Free Things to Do in Boston, November 2016
November 11, 2015 – Mayor Walsh thanked veterans before the start of the annual Veterans Day Parade in downtown Boston. (Mayor’s Office Photo by Jeremiah Robinson)
HOLIDAY
Veteran’s Day Parades
Boston actually has two parades for Veteran’s Day. The original Veterans Day Parade is the first to march up Boylston Street to Tremont, and eventually to City Hall Plaza. About 300 yards behind the first parade, the Veterans for Peace Parade marches in honor of Armistice Day. Feel free to enjoy both: Back-to-back parades means twice the chance to get your fill of history and honor veterans, with marching bands, high school ROTC groups, and veteran organizations taking part.
Free, Friday, November 11, 1 p.m., starts at Boylston and Charles St., boston.gov.
LITERARY THEATER
Actor’s Shakespeare Project
If the last time you read Hamlet was in high school, here’s your chance to brush up in the most well-known home for books in Boston. Follow along as members of the Actors’ Shakespeare Project perform scenes throughout the main branch of the Boston Public Library before an interactive workshop to try the Bard’s words on for size.
Free, Saturday, November 5, 11:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St., bpl.org.
ART
A Century of Style: Masterworks Poster Design
Because posters are for more than dorm room walls, learn about different styles and see the vintage designs for advertising in travel and leisure, food and beverage, and fashion and entertainment that inspired the contemporary poster.
Free, Mondays through Saturdays, 12-6 p.m., Wednesdays 12-8 p.m., Massachusetts College of Art and Design, 621 Huntington Ave., massart.edu.
LOCAL ART SCENE
Made in Allston: The Sculptor’s Workshop
Celebrate 10 Allston-based artists and their photography, painting, and even jewelry that have been right in your backyard and keeping Allston’s Franklin Street colorful for 30 years.
Free, November 7-November 28, Monday through Thursday 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Harvard Ed Portal Exhibition Space, 224 Western Ave., Allston, harvard.edu.
Photo Credit: Natasha Moustache, @iammoustache. Photograph © Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
MUSEUM
mfaNOW Overnight: State of the Party
Don’t miss the second to last chance to spend a night at the museum at this all-night party celebrating contemporary art and artists, complete with food trucks, performance art, and a dance party.
Free, Friday, November 4- Saturday, November 5, 9 p.m.- 9 a.m., Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., mfa.org.
Image courtesy of the Boston Athenaeum
LIBRARY
Boston Athenaeum Art and Architecture Tour
Get your dose of history, beauty, and brains from this docent-led tour, which focuses on the architectural history of the building and offers non-members the chance to see the entire historic facility.
Free, Monday, November 14, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Boston Public Library, 10 ½ Beacon St., bostonathenaeum.org.
Image courtesy of Faneuil Hall
HOLIDAY SEASON
Faneuil Hall Tree Lighting Spectacular
Get in the holiday spirit by attending Faneuil Hall’s tree lighting ceremony, which includes performances by Blue Man Group, the Boston Children’s Chorus, Sons of Serendip, and performers from the Boston Ballet’s Nutcracker.
Free, Saturday, November 19, 8-9 p.m., Faneuil Hall, 4 South Market Building, faneuilhallmarketplace.com.
SPEECHES
TedxBeacon Street
If November’s cold days have you feeling sluggish, get inspired by some local authors, CEOs, and a vibraphonist. This two-day conference is a local installation of the speaking series of artists, entrepreneurs and more, developed by the nonprofit of the same name.
Free, Saturday, November 19 through Sunday, November 20, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Lincoln School, 19 Kennard Rd., Brookline, tedxbeaconstreet.com.
FILM
Family Films at the Boston Public Library
Relax with movie-lovers of all ages at these family-friendly movie screenings at the BPL on select Sunday afternoons. This month’s movies include Dognapped, Muppet Treasure Island, and The Iron Giant.
Free, Sunday, November 6, 20, and 27, 2-3 p.m., Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St., bpl.org.
Diwali at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Photograph © Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
HOLIDAY
Museum of Fine Arts Diwali: Festival of Lights
The MFA goes all-out every year for the Festival of Lights. See highlights from the collection of South Asian art, watch festive performances of classical dance and folk dance, and make art to celebrate this Hindu festival.
Free, Wednesday, November 2, 5-10 p.m., Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., mfa.org.
EAT LOCAL
Final Harvard Farmers Market
Don’t miss the last day to snag fresh local produce, baked goods, dairy products, and more before it’s time to hibernate.
Free, Tuesday, November 22, Noon-6 p.m., Harvard Science Center plaza, 1 Oxford St., Cambridge, harvard.edu.
SHOP
SoWa Vintage Market
If you’re looking for unique home decorations or to find a gift that will stand out from the crowd come Christmas, check out the one-of-a-kind collectibles, art, and more at this year-round, weekly market.
Free, Sundays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 450 Harrison Ave., sowaboston.com.
