FOOD & DRINKS
Extreme Beer Fest
Back for it’s 15th year, this annual celebration of craft brews features over 300 beers from more than 80 different brewers. Thousands of attendees are expected to show up at this year’s fest, which will also have food on hand courtesy of Binge BBQ, Roxy’s Grilled Cheese, KO Pies and Waffle Cabin.
Feb. 2-3, Seaport World Trade Center, One Seaport Ln., Boston, $65, beeradvocate.com/extreme/boston
Lager Launch Party
Bay State brewers Trillium and Notch are teaming up for a special beer collaboration this weekend. Head over to the recently launched Trillium Garden at the Substation in Roslindale on Saturday to try a first taste of their new I Predict a Riot American Pale Lager.
Feb. 3, 11 a.m.-10 p.m., 4228 Washington St., Roslindale, trilliumbrewing.com/trillium-events/notch-lagerlaunch
Super Bowl Sunday Chili Cook-off
Fill up before Sunday’s big game with this annual cook-off in Somerville. Now in it’s 13th year, the event features up to 30 contestants who’ll throw down to see who has the best chili in town. Bring a gallon of your own recipe for a chance at the crown, or just stop by for free tastings, a t-shirt, beer prizes and more.
Feb. 4, noon-3 p.m., Olde Magoun’s Saloon, 518 Medford St., Somerville, free, magounssaloon.com/13th-annual-great-chili-cook-off
Super Bowl Sunday Wing Fest
If wings are more your style, take a trip over to Dorchester Brewing Company on Sunday for a fowl-filled feast. The Ashmont Grill, M&M Ribs and Fuji at WoC will be there offering up tastings.
Feb. 4, noon-3 p.m., 1250 Massachusetts Ave., Dorchester, dorchesterbrewing.com
ARTS & CULTURE
Boston Festival of Films from Japan
The Museum of Fine Arts is celebrating Japanese cinema all month long with it’s the inaugural Boston Festival of Films from Japan. The fest kicks off on Thursday night with a free screening of the animated masterpiece “Your Name.”
Feb. 1-28, Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston, mfa.org
Joe Biden
After a successful stop in Boston earlier this winter, the former vice president is bringing his “American Promise” tour back to the Bay State this weekend. Each ticket comes with a copy of Biden’s memoir, “Promise Me, Dad: A Year of Hope, Hardship, and Purpose.”
Feb. 1, 7 p.m., Chevalier Theatre, 30 Forest St., Medford, $42+, chevaliertheatre.com/artist/joe-biden
“Love Never Dies”
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sequel to “The Phantom of the Opera” takes over the Boston Opera House this month. Set in Coney Island, the show takes place 10 years after the Phantom’s mysterious disappearance.
Through Feb. 11, Boston Opera House, 539 Washington St., Boston, $39+, bostonoperahouse.com
MUSIC
G. Love & Special Sauce
This Philadelphia alternative hip-hop band brings their eclectic and funky sound to the House of Blues on Friday night. The Ries Brothers and The Silks will join G. Love & Special Sauce during their trip to the Hub this weekend.
Feb. 2, 7 p.m., House of Blues, 15 Lansdowne St., Boston, $29.50, houseofblues.com
Rick Ross
Let’s face it, most people will probably extend their weekend an extra day because of the Super Bowl, especially if the Patriots win. Keep the party going on Monday night at the Grand with rap star Rick Ross.
Feb. 5, 10 p.m., The Grand, 58 Seaport Blvd., Suite 300, Boston, $50+, thegrandboston.com
Rubix Kube
Head back to the era of NKOTB and Paula Abdul with this special show on Friday night. Tribute band Rubix Kube will take over the Hard Rock Café for a music-filled ‘80s bash.
Feb. 2, 9 p.m.-midnight, Hard Rock Café, 22-24 Clinton St., Boston, $18-$25, hardrock.com
COMEDY
Lenny Clarke
Robbie Printz will join the Boston comedy legend as they bring the laughs to the Lenox Hotel’s Dome Room on Friday night. Tickets to the show also include a free pre-show appetizer.
Feb. 2, 8 pm.-11 p.m., Lenox Hotel, 61 Exeter St., Boston, $39, lenoxhotel.com
GOING OUT
First Fridays
The ICA’s First Fridays series is back this week with a “winter oasis”-themed bash. Enjoy an night of art, cocktails, dancing and more with music by DJ Mikey D.
Feb. 2, 5 p.m.-10 p.m., 25 Harbor Shore Dr., Boston, $15, icaboston.org
