The Weekender: September 26 to 29

Photo courtesy of MFA

September 26 to 29

Are classes finally catching up with you? Has that start-of-semester idealization of college officially run its course? If you’re feeling the need for a break, you’ll get the chance this weekend. Classes officially end at 1 pm Friday to give people a chance to watch the inauguration of BU’s 11th president, Melissa L. Gilliam and attend a party at FitRec after. Elsewhere in the city this weekend, there are cultural celebrations, a road race, and a donut and hard cider fest.

Latinx Heritage Night

September is National Hispanic Heritage Month, and this weekend you can visit the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, to discover the roots behind one of the art world’s most prolific cultures. The night is dedicated to Latinx communities all over the United States and is held in partnership with Amplify Latinx, Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción, and CineFest Latino Boston. The night’s activities include art by Latinx artists, live music, dance performances, and tote bag painting, all in celebration of Latinx voices in fine art.

Thursday, September 26, 5 to 10 pm, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, 465 Huntington Ave. The MFA is free for all BU students; there is special pricing to this event for the general public, with a $5 minimum pay-what-you-wish general admission.

The Inauguration of Melissa L. Gilliam

It’s been 19 years since BU last ushered in a new president, and Melissa L. Gilliam’s inauguration is sure to be a historic one. Although we have cataloged the big list of events happening this week, Friday’s installation ceremony is the largest and most important. Classes officially end at 1 pm to give folks a chance to attend or watch via live stream. Afterward, a party for the BU community will be held at FitRec.

Friday, September 27, 2 pm, Agganis Arena, 925 Commonwealth Ave. Attend in person (RSVP required; when arriving at Agganis, attendees will need to scan the QR code they received in their email) or watch the live stream here. The Charles River Campus Community Celebration will immediately follow the ceremony at the Fitness & Recreation Center 4-Court Gymnasium, 915 Commonwealth Ave.

Jazz Square Celebration

Jazz Square—the area in Boston between Massachusetts and Columbus Avenues—once had a rich, vibrant jazz scene, with iconic spots like Savoy Cafe, Hi-Hat Club, and Eddie’s Cafe. The area is now officially recognized as a historic hub for jazz in Boston, and this weekend-long tribute celebrates the deep culture of jazz engrained in Boston’s history, with community events, walking tours, concerts (some 21-plus), and visual arts installations. The events are supported by the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture and other community groups.

Friday, September 27, and Saturday, September 28; check the schedule for times and locations.

Hard Cider & Doughnut Fest

For those of us who aren’t the biggest fans of pumpkin spice latte, this weekend’s Hard Cider & Doughnut Fest is a chance to find a whole new slew of cozy beverages. Part bar hop, part sweet celebration, the fest showcases seven local venues around Boston that specialize in comfort food and drink. The day is filled with hundreds of free donuts and other surprises, perfect for ringing in the boots-and-scarves look.

Saturday, September 28, 2 to 8 pm. The event starts at 61-63 Chatham St., Boston. Purchase tickets, from $25.99, here; they include two free donuts. Event is 21-plus.

22nd Annual Brian J. Honan 5K Road Race

Just steps away from BU’s campus, runners and walkers will gather in Allston-Brighton to support the Brian J. Honan Charitable Fund, named for the late Boston city councilor who represented Allston and Brighton and died in 2002 following surgery. Today, the charitable fund supports local and national programs in the areas of education, housing, recreation, and healthcare. This is the race’s 22nd year, and it remains a great way to support a good cause and get some outdoor time while weather permits.

Sunday, September 29, noon to 1 pm, CVS parking lot, 181 Brighton Ave., Allston. Registration is free for all BU students, faculty, and staff with promo code “BU.” Participants can pick up their race numbers on Saturday, September 28, from 10 am to 2 pm at FitRec, 915 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, or on race day starting at 10:30 am at the CVS parking lot. Race begins at noon.