After an extra long weekend thanks to Memorial Day, another few days of fun is right around the corner. From concerts and comedy shows to cultural and arts festivals, here are the top things to do in Boston this weekend.
Things to do in Boston this weekend
ARTS & CULTURE
‘A Piece of My Heart’
The Wellesley Repertory Theatre brings Shirley Lauro’s acclaimed play “A Piece of My Heart” to the Ruth Nagel Jones Theatre. The drama tells the true stories of six women and how they were affected by their travels to Vietnam during the war.
May 31-June 24, Ruth Nagel Jones Theatre, 106 Central St., Wellesley, $10-$20, wellesleyrepertorytheatre.org
‘Alive’
Presented by Express Yourself, this performance showcases the positive ways young people can express themselves through music, dance and art. More than 300 youth, along with pros from “Stomp” and Broadway, as well as the Department of Mental Health, collaborated together to bring this show to life.
May 31, 7 p.m., Wang Theatre, 270 Tremont St., Boston, free, bochcenter.org
Boston Irish Festival
St. Patrick’s Day isn’t the only time of year dedicated to celebrating Irish culture. Head to Canton this weekend for the 2018 Boston Irish Festival, which pays tribute to the Emerald Isle with two days of music, dancing, food and more.
June 2-3, Irish Cultural Centre, 200 New Boston Dr., Canton, $10-$15, bostonirishfestivalicc.com
Cambridge Arts River Festival
Thousands of attendees are expected to take over the East Cambridge waterfront when the annual fest returns this weekend. This free day of fun features hundreds of artists and food vendors, as well as music, dance and theater performances, interactive art and more.
June 2, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., DCR Cambridge Parkway and Lechmere Canal Park, Cambridge, free, cambridgema.gov/arts/Programs/riverfestival
John Hodgman
The Brookline native, “Daily Show” alum and acclaimed author and comedian stops by the Brattle Theatre for a signing this weekend in support of his new book “Vacationland: True Stories from Painful Beaches.” While the event is technically sold out, a standby line will be held at the door. Following the signing, Hodgman will provide a special introduction for a seperate, ticketed screening of “The Dead Zone.”
June 1, Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St., Cambridge, harvard.com
COMEDY
Kevin Nealon
The New England native and former “Saturday Night Live” star is coming to town this weekend. Nealon is set to perform back-to-back shows at City Winery on Friday night.
June 1, City Winery, 80 Beverly St., Boston, $38+, citywinery.com
FOOD & DRINKS
Uncorked: Winos & Dinos
The Franklin Park Zoo will host its fifth annual wine-tasting event on Saturday. This year’s prehistoric theme pays tribute to the zoo’s new exhibit of animatronic dinosaurs.
June 2, 5 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Franklin Park Zoo, 1 Franklin Park Rd., Boston, $45+, zoonewengland.org/engage/uncorked-winos-dinos
MOVIES
‘2001: A Space Odyssey’
Celebrate 50 years of Stanley Kubrick’s acclaimed 1968 sci-fi masterpiece at the Somerville Theatre this month. The venue is hosting special screenings of the film in 70 mm through June 14.
June 1-14, Somerville Theatre, 55 Davis Square, Somerville, $12+, somervilletheatre.com
‘E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial’
Movie night returns to The Lawn on D with a special screening of Steven Spielberg’s classic film “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.” Enjoy the warm weather while watching the hit 1982 flick outdoors on Thursday night.
May 31, 8 p.m., The Lawn on D, 420 D St., Boston, free, signatureboston.com
MUSIC
Boston Pops Gospel Night
The annual celebration of gospel music returns to Symphony Hall on Saturday night. Featuring performances by the Boston Pops, the Boston Pops Gospel Choir and “American Idol” finalist Melinda Doolittle, the evening will also pay tribute to the late legend Edwin Hawkins with a rendition of his classic tune “Oh Happy Day.”
June 2, 8 p.m., Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, $30+, bso.org
Country Fridays
Hurricane’s at the Garden kicks off its new Country Fridays series this weekend. Stop by the inaugural event to see a performance by Alec MacGillivray, plus a chance to win prizes.
June 1-Aug. 18, 9 p.m., Hurricane’s at the Garden, 150 Canal St., Boston, hurricanesboston.com
Tech N9ne
Fresh off the release of his 12th studio album “Planet,” Tech N9ne is heading to the Hub this weekend. The hip-hop star will perform along with Krizz Kaliko, Just Juice, Joey Cool and King ISO on Friday night.
June 1, 7 p.m., House of Blues, 15 Lansdowne St., Boston, $35+, houseofblues.com