful culture of Haiti through various forms of music, dance, food, entertainment, and other various activities presented by our Haitian community. Our number one priority - to cater to the needs of the families participating in the event as they enjoy themselves while being proud of their heritage. Bring your food (grill optional), a table & chair, your family and come enjoy an event full of fun, culture, dancing, games, and many more!
Breakfast IV Brothers Breakfast | Dorchester | Free
Join us for breakfast the second Saturday of this month as we embark on a journey of Reconciliation & Growth! We invite you into a space where iron sharpens iron. We are going to tackle issues for men, as men. We improve the trajectory of our lives for ourselves, families, and communities.
Riverfest | Somerville | Free
Riverfest is the culmination of a summer of activity at Assembly Row. In partnership with The City of Somerville, Somerville Local First, and DCR, celebrate all that is great about the neighborhood! Join us for a day full of live local music, dozens of local artists, free children’s activities, and of course the annual fireworks show over the Mystic River at sundown.
Boston Arts Festival | Financial District | Free
The Boston Arts Festival includes an artists’ village, live music, and family activities. This annual event is designed to showcase the visual and performing arts in Boston.
Naponsett Nibi Block Party | Mattapan | Free
Come to the Riverbank Place Block Party/Launch of Mattapan's new collaborative, open air art space, Outpost Naponsett Nibi. Outpost Naponsett Nibi is an open air art space, a seasonal venue for live arts and creative expression predicated on building community through the arts. Resource tables will provide an opportunity to vote, take the Black Census, explore healthy food options & otherwise get 'Woke'. All are welcome to come party like a rockstar!
Morning Star Baptist Church Refuge Ministry Soul Cafe | Dorchester | Free
On Sat. Sept 8, 2018 the Refuge Young Adult ministry will be hosting Soul Café at 6:30 PM in the Morning Star Fellowship Hall. If you are between the ages of 18-35 this is an event is for you! You do not want to miss out! We’ll have an amazing night of artists sharing their musical gifts, poetry, dance, etc. Light refreshments will be provided.
NSBE Boston Annual Summer Sizzler | Watertown | Free
Join us for a day out at the park to network with other Boston professionals, collegiate and NSBE Jr members in the area, while enjoying complimentary food & drinks. We’ll have your favorite board and lawn games, music, sports and giveaways! We’re also holding a Back2School Supplies Drive for our NSBE Jr. chapters so please bring supplies to contribute.
Views Hair & Fashion Show | Dorchester | $
ShayStylezU presents our 1st Annual Hair & Fashion Show hosted by Boston’s own Marve Marv. We will be showcasing designs by some of New England’s premium designers including but not limited to Claude Michelle, Early Bird Clothing, and LezBReaL Fashionz, where innovative fashion and hair meet. Join us on September 8, 2018 from 4– 8pm at the Caribbean Art Gallery (155 Washington St, Dorchester, MA 02121) where we will be exhibiting ground-breaking and trending hair and fashion like you have never seen before. This collaboration will be one to remember! We will have live performances, vendors, giveaways, and so much more!
Boston Caribbean Film Festival: Green By the River | Brockton | $
This movie brings the Trinidadian classic novel Green by the River to the movie screen. It details the coming of age story of a 15 year old set in the 1950s.
Boston Caribbean Film Festival: Boston to Philly | Brockton | $
Boston2Philly, a coming of age drama portraying the lives of a group of young adults from different walks of life. Together they embark on a journey of enlightenment. Boston2Philly chronicles the life of Rome ”Boston” Williams (Ralph Celestin) a young black male, struggling with his Identity and building real relationships in this new city after a tragic accident.
2018 Boston Night Market | Downtown | $-$$$
Delicious IG-worthy food? LIT Beer Garden with alcohol and lawn games? Adorable teddy bears and other amazing carnival and raffle prizes (such as a round trip ticket to Iceland)?! Inspired by night markets in Asia, the inaugural Boston Night Market will be a spectacular evening of lights, food, games, and entertainment. Ignite the night with us at City Hall Plaza on September 8th, 2018!
Hampton Beach Seafood Festival | Hampton, NH | $-$$
A spectacular Seaside Festival (Ocean Boulevard closed to traffic) featuring sixty of the Seacoasts top restaurants serving an abundance of mouthwatering seafood. Choose from favorites like fried clams, shrimp, and lobster (steamed, fried or in a roll) to non-seafood items like BBQ Ribs, “Blooming Onions” and sumptuous desserts. Eighty arts & crafts vendors promoting locally made products and hundreds of Ocean Boulevard merchants offering end-of-the-season sidewalk sales. Continuous entertainment on two stages featuring, spectacular fireworks display (Saturday), culinary chef demonstrations (Saturday and Sunday), a 200 foot beverage tent serving beer and wine, beach cabana bar in the sand and annual lobster roll eating contest (Saturday).
Sunday, September 9th
26th Annual Cambridge Carnival International | Cambridge | Free
Cambridge Carnival International, Cambridge's largest festival, is held in Central Square, Cambridge, MA. Cambridge Carnival, rooted in African and Caribbean traditions, is a colorful and festive celebration that honors the contributions of local Caribbeans through the arts, food, and culture. The FREE festival, embarking on its 26th year, is a Cambridge Institution and is the largest festival in Cambridge, with over 100,000 attendees. The highlight of the festival is an elaborate costume parade accompanied by rich rhythmic musicality promoting all types of cultures. Participants can be seen as revelers masquerading through the streets in dazzling handmade costumes, dancing to the beat of the Carnival while partaking in international foods, and purchasing multicultural crafts from around the world!
Afropolis | Fenway | $$$
Afropolis: The name of the African Art Renaissance movement; a celebration of culture, particularly of the experiences, contributions and influences of Black culture in the city of Boston. Not Your Average Boston and the Boston Red Sox invite you to: Afropolis at Fenway Park. It is NYA's effort to consistently bring their touch and flavor to unique events and venues that are looking for new vibes and sounds in Boston. With that, we are proud to partner with our favorite home team, the Boston Red Sox as they gear up for this year's playoff run. Join us on Sunday, September 9 at 5:00 p.m., for an exclusive 'not your average Sox pre-game', on the newly renovated Sam Adams Deck inside Fenway Park. DJs Ryu, KNSZWRTH & Slick Vick will be on set, curating the energy before a hot matchup between the 2017 World Series Champions, the Houston Astros and the 2017 A.L East champions, the Boston Red Sox. Tickets are available below. Each ticket purchased through this special offer includes: exclusive early access to Fenway Park, admission to the Afropolis rooftop party, and ONE ticket to the game.
Gallery Talk: Tanisha C. Ford on Jae Jerrell | Seaport | Free w/ Museum Admission
Cultural critic and historian Tanisha C. Ford unpacks how women employed fashion to express black pride in the civil rights era. This interactive program will center on a two-piece garment designed by Chicago-based artist Jae Jarrell titled Urban Wall Suit, (1969). Ford is an associate professor of Africana Studies and History at the University of Delaware and a fellow at the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study. She has appeared on CBS News to comment on popular cultural phenomena, including Childish Gambino’s music video for “This Is America.” Her latest book is Liberated Threads: Black Women, Style, and the Global Politics of Soul.
Annual Boston Urban Arts Festival & Battle of the Arts | Hyde Park | Free
This day-long, outdoor, family-friendly arts celebration features a Battle of the Arts where artists compete against each other in a timed creation of artwork for cash prizes. Talented local artists will create original works of art right before your eyes. Local musicians, singers, dancers, poets and spoken word artists live on stage. Steam-roller mega printing: artists and their teams will ink pre-carved relief blocks and then roll over them with an industrial steamroller to create their oversized prints. Art vendors and graffiti artists art and poetry creation tables for children and adults. Free and open to all!
Sejoe: One Man Show | Dorchester | $$$
Catch Haitian comedian live in Boston.
Dream Sundays Brunch So Hard | Financial District | Free
Boston's # 1 brunch is now located in the Financial District! Come #BrunchSoHard with us each & every Sunday at Society on High. Enjoy great music, great food, & great people. RSVP Now. 21+ dress code is trendy & fashionable. Brunch will never be the same.
Open Newbury Street | Back Bay | Free
Shoppers, diners and pedestrians can explore new restaurants, local boutiques, and international brands — or rediscover your favorite Newbury Street gems on a street transformed and free of cars. Find meaning in the melodies of local musicians, challenge your friends to an outdoor game, or simply stroll along enjoying the festive atmosphere of Open Newbury Street. Celebrate Newbury Street, a uniquely treasured place in the heart of Boston.
Hampton Beach Seafood Festival | Hampton, NH | $-$$
A spectacular Seaside Festival (Ocean Boulevard closed to traffic) featuring sixty of the Seacoasts top restaurants serving an abundance of mouthwatering seafood. Choose from favorites like fried clams, shrimp, and lobster (steamed, fried or in a roll) to non-seafood items like BBQ Ribs, “Blooming Onions” and sumptuous desserts. Eighty arts & crafts vendors promoting locally made products and hundreds of Ocean Boulevard merchants offering end-of-the-season sidewalk sales. Continuous entertainment on two stages featuring, spectacular fireworks display (Saturday), culinary chef demonstrations (Saturday and Sunday), a 200 foot beverage tent serving beer and wine, beach cabana bar in the sand and annual lobster roll eating contest (Saturday).
Central Flea | Cambridge | Free
The Central Flea is open every Sunday, May through October! Vintage and antique dealers, artists, designers, specialty food vendors, food trucks, Lamplighter Brewing Co. Beer Garden and much more! All at our new bigger location - University Park!