The Weekender: November 17 to 20
Dine at one of Boston’s best brunch spots, or check out a brand-new opera, classic bar trivia and a winter sports expo

Snowbound Expo, a ski and snowboarding convention, will be held at Hynes Convention Center this weekend. Photo courtesy of Snowbound Expo
Eat, Shop, Go
With Thanksgiving fast approaching, get into the seasonal spirit on campus by sharing a meal or heading out into Boston for some fun fall activities. Have brunch, do some vintage shopping, check out a winter sports expo, or kick butt at trivia. Just be sure to save room for dessert.
The Friendly Toast
Stop by the Friendly Toast this weekend for a legendary brunch experience. Known for its retro decor, scratch kitchen, full bar, and creative menu, the Friendly Toast frequently changes its offerings by serving up fun seasonal dishes. Try the pumpkin and brown sugar infused pancakes served with caramel drizzle and maple whipped cream or the florentine benedict topped with cream of mushroom, grilled tomato, sauteed spinach, two poached eggs, and fresh hollandaise.
The Friendly Toast, 35 Stanhope St., Boston, is open from 8 am to 3 pm Monday through Friday and 8 am to 5 pm Saturday and Sunday.
MUJI
Venture to Newbury Street for low-priced department store goods with a sleek, elegant design. MUJI, which opened its first US location in 2007, came to Boston in 2017 touting apparel, luggage, home goods, and more with a minimalist, “no-brand” aesthetic. Give your desk a budget-friendly boost by raiding their stationery section—MUJI pens are a cult favorite for a reason—or pick up a cozy sweater or scarf before the first snowfall.
MUJI, 359 Newbury St., Boston, is open 10 am to 8 pm Monday to Saturday and 10 am to 7 pm Sunday.
Snowbound Expo
Snowbound Expo brings ski and snowboarding enthusiasts together for a weekend filled with events and retailers selling winter sports gear, outdoor apparel, and equipment. Hear from speakers like Mary Walsh, editor in chief of Snowboard Magazine, six-time Olympic medalist skier Bode Miller, and broadcaster and film producer Dan Egan. There will also be an indoor ski slope, a cross-country and snowshoeing simulation, and balance board sessions. Be sure to enter into one of the expo’s many prize giveaways and take advantage of the various discounts offered at the event.
Snowbound Expo is Friday, November 18, through Sunday, November 20, at the Hynes Convention Center, 900 Boylston St., Boston; hours are 2 to 7 pm Friday, 10 am to 5 pm Saturday, and 10 am to 4 pm Sunday. Purchase tickets, $15 per day or $30 for a three-day pass, here.
Broken Records Thursday Trivia Night
Grab some friends and head to Broken Records Beer Hall for an unforgettable trivia night. Trivia is free to play, and there are prizes for the first, second, and third place teams. The restaurant offers a rotating beer menu, as well as wine and cocktails; be sure to try the pretzels served with beer cheese sauce or the Korean BBQ cauliflower topped with chives and sesame seeds and served with ranch dressing.
Broken Records is at 85 Guest St., Boston. Trivia registration starts at 6 pm and trivia begins at 6:30 pm. The kitchen closes at 9 pm. Teams must consist of two to six people. Hours vary by week.
The Lord of Cries
This weekend, for one night only, the Boston Modern Orchestra Project and Odyssey Opera will present the East Coast premiere of John Corigliano and Mark Adamo’s new opera, The Lord of Cries. The opera, set in Victorian London, combines the Greek tragedy The Bacchae by Euripides and Bram Stoker’s Gothic classic Dracula into “a fever dream of ecstasy and ruin.”
The Lord of Cries is Saturday, November 19, at 7:30 pm, at the New England Conservatory’s Jordan Hall, 30 Gainsborough St., Boston. Purchase tickets here.
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