CitySpace offers preview of the first events of the 2025 season

The first wave of 2025 events at WBUR CitySpace at The Lavine Broadcast Center is here, setting the stage for a season that will bring together diverse voices and experiences for the Greater Boston community.

Highlights include the return of Renaissance festival favorite Jack the Whipper’s “Secret Show” with special guest Ses Carny, as well as The Mega Awesome Super Huge Wicked Fun Podcast Playdate — a two-day event packed with live tapings of beloved children’s podcasts during Massachusetts public school's February vacation week. Culinary enthusiasts can enjoy Curated Cuisine events featuring Sandwiches of History’s Barry Enderwick and New York Times Cooking’s Emily Weinstein, Melissa Clark, and Eric Kim, and food writer and critic Ruth Reichl, while comedy lovers won’t want to miss the Ones to Watch Comedy Festival with host Bethany Van Delft and The Running Nerd Game Show with host Laura Green ahead of the 129th Boston Marathon. Plus, we’ll welcome authors Ira Madison III, Maggie Smith, Jennifer Haigh and more to discuss their highly anticipated books hitting shelves in the new year.

“Whether you're a fan of powerful storytelling, live comedy or insightful conversations with thought leaders, there’s something for everyone in this season. Our programming is designed to spark creativity, foster community and celebrate the rich cultural landscape of Boston. We can’t wait to share these experiences with audiences.”

Amy Macdonald, director of CitySpace

To cap off the spring, we'll celebrate our 75th anniversary with The WBUR Festival. The three-day lineup, to be held May 29 - 31 at CitySpace and venues up and down Commonwealth Avenue in Boston, will be a convergence of fascinating people grappling with the most consequential issues of our time. The experience includes captivating conversations, musical performances, multiple stages, memorable food and a lively street scene. It'll be serious stuff, and wicked fun too. WBUR Members can get tickets now and save 20% through December 31.

Stay updated on the latest from CitySpace when you sign up for WBUR's monthly events newsletter. Here’s an early look at the 2025 season:

Jan. 14 | 7:30-9:30 p.m.
The Moth StorySLAM: RESET

Jan. 21 | 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Sandwiches of History: Live!

Jan. 24 | 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Jack the Whipper with a guest appearance by Ses Carny

Feb. 3 | 6:30-8:00 p.m
Curated Cuisine: Easy Weeknight Dinners with New York Times Cooking's Emily Weinstein, Melissa Clark and Eric Kim

Feb. 7 | 7:00-8:30 p.m.
“Keep It” Live featuring Ira Madison III’s “Pure Innocent Fun”

Feb. 11 | 7:30-9:30 p.m.
The Moth StorySLAM: LOVE HURTS

Feb. 15-16 | 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
The Mega Awesome Super Huge Wicked Fun Podcast Playdate

Mar. 6 | 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Ones To Watch Comedy Festival with host Bethany Van Delft

Mar. 12 | 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Ones To Watch Short Film Festival

Mar. 19 | 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Notorious: New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd’s new book on her most popular celebrity profiles

Mar. 21 | 7:00-8:30 p.m.
“Mortified” Live

Mar. 28 | 7:00-8:00 p.m.
“Flashpoint: Protests, Policing, and the Press” documentary screening and conversation

Apr. 1 | 6:30-8:00 p.m
Dear Writer: Maggie Smith in conversation with Saeed Jones on advice for a creative life

Apr. 8 | 7:30-9:30 p.m.
The Moth StorySLAM: BLOOM

Apr. 9 | 6:30-8:00 p.m
Rabbit Moon: New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Haigh on her suspenseful new novel about family and secret lives

Apr. 16 | 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Ones to Watch: The Floor Lords empower local youth through the positivity of hip hop dance

Apr. 17 | 7:00-8:30 p.m
The Running Nerd Game Show with host Laura Green

Apr. 18 | 7:00-8:30 p.m
“Nobody Asked Us with Des & Kara” Live

Apr. 23 | 6:30-8:00 p.m
Curated Cuisine: An evening with food writer, editor and critic Ruth Reichl

May 14 | 7:30-9:30 p.m.
The Moth StorySLAM: ONLY IN BOSTON

May 29-31
The WBUR Festival