The Weekender: April 24 to 27

Photo via Pexels/Kampus Production

April 24 to 27

Next week is the final full week of classes for the spring semester. With spring in full swing, it’s a great time to explore the city. And there’s plenty to do off-campus this weekend. On tap: a talent show (winners will score free tickets to the Boston Calling music festival), great vintage shopping, a new beer garden for those 21+, and much more. Take a look. 

“Fenway’s Got Talent” at Time Out Market

Calling all singers, comics, and performers: Time Out Market is hosting a talent show Thursday night. We hope you’ve been rehearsing, because this is your last chance to move on to the final round of competition on May 1, where free weekend passes to May’s Boston Calling music festival will be awarded to the two highest scoring acts. Too shy to take the stage? Come on out anyway and cheer on the contestants. And while you’re there, enjoy a delicious meal from one of the market’s many vendors—from chicken and waffles to seafood, burgers, barbecue, and pizza. 

Thursday, April 24, 7 pm, Time Out Market, 401 Park Drive, Boston. Admission to the talent show is free. Register here. Those interested in participating should reserve a spot here.

Friday Night Trivia at Trident Booksellers & Cafe

Who won the first Academy Award for Best Actor? What date did the Revolutionary War begin? What is the world’s longest river? If you’re a trivia fan, try your mettle at Trident Booksellers & Cafe’s weekly Trivia night. The popular Newbury Street bookstore is known for its lively evening events, including bingo, speed dating, and of course, trivia. Teams of up to six can compete and prizes are awarded to the top-three teams. The event consists of seven rounds of trivia. Seating both upstairs and downstairs is available on a first come, first served basis and the bookstore sells food and beverages so you can enjoy a meal or snack while vying for top prize. Gather a team and give it your best shot!

Friday, April 25, 7 to 9 pm, Trident Booksellers & Cafe, 338 Newbury St., Boston. This event is free, and registration is not required.

Earth Day Clothing Swap 

Join the LGBTQIA+ Faculty Staff Community Networks and BU Closet for their largest clothing swap of the year. There will be snacks, drinks, and plenty of clothes to choose from. Clothing donations will be accepted at the event. It’s a great way to build community and reduce waste at the same time. Donations of used or new clothing are gladly accepted, but bedding, towels, shoes, undergarments, miscellaneous items, and baby clothes are not accepted. The event is open to all members of the BU community. 

Friday, April 25, noon to 5 pm, Marsh Plaza. 

Dance Theatre Group’s Vision 2025

Dance Theatre Group’s annual spring performance features a variety of pieces, from traditional to experimental, thematic to abstract, and lighthearted to contemplative, choreographed by BU students. This is a must for anyone who loves contemporary dance.

Friday, April 25, 8 pm, Saturday, April 26, 3:30 and 8 pm, BU Dance Theatre, FitRec, 915 Comm Ave (entrance on Buick Street). Tickets are $12 to $20.

FOUND Earth Fest Vintage Market

What better way to celebrate Earth Day than shopping sustainably? Head across the river to Cambridge Saturday for a chance to browse more than 80 local vintage vendors. You can gnosh on great food, enjoy live music, take part in “knowledge booths,” and if you’re musically inclined, participate in a “guided jam session” (be sure to bring your voice and/or instrument if you’re interested in participating).

Saturday, April 26 (rain date Sunday, April 27), noon to 5 pm, 222 Jacobs St., Cambridge. Admission is free. 

Japan Festival Boston 2025

A spring-in-Boston staple since its founding in 2012, the Japan Festival Boston transforms the Boston Common into a lively celebration of Japanese traditions each year. The daylong event features on-stage performances, workshops where you can learn about Japanese culture, booths selling traditional Japanese foods and goods, and even a cosplay fashion show.

Saturday, April 26, and Sunday, April 27, 11 am to 5 pm, Boston Common. Admission is free. 

Cisco Brewers: New Fenway Location

Just in time for warm weather, Cisco Brewers has opened a new beer garden just a two-minute walk from Fenway Park, on the lot where Tasty Burger used to sit (before its 2023 relocation to Van Ness Street). It’s the perfect spot to gather with friends (21+ only). The extensive drink menu includes craft cocktails, as well as Cisco’s signature lagers, ales, and IPAs. A small food menu (think burgers and chicken tenders) is also available. 

Cisco Brewers Fenway, 1301 Boylston St., Boston. Open Monday through Friday, 4 to 11 pm, Saturday and Sunday, noon to 11 pm, as well as two hours before any game or concert at Fenway Park.