10 best events in Boston this week

Discover the most vibrant events, exhibits, meetups, workshops, and unique gatherings happening near you.

Explore Editorial Team

May 7, 2026

4 min

01

BeaconFest: Music Festival

UMass Boston’s largest student-led music festival featuring diverse student performers and a vibrant celebration of music and culture.

BeaconFest is UMass Boston’s largest student-led music festival, bringing the campus together for one unforgettable night. The event will feature a diverse lineup of student performers including DJs, singers, rappers, bands, and dance teams. Attendees can expect free food, interactive novelties, and high-energy production. Organized by the Music Production Club in collaboration with Mass Media and SAEC, this festival is designed to make students feel connected and energized.

Dorchester

Thursday, May 7th

Free

All ages

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02

chicken kisser @ the lilypad!!

Chicken Kisser's debut concert at The Lilypad with opener The Forest for the Fire.

Get ready to dance, cry, and be confused at Chicken Kisser's first live show. The Lilypad will host a variety of performances. The Forest for the Fire will open the evening. Doors open around 10 PM.

Cambridge

Thursday, May 7th

Pay what you can

Adults

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03

ROCK & ROLL SHOW @ UNION TAVERN 5/08

Join Scrivener, Watson Park, Thin Lear (NJ), and Niagara Moon for a night of indie rock 'n roll.

Thanks to friends at Webookthings and Impossible Shows, Union Tavern hosts a night of indie rock 'n roll. The event features Scrivener, Watson Park, Thin Lear from New Jersey, and Niagara Moon. Attendees can expect a vibrant atmosphere with music inspired by bands like Bright Eyes and Manchester Orchestra. Must be 21+ to enter.

Somerville

Friday, May 8th

$5-$15 Suggested Donation

Open to all

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04

Liberation Open Mic ft. Dom Dior

Join us for our May Open Mic at the Boston Liberation Center featuring Dom Dior!

Sign up for the open mic when you arrive. Space is limited, arrive on time to secure your spot. Suggested donation is $5-$15, though no one will be turned away. Enjoy pizza and browse merch, and make sure to get a good seat.

Roxbury

Friday, May 8th

$5-$15 Suggested Donation

Open to all

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05

00

Camberville Folk at First Street Market #2

A folk concert featuring two bands, perfect for jamming and meeting new people.

Welcome to Camberville Folk at First Street Market! This event features two wonderful bands playing folk music. Bring your friends and get ready to enjoy some great tunes and make new connections. The event costs $20 per person. Doors open at 7 PM with music starting at 8 PM.

Cambridgeport

Tuesday, May 26th

Free (RSVP required; badge holders get priority)

Live music fans, nightlife lovers

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06

00

Café+Nature Walk: Brighton Center [5/8]

Join neighbors for a cafe and nature walk, appreciating the transition from winter to spring in local natural spaces.

Start your day with neighbors for a local cafe and nature walk. We'll step away from screens and connect with the natural world around us, noticing the trees, wind, and birds. Allston-Brighton offers many natural spaces to explore. We'll meet at a cafe for baked goods (on a sliding scale from $0-$10, suggested $7) and coffee, remembering our place in the community.

Brighton

Friday, May 8th

Pay what you can

Open to all

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07

00

Greater Boston Cookbook Club

Join the Greater Boston Cookbook Club to cook and share recipes from 'Chinese Enough' by Kristina Cho.

The Greater Boston Cookbook Club meets to cook and discover new recipes from a featured cookbook. This month's book is 'Chinese Enough' by Kristina Cho, focusing on Chinese-American home cooking. Participants choose a recipe from the book, make it, and bring it to share with the group. Please bring your prepared dish with a serving utensil. A suggested donation helps cover event costs.

Adults

Thursday, May 7th

$3 per person

Adults

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08

00

Terracotta Spring Paint Night

Join Boston Amigas for a relaxed evening of decorating terracotta pots, fostering creativity and connection.

Everett

Friday, May 8th

Free

Adults

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09

00

Music Journaling inspired by RAYE

Join the Boston Journaling Club for a music journaling session inspired by RAYE's new album.

Beacon Hill

Sunday, May 31st

Free

Open to all

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10

00

Babes Book Club - May

Join the Boston Babes for their monthly book club meeting.

The Boston Babes are hosting their monthly book club to discuss Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid. This is an opportunity to connect with other book lovers in a relaxed setting. All members are encouraged to read the book prior to the meeting.

Back Bay

Sunday, May 31st

Free

Adults

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There's more where that came from

What are the best things to do in Boston this weekend?

The best way to find free SXSW events is to follow local Austin event pages, check Partiful's Explore page, and look for unofficial SXSW event roundups published in the week leading up to the festival. Most free events require an RSVP, so it is worth signing up in advance as spots fill quickly.

What is the difference between official and unofficial SXSW events?

Official SXSW events are sanctioned by the festival and typically require a badge or wristband for entry. Unofficial SXSW events are independently organized by brands, venues, and community groups to coincide with the festival. Unofficial events are almost always free and open to the public, making them a great option for locals and visitors who do not have a badge.

Are there fun activities in Cambridge or Somerville this week?

Yes. Several free parties are happening during SXSW 2026, including the Pudgy Rodeo at Mohawk, the Sauced x Rosie's Wine Bar patio pop-up, and the Open House Party at Central Machine Works. Most free parties have limited capacity and require an RSVP, so sign up early.