Curated Cuisine: Dip to dinner with ‘Salsa Daddy’ author and James Beard Award-winning chef Rick Martinez

Curated Cuisine is a WBUR CitySpace 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. As far as James Beard Award-winning chef Rick Martinez is concerned, salsa isn’t just a condiment, it’s a lifestyle. In his new cookbook, “Salsa Daddy,” Martinez shows how salsa can be a dip, a condiment or an iconic Mexican meal. The book contains over 70 recipes for salsa, from the classic pico de gallo to a nutty-savory spicy sauce made with peanuts, chiles and caramelized onions. Martinez will discuss the recipes and offer tips and tricks on how to use them to create easy weeknight meals. Copies of the book will be available to purchase from our bookstore partner&nbsp;<a href="https://frugalbookstore.net/">Frugal Bookstore</a>. Martinez will sign following the conversation and guests will enjoy chips and salsa following the conversation. This event is co-produced by Boston University Metropolitan College&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bu.edu/foodandwine/">Programs in Food &amp; Wine</a>.

WBUR CitySpace

New York Times Games night with Everdeen Mason

Calling all New York Times Games fans! Join us for a live puzzle solve of Spelling Bee with Games editorial director Everdeen Mason. Challenge yourself to find all the words in Spelling Bee along with the rest of the audience in a fun and interactive game night. We bet you’ll feel like a Genius or Queen Bee in no time! Plus, find out more about how games are developed and what puzzles make the cut. Mason has been leading the charge to push people out of their game-solving comfort zone at The Times for over five years. “I want to turn up the dial on that sense of discovery and wonder,” she said.

Stand Strong: A night of self-defense training and empowerment

Every year, nearly one in four women will experience sexual violence on college campuses, but research shows that empowerment self-defense programs reduce these assaults by 50% or more. Join us for a self-defense class where you will learn practical skills and tips on how to stay safe. We’ll kick off the evening with remarks from Diane Rosenfeld, founding director of the Gender Violence Program and lecturer at Harvard Law School. Then, executive director of IMPACT Boston Meg Stone will lead a high-energy, hands-on self-defense training. You’ll learn assertive communication, bystander skills and simple, powerful ways to protect yourself and others — no matter your gender, ability, background or experience. We’ll end the evening with dance music and networking. Copies of Rosenfeld’s book “The Bonobo Sisterhood” and Stone’s book “The Cost of Fear” will be available to purchase from our bookstore partner <a href="https://brooklinebooksmith.com/">Brookline Booksmith</a> and both authors will sign following the event.

Boston Fashion Week Presents GlamSlam

Join Boston Fashion Week for GlamSlam, a live storytelling event featuring local fashion professionals — models, curators, designers and more — 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, emcees the event.

‘Weight For It’ Live with special guest Katie Sturino

Join WBUR CitySpace and friends for a 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 host Ronald Young Jr. for a taping of his 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. In season 3 (coming in September), Young will dive deeper into the ways he feels increasing pressure to lose weight. Is everyone on a <a href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/28/wegovy-new-uses-cost-safety">GLP-1</a>? Is body positivity fully over and is hating fat people fully resuming? Each episode will examine the ways in which these questions are presenting themselves in Young’s everyday life. During the live taping, Young will be joined by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/katiesturino/">Katie Sturino</a>, body acceptance advocate, founder of Megababe and author of “Sunny Side Up.” As a prominent figure in the body positivity community, she will explore ways in which the scrutiny of being a public figure, specifically now that she’s losing weight, has impacted her perspective on her work. Young and Sturino will also talk about her <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/22/style/katie-sturino-novel-body-positivity.html">foray into writing</a> and what it means to create plus sized characters in mainstream media. Copies of “Sunny Side Up” will be available for purchase from our bookstore partner <a href="https://brooklinebooksmith.com/">Brookline Booksmith</a> and Sturino will sign following the conversation.

‘All the Empty Rooms’ film screening and conversation with CBS News' Steve Hartman and director Joshua Seftel

A visual meditation on absence, memory and the unseen ripples of America's gun violence epidemic. “All The Empty Rooms” follows veteran CBS News correspondent Steve Hartman and photographer Lou Bopp as they embark on a seven-year-long project to document the empty bedrooms of children killed in school shootings. Tired of whitewashing tragedy with obligatory uplift, Hartman steps away from his heartwarming human interest stories to pursue a project his network never approved. As gun violence claims more young lives than any other cause in America, these quiet bedrooms reveal truths more powerful than statistics ever could. Following the screening of the short film, join Hartman, Academy Award-nominated and Emmy Award-winning director Joshua Seftel, and pediatric trauma surgeon and firearm injury prevention researcher, Dr. Chethan Sathya, for a heart-wrenching conversation about the toll of gun violence on these families.

Curated Cuisine: Exploring the craft of cocktails with America’s Test Kitchen

Curated Cuisine is a WBUR CitySpace 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. Join America’s Test Kitchen and Cook’s Illustrated to unleash your inner bartender with a demystifying dive into the world of classic and contemporary cocktail making. Organized around categories including martinis, Manhattans, highballs, sours, flips, tropical, and more, “Cocktails Illustrated” is the ultimate “how-to” cocktail cookbook. Dan Souza, chief content officer of America’s Test Kitchen, and test cook Joe Gitter will be in conversation with Here &amp; Now managing producer and cocktail aficionado Todd Mundt. Expand your repertoire, learn new techniques and find out why glassware matters. Guests will enjoy a complimentary cocktail or mocktail before the conversation. Copies of the book will be available to purchase from our bookstore partner <a href="https://brooklinebooksmith.com/">Brookline Booksmith</a> and Souza will sign after the event.

'Greeking Out' Live

Join WBUR CitySpace and friends for a 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. Kenny Curtis and Jillian Hughes, the creators of National Geographic Kids’ wildly successful podcast “Greeking Out,” are back to share the greatest feats and the funniest secrets of the gods and heroes of Greek mythology. Enjoy this kid-friendly retelling of classic ancient Greek myths for the whole family. These stories of heroic victories, perilous adventures and plain old mischief will delight kids and adults alike. Plus, fans of the “Percy Jackson” series will love discovering the real myths behind their favorite (and least favorite) characters. Copies of all the “Greeking Out” books including the latest, “Tales from the Underworld,” will be available for purchase from our bookstore partner <a href="https://brooklinebooksmith.com/">Brookline Booksmith</a> and Curtis and Hughes will sign after the show.

The Crossword Show with Zach Sherwin

The Crossword Show returns to CitySpace for a performance of "Puzzle #3: Cross Country," revamped and turbocharged for 2025. Heads up, regulars: this will be the Boston debut of this particular puzzle and show. Host Zach Sherwin (“Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” “Epic Rap Battles of History,” MAD Magazine) presides as two guest comedians solve an actual crossword puzzle live onstage, with everything displayed on our screen so you can follow along. It’s like the New York Times crossword meets NPR’s “Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me,” with more rap than you’d expect. As the solvers decipher the clues, Sherwin takes the show down rabbit holes of comedy, music, wordplay and trivia, all inspired by the answer words. Everything ties together at the end for a grand finale that’s as satisfying as it is mind-blowing. You don’t need any crossword expertise to be dazzled by this delightful, brainy, one-of-a-kind experience!

Blue Heron Presents: ‘Christmas in 16th-Century Spain’ concert and conversation with Meghna Chakrabarti

Acclaimed vocal ensemble <a href="https://www.blueheron.org/">Blue Heron</a> returns to CitySpace for a celebration of Christmas in 16th-century Spain, featuring mystical motets by Cristóbal de Morales, vivacious villancicos by Francisco Guerrero and a dash of comedy — Mateo Flecha’s rollicking tale of a shipwreck on Christmas Day, “La Bomba.” In between performances, artistic director Scott Metcalfe will sit down with On Point host Meghna Chakrabarti to discuss the music. Blue Heron combines vivid live performance with the study of original source materials and historical performance practices. They span a wide repertoire, including 15th-century English and Franco-Flemish polyphony, Spanish music between 1500 and 1600 and neglected early 16th-century English music. The ensemble also regularly performs earlier and later music, from “Le Cantique des Cantiques” (1952) for twelve voices by Jean-Yves Daniel-Lesur, and “Devran” (2017) by Boston’s Mehmet Ali Sanlıkol.

'Mortified' Live

“Mortified” is back — and angstier than ever! Hailed as a “cultural phenomenon” by NewsWeek and celebrated for years by the likes of “This American Life,” “The Today Show,” The Onion AV Club and Entertainment Weekly, “Mortified” is a comic excavation of teen angst artifacts (journals, poems, letters, lyrics, home movies, schoolwork) as shared by their original authors — in front of total strangers. Since 2002, “Mortified” has been curating teen angst artifacts from people like you. The project began when founder David Nadelberg discovered an unsent love letter he wrote as a teenager. The letter sparked an idea and he sent an email to friends asking if anyone wanted to share their childhood writings on stage. That email went viral and soon, responses poured in from strangers near and far. Over two decades later, what started with a single letter transformed into a movement encouraging people everywhere to unearth the strange stuff they created as kids and share them with at least one person. You’d be surprised what you discover in the process. There are a million stories buried in the pages of people’s lives. It's "Mortified's" mission is to help people find them.

Set in Boston: ‘Fever Pitch’ screening and conversation

Set in Boston is a new WBUR CitySpace series aimed at celebrating, analyzing and better understanding Boston's depiction in film. We’ll explore what movies can tell us about our city's cinematic representation, and how that does, or doesn't, reflect our actual community. When Ben Wrightman (Jimmy Fallon), a young teacher, begins dating pretty businesswoman Lindsey Meeks (Drew Barrymore), the two don't seem to have a lot of the same interests, but they fall in love, regardless. Their romance goes well until baseball season begins, and Lindsey soon realizes that Ben is completely obsessed with the Boston Red Sox. Though she tries to understand Ben's passionate team loyalty, eventually it threatens to end their otherwise happy relationship. Following the screening, WBUR film critic&nbsp;Erin Trahan&nbsp;moderates a conversation with former sports writer for Boston.com Khari Thompson and film critic and former deputy managing editor for The Boston Globe Janice Page. This year marks the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/04/09/arts/jimmy-fallon-fever-pitch-20th-anniversary/">20th anniversary</a>&nbsp;of the film.

Field Trip: Kite designing class with Kidcasso Art Studio

It’s time to grab a blanket, some pals and a whole lot of snacks! This summer, WBUR CitySpace's Field Trip meetup series is dedicated to helping you create the perfect picnic with classes on cheese board making, wine tasting, floral arranging and kite designing. When was the last time you flew a kite - or made one with your own two hands? Get ready to soar with Kidcasso Art Studio as we bring the color, creativity and crafty fun to you! The Kidcasso team is packing up all the sparkles! Think paint, glitter, streamers and ribbon galore, so you and your crew can design and decorate your very own kite. It’s a whimsical workshop where imaginations take flight and everyone gets to feel like a kid again! Tickets will include all the supplies needed to design a one-of-a-kind kite, including a pre-made one to decorate! Enjoy a live interactive demo with Kidcasso founder Laura-Marie Small, a dance party and a whole lot of positive entertainment to get our you laughing, connecting and creating!

Semi-Well-Adjusted Despite Literally Everything: Actor and dancer Alyson Stoner's memoir on growing up in a digital age

Alyson Stoner — former child actor turned mental health practitioner — delivers a compelling deconstruction of identity, cultural myths and the illusion of being “well-adjusted” in a dysfunctional society in their debut memoir, “Semi-Well-Adjusted Despite Literally Everything.” Overflowing with intimate details from film and TV sets like “Camp Rock,” “Cheaper by the Dozen,” “Step Up” and “Phineas and Ferb,” Stoner exposes a turbulent upbringing behind the scenes, including family violence and betrayal, eating disorders and religious trauma. Along the way, Stoner uses their unconventional life path to unpack cultural phenomena such as the commodification of high-performing children, society’s enchantment with fame and the tension between digital privacy and visibility — offering actionable insights for deep personal healing and collective change. Here &amp; Now&nbsp;associate producer&nbsp;Kalyani Saxena&nbsp;sits down with Stoner to discuss their new memoir and advocacy for industry and policy reform across traditional and digital media. Copies of the book will be available to purchase from our bookstore partner&nbsp;<a href="https://brooklinebooksmith.com/">Brookline Booksmith</a>&nbsp;and Stoner will sign following the conversation.

Man’s Best Friend: Exploring the science behind our deep connection with dogs

There’s a reason dogs are called “man’s best friend.” Studies show owning a dog can lower blood pressure, reduce stress and decrease risk for cardiovascular disease. Simply put - dogs are good for your heart! But what is the science behind our emotional connections and deep relationships with our canine companions? Join WBUR senior editor of audience engagement &amp; platforms Meghan Kelly for a fascinating conversation with an expert panel on why we love dogs and they love us. You'll also get to meet some furry friends available for adoption from Shultz's Guest House and purchase dog treats for your pets and take home other goodies from Polka Dog Bakery. Panelists<ul><li>Marianne Leone — actress, screenwriter, essayist and author of “Five-Dog Epiphany"</li><li>Chris Cooper —&nbsp;actor</li><li>Alexandra Horowitz — professor, Barnard College at Columbia University, Senior Research Fellow, Dog Cognition Lab and author, “The Year of the Puppy” and “Inside of a Dog”</li><li>Peter Zheutlin — journalist and author, “The Dog Went Over the Mountain,” “Rescued,” “Rescue Road”</li></ul>Copies of “Five-Dog Epiphany” will be available for purchase from our bookstore partner Brookline Booksmith and Leone will sign following the conversation.

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.

Where

wburcityspace

Experiences