The Weekender: April 18 to 21

Photo via iStock/Frazao Studio Latino

April 18 to 21

There’s a different feeling in the spring air. The sun is (finally) coming out of hibernation, flowers are blooming on Comm Ave, and Earth Day is just around the corner. Looking to maximize your time in the sun? We have you covered. Join a campus walk, swap clothes at an Earth Day block party, or pitch in to help clean up the Charles River Esplanade—just get outside!

La Clemenza di Tito

Steeped in spite, Mozart’s penultimate opera, La clemenza di Tito (The Clemency of Titus) centers on a conflicted emperor’s internal struggle between mercy and revenge. This rendition is a coproduction of the BU College of Fine Arts Opera Institute and the School of Theatre and features a student orchestra. 

Thursday, April 18, through Sunday, April 21, Tsai Performance Center, 685 Commonwealth Ave. Reserve tickets ($15) and find dates and times here.

Happy Terrier Walk

Looking to de-stress, take in the spring air, get some steps in, and meet new people? Take a walk, pal! No, seriously. The Happy Terrier Walks are a new (as of fall 2023) program coled by BU Student Wellbeing and FitRec that promotes the restorative power of a simple walk to boost spirits and forge connections. Walks start at Marsh Plaza and progress to the Charles River Esplanade; learn more about the program here.

Friday, April 19, 1 pm, Marsh Plaza, 735 Commonwealth Ave. Happy Terrier Walks are free and open to undergraduates and graduate students. Register here.

Community Garden Work Day

Join the School of Theology’s Faith & Ecological Justice Program for an afternoon of peaceful and meditative gardening in one of BU’s three beautiful community gardens. If you don’t mind getting a little dirty and sweaty for a good cause (horticulture), you’ll be sure to enjoy an afternoon in the historic Fenway Victory Gardens for a few hours of weeding, planting, and teamwork.

Saturday, April 20, 10 am to 1 pm, starting at Warren Towers, 700 Commonwealth Ave. Sign up for this free event here.

Charles River Esplanade Clean Up

If you’re not a fan of gardening but want to get some outdoor volunteering in ahead of Earth Day, consider logging some time helping pick up litter on the Charles River Esplanade. Join BU Student Wellbeing and the Esplanade Association for a morning of camaraderie and Earth Day vibes while cleaning the section of the Esplanade closest to campus. The Esplanade Association will provide gloves and trash-collecting tools; bring your own water bottle.

Saturday, April 20, 10 am to noon. This event is free and open to the BU community. Register here and receive an email with a meeting location. 

Earth Day Block Party with Sustainable Swaps

The Sustainable Swaps mission is simple: lower the impact of fast fashion in the Boston ecosystem by repurposing worn clothing. Think thrift, with an eventful twist. This Sunday, founder Mireya Zellner is putting together a pre–Earth Day celebration that includes a clothing swap (bring a blanket and old clothes), live DJs, free yerba mate tea, an Earth-centered photo booth, arts and crafts, and free skateboarding lessons with Lonely Bones Skate Club.

Sunday, April 21, 2 to 6 pm, One Fern St., Boston.

Massachusetts Space Week 2024

Movie screenings, stargazing, trivia nights, and hackathons: Massachusetts Space Week first launched six years ago with the goal of democratizing knowledge of outer space and connecting Massachusetts-based experts to enthusiasts and the starstruck public. This year’s theme is Space Safety and Security. Access to events are on a first-come, first-served basis, and events are accessible only to those who have filled out the information form. 

Through Monday, April 22. Find event dates, times, and locations here.