The college kids have returned to the city and pumpkin spice lattes are back on the menu, which can only mean one thing: September is in full swing. As we make the transition from summer to fall, don’t miss out on all the awesome stuff happening around town. From jamming out with Drake to feasting at Night Market, here are the best things to do in Boston this weekend.
Things to do in Boston this weekend
ARTS & CULTURE
Boston Arts Festival
Celebrate the city’s vibrant arts—or “ahts” as we like to say in Boston—with tens of thousands of fans when the annual fest returns this week. The festivities will include showcases by local artists, performances by area musicians and more.
Sept. 8-9, 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park, Boston, free, thebostonartsfestival.com
Cambridge Carnival International
Now in its 26th year, the annual fest and celebration of African traditions has become one of the biggest events in Cambridge. Join thousands of revelers as they masquerade around the city in colorful costumes for the grand parade while enjoying great food, crafts and more.
Sept. 9, noon-6 p.m., Kendall Square, Cambridge, free, cambridgecarnival.org
John Kerry
The former Massachusetts senator and Secretary of State is back in his old stomping grounds on Friday. He’ll be in town to chat about his new book, “Every Day Is Extra,” with former Gov. Deval Patrick.
Sept. 7, 7:30 p.m., Back Bay Events Center, 180 Berkeley St., Boston, $10+, harvard.com
COMEDY
Robert Kelly
Laugh along with a local legend this weekend. Boston’s own Robert Kelly will be slinging jokes all weekend long at Laugh Boston.
Sept. 6-8, Laugh Boston, 425 Summer St., Boston, $25, laughboston.com
FAMILY
Riverfest 2018
Technically summer isn’t over yet, so enjoy one more day of warm weather and fireworks with Riverfest this weekend. The family-friendly event will include live music, local artists and kids’ activities, culminating in the annual fireworks show over the Mystic River, which will be held at sundown.
Sept. 8, noon-9 p.m., Assembly Row, 355 Artisan Way, Somerville, free, assemblyrow.com
Somerville Dog Festival 2018
This fest is dedicated to everyone’s favorite furry family member. Head to Somerville for a day filled with food trucks, classes and tons of events geared towards the beloved pooch in your life. The fest also helps raise funds for the Somerville Pet Food Bank, which provides pet food to food banks around the area.
Sept. 9, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Trum Field, 541 Broadway, Somerville, free, somdogfest.org/new-2018-festival
FOOD & DRINKS
Boston Night Market
Get ready to feast on delicious food and enjoy amazing brews when the first ever Boston Night Market takes over City Hall Plaza this weekend. Guests will have a chance to play lawn games, sip away in a beer garden, groove to a DJ, plus experience an evening of lights. A round trip ticket to Iceland and other raffle prizes will also be up for grabs.
Sept. 8, 4 p.m.-10 p.m., City Hall Plaza, 1 City Hall Square, Boston, $10+, 2018bostonnightmarket.eventbrite.com
GOING OUT
Taste of the North End’s Bocce Tournament
Back for its 15th year, this annual bocce tournament is more than just a day of games and Italian barbeque (although there’s plenty of both). The event is also meant to support the North End community by raising money for valued scholarships.
Sept 9., 10 a.m., Langone Bocce Courts, 529-543 Commercial St., Boston, $50 per team of two, to register call 781.956.7441 or email dfrattaroli@gmail.com. =
MFA First Friday
Get ready to party at the museum again when the MFA’s First Friday series returns this weekend. The festivities include cocktails, food, music and more.
Sept. 7, 6 p.m.-9:30 p.m., Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston, $25, mfa.org
Summer Nights
The ICA will also be throwing a party this weekend as its Summer Nights series returns on Friday. Enjoy cocktails, music, art and a night of dancing.
Sept. 7, 5 p.m.-10 p.m., Institute of Contemporary Art, 25 Harbor Shore Dr., Boston, $20, icaboston.org
Totally ‘90s Bar Crawl
Out of all the fun things to do in Boston this weekend, only one will let you relive the era of “Saved by the Bell” and N64 with an epic bar crawl. Kel Mitchell of “Kenan & Kel” will be on hand to party as well.
Sept. 8, noon, Faneuil Hall, Boston, $20+, barcrawlnation.com
MUSIC
Drake
Do the Kiki challenge and head on over to the Garden because Drake will be taking over the venue for three nights in what will definitely the biggest highlight of all the things to do in Boston this weekend. Migos will also perform when the “Aubrey & the Three Migos” tour stops in the Hub.
Sept. 7-9, TD Garden, 100 Legends Way, Boston, $55+, tdgarden.com
