This Weekend @ BU: February 12 to 16
Hike and ice-skate your way through the long weekend, with some concerts to accompany your journey
Photo via iStock/photoguns
This Weekend @ BU: February 12 to 16
After Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow last week, six more weeks of winter appears to be upon Boston. But there are several indoor and outdoor activities this weekend where you can either take advantage of the elements or take refuge from them.
Not to mention, love is in the air in Boston this weekend, with several events centered around Valentine’s Day (or Galentine’s Day—your choice).
Tunnel of Love!
Take a stroll through this illuminated tunnel—created by the Friends of Christopher Columbus Park—featuring music, colors, and lots of hearts. In partnership with some local restaurants, you can also get a 15 percent discount on food at the Marriott Waterline restaurant or head over to Joe’s American Bar and Grill for select discounted appetizers—all you have to do is say, “I love the Tunnel of Love!” to your server. Afterwards, head over to the Frostival Ferris Wheel to see skyline views and Boston landmarks.
For those who want to keep the festivities going into the summer, you can tag @FOCCP in a Tunnel of Love picture on Instagram to win four tickets to a summer harbor sunset cruise.
The Tunnel of Love! through February 28, Rose Kennedy Greenway Christopher Columbus Park, 110 Atlantic Ave., Boston.
Boston Frostival Lodge
Pretend you’re slopeside at the Frostival Lodge in Copley Square. Firepits will keep you warm, and winter-inspired food and drinks from Eataly are available to purchase. A series of events throughout the month—from arts and crafts to silent headphone cinema to live jazz—guarantees a fun outing, whether for a date night or with a group of friends.
Boston Frostival Lodge, daily from 11 am to 9 pm through February 28, Copley Square, 560 Boylston St., Boston.
Celebrating Love in All Forms
Visit BU’s Condom Fairy Pop-Up, write Valentine’s Day cards, snap a Polaroid with friends, and trade self-love affirmations.
Thursday, February 12, 11 am to 1 pm, Warren Towers Penalty Box.
Free Skating at Lunch
Enjoy free ice-skating on the Boston Common Frog Pond with the city’s new program, Skating at Lunch. Admissions and skate rentals are free, and the Frog Pond Cafe will have discounted lunch options. If you don’t get enough on Thursday, there is another free skating event on Sunday, February 15, from 10 am to 8 pm.
Thursday, February 12, noon to 2 pm, and Sunday, February 15, 10 am to 8 pm, Boston Common Frog Pond, 38 Beacon St., Boston.
Arneis Quartet Performance
The Arneis Quartet will bring their musical talents to Boston University’s Faye G., Jo, and James Stone Gallery this Thursday afternoon. They perform a variety of programs and work with living composers, which is a “key part of the quartet’s artistic mission,” according to the group’s website. The show is an opportunity to not only indulge in music, but also show some school spirit, as all four members have a BU connection: violinist Heather Braun (BUTI’01,’02, CFA’08,’13); violinist Rose Drucker (CFA’04), a College of Fine Arts lecturer in performance; violist Daniel Doña (CFA’05,’09), a CFA senior lecturer in performance; and cellist Agnes Kim (CFA’10), a CFA lecturer in performance.
Thursday, February 12, noon to 1 pm, Faye G., Jo, and James Stone Gallery, BU College of Fine Arts, 855 Commonwealth Ave. The event is free.
Art-Making After Dark
Once a month, Boston’s Institute of Contemporary Art hosts a free art-making activity designed by local artists and meant for all levels of experience. This Thursday’s event is titled Fabric of Community, and will be led by artist Susan Thompson, who specializes in textile, fiber, and mixed-media work. Thompson will teach participants about quilting and embroidery, with an opportunity for guests to make their own quilt square. The event is free, and participants can also explore the galleries or indulge in the ICA Wine + Coffee Bar.
Thursday, February 12, 6 to 8:30 pm, Institute of Contemporary Art, 25 Harbor Shore Dr.ive, Boston. Participants meet in the State Street Corporation Lobby. Admission is first come, first served and is meant for adult audiences.
Boston University Symphony Orchestra
Keep the musical festivities going with the BU Symphony Orchestra, which will kick off the second semester this Friday. The concert starts with Jessie Montgomery’s Caught by the Wind, then Johannes Brahms’ Variations on a Theme by Haydn. Following intermission, there will be a Korngold Violin Concerto that includes CFA 2025 competition winner Juan Shin (CFA’24,’29), and the evening will finish with Wagner’s Tannhäuser Overture.
Friday, February 13, 7:30 to 9:30 pm, Tsai Performance Center, 685 Commonwealth Ave; admission is free.
Winter Hike and Cafe Stop: Lonesome Lake
Participants in this BU Outdoor Programs event are heading this weekend to Lonesome Lake in the White Mountain National Forest for a 1.5-mile hike. The Lonesome Lake Trail takes hikers through the forest to the shore of the lake, where they’ll be able to see views of Franconia Ridge. There’s also a mid-hike stop at Lonesome Lake Hut, which is one of the Appalachian Mountain Club’s historic White Mountain backcountry huts. Find more details and register here.
Saturday, February 14, 6 am to 6 pm. Participants meet at the BU Fitness & Recreation Center, 915 Commonwealth Ave., and transportation from there will be provided. Tickets are $35 for FitRec members and $40 for non-FitRec members.