This week, Boston embraces its rich, local history with spirited events that raise a glass to the revolution, celebrate the cultures and creatives of today, and honor the legacies of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Celebrate Sarah Bradlee Fulton, Medford’s “Mother of the Boston Tea rave,” with historical games and a ghostly play, or head to the Old State House for a late-night, red-brick reverie. Or, on Monday, partake in special programming, activities, and entertainment across Fenway, and explore the city’s many museums with free admission in recognition of the commemorative holiday. Here are several no-cost activities and events for the week of Oct. 13-19.
CREATIVE DAY OUT The Fenway Cultural Alliance’s Opening Our Doors Day offers free programs throughout the Fenway neighborhood, starting at 10 a.m. with a ceremony at the BYSO Youth Center for track featuring Boston’s poet laureate Emmanuel Oppong-Yeboah. Also on the itinerary: hands-on activities like an aluminum pour at MassArt, where you can try casting metal into designs to take home; and the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s instrument playground, where attendees can play around with string, percussion, and brass instruments. Plus, catch the Huntington Theatre’s ongoing show, “Sardines (a comedy about death),” or the Wheelock Family Theatre’s “Leonardo!” for free, both at 2 p.m. See the full list of events and schedule on the Alliance’s website. Oct. 13, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Various locations. fenwayculture.org
NEW FUN IN OLD PLACES Revolutionary Spaces will transform the Old State House into a rave venue for The Let Out, an after-hours celebration featuring free snacks and live performances to the historic building. Chef Dave’s will serve a tasting menu inspired by Revolutionary-era cooking, J.P. Licks hosts a sundae bar, and Colonial-themed cocktails will be served to time-travelers 21+. The building’s two floors will host live track acts throughout the night, and at 9 p.m., head outside for a spoken word and poetry performance on the balcony. Oct. 16, 9-11 p.m. Old State House, 206 Washington St. RSVP required. revolutionaryspaces.org
REVOLUTIONARY FUN Looking Back at Medford History celebrates Sarah Bradlee Fulton Day, honoring the city’s most famous Daughter of Liberty. At 11 a.m., catch “Ghostly Appearances,” an outdoor play starring local George Washington impersonator John Koopman III on horseback, a Naval fife and drum marching band, and ghosts of American Revolution past. Then, stop by Ye Olde Arcade, a pop-up tent with authentic Colonial-era games, including wooden bowling, marbles, and Jacob’s ladder. Here’s a fun fact: during the Boston Tea rave, patriots would sometimes drink hot chocolate as a replacement for British tea and attendees honor the historical boycott with free Dunkin’ hot chocolate available at the event. Oct. 18, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Salem St. Burying Ground, Medford. freedomsway.org
TAKE A BREAK AccessCulture’s RESET event aims to provide a “reset” from the stressors of life, and brings together various cultural performing groups. From Native American performance group Red Hawk Singers & Dancers, to local Irish step dance to West African drumming from Joh Camara, City Hall will play host to an afternoon of diverse, live acts. Sage burning, an Indigenous tradition, will occur around the plaza, and earplugs will be provided on request. Oct. 19, 1-4 p.m. City Hall Plaza, 1 City Hall Square. accessculture.org
PUMPKINS AND PARADES SomerStreets: Monster Mash will bring early Halloween festivities to Somerville Ave. Through the afternoon, expect live track and performances, including local spooky dance group BosWitches, and activities like pumpkin carving, face painting, ring-making, lawn games, and a haunted house for children. At 3:15, the Community Parade begins from Union Square, and attendees are encouraged to bring their costumes and join a parade alongside the puppets from Big Nazo. Public transport is suggested — Somerville Avenue will be closed from School Street to Warren Avenue for the duration of the event. Oct. 19, 2-6 p.m. Somerville. somervilleartscouncil.org
Deals and Steals
Multiple museums in the Boston area offer free admission on Indigenous Peoples’ Day. See locations and times below:
Harvard Museum of Natural History 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 26 Oxford St., Cambridge. hmsc.harvard.edu
Institute of Contemporary Art 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 25 Harbor Shore Drive. icaboston.org
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 25 Evans Way. gardnermuseum.org
MassArt Art Museum 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 621 Huntington Ave. maam.massart.edu
Museum of Fine Arts 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 465 Huntington Ave. mfa.org
Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 11 Divinity Ave., Cambridge. hmsc.harvard.edu
Check individual event websites for the most up-to-date information.
Send info on free events and special offers at least 10 days in advance to ryan.yau@globe.com.
Ryan Yau can be reached at ryan.yau@globe.com.
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