Free Things to Do in Boston, February 2014

The Boston Snow Dogs and the Yankee Siberian Sled Dog Club will be at this month’s Fun Fest / Siberian Husky photo via Shutterstock

Author Talk with Doug Most

In 1888, two brothers—Henry Melville Whitney, of Boston, and William Collins Whitney, of New York City—pursued the same dream: building America’s first subway system in their city. The great race between Boston and New York was on. Doug Most chronicles the exciting story of two rival American cities and the invention that continues to affect millions of lives today in The Race Underground.

Tuesday, February 4, 6 p.m., Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St., Boston, 617-536-5400, bpl.org.

LOLstel

Laugh those winter blues away at this comedy show at Hostelling International Boston. The first Tuesday of the month is Open Mic night so feel free to crack a joke or two.

Tuesday, February 4, 7 p.m., HI-Boston, 19 Stuart St., Boston, 617-536-9455, facebook.com/BostonHostel.

Tony Matelli: New Gravity at Davis Museum

The artist’s first solo exhibition at a U.S. museum, the exhibition highlights recent work from the past five years as well as new work created specifically for The Davis. Gravity often ceases to exist in Matelli’s work and the physical laws of object are reversed, upended, or atomized. The exhibit is open to the public beginning February 5 to July 20. An opening reception, preceded by an artist talk by Matelli at 5:30 p.m., will be held on February 5 from 6:30-8 p.m.

Wednesday, February 5, 5:30 p.m., Davis Museum at Wellesley College, 106 Central St., Wellesley, 781-283-2051, wellesley.edu/davismuseum.

Cool Runnings

The movie Cool Runnings was inspired by the true story of the first Jamaican Olympic bobsled team in 1988. Make sure to catch this one before Jamaica’s bobsled team races for the first time in 12 years at Sochi 2014. Cool Runnings 2, anyone?

Thursday, February 6, 3 p.m., Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St., Boston, 617-536-5400, bpl.org.

Lunar New Year Celebration at the MFA

Ring in the Lunar New Year with free admission at the MFA. Gund Kowk, the only Asian women’s Lion Dance troupe in New England, will perform at the festive parade.

Saturday, February 8, 10 a.m., also free Wednesday nights after 4 p.m., Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston, 617-267-9300, mfa.org.

Train for Boston with City Sports

Running the Marathon or trying to keep up your New Years resolution? Train with City Sports and Adidas every Sunday this month to help you gear up for race day (or get you off your couch).

Sunday, February 9, 9 a.m., City Sports Wellesley, 475 Washington St, Wellesley, 781-431-0010, citysportsblog.com/wellesley-run-club/.

Family Movie Sundays: Despicable Me 2

If you’re trying to watch all Academy Award-nominated films before the Oscars on March 2, don’t forget about Despicable Me 2. It’s up for two Academy Awards: Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song.

Sunday, February 9, 2 p.m., Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St., Boston, 617-536-5400, bpl.org.

Open Night at the BU Astronomical Observatory

Celebrate Valentine’s Day a little early this year by gazing the stars with your loved ones. The telescopes are outside, so make sure to bundle up and stand a little closer to your Valentine.

Wednesday, February 12, 8:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m., Coit Observatory at Boston University, 725 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, 617-353-2630,  twitter.com/buobservatory.

Parent’s Night Out

If you have kids but want to celebrate Valentine’s Day early, drop ’em off at Children’s Workshop for fun, entertainment, and snacks while you enjoy your night out. Free for the community but make sure to RSVP by February 7.

Thursday, February 13, 6-8 p.m., The Children’s Workshop, 475 Winter St., Waltham, 781-466-8640, childrensworkshop.com.

A History of Chocolate

Author Dr. Timothy Walker will present the history of chocolate in New England followed by a live demonstration of 18th century techniques in chocolate. Bonus: free samples!

Thursday, February 13, 7 p.m., Old North Church, 193 St., Boston, 617-523-6676, oldnorth.com.

 Valentine’s Day Storytime and Curious George

Forget traditional romance and enjoy some family fun. Join Curious George in Cambridge to hear stories, make a Valentine’s Day craft, and hang out with the monkey himself. RSVP to one of three event times required.

Friday, February 14, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., The World’s Only Curious George Store, 1 JFK Street, Cambridge, 617-547-4500, thecuriousgeorgestore.com.

Cupid Undie Run

Take your pants off for charity, and join the WROR Morning Crew by running half-naked through the streets to support the Children’s Tumor Foundation. You can start a team for $50 or run solo. However, if you’re only interested in watching the half-naked runners go by, that’s (fortunately or unfortunately) free of charge.

Saturday, February 15, 12 p.m., 19 Yawkey Way, Boston, cupidsundierun.com.

The Unconservatory

This season at New England Conservatory, “Music: Truth to Power” demonstrates an unconventional, raw performance. An eclectic team of students banded together to interpret themes of difficult conversations and truths. If you’re still reeling over a bad Valentine’s Day—this might be the concert for you.

Wednesday, February 19, 8 p.m., New England Conservatory, 30 Gainsborough St., Boston, 617-585-1100, necmusic.edu.

Fun Fest featuring Snow Dogs

These snow dogs are mushing all over our hearts. The Boston Snow Dogs and the Yankee Siberian Sled Dog Club will perform demonstrations with wheeled rigs, carts, bicycles and sleds. There’s also free ice skating at Bajko Rink from 2-3:50 p.m., but make sure to bring your own skates.

Saturday, February 22, 1 p.m., Bajko Rink at Stony Brook Reservation, 75 Turtle Pond Pkwy., Hyde Park, 617-542-7696, bostonnatural.org.

Happy Birthday, Mr. Presidents

Time to party like it’s 1789. Boston Public Library is throwing Abe Lincoln and George Washington a birthday party. Make presidential crafts while singing a very happy birthday to our Founding Fathers.

Tuesday, February 18, 3:30 p.m., Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St., Boston, 617-536-5400, bpl.org.

GrandTen Distilling Tour and Tasting

Enjoy this free tour and tasting at GrandTen Distilling. Their Fire Puncher Vodka or their South Boston Irish Whiskey will be sure to keep you warm.

Saturday, February 22, 12-4 p.m., GrandTen Distilling, 383 Dorchester Ave., Boston, 617-269-0497, grandten.com

Boston Food Swap

Bid and exchange home goods for other unique treats or taste test some yummy foods. All swap items must be homemade, homegrown, or foraged.

Sunday, February 23, 2-5 p.m., Collaboratory on the mezzanine balcony of 40 Berkeley St., bostonfoodswap.com.

Big-Brained

Expand your brain with the Museum of Science. Join the journey in discovering how genetics and life experiences influence your brain’s growth and how we can nurture our own development.

Wednesday, February 26, 7 p.m., Museum of Science, 1 Science Park, Boston, 617-723-2500, mos.org.

Teresita Fernandez at Harvard Graduate School of Design

Meet New York-based artist Teresita Fernandez, whose massive installations are dynamic, immersive, intimate yet also vast. Fernandez will be opening a large-scale exhibition at the MASS MoCA. Three new large-scale installations will be located in the first-floor galleries, and one work consists of more than 40,000 small rocks of mined graphite.

Thursday, February 27, 6:30 p.m., Piper Auditorium, Gund Hall, 48 Quincy St., Cambridge, 617-495-1000, gsd.harvard.edu.