The Weekender: September 19 to 22

Photo courtesy of Downtown Boston Arts Market

September 19 to 22

With the first official day of fall (September 22) closing in fast, Boston is buzzing with events to welcome the season. Whether you’re craving cozy vibes or classic New England charm, this weekend has it all, including a college festival, a new opera starring BU talent, and a peaceful yoga class in the Seaport. 

Downtown Boston Arts Market

Every Thursday and Friday through late October, the Downtown Boston Arts Market transforms Downtown Crossing’s Summer Street Plaza into a vibrant hub of art and creativity. This lively market showcases a variety of local artisans and small businesses, offering handcrafted goods, such as jewelry, wood carvings, metal sculptures, clothing, and more. It’s the perfect place to explore unique finds, support local and minority-owned businesses, and immerse yourself in Boston’s art scene. 

Thursday, September 19, and Friday, September 20, 11 am to 5 pm, 10 Summer St., Boston.

The Boston Film Festival

This year, the Boston Film Festival celebrates its 40th anniversary with a festival-record six world premieres and a stellar lineup, including cutting-edge indie films, must-see documentaries, shorts, animated works, and a brand-new sports category. Standout premieres include Sheepdog (an indie drama about a combat veteran) and Any Day Now (a fictional film about the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum art theft), both filmed locally in Massachusetts, along with the East Coast premiere of Max Dagan (about a young man fighting to get his father out of prison). This festival is your backstage pass to the best in cinema and the perfect way to reel in the weekend.

Thursday, September 19, to Monday, September 23, at various locations around the Boston area. For more details and ticket information, check out the official schedule on the Boston Film Festival website.

Stretch and the City

Sex and the City is all about finding balance in a bustling urban life—and the free yoga class Stretch and the City captures that same essence (swapping Manolos for sneakers). Presented by Lifeway Kefir, this event is found weekly at the Summer Street Steps in the Seaport and welcomes all levels of practice to explore flexibility, strength, and mindfulness. Led by yoga instructor Therlande, you’ll flow through breath-driven movements and get to snack on Lifeway Kefir’s products when you’re done. 

Friday, September 20, noon, Summer Street Steps, 400 Summer St., Boston. Register here.

Is This America?

The White Snake Projects civil rights opera Is This America? will have its world premiere at the Strand Theatre in Dorchester this weekend. This powerful production tells the story of Fannie Lou Hamer, a civil rights activist from Mississippi, who in the 1960s galvanized Black people in her state to register to vote, at a time when it was dangerous to do so. The opera is packed with BU talent: the creative team includes scenic designer Baron Pugh (CFA’18), costume designer Chloe Moore (CFA’21), lighting designer Aja Jackson (CFA’18), stage manager Renee Yancey (CFA’18), and production manager and technical director Jeffrey Petersen (CFA’18).

Friday, September 20, at 8 pm, Saturday, September 21, at 7:30 pm, and Sunday, September 22, at 2 pm, Strand Theatre, 543 Columbia Rd., Dorchester. Buy tickets here. 

CollegeFest Boston

Get ready for the ultimate back-to-school bash! The 37th annual CollegeFest is taking over Boston’s iconic Citizens House of Blues, making it the must-attend event for all college students. CollegeFest promises to be packed with giveaways (like Red Sox tickets and gift cards), DJs, and interactive experiences.

Sunday, September 22, 11 am to 5 pm, Citizens House of Blues, 15 Lansdowne St., Boston. Reserve a free spot here; you must bring your student ID to enter.