Here in a bustling city like Boston the options for what to do with your precious free time on any given day can be overwhelming. To help with your decision here are some of the best concerts, talks, art shows and other happenings around town for the month of October, as selected by the BUNS editorial staff.
Halloween in Salem
Learn more about the witch trials, go on ghost tours and more in a month long celebration of Halloween. NS
Where: Salem
When: Friday 10/2-Saturday 10/31
How Much: Varies
Fruition
Fruition is a folk-rock quintet out of Portland, Oregon that has been rising on the national touring circuit for the past few years. Expect killer harmonies, fast-picking solos and high-energy two-step beats, with some sweet, high-lonesome ballads thrown in. JG
Where: Johnny D’s
When: Tuesday 10/6, Doors at 6pm, Show at 8.
How Much: $12
When: Friday, 10/9-Saturday 10/10, 6-9pm (2-5pm session on Saturday)
How Much: $45 plus fees
Speakers’ Circle at Harvard Square
An outdoor platform to get talking and practice your public speaking and argument making skills. If you’re loud and inspiring, you’re going to attract crowds who’ll listen. NS
Where: 1400 Chester Square, Cambridge
When: Every Sunday at 11am-12pm
How Much: Free
Illuminus
Get your artsy on while satisfying your inner tech geek at Illuminus, a “free nighttime festival where artists, designers, performers, and create technologists converge to showcase their most thoughtful, innovative, and imaginative works.” Witness extraordinary and interactive art displays, like the Healing Pool and Waking the Monster – the green one. AA
Where: Fenway Park
When: Saturday, 10/10, 6:30pm-12:30am
How Much: Free
Steep Canyon Rangers
This North Carolina group blends progressive jazz and classical-inflected string music with down home, old-timey bluegrass. While they’ve been at it for years, the group recently gained a big bump in popularity after touring as the backing band for famed comedian and banjo virtuoso Steve Martin. JG
Where: Brighton Music Hall
When: Sunday 10/11, Doors at 7pm, Show at 8pm
How Much: $25
Four Year Strong
Four Year Strong is one of the most popular pop punk bands touring today. Plus they’re local (Worcester). Defeater, Superheaven, Expire, Speak Low If You Speak Love, My Iron Lung and Elder Brother are all playing in support. MSW
Where: The Middle East Downstairs, Cambridge
When: Sunday 10/11, 6pm
How Much: $20
Drink Craft Beer’s Beer & Cider Fest
A craft beer must for drinkers in the Boston area. Over 90 seasonal beers and ciders from New England craft breweries will be on-hand to sample. Voted Best Booze Fest in 2014 by Boston Magazine. AW
Where: Space 57
When: Friday 10/16-Saturday 10/17, 6-9:30pm
How Much: $50 plus fees
Head of the Charles
HOCR is the biggest rowing event in the world and attracts huge crowds. The atmosphere at the finish line is fun and abuzz with energy. NS
Where: All along the Charles River, click here for a map of venues.
When: Friday 10/16-Saturday 10/17, All Day
How Much: Varies
19th Annual A Cappella Competition
Ready for some aca-awesome action? Dance and sing along all weekend as more than 30 of New England’s best a cappella groups “compete for cash prizes and the winning title” at Faneuil Hall Marketplace. AA
Where: Faneuil Hall Marketplace
When: Saturday 10/17 and Sunday 10/18, 11-4pm
How Much: Free
Alaska
Alaska is a post-hardcore band from Las Vegas, NV currently on a US and Canada tour in support of their new album Shrine. Local bands Districts (MA), Charles (NH) and Vaulted (MA) are all playing in support. MSW
Where: Charlie’s Kitchen, Cambridge
When: Monday 10/19, 8pm
How Much:$5
Ben Sollee
Ben Sollee is a folksy singer-songwriter with an non-traditional twist. Rather than strum a guitar or sit at a piano, Sollee plucks, strums, slaps and bows a cello, creating rich, percussive music that often sounds like a whole band more than one person. JG
Where: First Church Congregational, Cambridge
When: Friday 10/23, 7pm
How Much: $25
Boston Vegetarian Food Festival
Free event highlighting local vegetarian food vendors, producers and chefs. A number of samples, discounts and speakers will be around and available. The event is geared toward longtime vegetarians, vegans and those wanting to learn more about the lifestyle. AW
Where: Reggie Lewis Athletic Center
When: Saturday 10/24 6pm, Sunday 10/25 4pm
How Much: Free
JG–Jonathan Gang, AA–Andrea Asuaje, AW–Alex Wilking, MSW–Michael Sol Warren, NS–Nikita Sampath
Update: The post has been edited to reflect that Alaska is playing on October 19, not October 11.
