The Weekender: April 21 to 24

Eat, shop, go

Terriers, the semester countdown is getting real. But before we cross the finish line, we’ve got some milestones to hit—and that includes celebrating Mother Earth!

In the spirit of Earth Day, and protecting the only home we’ve ever known, we’ve got opportunities for you to contribute to our planet’s longevity through thrifting and plant-based eating or simply rejoice in your time here with a campus dance performance.

PLNT Burger

Think of America’s favorite fast food joints—McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Chick-fil-A—and then reimagine them with a vegan twist. Now you’ve got PLNT Burger. The national chain created by Top Chef alum Spike Mendelsohn is already sporting 10 locations on the East Coast. Opening Friday, the Boston location will be the 11th, conveniently situated inside Whole Foods in the South End’s Ink Block (because nobody likes to grocery shop hangry). Whether it’s a mushroom barbecue bacon “burger,” spicy “chicken” sandwiches and nuggets, or an oat milk–infused milkshake, the menu, filled with reimagined American classics, demonstrates just how easy meat-free eating can be. Even youngsters will be satisfied with the kids meal options, and groups can save some cash by ordering the PLNT Burger Box, a combination of four burgers, four fries, four drinks, and four cookies. 

PLNT Burger, 348 Harrison Ave., Boston, opens Friday, April 22. 

Buffalo Exchange Earth Day $1 Sale

Buffalo Exchange is a pretty popular stop among the thrifting community—and the resale retailer is shaking things up in honor of Earth Day. A plentiful selection of items will be marked down to $1 (cash only). Not only is each item a total steal at $1, but all proceeds will go to Pollinator Partnership, a nonprofit organization in the business of protecting bees, butterflies, bats, and other pollinators in the animal kingdom. Pro tip: show up early and bring a reusable bag to store all your finds.

Buffalo Exchange’s Earth Day $1 Sale, 312 Harvard St., Brookline, is Saturday, April 23, from 11 am to 8 pm. 

Earth Day Festival 

After two years of virtual celebration, BU Dining and BU Sustainability have reunited to put on their annual Earth Day Festival. Come connect with on-campus groups dedicated to sustainability, try out interactive activities, and grab some giveaways. 

It’s best to come on an empty stomach, since local vendors like Mei Mei Dumplings, the Happy Cactus, Iggy’s Breads, and Just Hummus will happily feed you. You’ll inevitably take home some fresh products and local goods, which will also be for sale.   

The Earth Day Festival is Thursday, April 21, from 11 am to 2 pm at the George Sherman Union. 

Terriers Support Survivors: Denim Day Display 

Have you stopped by the GSU Plaza recently? If not, it’s a must-do before Denim Day on April 27. For 24 years, Denim Day has thrived as an international campaign to raise awareness about sexual violence. Every day leading up to Denim Day, the BU community has a chance to stand in solidarity with survivors by writing a letter of support and pinning it to a display in the GSU. The Sexual Assault Response & Prevention Center, It’s On Us BU, and the Center for Gender, Sexuality & Activism (CGSA) have organized the event as part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. 

The Denim Day Display is being held at the GSU through April 27. 

Dance Theatre Group’s Visions 2022

BU’s Dance Theatre Group, the University’s oldest and largest dance group, is holding its spring performance this weekend, showcasing pieces choreographed by BU students and faculty. The dances range from traditional to experimental, thematic to abstract, and lighthearted to contemplative. 

Visions 2022 will be performed on Friday, April 22, and Saturday, April 23, at 8 pm, in the BU Dance Theater (entrance on Buick Street). Tickets are available here. Tickets are $15 with a BU student ID, and $20 for the general public.