The Weekender: May 5 to 8

Credit: Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University

Eat, shop, go

As finals draw ever closer, it’s tempting to hunker down and get as much studying done as possible. However, with Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day, and the Kentucky Derby all falling within the span of this weekend, it might be worth it to venture outside…just for a little bit. 

Whether it’s lilacs, vintage curiosities, or the obligatory tacos and margs, these weekend activities are worth a quick study break.

Hub Hall Cinco de Mayo Fiesta

Boston’s unofficial cafeteria is running a Cinco de Mayo collaboration between two of its in-house vendors for the low, low price of $0. On Thursday, guests can enjoy a free flight of margaritas offered by Now Pouring Wine Bar complemented by a scratch-made taco from Naco Taco. 

The Cinco de Mayo Fiesta is Thursday; find hours here. Hub Hall is in The Hub on Causeway, 80 Causeway St., Boston. This event is 21-plus. 

Blue Bandana Relics

A fixture of über-cool Bow Market in Somerville, Blue Bandana Relics prides itself on its eclectic selection of “mantiques”—or in other words, a sumptuous collection of mid-century sports gear, high-quality plaids, antique Americana, and timeworn decor. While rustic, and yes, a little masculine in aesthetic (think leather, wool, earth tones), Blue Bandana will appeal to anyone who jives with the curatorial vision of owner Keith Tate.

“I’ve always envisioned having my own shop that was an extension of my personal collection,” Tate says on Bow Market’s website. “A collection of unique, interesting pieces with a history and a story to tell.”

Blue Bandana Relics is in Bow Market, One Bow Market Way, Somerville. The shop is open Thursday to Saturday, from 11 am to 7 pm, Sunday ,from 11 am to 5 pm, and closed Monday through Wednesday. Find it on Instagram @bluebandanarelics.

End-of-semester dance classes

BU Dance is offering multiple opportunities to boogie through the finals finish line with free end-of-semester dance classes at FitRec. With five different movement styles to choose from, there’s a vibe for everyone—and breaking a sweat is optional. These classes are taught by BU dance faculty and are open to all who can swipe into FitRec.

The end-of-semester dance classes are Thursday and Friday at FitRec, 915 Commonwealth Ave. The class schedule is Thursday: pilates at noon, movement improvisation at 1 pm, and stretch and relaxation at 5 pm; Friday: cardio jazz at noon and all-level modern at 1 pm. For more information, contact Micki Taylor-Pinney at budance@bu.edu.

Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra Benefit for Ukrainian Children

Join the BPYO in supporting the children of Ukraine as the orchestra performs selections from Shostakovitch, Prokofiev, and Tchaikovsky—three Russian composers who maintained ties with Ukraine and held rocky attitudes toward their home country. BU student musicians include flutist Grace Helmke (CFA’23), violinist Brianna Li (CAS’24), and cellist Joscelynn Palen (ENG’25); all box office proceeds go to the Ukraine Tensions: No Child Forgotten program assisting disabled Ukrainian children.

The BPYO’s Benefit for Ukrainian Children is Friday, May 6, at 8 pm, at Boston Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Ave., Boston. Student tickets are $10 with discount code STU-DIS. Call the box office for more information at 617-236-0999.

Kentucky Derby Party

Those who can’t make it to Churchill Downs this weekend can still join high-society swells in watching the nation’s premier horse racing event—on TV, that is. Time Out Market Boston will stream the Kentucky Derby on Saturday with plenty of mint juleps on deck. Swanky dress is encouraged—there’s a prize for the best dressed guest—so don’t be afraid to break out your seersucker.

The Kentucky Derby Party is Saturday, May 7, from 3 to 6 pm, at Time Out Market Boston, 401 Park Dr., Boston.

Lilac Sunday

A Mother’s Day institution in the Greater Boston area, the Arnold Arboretum’s Lilac Sunday is an occasion cherished by natives and transplants alike. If your mom is local, take her for a stroll through the fragrant blooms; if not, there are plenty of opportunities to snap some pics for her. This year, the arboretum is celebrating 150 years and 112 Lilac Sundays, and it’s the first time the event is being held since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Picnicking in the arboretum is allowed on this day only, so make the most of it and pack a lunch.

The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University is at 125 Arborway, Boston, and is open from sunrise to sunset. Entry to the arboretum is always free, and self-guided lilac tours can be downloaded here.