From concerts and comedy shows to science and film festivals, there’s a ton of stuff going on in the city before all the Marathon Monday festivities kick into full gear. Get a jump start on your weekend plans with our guide to all the fun things to do in Boston.
Things to do in Boston this weekend
ARTS & CULTURE
Cambridge Science Festival
The 10-day festival returns with more than 200 events that bring science and technology to life through demonstrations, contests and other fun activities. The festivities kick off on Friday with “The Continuing Education of Eugene Mirman,” where MIT professor Rebecca Saxe and journalist Anna Rothschild will help the Massachusetts comic and “Bob’s Burgers” star learn about cognitive neuroscience. Other highlights include Saturday’s free Science Carnival and Robot Zoo, featuring more than 100 hands-on activities like making your own ice cream with liquid nitrogen.
April 13-22, various locations, cambridgesciencefestival.org
Ira Glass
Head to Symphony Hall on Sunday to see this unique presentation by Ira Glass. The “This American Life” host will use audio clips, videos and more to give audiences a peek into his creative process and what inspires his style of storytelling.
April 15, 7 p.m., Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Ave., $45+, celebrityseries.org
Madeleine Albright
Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright will appear at the Back Bay Events Center on Thursday night to discuss her new book “Fascism: A Warning.” Attendees who purchase a book-included ticket will also get the chance to have their copies signed by the ground-breaking diplomat.
April 12, 7 p.m., Back Bay Events Center, 180 Berkeley St., Boston, $24-$35, harvard.com/event/madeleine_albright1
Old North Church Lantern Ceremony
The Old North Church will host its 243rd annual Lantern Ceremony on Sunday to commemorate the historic night when two lanterns were hung by Paul Revere to signal the British invasion during the American Revolution. The festivities include reenactments of the event, guest speakers and more.
April 15, 8 p.m., Old North Church, 193 Salem St., Boston, $40, oldnorth.com
COMEDY
Boston Comedy Come Up
Some of the best comedians in the city will take over the Shubert Theatre on Saturday for an all-star evening of laughs. Hosted by the legendary Tony V, the show will feature performances by local comics Dan Boulger, Bethany Van Delft, Will Noonan, Mike Whitman, Lamont Price, Dan Crohn, Orlando Baxter and Graig Murphy.
April 14, 7:30 p.m., Shubert Theatre, 265 Tremont St., Boston, $31+, bochcenter.org
Roy Wood Jr.
Between his correspondents gig on “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah” and taking over hosting duties for “This Is Not Happening,” Roy Wood Jr. is quickly becoming a go-to talent for Comedy Central. See him bring the laughs to The Wilbur on Friday.
April 13, 7:30 p.m., The Wilbur, 246 Tremont St., Boston, $24, thewilbur.com
GOING OUT
90’s Night at Howl at the Moon
Party like it’s 1999 at Howl at the Moon on Friday. The Boston bar is hostsing a special ’90s night, featuring all your favorite old-school jams, prizes, plus free admission for fans who wear their best ’90s outfits.
April 13, 4 p.m.-2 a.m., Howl at the Moon, 184 High St., Boston, hubs.howlatthemoon.com/90s-night-2018
MISC.
Midnight Marathon Bike Ride
If you’re more a cyclist than a runner, grab your bike and head to this self-guided marathon on Patriots’ Day eve. Now in its 10th year, the festivities feature more than 1,000 attendees who gather together for an overnight ride under the stars along the Boston Marathon route.
April 15-16, 8 p.m.-5 a.m., various locations, midnightmarathon.org
The Swan Boats swim again! Take a ride on the iconic Boston attraction, which returns for the spring starting this weekend.
Opens April 14, Boston Public Garden, swanboats.com
MOVIES
Boston International Film Festival
The annual film fest is back this weekend with dozens of screenings, plus appearances by a slew of actors, filmmakers and more from across the globe. The five-day affair will also include acting workshops, VIP discussion panels and other live events.
Through April 16, various locations, bostoniff.com
MUSIC
Rick Astley
No we’re not rickrolling you, the “Never Gonna Give You Up” star is performing in the Hub this weekend. Catch the 80’s hit maker turned internet meme sensation live at the House of Blues on Sunday.
April 15, 7 p.m., House of Blues, 15 Lansdowne St., Boston, $29.50+, houseofblues.com
Tony Bennett
He may be in his ’90s, but music icon Tony Bennett can still put on an amazing show. Hear the legendary singer belt out his hits at the Boston Opera House on Friday night.
April 13, 7:30 p.m., Boston Opera House, 539 Washington St., $146, bostonoperahouse.com
