5 things to do this weekend, including Boston Marathon activities and 'Dress Up' at the MFA

I asked my editor Dianna Bell what are the most important things to remember when running a marathon. She’s run seven, including the Boston Marathon a few times, and she said to pace yourself and refuel. And that’s the mindset you need going into this weekend, whether you’re running the famous marathon or not. There’s so much to do in Boston these coming days that you need to approach this like a long-distance run. You set the pace, and whether you need to refuel your artistic spirit or you’re looking to lean into the 26.2-mile celebrations, we’ve got you. From storytelling to drumming out in nature, reset that pedometer and get going!

Here’s an event for those who like a good story, especially if you’ve ever found yourself sitting in your driveway waiting for a story from “The Moth Radio Hour” to end before you exit your car. “Storying Our Selves” is an original program written and performed by students of Babson, Olin and Wellesley colleges. The stories are personal and have been scripted, workshopped and rehearsed as part of a joint educational program from the three colleges. This program is the culmination of their work. Three performances will be held over Thursday and Friday at Babson’s Sorenson Center for the Arts black box theater; general admission tickets are $15.

Drumming, cherry blossoms and sunset activities. What more could you want? Maybe a blanket to lay on the grass, but not much else. This Friday, the Bradley Rosaceous Collection at the Harvard Arboretum will be graced by the sounds of Taiko drumming. “Taiko” translates to “drum” in Japanese, and the instrument has a history in Japan’s military, religious ceremonies, government and theater. The drumming this Friday begins at 6 p.m. with calligraphy and Japanese games before and after the performance courtesy of the Showa Boston Institute. The event is free and open to the public.

If you’re in the mood for style and fashion, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston is the place to visit this weekend. Not only is “Dress Up” opening this Saturday, there’s also “Hallyu! The Korean Wave,” which features K-pop fashion and film costumes as well as videos on the inspiration and making of those clothes. “Dress Up” focuses on fashion and accessories less as practical objects and more as a means of expression. The exhibit includes over 100 objects from the 20th and 21st centuries such as bracelets, jackets, dresses, earrings, shoes, photos and more. From Minnie Mouse to behind the scenes at a fashion shoot, this exhibit explores many facets of the ways society uses clothing and accessories. If you’re looking for a more educational experience, take a deeper dive with “Dress Up” In Context, a three-session lecture series running late May through early June that examines the playfulness, queerness and work of fashion. [Want more visual art recommendations? Check out our spring exhibition guide here.]

Celebrating 40 years, the Wicked Queer film festival is already underway, but fear not, there’s still a wide array of screenings to enjoy before the fest comes to a close. There are showtimes at locations in Boston and Cambridge, so check out the full list of films for yourself. A few highlights are a program of shorts at the Brattle titled “G.T.F.O.” celebrated for their weirdness, a showing of “Transexuals from Space” (also at the Brattle) with director Brina Healy in attendance, and a documentary screening at the MFA that examines the life of one of the best around: Noël Coward. If you can’t make it in person, the festival also has a virtual selection with films available to stream even after the in-person festival ends. [Want more film festival recommendations? Check out our spring guide here.]

There are too many marathon-related events to list all of them in this brief paragraph. From pre-race pasta dinners to the Wellesley screaming tunnel to post-race parties, if you live anywhere near the 26.2-mile route, there’s likely something happening for both runners and spectators alike. Here are a few options to get you started. The pre-race pasta is a tradition for marathon runners, but you don’t have to be racing to enjoy this opportunity to carb up. Several places along the route offer specials, including Cafe Landwer with a buy-one-get-one-half-off deal on housemade pasta dishes when ordering through the restaurant’s app. If you’re not running the marathon, consider attending a watch party. Jack’s Abbey in Framingham is hosting Marathon Fest with live music and activities in the brewery’s parking lot close to the marathon route. If you’re looking for something closer to the finish line, visit Sam Adam’s Marathon Afterparty 4-7 p.m., the only place you can get the brewery’s featured 26.2 Brew gose style ale and where runners can show their race bibs to receive a free commemorative pint glass. [If you’re looking for more ways to mark this marathon weekend, check out WBUR’s guide to the Boston Marathon.]