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Things-to-do

This Weekend @ BU: April 16 to 20

You’re almost at the end of the school year, Terriers, and we’ve got a long weekend ahead. Monday, April 20, is Patriots’ Day (a state holiday) and the running of the 130th Boston Marathon. In addition to marathon festivities, the weekend features a School of Theatre adaptation of three Greek tragedies, a makers market, a community bike ride, and more. So take advantage of the three-day weekend—and enjoy!

Run the Gamut Makers Market

April is Autism Acceptance Month. And to mark the occasion, a local nonprofit, Run the Gamut, is hosting a makers market near West Campus. The market will showcase artists and small businesses from neurodiverse and disability communities, selling handmade goods and original work while supporting a program centered on skill-building and inclusion.

Thursday, April 16, noon to 6 pm, 930 Commonwealth Ave. Free admission.

Once Upon a Mattress

BU’s Stage Troupe brings this musical take on Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale The Princess and the Pea to the Student Theater at Agganis Arena this weekend. The show—with music by Mary Rodgers, lyrics by Marshall Barer, and book by Barer, Jay Thompson, and Dean Fuller—follows Prince Dauntless, who’s in search of a bride. A series of princesses attempt to pass unusual tests set by the queen to marry the prince. The original Broadway production made a star of Carol Burnett in the lead role as Princess Winnifred, who wins the heart of the prince. 

Thursday, April 16, and Friday, April 17, 8 pm; Saturday, April 18, 1 pm and 8 pm, Student Theater at Agganis Arena, 925 Commonwealth Ave. $9 admission for BU students, $12 for the general public. Tickets can be purchased here.

Boston Marathon Expo

Whether you are running the Boston Marathon or are a fan of the iconic race, the Bank of America Boston Marathon Expo is an event you won’t want to miss. This weekend-long convention features an official Adidas Boston Marathon store, special photo ops, interactive booths, sponsor exhibitors, and lots of merchandise for sale. For runners, the convention is an opportunity to pick up their bib numbers, race packets, and official T-shirts prior to Monday’s big race.

Friday, April 17, 10 am to 7 pm; Saturday, April 18, 9 am to 7 pm; Sunday, April 19, 9 am to 6 pm, John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center, 900 Boylston St. Free admission.

Boston Marathon Fan Fest

City Hall Plaza will host a weekend-long fan festival celebrating Marathon Monday. The event features live music, appearances from past marathon winners, and a range of family-friendly activities. Food courtesy of Greco, The Sausage Guy, Central Cafe, and Cousins Maine Lobster will be available for purchase. 

Friday, April 17, 3 to 8 pm; Saturday, April 18, 10 am to 8 pm; Sunday, April 19, 11 am to 6 pm, City Hall Plaza, 1 City Hall Square. Free admission.

BU vs. Holy Cross Field Hockey

Cheer on the BU field hockey team as they host Holy Cross in their final home game of the season at New Balance Field.

Friday, April 17, 6 pm, New Balance Field, 278 Babcock St. Free admission.

The Oresteia

This weekend, the School of Theatre presents The Oresteia, an adaptation of three plays by Aeschylus—Agamemnon, The Libation Bearers, and The Eumenides—combined into a single production. The Greek tragedy follows the cycle of violence that befalls a royal family, exploring themes of justice, revenge, and responsibility through a contemporary lens.

Friday, April 17, and Saturday, April 18, 7:30 pm; Sunday, April 19, 2 pm, Joan & Edgar Booth Theatre, 820 Commonwealth Ave. Tickets can be purchased here; discounted admission is available for BU students.

2nd Annual Boston Bicycle Day

What better way to celebrate a long spring weekend than by taking part in a community bike ride through the Emerald Necklace’s bike path? The event brings together local organizations working to create a safer biking community, combining a group ride with opportunities to take part in a casual outdoor gathering afterward.

Sunday, April 19, 1 to 3:30 pm, Forsyth Park Bluebike rental, 369 Huntington Ave. Free admission.

BU Does the Marathon: 2026

Come join fellow Terriers at the plaza of Ruggles Baptist Church, on the corner of Beacon Street and Park Drive, as they cheer on runners in the final mile and a half of the 130th Boston Marathon. While you’re at it, grab some free snacks and giveaways, and enjoy live music courtesy of the BU Band! The event is sponsored by the Student Leadership & Impact Center. 

Monday, April 20, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, corner of Beacon Street and Park Drive. Free admission.