The Weekender: February 1 to 4

Photo via iStock/Marcio Silva

February 1 to 4

February 1 is the first day of Black History Month, and several groups across campus are collaborating on a kickoff party in the Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground. Elsewhere in Boston, see what the hype behind Moulin Rouge! The Musical is all about, take the African-American Patriots Freedom Trail tour, or attend a Lunar New Year Flower Market pop-up.

Black History Month Kickoff

Stop by a Black History Month kickoff celebration at the Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground. Cohosted by the College of Arts & Sciences Diversity & Inclusion office, African American & Black Diaspora Studies, Umoja (BU’s Black student union), and several other groups, the event is meant to provide space for the BU community to gather and connect. There will be snacks and drinks in addition to a raffle. 

Thursday, February 1, 3 to 5 pm, Howard Thurman Center for Common Ground, Event Space 104, 808 Commonwealth Ave., Boston. RSVP not required.

Piano Faculty Recital

Join Boaz Sharon, a College of Fine Arts professor of piano, for a night of Gershwin, Poulenc, Ravel, and other classical composers at CFA. Over the years, Sharon has performed and taught at the Royal Academy of Music in London, Cambridge University, and Shanghai and Beijing concert halls, and boasts quite a repertoire. The event is free and open to the public.

Thursday, February 1, 7:30 to 9 pm, College of Fine Arts, Room 175, 855 Commonwealth Ave., Boston.

The Institute of Contemporary Art Free Thursday Nights

Here’s a tip: the Institute of Contemporary Art hosts free Thursday nights from 5 to 9 pm. The ICA’s permanent collections stand out for their 20th- and 21st-century female anchorage. Works by Louise Bourgeois, Doris Salcedo, and Eva Hesse bedeck Boston’s contemporary creative space. The museum’s visual arts program features major thematic exhibitions, leading local artists, and new commissions, all more than worthy of a Thursday evening visit. We recommend booking tickets at 10 am on the day of release. 

Thursday, February 1, 5 to 9 pm, Institute of Contemporary Art, 25 Harbor Shore Drive, Boston. Reserve tickets here. 

SoWa First Fridays

Elite holiday markets aren’t all SoWa has to offer. On the first Friday of every month, more than 80 galleries, showrooms, shops, and artists open their doors to an evening of celebration and inspiration. Foodies can expect to find a few food trucks on site.

Friday, February 2, 5 to 9 pm, SoWa Art + Design District, 450 Harrison Ave., Boston.

Lunar New Year Flower Market

Those born in the Year of the Dragon tend to be bold, confident, strong, and charismatic. At this Lunar New Year Flower Market pop-up, purchase a hyacinth for the “dragon” in your life; it is believed to emit positive energy to the owner’s spaces.

Friday, February 3, and Friday, February 9, 9 am to 6 pm, China Trade Center, Room 110, 2 Boylston St., Boston.

Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Based on Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 film, the 10-time Tony Award–winning show celebrates beauty, liberty, freedom, and love. The tragic tale follows Christian, a young composer, and cabaret star, Satine, and their doomed devotion to one another. This weekend closes out the jukebox musical’s time in Boston, so pay your respects and reserve a ticket now.

Through February 4, various times, Citizens Bank Opera House, 539 Washington St., Boston. Buy tickets here.

African-American Patriots Freedom Trail Tour

Honor Black History Month by learning about the African American patriots who fought in the Revolutionary War. The tour, led by a costumed guide, takes visitors on a 90-minute, mile-long stroll through Boston’s Park Street Church, Old Corner Bookstore, and the Old South Meeting House. 

Sunday, February 4, various times, Boston Visitor Information Center, 139 Tremont St., Boston. Buy tickets here; students get a $2 discount.