16 Things to Do in Boston This Week · September 17–20, 2026

Music & Nightlife

Jason Moran and the Bandwagon

Acclaimed jazz pianist Jason Moran performs with his Bandwagon — featuring Tarus Mateen and Nasheet Waits — at the intimate Jazz Urbane Cafe in Roxbury.

Thursday, September 17, 2026 5:00 PM · Jazz Urbane Cafe, Roxbury

Women's Networking Night at The Beehive

BostonYPA hosts an all-inclusive women's networking evening at The Beehive in the South End — meet future besties and business partners in style.

Thursday, September 17, 2026 6:00 PM · The Beehive, 541 Tremont Street, Boston

BSO: Andris Nelsons conducts with Yo-Yo Ma

Yo-Yo Ma joins conductor Andris Nelsons and the Boston Symphony Orchestra for an evening featuring Elgar's Cello Concerto and Brahms Symphony No. 4.

Thursday, September 17, 2026 7:30 PM · Symphony Hall, Boston

Festivals & Special Events

What The Fluff Festival

Celebrate the invention of Marshmallow Fluff right in its birthplace, Union Square, with live music, a cooking contest, and fun for the whole family.

Saturday, September 19, 2026 · Union Square, Somerville

The Brighton Bazaar: 5th Anniversary Bazaar

The Brighton Bazaar celebrates its 5th anniversary with a weekend market at Allstonway Park featuring local vendors, makers, and community vibes.

Saturday, September 19, 2026 · Allstonway Park, Allston/Brighton

MassArt Night Market

More than 100 MassArt students and alumni fill Downtown Crossing with original artwork, fashion, ceramics, jewelry, and handcrafted goods, plus live music and hands-on creative activities — free and open to the public.

Saturday, September 19, 2026 5:00 PM · Summer Street Plaza & Washington Street, Downtown Boston

Free Events

Boston Athenaeum Community Day Open House

The historic Boston Athenaeum opens its doors for a free Community Day, inviting the public to explore its rare collections and beautiful spaces.

Saturday, September 19, 2026 · Boston Athenaeum, Beacon Hill, Boston

Seaport Sweat Saturdays 2026: Kick It By Eliza

A free outdoor fitness class at Harbor Way in the Seaport — part of the Seaport Sweat Saturdays series.

Saturday, September 19, 2026 10:00 AM · Harbor Way, Seaport, Boston

Roslindale Porch Fest

A free music festival spread across porches, driveways, and yards throughout Roslindale featuring bands and musicians of every genre.

Saturday, September 19, 2026 1:00 PM · Roslindale

Food & Drink

Myers and Chang Anniversary Week Specials

The beloved South End restaurant Myers and Chang celebrates its anniversary week with special menu offerings and festivities.

Thursday, September 17, 2026 4:00 PM · Myers and Chang, 1145 Washington Street, Boston

Sam Adams Boston Octoberfest Weekend 2026

Kick off Oktoberfest season at the Sam Adams Boston Taproom and Brewery with a full weekend of festive beer, food, and celebration.

Friday, September 18, 2026 6:00 PM · Sam Adams Boston Taproom & Brewery, Boston

Boston Pizza Festival

A two-day outdoor festival featuring local and international pizza vendors, live music, food competitions, and giveaways.

Saturday, September 19, 2026 · Boston

Arts & Culture

Anger is Only a Shadow: A Conversation with Elizabeth Acevedo

National Book Award winner Elizabeth Acevedo discusses her work in conversation at WBUR's CitySpace.

Thursday, September 17, 2026 · WBUR CitySpace, Boston

Catalyst Conversations: Matters of Light

Photographic artist Marsha Wilcox, astrophysicist Sara Seager, and moderator Jennifer Roberts explore light and darkness from strikingly different perspectives at GBH.

Thursday, September 17, 2026 6:30 PM · GBH Forum Network, Boston

Date Night

Ghosts & Gravestones Tour

A ticketed nighttime haunted history tour through Boston's spookiest sites and cemeteries — perfect as Halloween season approaches.

Thursday, September 17, 2026 6:00 PM · Boston

BSO: Andris Nelsons with Emanuel Ax, piano

Andris Nelsons leads the Boston Symphony Orchestra with Emanuel Ax performing Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 22 alongside Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique.

Friday, September 18, 2026 1:30 PM · Symphony Hall, Boston