The Weekender: October 12 to 15

Photo courtesy of Franklin Park Zoo

October 12 to 15

The semester may be busy, but this weekend is packed with exciting activities and events to help you unwind. Check out some of the incredible films at the Boston Asian American Film Festival or pick up your next read at the Boston Book Festival. Want to get out of the city? Head to Salem for some pre-Halloween scares and the opportunity to bask in the autumn spirit.

Virtual Livestream: Werner Herzog on His New Memoir

Renowned filmmaker Werner Herzog is coming to WBUR’s CitySpace to talk about his highly anticipated new memoir, Every Man for Himself and God Against All (Penguin Press, 2023). The celebrated filmmaker and author was born in Munich, Germany, in 1942, and spent most of his impoverished childhood in the Bavarian countryside before teaching himself to make films. What followed is an illustrious career that can only be described as “legendary.” The discussion will be led by Here & Now cohost Robin Young, and although the in-person event is sold out, WBUR is offering tickets to the virtual livestream for $5.

Thursday, October 12, at 6:30 pm via livestream. Visit the WBUR website to buy tickets and learn more about the event.

Boston Asian American Film Festival (BAAFF)

For 15 years, BAAFF has been New England’s largest Asian American film festival. It has highlighted the experiences of being Asian in America while platforming up-and-coming filmmakers. On this year’s BAAFF lineup are six feature films with accompanying filmmaker Q&A sessions. There’s also a virtual short film program, which includes the beloved Queer & Here series highlighting queer experiences and self-expression. Feature films will be screened in person at the Emerson Paramount Center and the shorts will be available for on-demand virtual viewing.

BAAFF in-person feature film screenings will be held at the Emerson Paramount Center, 559 Washington St., Boston, from October 13 through 15. Shorts will be available for on-demand virtual screenings from October 13 through 23. Individual film tickets are $15 to $20; all-access festival passes are $150. A short film pass is $60. Visit the ArtsEmerson website for tickets and a full schedule.

The Boston Printmakers 2023 North American Print Biennial

The North American Print Biennial showcases some of North America’s best and most exciting printmakers. The juried selection of art prints reflects both traditional printmaking techniques and digital and interdisciplinary methods. An introductory juror’s lecture by Elizabeth M. Rudy, the Carl A. Weyerhaeuser Curator of Prints at the Harvard Art Museums, is Saturday, October 14, followed by a public reception. The exhibition runs through December 9.

The exhibition is being held at BU’s 808 Gallery, 808 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, from October 8 through December 9. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 am to 5 pm, and is free and open to the public. The juror’s lecture will be held Saturday, October 14, from 1 to 2 pm, at the CFA School of Visual Arts Auditorium, 855 Commonwealth Ave., followed by a public reception, from 2 to 5 pm, at the 808 Gallery.

Boston Book Festival

Readers, rejoice! Boston’s reading celebration of the year returns to Copley Square this Saturday, with more than 70 informational and entertaining events across seven locations, featuring nearly 200 authors. The Boston Book Festival kicks off at the beautiful Old South Church with a keynote from acclaimed author Rick Riordan, who will share behind-the-scenes looks at the world of his Percy Jackson & the Olympians series for young readers. Bibliophiles are also encouraged to stop in for a festival discussion session on special topics like how extremism grows, queer horror, and refugee stories. Take a look at the full schedule of events and be sure to pick up your next read from the Copley Square festival, where you can also catch local musicians performing on the Berklee festival stage. It’s a jam-packed day!

The Boston Book Festival is Saturday, October 14, from 10 am to 6 pm, at seven locations around Copley Square. Check out the festival website for more information.

Fenway Flea

Every Sunday since June 4, the Station in the Fenway transforms into a bustling community of thrifters, vintage collectors, and people looking for a lucky find. Fenway Flea is a concept from Original Markets, a platform launched by Berklee graduate Megan Fehling to highlight small businesses and increase their exposure. Fenway Flea brings together numerous vendors selling a curated selection of vintage clothing, jewelry, upcycled garments, art, candles, and much more. The weekly market closes for the season at the end of October, so be sure to check out the amazing products before they’re gone.

Sunday, October 15, from noon to 5 pm at the Station in the Fenway, 1400 Boylston St., Boston.

Boston Lights: A Lantern Experience

Check out a stunning 72-acre expanse of lights and lanterns at the Franklin Park Zoo, complete with an 80-foot illuminated dragon tunnel, twinkling pagodas of ancient China, and radiant models of the Great Sphinx and pyramids of Egypt. There’s even a coral reef with Australian marine life—all created with illuminated wire and fiber. The lantern experience was created in partnership with Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc., with each lantern designed by skilled professionals who paint, sew, and glue the displays by hand. The last day to check out Boston Lights is October 29, so this weekend is a perfect time to head to the zoo.

Every day through October 29, from 6 to 10:30 pm (last entrance is at 9:30 pm), at the Franklin Park Zoo, One Franklin Park Rd., Boston.

Visit Salem via Commuter Rail

With Halloween quickly approaching, now is a perfect time to check out what is arguably the spookiest city in the United States. The bewitching town sees a huge uptick in tourism during the fall. And since this year marks the city’s 40th annual Haunting Happenings festival, it’s sure to be crowded around Halloween. Since parking will likely be extremely limited or unavailable, the best way to get to Salem is with the $10 passes for unlimited weekend rides on the MBTA Commuter Rail. Check out the Destination Salem website for dining recommendations and fun activities, such as Gallows Hill Presents: The Lost Museum.

Take the MBTA Commuter Rail Newburyport/Rockport Line from North Station to the Salem stop. Be sure to check the timetable before you go.