What to Do This Weekend

You made it. Packing, moving, unpacking. You’re finally settled in. The stresses of Move-in weekend and the first week of classes are behind you, and you’re starting to settle into a routine. But before the homework and tests start piling up, grab a new friend or reunite with an old one and explore some of the events below, on campus and off, this weekend.

Friday, September 6

Welcome Back Shabbat Dinner

Celebrating of the first Shabbat of the school year, the Florence & Chafetz Hillel House is sponsoring a free gourmet meal. So save your dining hall swipes and enjoy a fabulous dinner overlooking the Charles River. Students of all faiths are welcome. Space is limited, so those interested must sign up in advance.

The Shabbat dinner is at the Florence & Chafetz Hillel House, 213 Bay State Road, third floor, at 7:30 p.m., and is free.

Live: Jay Pharoah (Epic Comedy Show)

BU Central kicks off its opening night of the semester with a “Friday Night Live” event featuring Saturday Night Live comedian Jay Pharoah. Known for his impeccable impressions of celebrities like Will Smith, Eddy Murphy, and Kanye West, Pharoah’s act is sure to bring laughs to the GSU.

Live: Jay Pharoah will be held from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. in the George Sherman Union Metcalf Ballroom. The event is free and open to BU students only. A valid BU ID is required for entry.

Saturday, September 7

Marsh Chapel Harbor Islands Excursion

The weather’s still great, so get out and explore the city before cold drizzles set in. Taking a boat trip to explore Boston’s Harbor Islands is an ideal way to spend a late summer day. You can relax—away from the hustle and bustle of the city—with a day filled with swimming, picnicking, exploring, and fellowship.

The Harbor Islands Excursion runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Meet at Marsh Plaza at 10 a.m. Cost is $10 and includes ferry fare and lunch.

SPLASH!

Interested in getting involved in some extracurricular activities this year? Dive into the school year and all that BU student groups have to offer at SPLASH, an annual event hosted by the Student Activities Office. You’ll find representatives from hundreds of student organizations, all eager for new members. Groups represented range from Greek life to service organizations to student government, so this must-attend fall event has a little something for everyone. There will also be free food, music, carnival games, and giveaways.

SPLASH runs from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Cummington Mall.

Boston Calling Music Festival

What could be better than a music festival featuring 18 of the hottest electronic and dance, hip-hop, and R&B performers? You’ll find them at the Boston Calling Music Festival, a two-day, two-stage festival taking place this weekend on City Hall Plaza. The lineup includes Vampire Weekend, Passion Pit, Kendrick Lamar, and Solange. Purchase tickets online here.

The Boston Calling Music Festival is Saturday, September 7, and Sunday, September 8. The box office opens at 11 a.m., gates open at noon, and the music runs until 10:30 p.m. The festival is at City Hall Plaza, with the main entrance on Congress Street. By public transportation, take a Green Line trolley to Government Center.

Not Your Grandma’s Bingo

If you thought extreme bingo wasn’t possible, think again. True to its name, the stakes are high and the payoff is even higher at this event, which was a huge hit last year. Some of the prizes up for grabs include a Southwest Airlines gift card, a 32-inch TV, and tickets to an upcoming Beyonce concert. Your grandma would be jealous.

Not Your Grandma’s Bingo is from 10 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. in the George Sherman Union Metcalf Ballroom. The event is free and open to BU students only.

Sunday, September 8

Cambridge Carnival International

For more than two decades, the annual Cambridge Carnival International has been celebrating cultural diversity through music, food, and crafts. Now the largest festival in Cambridge, Sunday’s carnival is sure to attract thousands. A festive celebration rooted in African traditions, the event will feature a grand costume parade that promotes diverse cultures with an array of masqueraders and dance troupes in colorful costumes. Visitors can also enjoy local foods and purchase multicultural crafts. Two music stages will feature an array of world music, reggae, and soca. There will be plenty of activities for young children, including face painting, stilt walking, and arts and crafts.

The Cambridge Carnival International runs from noon to 7 p.m., rain or shine. The parade starts at 12:30 p.m. at the corner of River and Blackstone Streets and then winds through Central Square along Mass Ave before continuing up Main Street and ending at the viewing stand in Kendall Square, at the corner of Main and Albany Streets. By public transportation, take an MBTA Green Line trolley to Park Street, transfer to an MBTA Red Line train toward Alewife, and get off at Kendall Square for the festival or Central Square for the parade.

MitoAction Energy Walk and 5K

Feel like supporting a good cause? Head over to Castle Island in South Boston for the ninth annual MitoAction Energy Walk and 5K. The event’s aim is to raise awareness of mitochondrial disease and money for research into the chronic genetic disorder. The flat course, which winds around Castle Island, is perfect for participants of all skill levels and offers gorgeous views of the waterfront. After the race, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., there will be free activities and coffee, snacks, beverages, and music, as well as a tent for children with crafts and face-painting.

Advance registration is $20, $25 the day of the event. The run kicks off at 9:30 a.m. and the walk begins at 10 a.m. MitoAction Energy Walk and 5K is at 165 Day Blvd., South Boston. By public transportation, take an MBTA Green Line trolley to Hynes Convention Center and transfer to a number 9 bus toward City Point to E. Broadway at O Street.

Irene Berman-Vaporis can be reached at imbv@bu.edu.