The Weekender: May 1 to 4

Photo courtesy of SoWa Boston

May 1 to 4

Well, Terriers, you made it! May 1 is the last day of classes as well as the first day of May. No matter your year at BU, finishing the semester is a big accomplishment that should not go uncelebrated. And you’re in luck, because we’ve created a list of some exciting happenings in and around the city this weekend, when you need a break from studying and final papers. Whether you’re looking for a good laugh or hoping to see some artwork, we’ve got you covered.

Visual Arts Thesis Exhibitions

If you’ve got an interest in art, be sure to stop by BU Art Galleries to check out the thesis exhibitions that showcase the hard work of undergraduate and graduate School of Visual Arts students. Catch the undergrad exhibition at 808 Gallery and the graduate exhibition at the Stone Gallery; both have receptions on Friday, from 5 to 8 pm.

BFA thesis exhibition, through May 10, 808 Gallery, 808 Commonwealth Ave., Boston; MFA thesis exhibition, through May 18, Stone Gallery, 855 Commonwealth Ave., Boston. 

Liquid Fun’s Last Improv Show of the Semester

If you’re not yet familiar with Liquid Fun, ii’s BU’s short- and long-form improv comedy troupe—comprised entirely of BU students—that puts on free shows monthly that garner impressive (and enthusiastic) crowds. Held in BU Central, Thursday’s show is guaranteed to be a good one, as the group bids farewell to its four graduating seniors.

Thursday, May 1, 8 pm, BU Central, 775 Commonwealth Ave., Boston. This event is free.

BU Undergraduate Affairs Experiential Learning Expo

This large-scale annual event, organized by BU Undergraduate Affairs, is a recognition of the students who completed projects as part of the Cross-College Challenge, the Learning Assistant Program, and the CDS Duan Family Spark! Initiative. Students involved in these initiatives will present their work and findings by way of posters and on-stage presentations.

Friday, May 2, 3 to 7 pm, first and second floors of the Duan Family Center for Computing & Data Sciences, 665 Commonwealth Ave., Boston. This event is free to attend, but anyone planning to go should register at this link.

SoWa First Friday and Art Walk

SoWa First Fridays are a monthly open studios tradition, where attendees can browse the work of over 80 local artists and vendors. But this Friday is particularly special, as it is not only May’s First Friday event, but also the kickoff to SoWa’s annual Art Walk, which will continue through the weekend. The Art Walk is a unique opportunity: SoWa artists set up small working studios in the venue, and anyone walking through can watch art being created in real time.

First Friday: Friday, May 2, 5 to 9 pm; Art Walk: Friday, May 2, 5 to 9 pm, Saturday, May 3, 11 am to 5 pm, and Sunday, May 4, 11 am to 5 pm, 450 Harrison Ave., Boston. These events are free to attend, but bring cash for any purchases you might want to make while there.

The 2nd Annual Rhythm N’ Spice Hot Sauce Festival

It’s going to be hot in Cambridge’s Kendall Square on Saturday—and not just temperature-wise. For the second consecutive year, the Rhythm N’ Spice Hot Sauce Festival will return to the neighborhood for a day of spicy celebrations, complete with chef demonstrations, tastings, and live entertainment. New for 2025 is a visit from the “UK Chilli Queen,” Shahina Waseem, who will lead Boston’s first League of Fire chilli eating competition. The day is broken up into two sessions: the first running from noon to 4 pm, and the second from 4:30 to 8:30 pm.

Saturday, May 3, noon to 8:30 pm, The Foundry, 101 Rogers St., Kendall Square, Cambridge. Purchase tickets (which cost $12) ​​here.

Boston Theater Marathon at Boston Playwrights’ Theatre

Organized by Boston Playwrights’ Theatre, the Boston Theater Marathon (BTM) returns for the first time since the pandemic. At its core, this event is a celebration of local playwrights and theater companies, featuring 50 different 10-minute plays written and performed by New England residents. The “theater endurance event” will not only provide audience members with opportunities to watch a wide variety of plays throughout the day, but will also include a “block party” in the middle of the day, where performers and attendees can rest and grab a bite to eat. The proceeds from the Boston Theater Marathon will benefit the Theatre Community Benevolent Fund (TCBF), an organization that seeks to provide “no-strings funding” to artists in times of emergencies.

Sunday, May 4, 11 am to 10 pm, Boston Playwrights’ Theatre, 949 Commonwealth Ave., Boston. Purchase tickets here.