Guide: Nine Things to Do During ArtWeek Boston
Painting photo via Shutterstock
The fall edition of ArtWeek Boston, a celebration of all things artsy, from visual to performing and beyond, kicks off Friday and runs through October 5 with an abundance of events lined up to take place across the city.
You can check out artweekboston.org for the full schedule, but for those unsure of what to prioritize, here are a few recommendations:
Get Appy
ArtApp Boston+ Scavenger Hunt and After Party
The first thing you need to know is that ArtApp Boston+ has created a simple Scavenger Hunt app to help you make the most of your week. Use the app to answer questions at various ArtWeek venues, and after submitting three correct responses, you’ll get an invite to the after party on October 2 at a secret location.
Don’t Miss
Marquee Moments
Throughout ArtWeek, swing by the Wang and Shubert theaters downtown between noon and 6 p.m., when their digital marquees will be taken over by art created by Boston Public Schools students.
Fest within a Fest
Literary Cultural District Launch Week
Words are art too, so it’s fitting that local literary organizations are celebrating the launch of Boston’s new Literary Cultural District during ArtWeek. Special activities planned include author talks, workshops, and “A Slice of History: Curious Tales from the Annals of the Omni Parker House.”
See
Architectura Articulation
It’s all about Boston and New England at this art exhibit on Friday. Among the artists whose work will be on display is Adam O’Day, whose painting “Transit,” won the City of Boston’s “Portrait of a City” competition. The free event on opening night of ArtWeek promises an abundance of “the love of art, the delight of friends, and the enjoyment of tempting food and wine.”
Free, Friday, September 26, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Audio Concepts Experience Center, 870 Commonwealth Ave., more info.
Create
Traces of the Human Body
In anticipation of the return of 7 Fingers’ Traces to ArtsEmerson (opens October 1), swing by Southie’s Urban Art Bar on Saturday, when you can let the cast of Traces be your subjects as a staff artist teaches you to create your own depiction of a scene from the show.
$30, Saturday, September 27, 7-10 p.m, Urban Art Bar, 709 East Broadway, more info.
Experience
Unexpected Cabaret
Spice up your Sunday afternoon with Fiddlehead Theatre Company’s case of Aida. They’ll take the stage at the Strand Theatre with student and amateur singers to present an “unforgettable, ‘unexpected,’ cabaret.” Stick around afterward for a dessert reception with treats by chef Chris Douglas of Tavolo and Ashmont Grill.
Free, Sunday, September 28, 2-4 p.m, Strand Theatre, 543 Columbia Road, more info.
Dress Up
Date Night
For a couple’s night out with glitz, join Boston Date Night on Tuesday when a sparkling wine and cheese tasting from Beacon Hill Gourmet will be followed by “Diamonds 101,” a hands-on presentation where you’ll actually get to hold and inspect real diamonds. Not ready for that kind of outing? Don’t worry, Boston Date Night will also host three other fun events during ArtWeek with a little less pressure:
October 1: Craft Cocktails with Bully Boy Distillery Tour and Diablo Glass School
October 2: DJ Mmmmixer
October 3: KitchenSurfing Presents Beatlemania and Pop-Up Dining at the Brattle
Prices vary ($15-20), registration required, more info.
Dress Down
Sketch Night
One of the more laid-back events happening during ArtWeek is Sketch Night hosted by Suffolk University. Hang out, share ideas, and doodle to your heart’s content. The event is free and open to the public. Wine and beer will be served. BYO sketchbook.
Free, Tuesday, September 30, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Suffolk University Gallery, 75 Arlington St., more info.
Disrupt
Hacking Arts
MIT Hacking Arts is opening its Friday Hackathon Kick-Off to the public during ArtWeek. The event on Friday will feature a performance by R&B singer-producer Ryan Leslie and Ideastorm led by Music Minds. Hacking Arts is a three-day festival at MIT exploring “the intersection of arts, technology, and entrepreneurship.” Think: MIT + Berklee + New England Conservatory + MFA.
$20, Friday, October 3, 6-10 p.m., Microsoft NERD Center, 1 Memorial Drive #1, Cambridge, more info.
