Curated Cuisine: Quick and easy burgers with chef Andy Husbands

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. It’s that time of year when the days get longer and temperatures rise that we all crave a juicy hamburger cooked on the patio grill. Andy Husbands, chef and owner of&nbsp;<a href="https://thesmokeshopbbq.com/">The Smoke Shop BBQ</a>, has co-authored the “Quick and Easy Burger Cookbook,” which features recipes that are not your average patty-on-a-bun fare, including a meatloaf burger on pretzel bread with cabernet mustard and the Island Creek Burger with oysters and homemade cocktail sauce. Join us to learn how to take your burgers to the next level just in time for peak grilling season.&nbsp;Solon Kelleher, WBUR arts writer and chief operating officer of George’s Coney Island, moderates. Copies of the book will be available for purchase from our bookstore partner Brookline Booksmith. Husbands will sign and guests will enjoy sliders following the conversation.

WBUR CitySpace

Set in Boston: ‘Spotlight’ 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. In 2001, editor Marty Baron of The Boston Globe (Liev Schreiber) assigns a team of journalists to investigate allegations against John Geoghan, an unfrocked priest accused of molesting more than 80 boys. Led by editor Walter "Robby" Robinson (Michael Keaton), reporters Michael Rezendes (Mark Ruffalo), Matt Carroll (Brian d’Arcy James) and Sacha Pfeiffer (Rachel McAdams) interview victims and try to unseal sensitive documents. The reporters make it their mission to provide proof of a cover-up of sexual abuse within the Roman Catholic Church. Following the screening, WBUR film critic Erin Trahan moderates a conversation with Walter “Robby” Robinson and Janice Page, film critic and former deputy managing editor at The Boston Globe. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the film.

Field Trip: Wine tasting class with The Urban Grape

It’s time to grab a blanket, some pals and a whole lot of snacks! This summer, our Field Trip meetup series is dedicated to helping you create the perfect picnic with classes on cheese board making, wine tasting, floral arranging and more. Experts from The Urban Grape will lead you through a tasting of four wines - sparkling, white, rosé and red - and help you discover which is the best option for your palate, budget and experience. We'll also discuss glassware, keeping wine chilled on the go and any other picnic wine questions you may have. Summer is fleeting - let's enjoy every picnic-able moment in style! About The Urban Grape Headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, the Drink Progressively Group (DPG) is an innovative wine industry company with a mission to build community through beverage. Their journey began with a brick-and-mortar retail store, The Urban Grape, in the South End. Their brand has since expanded to include two locations (The Urban Grape Boston and most recently, The Urban Grape Washington, D.C.), two thriving e-commerce platforms, a bespoke events and gifting business, a wine cellar consultation company and an award-winning wine brand, Progressive Wine Company.

Sound On: Glasshouse, WBUR’s Mass. Favorite of NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest

Sound On is a WBUR CitySpace concert series highlighting rising local musicians. Artists run the gamut from fresh faces new on the scene and experiencing a meteoric rise, to tried-and-true musicians who’ve been around for decades and are creating their most resonant work to date. Most importantly, the musicians featured in the series are producing excellent, original and compelling work — right in Boston’s own backyard. Since they met as teenagers, Lawrence-based hip-hop group Glasshouse have pushed each other musically and creatively, continuing to evolve their sound. The trio (Luis Luna, Gerald Liriano and Jahmo Elijah Chavez) was selected by WBUR’s arts and culture team as the Massachusetts favorite of NPR's Tiny Desk Contest in 2024 for their song “Slum Village.” Liriano, the group’s charismatic MC, said he originally wrote the lyrics for the song over a beat by Detroit’s Slum Village, led by <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Abgw07kivm4">legendary producer J Dilla</a>. After watching hundreds of entries from local artists, WBUR senior arts and culture reporter Amelia Mason said Glasshouse stood out. “Charisma, dynamics, precision — it was all there. Even on a small phone screen, Glasshouse managed to put on an exciting show,” <a href="https://www.wbur.org/news/2024/10/03/glasshouse-npr-tiny-desk-contest-massachusetts-favorite">she wrote</a>. Join us to feel that excitement when Glasshouse takes the CitySpace stage. Openers to be announced.

Set in Boston: ‘The Bostonians’ 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. Based on Henry James' novel, “The Bostonians” tells the story of Olive Chancellor (Vanessa Redgrave), a 19th-century Boston woman dedicated to the suffrage movement who takes Verena Tarrant (Madeleine Potter), a radical young woman, under her wing. But her cousin (Christopher Reeve), is a male chauvinist who wants to marry and domesticate the young woman and a battle of wills ensues over her future. Following the screening, WBUR film critic&nbsp;Sean Burns&nbsp;moderates a conversation with Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Megan Marshall.

Sound On Global: Fusing the music of Venezuela and Appalachia with folk duo Larry & Joe

Join WBUR CitySpace for a spinoff to their popular Sound On concert series, featuring instrumental artists across all genres. You’ll continue to meet fresh faces experiencing a meteoric rise as well as tried-and-true musicians who are creating their most resonant work to date. Larry Bellorín and Joe Troop are on a mission to show that music has no borders. Bellorín hails from Monagas, Venezuela and is a legend of Llanera music. Troop is from North Carolina and is a Grammy-nominated bluegrass and oldtime musician. Together, these two virtuosic multi-instrumentalists fuse Venezuelan and Appalachian folk traditions on the harp, banjo, cuatro, fiddle, maracas, guitar, upright bass, and whatever else they decide to throw in the van. Join us for a bilingual program featuring a distinct blend of their musical inheritances and traditions as well as storytelling, sing-a-longs and dancing! Openers to be announced.

Field Trip: Floral arranging workshop with Rococo Floral Co.

It’s time to grab a blanket, some pals and a whole lot of snacks! This summer, our 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 more. Join the gals from <a href="https://rococofloralco.com/">Rococo Floral Co</a>. for a floral workshop! In this session you will be creating your own petite *very cute, very trendy* arrangement. Plus, you’ll learn tips and tricks for creating insta-worthy arrangements in your own home from a mix of store-bought flowers and goodies you can find at your local flower shop! Your ticket includes all the materials you’ll need to make your arrangement and take it home. Each member of your party must purchase a ticket to attend!

Curated Cuisine: Celebrating Chocolate Chip Cookie Day with local bakers

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. The chocolate chip cookie might just be America’s favorite cookie — and <a href="https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/sweet-morsels-a-history-of-the-chocolate-chip-cookie">for good reason</a>. In honor of the humble treat with <a href="https://www.eater.com/23033968/toll-house-chocolate-chip-cookie-myth">mythical origins</a> right here in Massachusetts, join us to celebrate National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day with three local chefs and cookie innovators: Marissa Ferola, founder of <a href="https://www.ninewinters.com/">Nine Winters Bakery</a>, Maura Kilpatrick, pastry chef and co-owner of <a href="https://www.sofrabakery.com/">Sofra Bakery and Cafe</a> and Nicole Walsh, owner of <a href="https://www.clearflourbread.com/">Clear Flour Bread</a>. Darryl C. Murphy, host of WBUR's daily news and culture podcast The Common, moderates. Get your cookie and baking questions ready! And come ready with a sweet tooth — you’ll enjoy chocolate chip cookies from all three chefs following the conversation.

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.

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.

'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.

Field Trip: Cheese board arranging workshop with Life. Love. Cheese.

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 more. With Memorial Day right around the corner, now is a great time to learn some tricks and tips for making a beautiful and shareable cheese board arrangement. Join us for a grazing board arranging workshop led by Life. Love. Cheese. Life. Love. Cheese. focuses on American artisanal cheese. You’ll begin the workshop with a brief cheese tasting to introduce you to some amazing American cheese makers. Your instructor will also demo some tips and tricks for making a beautiful cheese board arrangement. Then you’ll take a crack at making your own cheese board to take home! About your cheese instructor Kimi Ceridon received her MSME from MIT in 2001. She spent over a decade in tech before saying "Goodbye" to the cubicle and going to culinary school. She has a MLA in Gastronomy and an artisan cheese certificate from Boston University. She's also trained in cheesemaking at Sterling College alongside Jasper Hill and now she is an artisan cheese instructor at BU. Her company Life. Love. Cheese. focuses on highlighting American cheese makers and artisans with a special emphasis on the Northeast. She was named to Culture Magazine's hot list of cheese professionals to watch.

Sound On: Boston Calling Night featuring Latrell James with sidebody and Battlemode

Sound On is a WBUR CitySpace concert series highlighting rising local musicians. Artists run the gamut from fresh faces new on the scene and experiencing a meteoric rise, to tried-and-true musicians who’ve been around for decades and are creating their most resonant work to date. Most importantly, the musicians featured in the series are producing excellent, original and compelling work — right in Boston’s own backyard. CitySpace is once again joining forces with Boston Calling to bring you a special evening of local music ahead of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bostoncalling.com/">this year’s Festival on May 23-25</a>. Headlining the show is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/latrelljames/">Latrell James</a>, an emcee whose recent 2024 release “Running In Place” has been called a&nbsp;<a href="https://vanyaland.com/2024/03/19/latrell-james-sprints-into-a-new-era-with-running-in-place/">new era</a>&nbsp;and one of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wbur.org/news/2024/12/18/2024-best-local-albums-noah-kahan-alisa-amador">best local albums of the year</a>. James’ poetic social commentary mixed with hard-hitting hip hop and R&amp;B flavors is a musical journey worth the ride. Opening the show is Somerville-based band&nbsp;<a href="https://sidebody.org/">sidebody</a>, a performance project and experimental quartet who make self-described&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thesomervilletimes.com/archives/138695">rocky, snappy tunes</a>. We’ll also feature chiptune, the “punk of electronic music,” from&nbsp;<a href="https://battlemodemusic.com/">Battlemode</a>, a trio who helped found the new&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wbur.org/news/2025/03/05/chiptune-boston-bitdown-video-game-music">Boston Bitdown Fest</a>.

SNAFU: Actor and comedian Ed Helms on history’s greatest screwups

Actor and comedian Ed Helms has penned a new book inspired by his&nbsp;<a href="https://snafumedia.com/">hit podcast</a>&nbsp;exploring the biggest blunders in history. In “SNAFU: The Definitive Guide to History’s Greatest Screwups,” Helms takes a deep dive into half a century of screwups from planting nukes on the moon to training felines as CIA spies. Helms, who gained widespread fame for his portrayal of Andy Bernard in the hit NBC sitcom “The Office” and starred as Stuart Price in “The Hangover” trilogy, will sit down with WBUR Podcasts senior producer and host Amory Sivertson to discuss his favorite stories from the book and podcast and answer your questions. Copies of “SNAFU” will be available to purchase from our bookstore partner&nbsp;<a href="https://brooklinebooksmith.com/">Brookline Booksmith</a>&nbsp;and Helms will sign following the conversation. About “SNAFU” From actor, comedian, writer and host of the hit history podcast “SNAFU,” Ed Helms brings you an absurdly entertaining look at history’s biggest blunders, complete with lively illustrations. History contains a plethora of insane screwups — otherwise known as SNAFUs. Coined during World War I, SNAFU is an acronym that stands for Situation Normal: All F---ed Up. In other words, things are pretty screwed up, but aren’t they always? Spanning from the 1950s to the 2000s, Ed Helms steps in as unofficial history teacher for a deep dive into each decade’s craziest SNAFUs. From planting nukes on the moon to training felines as CIA spies to weaponizing the weather, this book will unpack the incredibly ironic decision-making and hilariously terrifying aftermath of America’s biggest mishaps. Filled with sharp humor, “SNAFU” is a wild ride through time that not only entertains but offers fresh insights that just might prevent history from repeating itself again and again.

Curated Cuisine: Celebrating the LGBTQIA+ culinary community with Big Queer Food Fest

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. <a href="https://bigqueerfoodfest.com/">Big Queer Food Fest</a>&nbsp;(BQFF) returns to Boston for a series of events shining a bright light on the LGBTQIA+ community and celebrating their contributions to the food and wine industry. Join WBUR senior arts and culture reporter&nbsp;Cristela Guerra&nbsp;for a conversation with James Beard Leadership Award winner&nbsp;<a href="https://www.chefmavisjay.com/">Mavis-Jay Sanders</a>, James Beard Award winner&nbsp;<a href="https://www.karenakunowicz.com/">Karen Akunowicz</a>&nbsp;(owner, Fox &amp; the Knife and Bar Volpe in Boston) and James Beard Award semi-finalist&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/arnoldmyintbna/">Arnold Myint</a>&nbsp;(co-owner, International Market in Nashville). The event will include a live demonstration from Sanders and guests will enjoy salmon croquettes with grilled spring onion aioli following the conversation. This event is produced in partnership with Big Queer Food Fest and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ne-cat.org/">New England Culinary Arts Training</a>.

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

S19: interest based

WBUR’s 75th birthday celebrations 💫

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

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.