5 things to do this weekend, including Big Gay Dance Party and Arlington Porchfest

Odyssey Opera, in collaboration with Boston Modern Orchestra Project, brings “Frederick Douglass” to the stage. The opera, which was composer Ulysses Kay’s final opera, first premiered in 1991. It was considered Kay’s magnum opus and looks at the abolitionist’s final years following the Civil War. The opera is part of BMOP’s program to present a robust slate of operas by Black composers that depict figures of Black liberation and thought across 250 years of history. The event is pay-what-you-want. — Cristela Guerra

Boston’s Freedom Trail Foundation has added a new tour. The Rainbow Revolutionaries Tour introduces visitors to the history of LGBTQ+ people in Boston, showcasing the city’s role as a stronghold for Bostonians pushing for equality. “Same-sex relationships and gender nonconforming people have always existed throughout history,” says program manager Catherine Benjamin. “It’s a privilege to bring these stories to light.” You’ll learn about historic queer romances, 19th and 20th century committed relationships between women and the story of a queer Revolutionary war hero. Looking for more LGBTQ+ history in Boston? After taking a tour, check out the History Project in Back Bay, an archive dedicated to preserving queer Boston’s past, present and future. — Arielle Gray

Rainy weekends have put a damper on Porchfests across Massachusetts this year. But dry weather is finally predicted for this weekend — so why not head to Arlington where more than 300 bands and artists will perform on lawns, gardens, stoops and patios this Saturday. The cornucopia of music genres will span Americana to rock to Zydeco. The fest’s finale is a free and family-friendly shindig at Abe Salhi’s Arlington Service Station, a former auto operation that’s been converted into a performance venue in the heart of Arlington’s Cultural District. — Andrea Shea

Celebrate Pride just a little longer at a music festival dedicated to “amplifying queer artistry” making its Boston debut this weekend. OUTLOUD Music Festival will take place at The Stage at Suffolk Downs with headliners Kim Petras and Trixie Mattel doing a DJ Set. Other artists include Rebecca Black, G FLip, Frankie Grande, Oompa, Big Body Kweeng, Hannah Rad, and MATH3CA. Festival goers can expect food and beverage options as well as merch and photo opps. — Cristela Guerra

It’s not Pride without a big gay dance party! Somerville’s annual celebration of LGBTQ+ identity returns with a block party in Union Square. The theme this year is Halloween – an invitation for party-goers to debut their spookiest, campiest outfits while they boogie the evening away. Featuring tunes by DJ Live and drag performances by Amanda Playwith and Lily. The rain date is Sunday, June 22 — though it looks like the forecast is for a hot, sunny weekend (for a change). — Amelia Mason