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Things-to-do

This Weekend @ BU November 13 to 16

Congrats on conquering midterm season, Terriers—you deserve a break. The Thanksgiving holiday is just around the corner, but we’ve put together some fun activities on and off campus to help you relax this weekend—from a free music festival to a book exchange to a vinyl record fair.

Start Where We Are Earth Music Festival 2025

Gather around a cozy fire at Somerville’s Bow Market, as emerging and established artists come together in a celebration of music, art, and environmental activism. The Start Where We Are Earth Music Festival was created in 2023 by Berklee College of Music musicians to explore how artists can make a meaningful impact on the climate crisis. This year’s festival will feature live performances, eco-friendly vendors, and opportunities to connect with local climate organizations. Food and drink will be available for purchase from Bow Market restaurants and food trucks.

Thursday, November 13, 5 to 10 pm, Bow Market, One Bow Market Way, Somerville. Free admission. 

Free Thursdays at the ICA & Art-Making After Dark

Each Thursday, the Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston opens its doors for free from 5 to 9 pm. The evening event is a great opportunity to check out new exhibitions, including An Indigenous Present, which explores 100 years of contemporary Indigenous art, and Here We Stay, a companion exhibition with photographs and stories from some of the more than 11,000 Indigenous people who reside in Greater Boston. Complimentary advance tickets are recommended and are available online beginning at 10 am, Thursday, November 13. The ICA will also host an Art-Making After Dark event, where cofounders of Relative Arts—an Indigenous-owned open studio and shop—will guide participants through creating a collage. Participation is drop-in on a first-come, first-served basis.

Thursday, November 13, 5 to 9 pm, Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston, 100 Northern Ave., Boston. Free admission.

Brookline Senior Center Craft Fair and Rummage Sale

Ready. Set. Shop! This two-day craft fair and rummage sale features two floors of vintage clothing, jewelry, handmade crafts, and baked goods. Proceeds directly support the Brookline Senior Center’s programming and services. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase for the chance to win gifts from local Brookline businesses. Be sure to bring cash—credit cards are not accepted.

Friday, November 14, 10 am to 4 pm, and Saturday, November 15, 10 am to 3 pm, Brookline Senior Center, 93 Winchester St., Brookline.

ASL Ball 2025

This weekend, the BU Deaf Studies Club hosts its annual ASL Ball, which celebrates Deaf culture on campus and provides BU students a chance to practice their ASL in a spontaneous and authentic setting. It’s also a great opportunity for students to connect with the Deaf community outside the classroom. Nico DiMarco, a deaf DJ, will set the mood, and there will also be games, a photo booth, and light refreshments. Formal wear is suggested and the event is free for all BU students. 

Friday, November 14, 7 to 10 pm, Questrom Ballroom (9th floor), One Silber Way, Boston. Free admission for BU students; $5 for non-BU students.

Cambridge Record Fair

Vinyl record dealers from around the Northeast are gathering in Cambridge on Saturday to celebrate the first-ever Cambridge Record Fair. The event will include more than 40 tables containing about 50,000 vinyl records. Early admission begins at 9 am for $10, which includes entry in a raffle for gift certificates and a $50 shopping spree at the fair—and the first 300 people to arrive before 11 am receive a free Recordville tote bag. General admission begins at 11 am for $5. A DJ will be spinning tunes all day, and food and drinks from Lingo Cafe+Bar will be available for purchase.

Saturday, November 15, early admission, 9 am to 11 am, general admission, 11 am to 5 pm, EF Building, 2 Education Circle, Cambridge. 

Night of BU A Cappella

Here’s an event you won’t want to miss: BU’s biggest a cappella concert of the year, featuring performances by all 13 BU a cappella groups. Live out your Pitch Perfect dreams and cheer on your friends and classmates at this free show.

Saturday, November 15, 8 to 10:30 pm, Tsai Performance Center, 685 Commonwealth Ave., Boston. Free admission.

Book Swap and Social

Take a book and leave a book at this free book-swapping event hosted by the West End Museum. Bring your gently used books to swap with other book lovers—and stay for a bit to chat. During the event, the museum will unveil a new Little Free Library in honor of Fanny Goldstein, former director of the West End branch of the Boston Public Library and the founder of Jewish Book Week. Suggested admission “price” is one book to swap, although the museum will have extras on hand. 

Sunday, November 16, 3 to 5 pm, West End Museum, 150 Staniford St., Suite 7, Boston. 

Style Exchange: Southie Thrift Market

Clean out your closet—or add a few more items—at this secondhand clothing exchange. Whether you’re a fashion lover, all about sustainability, or just looking to make some extra cash, this is the place for you. There is a $5 entry fee for all shoppers, which includes complimentary drink and food samples. If you’d like to consign your clothes, you must reserve a spot in advance. Clothing racks for selling are provided, but you’ll have to bring your own hangers.

Sunday, November 16, 11 am to 2 pm, PKL Boston, 64 C St., South Boston.