The Weekender: September 16 to 19

Gund Kwok, an all-female Asian lion and dragon dance troupe, will perform at the BU Global Music Festival. Photo courtesy Gund Kwok

Eat, shop, go

The semester is in full swing—all the introductions are over, and we’re confident that you know your class schedule like the back of your hand. Even if you’ve got a little homework this weekend, there are loaded fries, an adorable zero-waste store, and a music festival waiting for you right on campus when you put down the pen and paper.

Saus Boston

For so long, french fries have served as a simple sidekick in the culinary world. But Saus Boston puts the double-fried Idaho potatoes in the limelight, allowing diners to customize their own poutine—a combination of fries, gravy, and cheese curds. Guests might want to look over the menu before arrival, as there are 14 different sauces to drench the fries (try the truffle ketchup or the hot beer mustard). Top it all off with kimchi, shallots, bacon bits, and more. The eatery even has Guy Fieri’s approval, as it was once featured on the famed restaurateur’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. If the fries don’t satisfy your hunger, there are also sandwiches, salads, and dessert waffles up for grabs. 

Saus Boston, 33 Union St., Boston, is open daily; hours vary. Check times and menu here. If the eatery runs out of fries, the shop closes for the day.

UVIDA Shop

When it comes to pressing environmental issues, plastic pollution tops the list. Instead of ignoring the problem, one UMass Boston graduate took the initiative and opened the first zero-waste shop in Boston. At UVIDA Shop, 23-year-old Maria Camila Vasco sells plastic-free products and packaging, including makeup, toiletries, household goods, pet products, and more. As an extra nod to Mother Earth, you can also leave with a plant from their abundant selection. Plans are underway to host neighborhood get-togethers at the two shops, like networking events, yoga classes, and makeovers by local artists.

UVIDA Shop has two Boston locations: in the North End, at 28 Atlantic Ave., and in East Boston, at 123 Maverick St. Check out the hours for each location here. 

2021 BU Global Music Festival 

It’s an all-day celebration at this outdoor festival that celebrates rhythms from around the globe. The fourth annual BU Global Music Festival is hosted by the CFA department of musicology and ethnomusicology, the BU Arts Initiative, and the Office of the Provost, with additional support from other groups. The festival gives international and local performers a stage that allows the audience to witness greatness, all at no cost. Colombia, China, Mexico, Haiti, and Pakistan are just a few countries that will be represented on Saturday. The experience extends beyond the performances, with workshops, panels, and one-on-one interactions with artists. Although the festival was held virtually last year due to the pandemic, it was highly ranked by the Transglobal World Music Chart in 2018 and 2019.

The 2021 BU Global Music Festival begins at noon and runs until 9 pm on Saturday, September 18, on the BU Beach, in Marsh Chapel, and on Marsh Plaza. A full schedule and event locations are available here. The festival is free and open to the general public. 

Drag Bingo & Afterparty 

This isn’t your grandma’s bingo. BU’s Queer Activist Collective has beckoned local drag kings and queens to bring their glamour to the GSU Metcalf Ballroom for a night of performances. If the guaranteed laughs and entertainment aren’t enough, there’s also the opportunity to leave with gift cards, a Nintendo Switch, Apple products, BU swag, and more. The party keeps going after bingo ends at 9:30 pm—the afterparty with DJ WhySham runs until midnight. They’re even taking song requests!

Drag Bingo & Afterparty is at 7 pm (doors open at 6:30 pm) on Saturday, September 18, in the GSU Metcalf Ballroom. Registration, found here, is free but tickets do not guarantee admittance. Students will be let in until capacity is reached. 

Go Pixel Yourself: The Immersive Picture Experience  

You might want to practice your best modeling poses. Go Pixel Yourself: The Immersive Picture Experience isn’t your average selfie museum. Of course, there’s the chance to capture myriad photos, but the 16 rooms allow for an interactive video experience. Where else could you ride an authentic ’70s plane or dance with a yeti? One of your friends can double as your personal photographer, or you can let the automated cameras snap all the action and receive the photos and videos via email.  

Go Pixel Yourself: The Immersive Picture Experience is at CambridgeSide, 100 CambridgeSide Place, Cambridge. Timed tickets (adults over 10, $20, children 3 to 9, $10) are available and can be purchased on their website.