This Weekend @ BU: January 15 to 19
Holiday weekend includes annual MLK celebration, Weeks of Welcome events, and more
This Weekend @ BU: January 15 to 19
Welcome back, Terriers! The semester begins with a long holiday weekend that honors Boston University’s most famous alum, Martin Luther King, Jr. (GRS’55, Hon.’59). In addition to the University’s annual observance of the civil rights leader’s birthday, there are lots of other events happening on and off campus, including the kickoff of Winter Weeks of Welcome, hosted by the Campus Activities Board, a local Celtic music festival, and more. So relax and explore, before the start of the new semester.
Boston Celtic Music Festival
Celebrating its 23rd year, the Boston Celtic Music Festival brings the traditions of Celtic music, song, and dance to venues across Cambridge and Somerville. Throughout the weekend, members of Greater Boston’s Irish, Scottish, Cape Breton, Quebecois, and other Celtic communities will perform at events honoring this rich musical heritage. The festival features professional touring acts alongside local musicians. And on Sunday, guests can participate in a series of workshops, which include group harmony singing, fiddling, and more. Some events are free to the public, while others require paid admission. A few events are already sold out, so make sure to book your tickets ASAP. The festival is presented by Passim, a Cambridge-based nonprofit supporting a vibrant music community through Club Passim, the Passim School of Music, and artist grants.
The Boston Celtic Music Festival begins on Thursday, January 15, 7 pm, and concludes on Sunday, January 18. Performances take place at various venues and times throughout the weekend. Purchase tickets and find a schedule of events here.
DanceWorks Boston Project: Season 28
This popular biannual dance show featuring a variety of styles—including ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, and Broadway choreography—returns to BU’s Tsai Performance Center this weekend. General admission is $30, and tickets for children under 12 are $20.
Performances are Thursday, January 15, to Saturday, January 17, 8 pm, at Tsai Performance Center, 685 Commonwealth Ave. There is also a Saturday matinee at 3:30 pm. See tickets and showtimes here.
BU Men’s Hockey vs UMass Lowell
The Boston University men’s hockey team hosts the UMass Lowell River Hawks this Friday, so head over to Agganis Arena to cheer on your fellow Terriers.
Friday, January 16, 7 pm, Agganis Arena, 925 Commonwealth Ave. Tickets can be purchased here.
BU Winter Weeks of Welcome: Snowglobe Decorating
Grab your friends or meet some new ones on Saturday at the George Sherman Union, when BU’s Campus Activities Board kicks off Winter Weeks of Welcome with a free snowglobe decorating workshop. All materials will be provided—you just need to provide the creativity.
Saturday, January 17, 6 to 8 pm, George Sherman Union, 775 Commonwealth Ave. Note: event is for undergrads only. Reserve tickets here.
Winter Weeks of Welcome: Trivia Night
If your brain is still defrosting from intersession, this is a great way to get those gears turning again. Head on over to the George Sherman Union for a rousing night of team trivia. The event includes some great prizes for winners and free boba for all guests.
Sunday, January 17, 7 to 9 pm, George Sherman Union, 775 Commonwealth Ave. Note: event is for undergrads only. Reserve tickets here.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration 2026
Boston University and the city of Boston will hold their annual observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday. The theme of this year’s celebration is Justice Indivisible: Fighting Racism, Greed, and War, inspired by a speech King (GRS’55, Hon.59) gave in 1967. The keynote address will be presented by Eve L. Ewing, best-selling author, sociologist, visual artist, and an assistant professor at the University of Chicago. The event is free and open to the public.
Monday, January 19, noon to 2 pm, Metcalf Ballroom, George Sherman Union, 775 Commonwealth Ave.
MLK Day Open House at the Museum of Fine Arts
In honor of MLK Day, the Museum of Fine Arts is offering free admission to Massachusetts residents for a series of special activities, including a mixed-media collage workshop, a guided tour of art from across the MFA’s collection that celebrates King’s legacy, a workshop on songwriting and social justice, talks, musical performances, and more.
Monday, January 19, 10 am to 5 pm, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, 465 Huntington Ave.