The Weekender: March 7 to 10

Photo via iStock/FXQuadro

March 7 to 10

Spring break is upon us—but, hey, traveling can be overrated. If you’re sticking around Boston this weekend, take the time to rekindle your love affair with the city’s revolutionary offerings and hidden gems. From an International Women’s Day breakfast to Harpoon’s St. Patrick’s Festival (yes, one week early), kick off your week of relaxation right, Beantown-style.

And don’t forget to “spring ahead” this Sunday, when daylight saving time ends.

Robert Lowell Memorial Poetry Reading

Pulitzer Prize–winning poet Robert Traill Spence Lowell IV was born in 1917 to a Boston Brahmin family with Mayflower roots. His work contributed to the confessional poetry movement, and he is widely regarded as one of the most important poets of the postwar era. On Thursday, another Pulitzer laureate, Philip Schultz, will join Milica Mijatović (GRS’20) to celebrate Lowell’s opus with readings, a reception, and a book signing.

Thursday, March 7, 7:30 to 8:30 pm, BU Hillel River Room, 213 Bay State Road.

Harpoon St. Patrick’s Festival

It’s never too early to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Boston. Never. Harpoon Brewery’s two-day treat will feature traditional Irish music and live performances from the city’s best cover bands. “The biggest event in Beyond Wrestling history,” known as the Shamrock Slam, according to the wrestling promotion, will kick off Friday’s festivities at the brewery, featuring international challengers and several hometown heroes. 

Friday, March 8, 6 to 11 pm, and Saturday, March 9, noon to 7 pm, 306 Northern Ave., Boston. Purchase tickets here. This event is 21-plus.

Queer Voices 10-Minute Play Festival

This weekend, the Boston Theater Company presents a revue of 10-minute plays by queer playwrights, centering around LGBTQ+ issues. Pop in on one of the fest’s three performance days and check out seven micro-productions for the price of one, while taking in some of the city’s premier theatrical talent.

Friday, March 8, and Saturday, March 9, 7:30 to 9 pm, and Sunday, March 10, 2 to 3:30 pm. Tickets are pay what you wish, with a minimum of $5. Purchase them here. 

Rock ‘N’ Skate at Warrior Ice Arena

Out of the way, Bruins—it’s all about the music at Warrior Ice Arena’s Friday night Rock ’N’ Skate sessions. Rent skates or bring your own and hit the ice for an hour of wild tunes spun by a live DJ. Like your double axels with a side of Axl Rose? This is the event for you. 

Friday, March 8, 9 to 9:50 pm at Warrior Ice Arena, 90 Guest St., Brighton. Admission is $15 and ice skates may be rented on site. Register here.

International Women’s Day Breakfast

Break barriers and build bridges at Boston’s annual International Women’s Day Breakfast, where local gender equity organizations will gather to highlight the achievements of women around the world. The breakfast, which launched 26 years ago, will feature more than 50 organizations that continue to break Boston’s gendered glass ceiling. A panel discussion, moderated by WCVB Channel 5’s CityLine host Karen Holmes Ward, is set to include competitive powerlifter Avery Covitz, WBZ-TV reporter Katrina Kincade, and Celia Johnston Blue, founder and CEO of the Massachusetts Women of Color Coalition.

Friday, March 8, 9 am to noon, Simmons University, 300 Fenway, Boston. RSVP here.

Dine Out Boston

Dine Out Boston is back, which means your favorite lunch and dinner spots will be slinging affordable eats for seven delicious days. College students and local foodies alike can dine on the cheap and expect prix fixe lunch and dinner menus at four different price points: $22, $27, $32, and $36 for lunch, and $36, $41, $46, and $55 for dinner, depending on the spot. Participants this year include Trattoria Il Panino, Earls Kitchen + Bar, and Bistro du Midi, to name a few.

Sunday, March 10, through Saturday, March 23. View participating restaurants here.