Five Reasons to Leave the House This Weekend

Fun events around Boston this weekend include Irish films, classic rock, and the Persian New Year.

weekend events boston

Photo via MFA

Books
Kazuo Ishiguro Reads from The Buried Giant

Hear acclaimed novelist Kazuo Ishiguro (Never Let Me Go, The Remains of the Day) read from his first novel in 10 years, The Buried Giant. Set in early-Medieval England, this mythical tale follows an elderly couple’s journey to their son. The book examines what it means to be as mystified by memory as one is trapped by it. Hear journalist Robert Birnbaum in discussion with Ishiguro, and buy a copy of the book to be signed by the acclaimed author.

$5, Saturday, March 21, 4 p.m., Memorial Church, 1 Harvard Yard, Cambridge, harvard.com.

Film
Irish Film Festival

Skip Netflix this weekend, and instead head to Davis Square’s Somerville Theater to watch the best of Irish cinema. The 15th annual Irish Film Festival runs from Thursday to Sunday, and features shorts, feature films, and director Q&As. Look out for the Thursday night screening of Gold, starring Maisie Williams (every Game of Thrones devotee’s favorite feisty Stark), and Friday night’s Directors Choice Feature, One Million Dubliners.

$11+, Thursday, March 19, through Sunday, March 22, various times, Somerville Theatre, 55 Davis Square, Somerville, irishfilmfestival.com.

Culture
Nowruz 2015: The Persian New Year Festival

Celebrate Nowruz, a festival marking the Persian New Year, this weekend at the MFA. Examine the elegant details of a tradition Haft Seen, a Nowruz holiday table, and watch as dancer and choreographer Banafsheh Sayyad performs a dance celebrating the New Year’s themes of renewal and rebirth. Kids can take part in the morning’s story hour to learn more about this annual holiday celebration.

$23+, Saturday, March 21, 10 a.m.-4:45 p.m., Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston, mfa.org.

Dance
Boston Ballet: “Shades of Sound”

This weekend, the Boston Ballet presents an eclectic fusion of music and choreography, with works ranging from Tchaikovsky to the White Stripes. On the agenda: “Chroma,” “Episodes,” and “Black Cake.” “Black Cake”—which is making its Boston Ballet debut this weekend—is a boozy romp that focuses on the escapades of six high society couples and their waiter. Saturday’s performance includes a pre-curtain talk with a selection of dancers, choreographers, and musicians at 7:30 p.m.

$29+, Thursday, March 19, through Sunday, March 29, various times, Boston Opera House, 539 Washington St., Boston, bostonballet.org.

21+
The Smithereens

Head to Somerville’s Johnny D’s this weekend for a trifecta of rock throwbacks. Join Jersey-born Smithereens for their highly rated “power pop,” and hear Boston-based Watt’s latest rock offerings. Local band the Rationales will open the show at 6 p.m., ensuring a night of the most fun and authentic rock ’n’ roll.

$65+, Friday, March 20, 7:30 p.m., Johnny D’s Uptown Restaurant and Music Club, 17 Holland St., Somerville, johnnyds.com.