"The Memory Palace" Live

Join WBUR and friends for a new series of live tapings of your favorite podcasts. Meet the people who are shaping the podcast landscape and be the first to hear their next episode, get a sneak peek of audio left on the cutting room floor or dig deeper into the stories that captivated you. Join us for a live taping of “<a href="https://thememorypalace.us/">The Memory Palace</a>,” a podcast created and produced by Nate DiMeo that features short, narrative essays set to music that conjure lost moments and forgotten figures from America’s past or finds strange, new magic in the familiar. The event will feature special guests along with beloved and exclusive stories from the Peabody Award-nominated podcast and DiMeo’s new book, “The Memory Palace: True Short Stories of the Past." Copies of the book will be available for purchase from our bookstore partner Brookline Booksmith. DiMeo will sign copies following the event.

CitySpace

Curated Cuisine: Historian Jessica B. Harris on the culinary and cultural traditions of Kwanzaa

Curated Cuisine is a monthly series examining all things edible, from the chefs cooking the food to the writers reviewing the recipes. Meet the people shaping the food industry, both local and national and enjoy a post-show bite inspired by the conversation. James Beard Award-winning culinary historian Jessica B. Harris joins Tamika R. Francis, founder of Food &amp; Folklore, for a conversation about the updated edition of her book, “A Kwanzaa Keepsake and Cookbook: Celebrating the Holiday with Family, Community and Tradition.” Harris is the author of 12 critically acclaimed books documenting the foods and foodways of the African Diaspora including, "High on the Hog: A Culinary Journey from Africa to America," which inspired the Netflix docuseries of the same name. “A Kwanzaa Keepsake and Cookbook” explores African American culture, food and family, featuring recipes and stories to help this generation create unique holiday traditions. Copies of the book will be available for purchase from our bookstore partner Frugal Books. Harris will sign and guests will enjoy a spicy three-cheese mac &amp; cheese and holiday gingerbread with molasses whipped cream from the book following the conversation. This event is produced in partnership with Boston University’s Metropolitan College Programs in <a href="https://www.bu.edu/foodandwine/">Food &amp; Wine</a>. About “A Kwanzaa Keepsake and Cookbook” From the award-winning author of “High on the Hog” — inspiration for the “energetic, emotional and deeply nuanced” (The New York Times) Netflix series of the same name — comes a new and updated edition of “A Kwanzaa Keepsake,” another important exploration of African American culture, food and family, featuring recipes and stories to help this generation create unique holiday traditions. Now with a new introduction by award-winning writer and iconic culinary historian Jessica B. Harris, a foreword by chef and television personality Carla Hall, revised recipes and stories and a fresh new package, “A Kwanzaa Keepsake” offers proverbs, ceremonies, family projects, inspirational biographies, blessings and of course, wonderful recipes. Structured around the seven days of Kwanzaa and the virtues each day represents, Harris shares a themed feast for each night, designed to reflect the principle of the day. Some of the menus include:<ul><li>Umoja (Unity), featuring dishes of multinational origin such as seasoned olives, mechoui-Style leg of lamb with cumin, mint and chili and a classic Caribbean rum punch, and reminds readers of the union of all peoples of African descent.</li><li>Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), composed of dishes from the African continent including sweet potato fritters, grilled pepper salad, and piment aimee, a hot sauce from one of the author’s friends.</li><li>Kuumba (Creativity) is a healing supper and communal meal that opens the gates of remembrance through food. The repast is centered around a heritage recipe and includes others for pickled black-eyed peas, a fish dish from the Ivory Coast, spicy cranberry chutney, and a killer pecan pie with molasses whipped cream.</li></ul>Interspersed throughout the book are spaces to record family memories, sayings and recipes. Rich in culinary history, and a source of inspiration for treasuring and recording family traditions both old and new, “A Kwanzaa Keepsake” is a book to cherish, and one that families will turn to again and again.

WBUR CitySpace

Ones to Watch: The Floor Lords empower local youth through the positivity of hip hop dance

Your next favorite artist is right here in Greater Boston. WBUR keeps its finger on the pulse of Boston's diverse and lively arts and culture scene on-air, online and now on stage. Join us for “Ones to Watch: Boston’s Emerging Artists,” a four-part series featuring up-and-coming artists across an array of genres: dance, comedy, film, theater and more. Join us for an evening with Floor Lords, who seek to use the positivity of hip hop dance to reach and empower inner city and local youth to understand how to direct their energy in a productive manner and foster creativity. The crew seek to bring success to these individuals and enrich their lives, using hip hop elements as avenues to teach and provide guidance in a positive, nurturing, and comfortable environment. With break dancing making its Olympic debut this summer, the genre continues to gain popularity. Floor Lords president and Roxbury native Alex “Bboy El Niño” Diaz competed in the Olympic trials for Team USA. They’ll join WBUR arts reporter Arielle Gray to discuss the history and mission of&nbsp;the crew, teach you some moves and present an electrifying performance you won’t want to miss.&nbsp;

The Third Gilmore Girl: Kelly Bishop reflects on a life on stage and screen

In-person tickets are sold out. Livestream tickets are available. For many, the name Kelly Bishop is synonymous with the matriarchal character Emily Gilmore in the television series “The Gilmore Girls.” But Bishop’s long and storied career includes incredible hits from her role as Marjorie Houseman in “Dirty Dancing” to Sheila in the original Broadway cast of “A Chorus Line,” which earned her a Tony Award. Now Bishop has penned “The Third Gilmore Girl,” a memoir reflecting back on her life in Hollywood and Broadway. Join WBUR assistant managing editor&nbsp;Meagan McGinnes-Bessey&nbsp;for an evening with Bishop to discuss the book and revisit highlights from her career through photos and video. Copies of the book will be available to purchase from our bookstore partner Brookline Booksmith.

Sandwiches of History: Live!

In celebration of his brand-new cookbook,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sandwichesofhistory.com/">Sandwiches of History</a>&nbsp;creator Barry Enderwick is hitting the road to share the history of his wildly popular internet deep-dive on all things sandwich. The live show will feature a special guest star, and sandwich making and tasting with audience-suggested “plus ups,” Enderwick’s signature technique for taking good sandwiches and making them great. There will also be a Q&amp;A and more surprises. VIP ticket holders will receive reserved seating, a signed copy of “Sandwiches of History: The Cookbook” and exclusive access to a meet and greet after the show.

Welcome to Pawnee: Actor Jim O'Heir shares stories from the set of "Parks and Recreation"

It’s been almost a decade since the last episode of the hit NBC sitcom “Parks and Recreation” aired, but the show remains firmly in the cultural zeitgeist. Comedian and actor Jim O’Heir, who starred as Jerry Gergich on the show, says there was something special and collaborative about the “Parks and Rec” cast along with an incredibly dedicated and loyal fanbase. O’Heir has now penned “Welcome to Pawnee: Stories of Friendship, Waffles, and Parks and Recreation,” a behind-the-scenes primer that he hopes will allow fans to ”feel even more connected to the show they fell in love with,” <a href="https://people.com/jim-o-heir-new-book-parks-and-recreation-exclusive-8629422" target="_blank">he said</a>. Here &amp; Now producer Kalyani Saxena will moderate the conversation with O’Heir who will share more “unscripted moments,” “epic dance-offs” and other “Parks and Rec” nostalgic treasures along with taking audience questions. Copies of the book will be available for purchase from our bookstore partner Brookline Booksmith and O’Heir will sign following the conversation.

Curated Cuisine: Cook's Country editors Toni Tipton-Martin and Morgan Bolling on the women who gave soul to Southern cooking 

Curated Cuisine is a monthly WBUR CitySpace series examining all things edible, from the chefs cooking the food to the writers reviewing the recipes. Meet the people shaping the food industry, both local and national and enjoy a post-show bite inspired by the conversation. Tamika R. Francis, founder of Food &amp; Folklore, moderates a conversation with Cook’s Country editor in chief Toni Tipton-Martin and executive editor Morgan Bolling about, “When Southern Women Cook: History, Lore, and 300 Recipes from Every Corner of the American South.” This new cookbook from America's Test Kitchen showcases the hard work, hospitality and creativity of women who have given soul to Southern cooking from the start. Featuring more than 200 stories of women who've shaped the cuisine, every page amplifies their contributions, from the enslaved cooks making foundational food at Monticello to Mexican Americans accessing sweet memories with colorful conchas today. Copies of the book will be available for purchase from our bookstore partner Frugal Books. The authors will sign and guests will enjoy bites from the book following the conversation including:<ul><li>Sweet Potato Cornbread with Ginger Honey Butter</li><li>Pat in the Pan Biscuits</li><li>Chicken and Shrimp Jambalaya</li><li>Texas Chocolate Sheet Cake</li><li>Bourbon Butterscotch Pudding</li></ul>This event is produced in partnership with <a href="https://cambridgeculinary.com/">Cambridge School of Culinary Arts,</a>&nbsp;who will be providing the bites for the event! About “When Southern Women Cook”&nbsp; Shepherded by Toni Tipton-Martin and Cook's Country executive editor and TV personality Morgan Bolling, “When Southern Women Cook” showcases the hard work, hospitality and creativity of women who have given soul to Southern cooking from the start. Every page amplifies their contributions, from the enslaved cooks making foundational food at Monticello to Mexican Americans accessing sweet memories with colorful conchas today. 70+ voices paint a true picture of the South: Emmy Award–winning producer and author Von Diaz covers Caribbean immigrant foodways through Southern stews; food journalist Kim Severson delves into recipes' power as cultural currency; mixologist and beverage historian Tiffanie Barriere reflects on Juneteenth customs including red drink. 300 recipes — must-knows, little-knowns and modern inventions: regional Brunswick stew, Dollywood cinnamon bread, pickle-brined fried chicken sandwiches, grilled lemongrass chicken banh mi and oat guava cookies bridge the gap between what Southern cooking is known for and how it continues to evolve. Recipe headnotes contextualize your cooking: Learn Edna Lewis’ biscuit wisdom. Read about Waffle House and fry chicken thighs to top light-as-air waffles. Meet Joy Perrine, the "Bad Girl of Bourbon." Covering every region and flavor of the American South, from Texas Barbecue to Gullah Geechee rice dishes, this collection of 300 recipes is a joyous celebration of Southern cuisine and its diverse heroes, past and present. Copies of the book will be available for purchase from our bookstore partner Frugal Books. The authors will sign and guests will enjoy a bite from the book following the conversation.

Ones to Watch: Expanding the boundaries of musical theater with Daniel Lazour and Patrick Lazour

Your next favorite artist is right here in Greater Boston. WBUR keeps its finger on the pulse of Boston's diverse and lively arts and culture scene on-air, online and now on stage. Join us for “Ones to Watch: Boston’s Emerging Artists,” a four-part series featuring up-and-coming artists across an array of genres: dance, comedy, film, theater and more. Join us for an evening with music theater writers Daniel Lazour and Patrick Lazour. Brothers who grew up in Boylston, Mass., the Lazours Richard Rodgers-winning musical “We Live in Cairo” received its world premiere at American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) at Harvard University in 2019 and will play this fall at New York Theatre Workshop. In Spring 2025, they will return to A.R.T. for the premiere of “Night Side Songs,” a communal music-theater experience performed for — and with — an intimate audience, which gives voice to doctors, patients, researchers and caregivers to meld the realms of the well and the sick. The genre-breaking theatrical kaleidoscope fuses story and song to take us on a journey through illness that brings us closer to life. WBUR senior arts and culture reporter Cristela Guerra will moderate a conversation with the Lazours about their creative process, artistic vision and developing work that will feature a sneak preview of songs from this&nbsp; upcoming production.&nbsp;

“Weight For It” In Conversation Live! with special guest Lindy West

Join us for a taping of the critically acclaimed podcast “<a href="https://www.radiotopia.fm/podcasts/weight-for-it">Weight For It</a>,” which unpacks the nuanced thoughts of fat folks, and of all folks who think about their weight all the time. Host by Ronald Young Jr., this special live series, explores the stories of people who have found career success despite Hollywood’s tendency to overemphasize smaller bodies. Young will be joined by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lindywest.net/">Lindy West</a>, author of “Shrill: Notes from a Loud Woman” (now a Hulu original TV series), “The Witches Are Coming,” “Shit, Actually” and a contributing opinion writer for The New York Times. She is also co-host of the podcast “<a href="https://www.instagram.com/textmebackpod">Text Me Back</a>” and author of the newsletter&nbsp;<a href="https://buttnews.substack.com/">Butt News</a>. Copies of her books will be available for purchase from our bookstore partner Brookline Booksmith and West will sign after the event.&nbsp; Selected as one of the best podcasts of 2023 by the New York Times, Vogue and Vulture, “Weight for It” is also a three-time Podcast Academy Award winner. Its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ambies.com/">Ambie</a>&nbsp;wins included Best Society and Culture Podcast, Best Indie Podcast and Best Indie Podcast Host.

Fright Night: A celebration of horror novels and the authors behind them

Spooky season is upon us…and what better time to experience the jolt of fright by reading a good ol’ scary book? Horror fiction is having&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/books/2024/apr/04/horror-novel-sales-boomed-during-year-of-real-world-anxieties" target="_blank">quite the renaissance</a>. Between 2022 and 2023, sales of horror and ghost stories rose by 54%. And in the first three months of 2024, sales were 34% higher than at the same time last year. What’s compelling readers to seek more tales of things that go bump in the night? Join&nbsp;Here &amp; Now&nbsp;associate producer&nbsp;Kalyani Saxena&nbsp;for a conversation celebrating the thrills and chills of horror novels with authors Alix E. Harrow (“Starling House”), Grady Hendrix (“How to Sell a Haunted House”) and Alexis Henderson ("An Academy for Liars"). They’ll discuss their books, how the genre has evolved and the insatiable appetite for more scary stories. &nbsp; Copies of their books will be available from our bookstore partner Brookline Booksmith and the authors will sign following the conversation.

Marketplace’s “Make Me Smart” Live with special guest Heather Cox Richardson

Join WBUR and friends for live tapings of your favorite podcasts. Meet the people who are shaping the podcast landscape and be the first to hear their next episode, get a sneak peek of audio left on the cutting room floor or dig deeper into the stories that captivated you. Join Marketplace&nbsp;host&nbsp;Kai Ryssdal&nbsp;and senior Washington correspondent&nbsp;Kimberly Adams&nbsp;for a live taping of their podcast "<a href="https://www.marketplace.org/shows/make-me-smart/">Make Me Smart</a>." They'll break down the day’s business and economic headlines and play a game with the audience all while sipping their favorite drink, which you’ll also be able to order at CitySpace’s bar. The pair will be joined by historian Heather Cox Richardson for analysis of the state of the presidential race as we near Election Day. Signed copies of her book, "Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America," will be available for purchase from our bookstore partner Brookline Booksmith.

2024 Boston Fashion Week GlamSlam

Join us for GlamSlam, a storytelling event featuring local fashion professionals sharing hilarious, poignant and sometimes glamorous moments in their careers. From tales of fashion flops to chronicles of WERK-ing the runway, GlamSlam speakers have tugged at our heartstrings, made us laugh, inspired us and most importantly shown us how meaningful and rewarding the work fashion professionals do can be. You won’t want to miss this powerful evening of fashion stories. Bethany Van Delft, the most glamorous, funny person in Boston, will emcee the event. Storytellers Sonia Garufi — Creative stylist and model, Maggie Inc. Lana Barakat — Founder and chief thief, December Thieves Carlos Villamil — Assistant professor of industrial design, Wentworth Institute of Technology Robert Casey — Owner, Maggie Inc. Taneshia Camillo-Sheffey — Founder and director, MadeINcubator Inc. Kristie Raymond — Founder, casting strategist and producer, HumanKind Casting&nbsp;

The Makers: A celebration honoring emerging artists of color in Boston

Join us for a celebration honoring The Makers, 10 emerging artists of color shaping the culture and arts landscape in Greater Boston. This free event is the culmination of a weeklong <a href="https://www.wbur.org/news/2024/10/07/the-2024-makers">online and on-air editorial series</a> from WBUR's arts and culture team. Meet the honorees and enjoy food, drinks and special performances from saxophonist <a href="https://www.wbur.org/news/2024/10/06/the-makers-jonathan-suazo">Jonathan Suazo</a>, violinist <a href="https://www.wbur.org/news/2024/10/06/the-makers-pranav-swaroop">Pranav Swaroop</a>, Rheya Shano choreographed by <a href="https://www.wbur.org/news/2024/10/06/the-makers-elizabeth-mochizuki">Elizabeth Mochizuki</a> and singer-songwriter <a href="https://www.wbur.org/news/2024/10/06/the-makers-naomi-westwater">Naomi Westwater</a>. Artwork from photographer <a href="https://www.wbur.org/news/2024/10/06/the-makers-feda-eid">Feda Eid</a> will also be on display in our lobby.

Walking Disaster: Deryck Whibley’s new memoir on his life with Sum 41

This candid memoir of music, fame and endurance from Deryck Whibley, lead singer of Sum 41, follows his rise from a punk kid to an international star. From his earliest days growing up in Canada, Deryck Whibley was a punk who loved music and couldn’t wait to achieve something bigger and better than the humble path that lay before him. Whibley was raised by a single mom and their small family constantly moved from place to place, so he was used to being the new kid, starting fights (or finishing them) and connecting with people who shared his sensibility for chaotic fun and loud music. Sum 41 was born of a group of friends who loved to jam, shared a DIY ethos and were determined to be rock stars one day. “Walking Disaster” is Whibley’s story, but it is also the untold story of Sum 41. Whibley takes you backstage, into the recording booth and through the highest highs and lowest lows of the band whose story is inextricably woven with his own. With his insightful, earnest and genuine voice, Whibley gets real about fame, fortune and the music industry. Detailing everything from winning at the MTV Video Music Awards and being nominated for a Grammy to revisiting his high-profile relationships and friendships, contending with invasive paparazzi and suffer­ing from health issues that brought him to the brink, Whibley offers a forthright and unforget­table memoir.

Curated Cuisine: “Plantas” author Alexa Soto pays homage to Mexican cooking with a modern, vegan twist

Curated Cuisine is a monthly WBUR CitySpace series examining all things edible, from the chefs cooking the food to the writers reviewing the recipes. Meet the people shaping the food industry, both local and national and enjoy a post-show bite inspired by the conversation. WBUR senior correspondent Deborah Becker moderates a conversation with recipe creator, mental health advocate and food blogger Alexa Soto about her new cookbook, “Plantas: Modern Vegan Recipes for Traditional Mexican Cooking.” A vegan for nearly a decade, Soto wanted to create a book that pays homage to her Mexican heritage and celebrates the array of fruits and vegetables that make up the staples of this beloved cuisine by recreating traditional recipes with a vegan twist. She offers dishes that are simple, affordable and healthy —everything from jackfruit mushroom carnitas tacos to cauliflower al Pastor and lasagna de mole. Copies of the book will be available from our bookstore partner Brookline Booksmith, Soto will sign and guests will enjoy al pastor roasted cauliflower and tamarind-date agua fresca from the book following the conversation. This event is produced in partnership with <a href="https://www.ne-cat.org/" target="_blank">New England Culinary Arts Training</a>. About “Plantas” Join Alexa Soto as she highlights the beauty of traditional Mexican cuisine with a plant-based twist for simple, affordable and healthful vegan meals from breakfast to postre. Paired with Alexa’s own gorgeous photography, “Plantas” is a joyful, welcoming guide to enjoying the traditional food of Mexico in a modern, sustainable way, a celebration of the array of fruits and vegetables that make up the staples of this beloved cuisine. Perfect for full-time vegans and those looking to incorporate more plants into their diet alike, “Plantas" is full of weeknight meals, snacks, salsas and cocktails that will simplify dinner and inspire your next taco night, including:<ul><li>Salsas and garnishes like guacasalsa, Abue’s salsa habanero piña, and dairy-free chipotle crema</li><li>Taco dishes from taquitos de jamaica to jackfruit mushroom carnitas tacos</li><li>Main courses such as hearts of palm ceviche tostadas, tamales de elote, cauliflower al pastor and lasagna de mole</li><li>Dessert showstoppers like tres leches cake, churros and chocoflan</li><li>Plus cocktails, coffee drinks and nonalcoholic beverages to round out every meal</li></ul>Full of traditional flavors, modern spins, stories passed down through Alexas’ family and tips for bringing more plants into your life, “Plantas” is your resource for vibrant, decadent and healthy meals with beloved Mexican flavors and ingredients that inspire and highlight the natural beauty and bounty of cooking with plants.

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

Discover kid-friendly fun in Boston, Massachusetts, and surrounding areas! Enjoy hands-on exhibits at the Boston Children’s Museum, explore the New England Aquarium, and visit the Franklin Park Zoo. Find parks, playgrounds, and seasonal events perfect for families across Massachusetts.

Top 20 kid-friendly things to do in Boston, MA

Kid-friendly things to do in Boston

Kid-friendly events

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.