Saturday

04-19-2025 Vol 1935

Boston Gears Up for an Eventful Week with Free and Affordable Activities

BOSTON — The coming week is packed with exciting events as Boston prepares for Easter, pre-Marathon weekend, and possible weather improvements. With a variety of activities on the horizon, residents and visitors may find themselves considering their budget options, though many wallet-friendly events are available.

Among the highlights of free events this week is a rare opportunity to catch an Oscar-nominated film outside the comfort of your home. The Roslindale Film Society will be screening Paul Thomas Anderson’s acclaimed drama “Phantom Thread” on Monday night at the Square Root. Set in 1950s London, the film features Daniel Day-Lewis as fashion designer Reynolds Woodcock, whose life takes an unexpected turn when he falls for young waitress Alma Elson. The screening begins at 6:15 p.m. at 2 Corinth St. For more information, visit roslindalefilmsociety.com.

For those looking to dance, Loretta’s Last Call will host a country dancing event on April 15 from 8 to 11 p.m. Attendees can learn the basic steps of country dancing with guidance from Blackout Country Dancing, a military and first responder-owned group that aims to preserve traditional country dance in New England. The venue is located at 1 Lansdowne St.

On April 16, the Boston Lyric Opera will present a concert titled “Nature’s Voice” at the Boston Public Library in Copley Square. This performance will focus on nature as a central theme in music and will include a discussion about sustainability through an artistic lens, moderated by BLO Chorus Director Brett Hodgdon. The concert starts at 6:00 p.m. and runs until 7:30 p.m. at 700 Boylston St. More details can be found at bpl.bibliocommons.com.

As outdoor movie screenings become a preferred activity with the arrival of spring, cinephiles will not want to miss the free showing of Marvel’s “Black Panther” on April 18. Hosted by Kendall/MIT’s Open Space Programming, the screening will take place at 7:30 p.m. at 292 Main St., Cambridge. Patrons can also enjoy a complimentary bowl of popcorn while supplies last. Further details can be found at openspace.mit.edu.

For those interested in art, Emerson Contemporary will present the “MOVEMENT/S” exhibition dedicated to exploring motion and stillness through photography. This exhibition will include lighting talks by student curators on April 18 at noon, encouraging attendees to delve into the perspectives of 14 participating artists. The exhibition is located at 139 Tremont St. Visit emersoncontemporary.org for more information.

Additionally, with Earth Day approaching, Sustainable Swaps will host a celebration on April 19 in Allston. Featuring a pre-loved clothing exchange, live music, and eco-friendly activities, the event will allow participants to engage in a micro-green planting workshop led by North Allston Farms. While sipping complimentary tastings from Topo Chico and Culture Pop Sodas, attendees are invited to join from noon to 5 p.m. at 114 Western Ave. More information is available on sustainableswapss.com.

Easter celebrations will also be held at Craft Food Hall locations in Waltham, Boxborough, and Lexington, where children can search for candy-filled eggs in Easter egg hunts. The Winthrop Center will offer similar events including an egg hunt, face painting, balloon art, and an appearance by the Easter Bunny. Day and times for these events may vary across locations.

As the Boston Marathon approaches, runners can look forward to some fun deals and steals to help fuel their training. Starting April 18, runners can claim a complimentary carton of pasta at DalMoros by showing proof of race registration. For those seeking a more substantial meal, Bambara Kitchen in Cambridge will offer an all-you-can-eat pasta special priced at $26.20, perfect for carbo-loading ahead of the race. Locations and times for these promotions may vary.

This week is set to be an extraordinary week in Boston, filled with vibrant activities, community events, and opportunities for fun without breaking the bank. Whether attending a film screening, joining a dance class, or celebrating the holiday season, there are plenty of options for everyone to enjoy.

image source from:https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/04/13/lifestyle/free-things-to-do-in-boston-this-week/

Benjamin Clarke