Rom & Com: A romance bookshop pop-up & comedy show

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with an evening of laughs and spicy books, brought to you by Idle Hands Craft Ales, New Normal Comedy, and Read My Lips Boston. Whether you're single, partnered, rolling deep with friends, or just looking for a fun night out, this Valentine’s celebration is for anyone who loves comedy, books, or beer (or all three!). You’ll be able to enjoy:<ul><li>Browsing diverse books and bookish merch at Read My Lips bookshop pop-up (note: this will be available to the public and does not require a ticket)</li><li>A comedy show from New Normal Comedy — boasting a lineup of women, femme, and non-binary comedians — that will tickle your funny bone with horror stories about dating and romance (note: tickets are required and can be purchased via this Eventbrite page)</li><li>Craft brews from Idle Hands while you peruse the pop-up and watch the comedy show</li></ul>An individual ticket costs $25.30 and gets you entry into the comedy show, plus:<ul><li>A complimentary drink ticket (redeemable for either a non-alcoholic or alcoholic beverage)</li><li>15% off purchases at Read My Lips’ bookshop pop-up during the show</li></ul>MEET YOUR HOSTS About Idle Hands Craft Ales Idle Hands has always been about bringing people together around great beer. On the brew deck, in the cellar or at the taps, their staff all share a love for both timeworn recipes and bold twists. In their Malden taproom, their patrons gather to see old friends and make new ones. Idle Hands is committed to the very ground that our foundation stands on. Through local events, neighborhood cleanups, fundraising and more, they are always looking for ways to give back to the city and its people. About New Normal Comedy New Normal Comedy is redefining the comedy scene in New England by creating inclusive spaces where humor meets humanity. They aim to make the stage feel like home, fostering environments where comics can thrive and audiences can connect. By highlighting underrepresented voices, New Normal brings together people who haven’t always been made to feel "normal," ensuring everyone finds their place in the laughter. About Read My Lips Boston Read My Lips Boston is a diverse romance bookshop that partners with breweries, cafes, and other establishments to host monthly mobile shops all around Boston. Their curated selection of love stories centers authors and main characters identifying as BIPOC, disabled, queer, big-bodied, and members of other groups historically underrepresented in the romance genre. Read My Lips donates 10% of their proceeds to local and national non-profits and social causes. For the month of February, their featured non-profit is the <a href="https://www.miracmn.com/">Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee</a>.

Idle Hands Craft Ales

Kissed a Ghoul, Liked It: Diversity in paranormal romance authors panel & book signing

Vampires, werewolves, and witches…oh my! On Sunday, October 26, gather your coven and ghoul-friends for a spooktacular bookish afternoon hosted by Read My Lips Boston at Arts at the Armory, featuring a panel of amazing authors sharing their experiences writing trans, queer, plus-size, and disabled main characters in paranormal romance.  During the panel, you’ll hear from: 📖 Tori Anne Martin (This Spells Disaster) 📖 Emilia Emerson/Rossi (A Pack for Autumn) 📖 Shelly Jay Shore (Rules for Ghosting) 📖 Kass O’Shire (A Polar Expedition) 📖 And moderator M.J. Etkind (The Witch of Wall Street) You can purchase these authors’ books to be signed after the panel. Afterwards, the magic will continue as you: 📚 Shop diverse romance books and bookish merch at Read My Lips Boston’s onsite pop-up ✍️ Get your books signed during the author signing 🍷 Enjoy hauntingly good drinks and food from ROOTED Cafe About Read My Lips Boston: Read My Lips Boston is a diverse romance bookshop that partners with breweries, cafes, and other establishments to host monthly mobile shops all around Boston. Their curated selection of love stories centers authors and main characters identifying as BIPOC, disabled, queer, big-bodied, and members of other groups historically underrepresented in the romance genre. Read My Lips donates 10% of their proceeds to local and national non-profits and social causes. About Tori Anne Martin: Tori Anne Martin is a USA Today bestselling author of sapphic witchy romance and fantasy for teens and adults, as well as the author of a book series (or two) under not-so-secret identities. She lives in northern New England, along with her partner and their two cats, where she collects pen names, tattoos, and hoodies in shades of gray and black. If you can’t find her reading a book, it’s because she’s lost in the woods. About Emilia Emerson (a.k.a. Emila Rossi): Emilia writes Mafia Romance under Emilia Rossi and Omegaverse Romance under Emilia Emerson. Emilia loves that writing romance allows her to explore worlds with guaranteed happily ever afters, cozy characters who love each other, and found families who overcome challenges together. She believes that everyone deserves to see themselves in romance, and includes meaningful disability and mental illness representation in her stories. When she’s not writing, Emilia is probably embroidering, making pottery, napping with her dog, or reading romance books. An adventurer at heart, growing up in a multi-cultural Swedish-Iranian home instilled in her a love of travel and experiencing new cultures. About Shelly Jay Shore: Shelly Jay Shore (she/they) is a writer and nonprofit strategist living in Western Massachusetts, situated on the Mohican homelands. Her debut novel, Rules for Ghosting, was a USA Today bestseller and was named one of the New York Times Book Review’s Top Romances of 2024. Shelly’s writing on queer Jewish identity has been published by Autostraddle, Hey Alma, and the Bisexual Resource Center. When not writing or working, Shelly reads a truly alarming number of books (and writes the occasional review), single-handedly sustains their local coffee industry, and attempts to wrangle one large dog and two small children. About Kass O’Shire: Kass O'Shire is a reluctant human who uses she/her pronouns. She lives in America's own little Shire with her husband and son and loves it a ridiculous amount. Her writing focuses on body, sex, and equality positive stories with high heat levels and cozy vibes. Her book tastes run to monster romance/paranormal romance, gas-lamp fantasy romance, historical romance, sci-fi romance (ok, all things romance), epic fantasy and space opera. In her free time, she reads, bakes, and plays tabletop and board games. About M.J. Etkind: M.J. Etkind lives a double life. By day, she is a corporate girly with a business degree. By night, she writes romance novels in a cozy book filled apartment. When she is not writing, she can be found walking her dog and getting coffee. M.J. Etkind’s most favorite fun fact is that she once took an entire vacation to visit a bookstore.

ROOTED Cafe at Arts at the Armory

Trick or Trope: A spicy paranormal writing workshop!

Learn to write spicy paranormal stories (over chocolate treats!) with instructor Megan Hennessey, Table Conversation, &amp; Read My Lips Boston. During this two-hour paranormal romance writing workshop, you’ll craft spicy, high-heat scenes featuring vampires, werewolves, witches and monsters! Led by romance writing and editing instructor Megan Hennessey, you’ll use examples from popular titles to explore how to create paranormal worlds and write sex scenes that will make even the undead blush. At the end of the workshop, you'll write your own steamy scenes, so make sure to bring your preferred writing instruments (laptop, notebook and pen, etc.). As a special sweet treat, you’ll also get to indulge in chocolate from local artisan and event host Wild Child Chocolate! Stay to network with other romance fans in the Table Conversation space and pick up a few titles to give you inspiration at the Read My Lips Boston romance pop-up. Meet your instructor: <a href="https://www.meganhennesseywrites.com/">Megan Hennessey</a> got her start in romance at the height of 50 Shades of Grey at Sourcebooks Casablanca reading the slush pile. She continues sharing her love for romance by giving workshops and courses at writers’ groups, the Women in Publishing Summit, and the Editorial Freelancers’ Association. She loves romance novels that break the rules and center queer, kinky characters. Come say hi at her website meganhennesseywrites.com or on IG @hegmennessey. About Table Conversation: <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/trick-or-trope-a-spicy-paranormal-writing-workshop-tickets-1641512290449?aff=oddtdtcreator">Table Conversation</a> is an arts pop-up in Davis Square that offers regularly scheduled workshops led by artists, writers, organizers, and educators hungry to share what inspires them the most. Writing and art is for all of us. We feed our soul at the table. We share it in good company. It should stimulate the local economy and help connect our community. About Read My Lips Boston: <a href="https://read-my-lips-boston.square.site/">Read My Lips Boston</a> is a diverse romance bookshop that partners with breweries, cafes, and other establishments to host monthly mobile shops all around Boston. Their curated selection of love stories centers authors and main characters identifying as BIPOC, disabled, queer, big-bodied, and members of other groups historically underrepresented in the romance genre. Read My Lips donates 10% of their proceeds to local and national non-profits and social causes. About Wild Child Chocolate: <a href="https://www.wildchildchocolate.com/">Wild Child Chocolate</a>, which is home to Table Conversation, is a pop-up chocolate factory and community space in Davis Square, Somerville. The locally made chocolate is the culmination of owner (and poet!) Sarah Shapiro’s life journeys through a Chicago confiserie, experience running a caramel business in Bristol, UK, and everything in between. Wild Child Chocolate’s delicious treats are bold, rich, dairy-free and gluten-free.

Wild Child Chocolate

Slay the Stigma: A Disability-Led Drag Show

Join All She Wrote Books, Kiera’s Cabaret, and Read My Lips Boston for Slay the Stigma, a drag show starring neurodivergent and disabled performers, at Connexion in Somerville on Saturday, September 20! During intermission, you will have the opportunity to shop from disability-owned bookstores All She Wrote Books and Read My Lips Boston. THE WHEN AND WHERE Date and time: Saturday, September 20, at 7 PM (Doors at 6:30 PM) Location: Connexion, 149 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02145 Tickets: $21.99 Please note that you must be 18+ in order to attend, and masks are required. DRAG SHOW CAST Host: Kiera Knox Jelli Beanbags Kelsy Kyrus Lilith Graves Rose Petals M!ss Demeanor Thrash Infection Tommy Boss Travis Ti Stroke the Clown ABOUT THE EVENT HOSTS All She Wrote Books: At All She Wrote Books, we think of “intersectional,” “feminist,” and “queer” as more than tokenized buzzwords. Rather, we see them as guiding lights for all who seek a safe and supportive space of people who love, respect, and care for each other. We are committed to supporting our neighbors and uplifting the voices that have been silenced for far too long. On our curated shelves, those whose stories have, for centuries, been forcibly rewritten can find themselves. Kiera’s Cabaret: Kiera’s Cabaret is a Boston based drag showcase, produced and hosted by Kiera Knox. Kiera’s cabaret offers a rotating cast, highlighting some of Boston’s most talented queens, kings, things, and everything in-between. Their mission is to provide an inclusive space to showcase drag’s rich history, culture, and its varied artistic interpretations. Read My Lips Boston: Read My Lips Boston is a diverse romance bookshop that partners with breweries, cafes, and other establishments to host monthly mobile shops all around Boston. Their curated selection of love stories centers authors and main characters identifying as BIPOC, disabled, queer, big-bodied, and members of other groups historically underrepresented in the romance genre. Read My Lips donates 10% of their proceeds to local and national non-profits and social causes.

Connexion

Calling all lovers of rom and com! In celebration of Bookstore Romance Day — an annual indie bookstore celebration of romance books, writers, and readers — New Normal Comedy and Read My Lips Boston are teaming up for an evening of laughs and books at Idle Hands Craft Ales. Boasting a lineup of women, femme, and non-binary comedians, New Normal Comedy’s ticketed show will tickle your funny bone with horror stories about dating and romance. Additionally, you’ll be able to shop Read My Lips Boston’s curated selection of diverse romance reads and enjoy Idle Hands’ craft brew both leading up to and during the evening’s comedy show. Whether you're a hopeless romantic, a comedy enthusiast, or just in it for the beer, there's something for everyone during our Bookstore Romance Day celebration! WHEN AND WHERE Date:&nbsp;Saturday, August 9 Public bookshop pop-up:&nbsp;5 - 9 PM ET Ticketed comedy show (open to 21+ only):&nbsp;Doors at 9 PM ET Location:&nbsp;Idle Hands Craft Ales, 89 Commercial St., Malden MA 02148 An individual ticket costs $25.30 and gets you entry into the comedy show, plus:<ul><li>A complimentary drink ticket (redeemable for either a non-alcoholic or alcoholic beverage)</li><li>15% off purchases at Read My Lips’ bookshop pop-up during the show</li></ul>We use this alternative method of selling tickets to our events: After filling out <a href="https://bit.ly/rom-and-com">this Google Form</a> with your registration details, you will be able to access a checkout page to pay for your ticket, which will be processed by Square. We use this method because it takes a smaller percentage of profits than Eventbrite or other platforms. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns about this process. About New Normal Comedy: New Normal Comedy is redefining the comedy scene in New England by creating inclusive spaces where humor meets humanity. They aim to make the stage feel like home, fostering environments where comics can thrive and audiences can connect. By highlighting underrepresented voices, New Normal brings together people who haven’t always been made to feel "normal," ensuring everyone finds their place in the laughter. About Read My Lips Boston: Read My Lips Boston is a diverse romance bookshop that partners with breweries, cafes, and other establishments to host monthly mobile shops all around Boston. Their curated selection of love stories centers authors and main characters identifying as BIPOC, disabled, queer, big-bodied, and members of other groups historically underrepresented in the romance genre. Read My Lips donates 10% of their proceeds to local and national non-profits and social causes.

So You Want to Write a Romance Novel

Join writer and literary agent Maggie Cooper for an introduction to the essentials of romance writing. We’ll begin our time together by defining some key terms, then dive into brainstorming exercises and generative writing prompts to get your ideas flowing. Whether you’re just getting started or need a little push to get back to a stalled-out draft, you’ll leave class ready to write your way towards your characters’ happily ever after. This class is open to writers of all levels of experience and subgenres—from contemporary rom com to romantasy, hockey romance, and historicals. Tickets include a workshop seat and private shopping (with 15% off your purchase) from&nbsp;<a href="https://read-my-lips-boston.square.site/">Read My Lips Boston</a>, Boston's diverse romance pop-up bookstore! More about Maggie Cooper: Maggie Cooper is a writer, literary agent, and lifelong romance reader. In her agenting practice, she represents adult fiction and nonfiction with an emphasis on queer and trans stories and books that make our world weirder, kinder, more joyful, or all three. She’s the author of the prose chapbook The Theme Park of Women’s Bodies (Bull City Press 2024) and her fiction has appeared in The Rumpus, Ninth Letter, Quarterly West, and elsewhere. Maggie also teaches writing at GrubStreet in Boston. More about Read My Lips Boston: Read My Lips Boston is&nbsp;a diverse romance&nbsp;bookshop. They partner with breweries, cafes, and other establishment to host monthly mobile shops all around Boston. Read My Lips Boston's curated selection of love stories centers authors and main characters identifying as BIPOC, disabled, queer, big-bodied, and members of other groups historically underrepresented in the romance genre. Read My Lips Boston donates 10% of their proceeds to local and national non-profits and social causes.

The Lavender Room at Arts at the Armory

Read My Lips Boston pop-up & free wine tasting at The Urban Grape

Come join us for a diverse romance bookshop pop-up and free public wine tasting at The Urban Grape, a Black-owned and woman-owned wine shop that highlights BIPOC and LGBTQ+ producers! (Psst...Celebrities like Issa Rae are known to stop by!) What's in store: 💋 A freshly curated selection of (mostly) gently pre-loved and (some) new romance books with diverse representation! 📚️ Blind dates with books: Let fate decide your next romantic adventure!⁠ 🌟 Staff recommendations: Handpicked stories that'll make you swoon.⁠ 🛍️ Fun swag, T-shirts, stickers, candles, and more: Because who doesn't love a little extra?⁠ At each of our pop-ups, we donate 10% of our proceeds to a different non-profit. This month, a portion of the event proceeds will go to <a href="https://www.tnlr.org/en/">The Network/La Red</a>, a survivor-led, social justice organization that works to end partner abuse in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, kink, polyamorous, and queer communities.

The Urban Grape

Read My Lips Boston: Book Buyback Sunday

Looking to clear out your bookshelf and make way for some new reads? Well, we've got you covered! We're launching Book Buyback Sundays and will take your books in exchange for store credit with Read My Lips Boston. The when and where: 📆 Sunday, June 1 from 9 AM to 1 PM ET 📍 Cafe Reynard / Idle Hands Craft Ales (89 Commercial St, Malden 02148) How the buyback works: 📚 Bring us your gently used books and we'll review your books on the spot 💰 For any books we accept, you'll get 50% of their value in store credit, which you can redeem right away at our pop-up onsite or save it for a future purchase 📖 For any books that don't qualify for store credit, we're more than happy to donate them to the Malden Public Library on your behalf 🚫 We will be not accepting ARCs (advanced reader copies) or damaged books (torn covers, missing pages, etc.) You are more than welcome to bring books of all genres but please be aware that romance books are more likely to be accepted for store credit.

Cafe Reynard / Idle Hands Craft Ales

Read My Lips Boston pop-up at Winter Hill Brewing Company

We’ll finally be returning to&nbsp;Winter Hill Brewing Company&nbsp;for a cozy spring pop-up full of books, brews, and good vibes! 🍻📚 We’re bringing our curated selection of gently pre-loved diverse romance novels for you to peruse while enjoying a delicious beer (or three). You'll also be able to shop stickers, swag, bookish merch, and more.⁠ The when and where:⁠ 📆 Saturday, May 24 from 10 AM to 1 PM ET⁠ 📍 Winter Hill Brewing Company (328 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02145)⁠ ⁠ 10% of all proceeds from this pop-up will be donated to our featured nonprofit, Hearth -- a non-profit organization dedicated to the elimination of homelessness among the elderly. This mission is accomplished through a unique blend of prevention, placement, and housing programs all designed to help elders find and succeed in homes of their own.⁠ ⁠

Winter Hill Brewing Company

🔥 Sizzling Scenes: An inclusive sex writing workshop & romance bookshop pop-up 🔥

Are you ready to learn how to write some spicy smut? 😏 During this Sex Week Boston workshop, you'll learn from romance writing and editing instructor Megan Hennessey about how to write your very own smutty scenes! Be sure to bring your notebook, laptop, and/or other preferred writing tools. You'll write your own scenes at the end of the workshop, and will walk away an expert on writing sweat-inducing, sizzling scenes that also reveal character, move the story forward, and heighten tension. Afterwards, you'll have ample time to network with other romance fans and writers and browse titles at our romance bookshop pop-up. Tickets: <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfPv2RcR0td9vl3wauliUcA804qLZGekVTkPkllfdBU7X6lwQ/viewform?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaeDEUmWla_HExECYTLKaUXWMSNIgynYyJVVtNg8tknDHWyQtWHPX9Em0uhelA_aem_XRHpGS8v_U4M2BZuS0Ki2g">You can register and purchase your ticket for the workshop via this link</a>. After filling out the form, you will be able to purchase your selected ticket. Your ticket will include a workshop seat, a selection of tea and pastries from Rite Tea &amp; Espresso, and private shopping from Read My Lips, Boston's diverse romance pop-up bookshop! We are offering 3 pricing tiers for tickets: 🎟️ A discounted $19.99 ticket for those experiencing economic challenges (7 available, first come, first served) 🎟️ A $29.99 base ticket that covers the cost of our event space and paying our instructor and booksellers a fair wage 🎟️ A $34.99 "pay it forward" ticket that helps us offer our discounted tickets - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -  📚 About Read My Lips Boston: Read My Lips Boston is a pop-up inclusive romance bookshop that highlights authors and main characters who identify as BIPOC, persons with disabilities, LGBTQIA,&amp; more. They hold pop-up bookshops at local events, monthly book clubs, author events, and more. 🌶️ About Sex Week Boston: Sex Week Boston is a week-long series of events designed to educate, inspire, and empower individuals to embrace their sexuality in a safe, inclusive, and fun environment, while also fostering sex-positive community. The week is a vibrant celebration of sex education, queer and trans liberation, and sex-positive community building. 👩‍🏫 About the instructor: Megan Hennessey got her start in romance at the height of 50 Shades of Grey at Sourcebooks Casablanca reading the slush pile. She continues sharing her love for romance by giving workshops and courses at writers’ groups, the Women in Publishing Summit, and the Editorial Freelancers’ Association. She loves romance novels that break the rules and center queer, kinky characters.

The Annex at the Charles River Speedway

Independent Bookstore Day pop-up at Idle Hands Craft Ales

Independent Bookstore Day is a one-day party that takes place at indie bookstores all across the country on the last Saturday in April. Join Read My Lips Boston, Boston's diverse romance pop-up bookstore, at Idle Hands for our own unique celebration -- and take a chance on a blind date with a book for a chance to win a $30 Idle Hands gift certificate! You can also shop a curated selection of gently pre-loved diverse romance novels, stickers, swag, and more! Read My Lips Boston donates 10% of its proceeds to a different featured non-profit each month. This month, your purchase will benefit the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (<a href="https://barcc.org/">BARCC</a>).

Come join us for a pop-up and free public wine tasting at The Urban Grape, a Black-owned and woman-owned wine shop that highlights BIPOC and LGBTQ+ producers! (Psst...Celebrities are known to stop by, and Issa Rae visited in June!) What's in store: 💋 A freshly curated selection of (mostly) gently pre-loved and (some) new inclusive romance books! 📚️ Blind dates with books: Let fate decide your next romantic adventure!⁠ 🌟 Staff recommendations: Handpicked stories that'll make you swoon.⁠ 🛍️ Fun swag, T-shirts, stickers, candles, and more: Because who doesn't love a little extra?⁠ At each of our pop-ups, we donate 10% of our proceeds to a different non-profit. This month, a portion of the event proceeds will go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nativedisabilitylaw.org/">The Native American Disability Law Center</a>. Help us do some good as we go into the holiday season!

November Romance Book Club (and author visit!) with Read My Lips Boston

We are partnering with Rite on a monthly Romance Book Club! November's pick is Dukes and Dekes by Torie Jean, who will join us for a discussion of her most recent romance with endometriosis/chronic illness rep! After the event, feel free to hang out in the Annex! Rite has made the space super cozy, and it's the **perfect** reading spot. Q: When does the book club meet?⁠ The second Thursday of each month in the Annex at the Charles River Speedway!⁠ Q: I couldn’t make it to the kickoff event or subsequent meetings. Can I still join the book club?⁠ You sure can!⁠ Q: How do I get a copy of the book?⁠ * You can order a copy through us for pickup at Rite! Please DM us and we’ll send you a secure payment link.⁠ * You can purchase it through Bookshop.org or Libro.fm. (see link in bio)!⁠ * Check out your local library or Libby!⁠ Q: What if I don’t finish the book before the meeting?⁠ Finishing the book is not required! Just be aware the discussion may surface spoilers. :)⁠ If you have any questions that aren't answered here, please shoot us an email at <a href="mailto:readmylipsboston@gmail.com">readmylipsboston@gmail.com</a>! We hope you can join us.

Silent reading party & private holiday shopping

Spots are limited, and tickets are $25. Please sign up (and submit payment) via&nbsp;<a href="https://forms.gle/dUXBDJa4JQnQHzEp9">this Google form</a>&nbsp;to secure your place. Bring your book (audiobooks w/ headphones count!) and join Read My Lips Boston for a cozy Silent Reading Party with light snacks &amp; drinks at the disability-friendly&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thehouseofid.com/">House of id</a>! Read My Lips will bring a curated selection of gently used &amp; new books from their inclusive romance bookshop, and the House is full of gorgeous, curated (and buyable) treasures -- so, if you find yourself in the mood, this is a laid-back &amp; private holiday shopping opportunity, too! We will be joining the House of id in donating a portion of the event proceeds to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nativedisabilitylaw.org/">The Native American Disability Law Center</a>. Help us do some good as we go into the holiday season!

House of id

Haunted romance bookshop pop-up with Read My Lips Boston

Grab your pals or a date, snag a beer (or two) and head on over to our spooky pop-up at Idle Hands Craft Ales in Malden, MA! What you can expect:⁠ * Costumes encouraged! (One of us may or may not be dressing up as an evil Cupid)⁠ * Spooky &amp; cozy romance reads centering queer, BIPOC, disabled, plus-size &amp; other underrepresented perspectives in the genre ⁠ * Beer &amp; book pairings (of course!)⁠ * Spooky swag!! ⁠ 10% of our proceeds this month will go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.abilitiesdanceboston.org/">Abilities Dance Boston</a>, a Boston-based nonprofit that uses dance as a tool to dismantle ableism and advocate for intersectional disability rights. ⁠

S22: conversations

Wondering what to do in Boston? Places to eat? Free activities? Good for a group? Date night spot? Girls night out? The best things to do? Ask Joyraft!

Best places to go in Boston? Things to do? Places to eat?

Questions & answers about things to do in Boston

Recs 💬

Community recs 💬

S4: top picks

The most fun, cool and unique things to do in Boston. Can’t miss events, shows and experiences. Concerts, restaurants, bars, free things in Boston and beyond.

The most fun and cool events happening around Boston

Hot and new things to do in Boston

Hot & new

Hot & new 🔥

S11: happening this weekend

What to do in Boston this weekend? From festivals, concerts, performances, free events, screenings and more, Joyraft has the best things to do in Boston.

25+ things to do in Boston/Cambridge/Somerville this weekend

Things to do in Boston this weekend

This wknd

This weekend for you

S21: roundups

Our top picks: outdoor dining, free events, spring festivals, best bars, upcoming concerts, museum parties - the latest in and around Boston.  Slug: joyraft-top-picks-best-things-to-do-boston-ma

Top picks of the best things to do in and around Boston

Joyraft picks: Boston’s best things to do

Roundups ⭐️

Curated by Joyraft ⭐️

S28: calendar experiences

This week in Boston

This week in Boston 📆

This week 📆

S20: c+d experiences

Discover new, unique events and experiences happening in and around Boston. Perfect for date night, good for a group or with a friend. Be the first to know.

The newest events happening in and around Boston

The newest events on Joyraft

Just added

Just added to Joyraft

S16: editor picks

The most unique and can’t miss things coming up in Boston / Cambridge / Somerville and beyond. Festivals, food, drinks, fairs, concerts, art and free activities.

Unique and Can’t Miss Things to Do in Boston

Can’t-miss things to do in Boston 🚨

Can't-miss things to do 🚨

S2 (A): top experiences

The most popular things to do on Joyraft. Concerts, restaurants, bars, events, parties, openings, kid friendly, date ideas, free things in Boston and beyond.

Top 20 things to do in Boston

Top 20: Joyraft’s most popular

Top 20

Top 20 on Joyraft

S3 (A): trending experiences

Discover can’t miss events and things to do in Boston. The most fun, unique and cool events coming to the Boston area this spring and summer.

The hottest events happening in Boston

Trending events on Joyraft

Trending 📈

S17: interest based

Your guide to everything free in and around Boston. From events, to fairs, to festivals, to outdoors. Joyraft has all the free events happening near you.

100+ free things to do in Boston and beyond

Free things to do in Boston

Free things to do

S19: interest based

Kid-friendly events in Boston

S18: interest based

Where to eat and drink in Boston? Joyraft has Boston’s newest bars, restaurants and specials. Drinks and pre fixe dinner menus. Cambridge & Somerville too.

readmylipsboston

Experiences

Rom & Com: A romance bookshop pop-up & comedy show

Kissed a Ghoul, Liked It: Diversity in paranormal romance authors panel & book signing

Trick or Trope: A spicy paranormal writing workshop!

Slay the Stigma: A Disability-Led Drag Show

Rom & Com: A romance bookshop pop-up & comedy show

So You Want to Write a Romance Novel

Read My Lips Boston pop-up & free wine tasting at The Urban Grape

Read My Lips Boston: Book Buyback Sunday

Read My Lips Boston pop-up at Winter Hill Brewing Company

🔥 Sizzling Scenes: An inclusive sex writing workshop & romance bookshop pop-up 🔥

Independent Bookstore Day pop-up at Idle Hands Craft Ales

Read My Lips Boston pop-up & free wine tasting at The Urban Grape

November Romance Book Club (and author visit!) with Read My Lips Boston

Silent reading party & private holiday shopping

Haunted romance bookshop pop-up with Read My Lips Boston