25 Things to Do in Boston This Week · May 14–17, 2026

Free Events

Boston Public Quartet: Music for the Spirit

The Boston Public Quartet performs a free concert at the Shaw-Roxbury branch of the Boston Public Library.

Thursday, May 14, 2026 4:00 PM · Boston Public Library — Shaw-Roxbury, Roxbury

GBH Jazz Night with Sam Spear (Boston Public Library)

Woodwind player and composer Sam Spear performs songs inspired by her formative years in Boston's music scene in this free monthly jazz showcase.

Thursday, May 14, 2026 5:30 PM · Boston Public Library — Copley Square

The Greater Roxbury Book Fair

The first annual Greater Roxbury Book Fair celebrates the community's love of reading, connecting readers, writers, and local booksellers.

Saturday, May 16, 2026 · Roxbury

Watertown Porchfest

Musicians take over front porches throughout Watertown for this beloved neighborhood music festival where every porch is a stage.

Saturday, May 16, 2026 12:00 PM · Watertown

Networking Night for Young Professionals

BostonYPA's monthly networking night for young professionals to connect, collaborate, and build their networks at CanalSide in Cambridge.

Tuesday, May 19, 2026 6:00 PM · CanalSide, 100 Cambridgeside Place, Cambridge

Arts & Culture

Bookmarked LIVE! At Molly's Bookstore featuring Tara Menon

Host Callie Crossley interviews Harvard's Tara Menon about her debut novel 'Under Water' at the new Molly's Bookstore in Allston — free and open to all.

Thursday, May 14, 2026 7:00 PM · Molly's Bookstore, Allston

BACH + TELEMANN at Handel and Haydn Society

The Handel and Haydn Society performs Bach cantatas and Brandenburg Concerto No. 6 alongside Telemann at Old South Church.

Friday, May 15, 2026 7:30 PM · Old South Church, Boston

Spring 2026 MFA Thesis Exhibition – Part II

MassArt's graduating MFA students unveil new work at the SoWa gallery in this two-day thesis exhibition opening.

Saturday, May 16, 2026 · MassArt x SoWa Gallery, South End

The Nature Plays at Mount Auburn Cemetery

Short theatrical fragments by playwright-in-residence Patrick Gabridge are staged amid the biodiversity of Mount Auburn Cemetery through June 9.

Saturday, May 16, 2026 · Mount Auburn Cemetery, 580 Mount Auburn St., Cambridge

The Moth StorySLAM: I GOT IT FROM MY MAMA

Ten storytellers compete with true, personal tales on the theme 'I GOT IT FROM MY MAMA' at WBUR's CitySpace.

Monday, May 18, 2026 · CitySpace, WBUR

Music & Nightlife

Pub Sing at Arts at the Armory

A rousing community pub sing at the beloved Arts at the Armory space in Somerville's Spring Hill neighborhood.

Thursday, May 14, 2026 7:00 PM · Arts at the Armory, Spring Hill

Haus Party 003 ft. Idle Hands Collective

An intimate house music party featuring the Idle Hands Collective at the Somerville Museum.

Friday, May 15, 2026 6:00 PM · Somerville Museum, Somerville

Blacked Out Comedy Presents: Brieana Woodward & Friends

Blacked Out Comedy brings Brieana Woodward and a lineup of friends to the Jeanie Johnston Pub & Grill for a Friday night stand-up show.

Friday, May 15, 2026 8:00 PM · Jeanie Johnston Pub & Grill, Boston

Colin Quinn at The Wilbur

Stand-up comedy veteran Colin Quinn takes the stage at The Wilbur for one night of his signature sharp wit.

Friday, May 22, 2026 7:30 PM · The Wilbur, Boston

Summer Kickoff Party at Club Volo

BostonYPA celebrates summer with an outdoor party at Club Volo at Assembly Row in Somerville.

Friday, May 29, 2026 6:00 PM · Club Volo @ Assembly Row, 300 Grand Union Boulevard, Somerville

Festivals & Special Events

Boston Panda Fest at Ohiri Field

One of the biggest outdoor Asian food festivals in the US, featuring experiential activities, tastings, and a market fair at Ohiri Field.

Friday, May 15, 2026 · Ohiri Field, Boston

SoWa Open Market

Artisans, craftspeople, designers, and local farmers fill the SoWa district every Sunday from May through November for Boston's favorite outdoor market.

Sunday, May 17, 2026 11:00 AM · SoWa Boston, 530 Harrison Ave, South End

The WBUR Festival

Two days of lively conversations, podcast tapings, and musical performances at Boston University for WBUR's annual festival.

Friday, May 29, 2026 · Boston University

Date Night

What Endures – Kendall Square Orchestra

The Kendall Square Orchestra performs Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto with Adrian Anantawan and Brahms' Symphony No. 4 at the storied Sanders Theater.

Friday, May 15, 2026 7:30 PM · Sanders Theater, Cambridge

A Far Cry 2026 Spring Soirée Fundraiser

A Far Cry's annual spring fundraiser soirée brings together live music and celebration at CitySpace.

Tuesday, May 19, 2026 · CitySpace, WBUR, Boston

Family-Friendly

Franklin Park Kite & Bike Festival

Fly kites and ride bikes in one of Boston's most beautiful public spaces — a beloved annual spring tradition at Franklin Park.

Saturday, May 16, 2026 12:00 PM · Franklin Park Playstead, Boston

Outdoors & Active

Seaport Sweat Saturdays 2026 – Rhone

Free outdoor fitness class on the Seaport's Harbor Way as part of the popular Seaport Sweat 2026 summer series.

Saturday, May 16, 2026 10:00 AM · Harbor Way, Seaport, Boston

New Moon Creativity Yoga Flow

A free new moon-themed creativity yoga flow class at The Foundry's dance studio in Cambridge.

Saturday, May 16, 2026 11:00 AM · The Foundry, Cambridge

HYROX Clinic – Doubles Strategy

Backyard Boston hosts a focused doubles strategy clinic with discussion, guidance, and practical application to prepare for HYROX competition.

Saturday, May 16, 2026 2:00 PM · Backyard Boston, 5 Necco Street, Boston

Food & Drink

Music Bingo: 80s, 90s, 2000s and Today at City Winery

City Winery Boston presents an ultimate brunch-time music bingo spanning four decades of pop hits.

Saturday, May 16, 2026 12:00 PM · City Winery Boston, 80 Beverly Street