Things to do in boston saturday night

This is the easiest weekend guide we write all year. Basically, it’s a nonstop smorgasbord of Halloween parties, costume contests, and haunted houses. But beyond all of the holiday celebrations, there’s also the return of the Boston Book Festival, a donut throwdown (okay, fine, this one is Halloween-themed too), and an awesome cookbook release party. So whether you are still looking for ways to get spooky this weekend or are already Halloween-ed out, there’s plenty of options on this list of all the most fun things to do in Boston this weekend.

Laugh along with the hosts of Celebrity Memoir Book Club

Thursday, October 27
Laugh Boston
Get your weekend laughs in a day early with the hosts of the podcast Celebrity Memoir Book Club. Claire Parker and Ashley Hamilton typically read a different celebrity memoir each week and discuss the juiciest moments on their podcast. But at the live show, they’ll read two essays by Posh Spice with the audience and give their hilarious commentary along the way.
Cost: $25

Grab your favorite muggles and head to an Hogwarts-ified pub

Friday, October 28 – Saturday, October 29
The Thirsty Scholar
Halloween can sometimes feel like New Year’s Eve with all the pressure to get it exactly right. So consider this your no-stress way to celebrate. For two nights, Thirsty Scholar is transforming into Harry Potter-land, with decor, special drinks, and costume contests (but no pressure!).
Cost: A la carte

Hail the in-person return of the Boston Asian American Film Festival

Friday, October 28 – Sunday, October 30
Emerson Paramount Theater and Online
Yay for getting to watch films in person again! The annual fest is back with features, shorts, documentaries, filmmaker Q&As, and panel discussions, all in the name of spotlighting and celebrating the Asian-American experience.
Cost: $12-$15 per screening;$150 for all-access film pass; $40 for all-access shorts pass

Practice your swing all year at Puttshack

Friday, October 28 – Sunday, October 30
Seaport
Gone are the days of balancing a soft serve in one hand and a mini pencil in the other while attempting to beat your niece on the back nine of Pirate’s Cove. Puttshack has reinvented mini golf for us adult types, with electronic scoring, craft cocktails, and a post-game menu of flatbreads, sandwiches, and globally inspired apps at this brand new venue.
Cost: $18 per game

Join your fellow bibliophiles at the Boston Book Festival

Saturday, October 29
Copley Square
The annual Copley Square event is finally back in person, and we could not be more thrilled. The lineup is top notch with more than 200 authors across fiction, nonfiction, poetry, YA, and kids all joining together. Think Gish jen, Wajahat Ali, Clair Messud, and Howard Bryant, to name just a few; but we feel confident saying at least one of your favorite authors will be represented.
Cost: Free

Hit the food hall for Halloqueen Drag Brunch

Saturday, October 29
High Street Place
If you think holiday brunch is not your thing, think again. Not only do you get to enjoy the company of local queens FKA Pam, Bruiser, and Pristine, but you also get to graze your way through Halloween brunch offerings from multiple vendors, including “booritos” from Mike & Patty’s and a custom Bloody Mary bar from Daiquiris & Daisies.
Cost: $15

Drink spookily yet at Bully Boy BOOS

Saturday, October 29
Bully Boy Distillers
Just because you’re drinking thematically doesn’t mean your cocktails shouldn’t be top notch. So head to Bully Boy for excellent Halloween elixirs. On top of special drinks, the tasting room will be decorated to the hilt—and costumes are, of course, highly encouraged.
Cost: $10

Find your donut nirvana at Rise & Rumble 2022

Sunday, October 30
The Banks Fish House
Ain’t no donut-making competition better than a Halloween donut-making competition. Eight costumed pastry chefs from Grill 23, Sarma, Harvest, Mamaleh’s, and more go hole-to-hole to whip up the best holiday-themed confection. Sample liberally, vote for your favorites in all categories, enjoy the coffee bar, and then spring for a Halloween-themed cocktail as you wait for the results to roll in.
Cost: $40

Get inspired to get back into the kitchen at the Tanya Holland book release

Sunday, October 30
Bar Volpe
She was the renowned chef and owner of Brown Sugar Kitchen in Oakland, but you more likely know her from the 15th season of Top Chef or her three seasons hosting Melting Pot on the Food Network—and now, you can meet Holland in person. Her newest cookbook, California Soul, is a beautiful collection of 80-plus comfort recipes that tell the story of West Coast soul cooking. You’ll go away with a signed copy after hearing from Holland and enjoying light bites and drinks.
Cost: $50

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