Skip to main content

Support WBUR

5 things to do this weekend, including a local food festival and 'The Princess Bride' in concert

This weekend’s roundup of events seems to have been designed to activate your dreams. At Central Square Theater, see the production of “Silent Sky,” which tells the story of a woman who mapped the stars, or make Symphony Hall your destination as you watch a screening of “The Princess Bride,” accompanied by live music. Whether you’re enjoying opera in the park or getting swept up in a social justice-themed festival, you’ll find inspiration in the following events listed below.

'Silent Sky' at Central Square Theater

Opens Thursday, Sept. 11

Audience members will be looking at the night sky differently after seeing Central Square Theater’s production of “Silent Sky.” Directed by Sarah Shin and written by Lauren Gunderson, the play is set in 1900 Cambridge. Henrietta Leavitt, played by Jenny S. Lee, is welcomed into a group called the Harvard Computers, “a sisterhood of scientists who chronicle the stars.” While she earns nothing but dismissal from higher-ups in her male-dominated field, she begins to study changes in Cepheid stars and makes her own discoveries. The show is a Catalyst Collaborative@MIT Production. Tickets start at $27.

 

Embrace Massó ¡Con Salsa! International Music Festival

Saturday, Sept. 13

Head to Boston Common on Saturday for a celebration of community leader and activist Jose Massó III, the host of WBUR’s Afro-Latin music show ¡Con Salsa!, celebrating 50 years on the air. Massó has a legacy of supporting cultural exchange and building bonds between communities through global music, and this event honors that work. There will be dance performances, bomba and salsa workshops, spoken word, food trucks, and more. During this weekend of uplift, there will be a few other ¡Con Salsa! happenings: salsa at sunset on Sept. 11, hosted by Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción; the 4th annual East Boston Latin Music & Dance Festival on Sept. 12 at East Boston Memorial Park; and salsa in the park on Sept. 14 at Cambridge Common Park. All events are free and open to the public.

 

'The Princess Bride' in concert

Saturday, Sept. 13-Sunday, Sept. 14

Giants, fireswamps, true love and a hero who famously vows to do “as you wish.” Classic film “The Princess Bride” screens at Symphony Hall this weekend with the Boston Pops taking the experience to new levels. While director Rob Reiner’s romantic tale unfolds, a full symphony orchestra will perform the sweeping score live. For the uninitiated, “The Princess Bride” is the story of a maiden named Buttercup (Robin Wright), who believes her dear Westley (Cary Elwes), a farm hand, has perished. As she prepares to marry the wicked Prince Humperdinck, Buttercup and Westley are reunited, and they must navigate perils and adventures to get to their happy ending. Tickets start at $69.99 (including fees) for Sunday’s matinee, and $73.99 (including fees) for Saturday evening.


Boston Lyric Opera’s Street Stage

Sunday, Sept. 14

Hear the uplifting arias of Boston’s finest opera singers outdoors and in public this Sunday. Boston Lyric Opera hosts the last free Street Stage performance of the year in Titus Sparrow Park in the South End. Melodies will flow from the event’s featured musicians, including soprano Laura Santamaria, baritone Junhan Choi and pianist Brendon Shapiro. Tucked away in this urban greenspace, listeners will be offered views of the city, as well as unique architecture and gardens. Street Stage is a wonderful introduction for opera newbies, who may be inclined to purchase tickets to the BLO’s October production of “Macbeth” afterward.

 

Boston Local Food Festival

Sunday, Sept. 14

Come out to the Rose Kennedy Greenway to savor an abundance of New England foods. This year, there will be nearly 100 vendors, including Curio Spice Co., Crepe Shop Boston, La Rose Chocolates, Mei Mei Dumplings and The Real Chai. When you’re not nibbling on samples or observing chef demonstrations, you can focus your attention on the Seafood Throwdown, where two chefs will be challenged to create dishes based on a surprise seafood item and ingredients gathered from the festival, to be assessed by judges. This free event is one for the whole family: face painting, lawn games, a Boston Public Library mobile bike library and interactive exhibits will amuse even the youngest food aficionados.

A photo of the 2024 Boston Local Food Festival. (Courtesy Tom Klein)
A photo of the 2024 Boston Local Food Festival. (Courtesy Tom Klein)
Headshot of Shira Laucharoen
Shira Laucharoen Arts Writer

Shira Laucharoen is a contributor to WBUR's arts and culture section.

More…

Support WBUR

Support WBUR

Listen Live