5 things to do this weekend, including the Boston Public Art Triennial and a new musical at A.R.T.

Boston Calling is a beautiful celebration of local and national acts and the city’s love of music. I have only attended once, back in 2023, and I’m excited to return this year. I think music festivals are a great chance to see your favorite artists and catch bands you wouldn’t normally seek out. If you’re not planning on attending the festival, here are some other events to catch this weekend in Greater Boston, including a Black history comedy show and a creative poetry exhibition.

The inaugural Boston Public Art Triennial kicks off this Thursday with contemporary public art pieces on display throughout the city for all to enjoy. The Triennial includes 20 site specific works by local artists, including former WBUR maker Stephen Hamilton, as well as artists from across the globe. The program plans to showcase works every three years. This year’s theme is “The Exchange” — organizers asked artists to consider “what we share, how we listen and what we build together.” For the grand opening on Thursday, there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony at Evans Way Park, a talk at Roxbury Community College and a nighttime celebration at MAAM. Those interested in attending any of the free programming can check out the opening week schedule here. [To learn more about the Triennial, check out Senior Arts & Culture Reporter Amelia Mason’s feature.]

Comedian Brandon Collins will give audience members a lesson on Black history while inebriated at The Rockwell in Somerville. Started in 2019, “Drunk Black History” is a live show and podcast that explores the untold stories of Black historical figures with important moments and lots of laughs. Comedians, writers and experts guest star on the show to share the stories of figures they think more people should know about. Previous guests include actress and writer Michelle Buteau and producer and writer Jordan Temple. Former poet laureate Porsha Olayiwola and comedians Orlando Baxter and Reece Cotton will be guests at this event. Collins is the host and producer of the show, and he has performed at SXSW and the New York Comedy Festival. Tickets for the traveling show range from $15 to $20.

Dancers of all skill levels are invited to participate in a community Irish dance party hosted by The Dance Complex in Cambridge. Greater Boston has a historic tradition of Irish social céilí dancing, which is a type of folk dance. Dancer and instructor Jackie O'Riley will teach guests the basics of the dance style and build to two-hand and group dances. Dan Accardi will play button accordion while attendees move. There will also be a “Step About” where guests can share a step they enjoy with the group. Tickets start at $12.51.

Carmen Wong will showcase her poetry work through an exhibition and spoken word performance this Saturday. Wong is a creative-in-residence at Castle of Our Skins, an arts institution that celebrates Black artistry through music. At 7 p.m., guests will gather in the Goethe-Institut Boston for refreshments and a chance to explore the exhibition. Live music will play as guests experience a gallery-style display of Wong’s poetry. Wong will share more about her life and creative process and perform a live reading at 7:45 p.m. Tickets start at $5.

As you might expect from the title, American Repertory Theater’s new musical follows two strangers who carry a cake across New York. Dougal travels to New York City from Britain for his dad’s second wedding (he’s actually never met his father). The bride’s sister, Robin, picks him up, and after the duo is asked to pick up the wedding cake, they set off on an adventure. As they journey through the city, the pair shifts from strangers to something more. Tickets start at $43 including fees.