Photo via iStock/Steve Rosenbach

Things-to-do

This Weekend @ BU: September 17 to 20

A food festival, film festival, women’s soccer Patriot League home opener, and more

As classes start and assignments begin to pile up, you may feel the need to relax and take a break. We’ve put together a list of fun, stress-relieving activities taking place this weekend on and off campus. Take a look!

Poetry is a Culture of People: A Celebration of Nikki Giovanni

BU Libraries Special Collections and the Howard Gotlieb Archival Research Center are celebrating the public opening of the papers of acclaimed poet and activist Nikki Giovanni with a daylong series of events including a screening of the documentary Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project and a talk with the filmmakers, followed by a reception and poetry reading with noted poets Julieanna Richardson, Tony Medina, Porsha Olayiwola, and Saeed Jones. And be sure to check out the related exhibit, Poetry is the Culture of a People: Understanding Nikki Giovanni through her Archive,on display in Mugar Library,

Thursday, September 17, 2 to 7 pm, George Sherman Union, second floor.

Institute of Contemporary Art’s Art-Making After Dark: Go Figure

In collaboration with the Boston Figurative Art Center, the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) invites both beginner and experienced artists for a night of creativity. Attendees can participate in live-model drawing and a “portrait party,” where they can create portraits based on “laugh-out-loud prompts.” The event is free and welcomes adult audiences.

Thursday, September 17, 6 pm, 25 Harbor Shore Drive, Boston.

The 2026 Boston Film Festival 

This is a must for cinephiles! The Boston Film Festival celebrates its 42nd anniversary with a diverse slate of films highlighting some of the most creative filmmakers working today. This year’s program features the world premiere of three feature films and three documentaries, as well as a live animated shorts and live narrative shorts program.

The Boston Film Festival runs September 17 to 21 at various locations in and around Boston. Find more details and locations here. 

Breath, Rhythm & Music for Your Wellbeing

Sponsored by Student Wellbeing, this workshop teaches rhythmic breath control—a yoga technique rooted in Naad Yog, the yoga of sound. The sessions are designed to help participants develop resilience and improve their overall wellbeing. The workshops are taught by Igor Iwanek, a CFA lecturer in music and music theory.

Friday, September 18, 9:05 to 9:55 am in CFA room 414 (855 Comm Ave) and from 10:10 to 11 am and 11:15 am to 12:05 pm, in CFA room 216.

Women’s Soccer Hosts Navy in Patriot League Home Opener

Cheer on the Terriers when they take on Navy in their Patriot League home opener this weekend and enjoy the gorgeous fall weather. Can’t make it to the game? You can stream it live on ESPN+

Saturday, September 19, starting at noon on Nickerson Field. 

Campfire and S’mores: Bertozzi Conservation Area

Gather around the campfire with BU Outdoor Programs for a fun night in nature near the Squannacook River in Groton, Mass. During this laid-back day trip, students can make s’mores, chat with new friends around a campfire, and relax in the great outdoors. The cost is $35 for members, $40 for nonmembers, and includes roundtrip transportation from BU ‘s Fitness and Recreation Center to the location.

Sunday, September 20, 4 to 10 pm, FitRec, 915 Commonwealth Ave., Boston.

Boston Local Food Festival

The Sustainable Business Network’s Boston Local Food Program is hosting its annual Boston Local Food Festival this Sunday on the Rose Kennedy Greenway. The event features nearly 100 food and beverage vendors, including Captain Squid, Nomu, Bombay Pop, and Crepe Shop Boston. Visitors can also participate in cooking demonstrations and a “Seafood Throwdown” highlighting cooking with locally caught, values-based seafood and locally grown produce. The festival will also feature a “Family Fun Zone” with games, face painting, and more. 

Sunday September 20, 11 am to 5 pm, Rose Kennedy Greenway, 191 Atlantic Ave., Boston.