The Weekender: March 7 to 14

Photo via iStock/Eli Unger

March 7 to 14

With a full week off from classes—and with Women’s History Month, Pi Day, and Saint Patrick’s Day to celebrate—take advantage and explore Boston’s best events. Whether you want to catch a local theater production, check out unique galleries and boutiques, or simply relax with good food, BU Today has some ideas. Keep reading for our top picks to make the most of your well-earned spring break.

The Fig Tree, and The Phoenix, and The Desire to Be Reborn

Step into a world of memory, mystery, and possibility with Boston Playwrights’ Theatre’s The Fig Tree, and The Phoenix, and The Desire to Be Reborn. It’s a poignant production—in collaboration with the Boston University College of Fine Arts School of Theatre—set in the Iranian province of Zanjan in an orchard where all the trees have gone to sleep. There, two eight-year-olds, Javeed, played by Danny Bryck (CFA’05), and Mandana (Minou Pourshariati) meet. The drama was written by MFA playwriting student Isabelle Fereshteh Sanatdar Stevens (GRS’25). 

Thursday, March 6, 7 pm, Saturday, March 8, 8 pm, and Sunday, March 9, 2 pm, Boston Playwrights’ Theatre, 949 Commonwealth Ave., Boston.; admission: $10 for BU students and $20 general admission.

SoWa First Friday Market

Treat yo’ self at SoWa First Fridays, a monthly free event at SoWa Art + Design District in the South End. On Friday, March 7, explore the vibrant district as its artists, galleries, and boutiques open their doors for a time of creativity and community. Browse unique exhibitions and shops while enjoying bites from Moyzilla and Matilda food trucks. 

Friday, March 7, 5 to 9 pm, SoWa Boston, 530 Harrison Ave., Boston.

Poetry Open Mic at Trident

Have a piece of poetry you’re interested in sharing in front of a crowd? Check out Trident Booksellers & Cafe’s weekly open mic nights, where you can step up and share your poetry with a welcoming audience. This literary event is the perfect place to connect with other writers, hear different types of poetry, and enjoy a night of creativity. 

Sunday, March 9, 7 to 9 pm, Trident Booksellers & Cafe, 338 Newbury St., Boston; repeats each Sunday.

$1 Oysters at Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar

With no classes to worry about this week, it’s the perfect excuse to indulge in fresh seafood at Fenway’s Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar. The restaurant offers $1 oysters on Mondays from 11 am to 12:30 am. 

Monday, March 10, 11 am to 12:30 am, Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar, 61 Brookline Ave., Boston.

International Women’s Day Panel at the Boston Public Library

International Women’s Day is March 8, and the BPL is celebrating a few days later by hosting a panel featuring influential women leaders in the Boston community. Panelists are Natanja Craig Oquendo, executive director of Boston Women’s Fund; Hon. Bernadette Jordan, consul general of Canada to Boston; and Phyllis Barajas (Wheelock’90), founder and CEO of Latin Conexión, a mentoring and leadership organization. The event is moderated by Karen Ansara, founder of the Network of Engaged International Donors. Whether you’re looking for inspiration or simply want to celebrate women’s achievements, this event is a great way to engage with the community.

Tuesday, March 11, 6 to 8:30 pm, Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St., Boston. Note: Ticket sales (admission is free, but a donation is welcome) end March 10.

Ice Bumper Cars in Harvard Square

Ice-skating is fun, but have you ever tried ice bumper cars? Until March 13, check out Harvard University’s ice bumper cars as part of its Plaza WinterFest. Bundle up and bring your friends for a thrilling ride in unique bumper cars on ice, a perfect way to embrace winter before the season ends!

Thursday, March 6, through Saturday, March 8, and Wednesday, March 12, and Thursday, March 13, noon to 3 pm and 4 to 7 pm, Harvard Science Center Plaza, One Oxford St., Cambridge; tickets: $10 for general public. 

Stump! Trivia at the Boston Public Market

Ready to test your brainpower? The Boston Public Market offers two rounds of trivia questions, picture rounds, bonus questions, and two mentally stimulating final questions. Join games at 6 pm to compete for prizes. 

Wednesday, March 12, 6 to 8 pm, Boston Public Market, 100 Hanover St., Boston.

Lamplighter’s Great Brewery Bake Off: “Pie Day” Edition

Calling all dessert lovers! On Pi Day, March 14, 10 amateur bakers will meet at Lamplighter Brewing Co. to compete in its third Great Brewery Bake Off, inspired by the Great British Bake Off. The bakers will create samples for audience members and judging will be conducted by local dessert pop-ups like Lone Orchid Bakery. This event aims to raise funds to support STEM education for girls in Cambridge in partnership with the Science Club for Girls.

Friday March 14, 7 to 8:30 pm, admission: $12.51, Lamplighter Brewing Co., 284 Broadway, Cambridge. 

Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras Spring Fanfare 

A celebration of music will be in full bloom as the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra presents its inaugural Spring Fanfare. The event will showcase chamber orchestra performances and offer interactive workshops and building tours, opening the doors to the new BYSO Youth Center for Music. 

Saturday, March 15, 2 to 5 pm, BYSO Youth Center for Music, 235 Huntington Ave., Boston. The event is free, but registration is requested.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2025

Wear your favorite green outfit to South Boston for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The Irish heritage parade is Sunday, March 16, (a day before the actual holiday), and it will also celebrate military veterans and Evacuation Day, in honor of the ousting of British troops from the city on March 17, 1776. The parade traverses a three-mile stretch, starting at the Broadway T Station in South Boston and ending at Andrew Square. 

Sunday, March 16, 11:30 am, Broadway T Station in South Boston.