5 things to do this weekend, including 'Vive Latinoamérica' and a bread competition

As summer grows closer, the calendar is filling up with all kinds of events. If you’re looking to step outside of the Greater Boston area this weekend, consider heading to the Nantucket Book Festival, where a host of renowned authors will be speaking. A work from an opera singer and drag artist comes to the ICA, while the Veronica Robles Cultural Center hosts its annual multigenerational artistic showcase at Symphony Hall. See these picks and more below.

If you’re spending the summer on Nantucket or want a weekend getaway, think about immersing yourself in this four-day festival of literature. Now marking its 15th anniversary, the Nantucket Book Festival brings readers a full weekend of author talks, book signings and workshops. On Thursday, Isaac Fitzgerald, who wrote “American Rambler: Walking the Trail of Johnny Appleseed,” speaks with Wendy Hudson at the Methodist Church. That same day, Nantucket teens will present a series of 10-minute plays that they wrote at the Nantucket Atheneum. Julian Brave NoiseCat presents on his debut book “We Survived the Night,” telling a story of Indigenous life, Thursday at the Methodist Church. Saturday, attend a talk with beloved author Ann Patchett about her new book “Whistler,” also at the Methodist Church. On Sunday, the festival culminates in a send-off at Cisco Brewers with lunch, music and lively discussions. The weekend-long event is free and open to the public.

On Friday, the ICA presents “Project Creatine,” a semi-biographical opera performed by tenor and drag artist Jordan Weatherston Pitts, also known as Creatine Price. With a libretto by Lex Brown and music by Samuel Beebe, this “cantata, cabaret and court drama” will take the audience on a journey through “city life, night clubs, and dreamscapes,” while the show’s protagonist experiences the ups and downs of love and art.  Creatine Price has previously performed with the New York City Opera, France’s Got Incredible Talent and the Lincoln Center. Tickets cost $20 for ICA members and $30 for nonmembers.

At the South End’s Community Music Center of Boston, join a gathering that honors the Boston Persian diaspora community. A “mehmooni” is the word for a party or social gathering, and this Saturday, visitors will have a chance to drop by and learn about Persian and Iranian culture. They can expect to hear Iranian music, pop/rock and modern music, and staged readings, all building up to a dance party at the end of the evening. Persian sweets and tea, including chai and shirini, will be served, and guests are welcome to engage in art making activities. Organizer Mehdi Raoufi explained that this get-together is a way of honoring resilience during “moments of grief.” The program starts at 7:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

The Veronica Robles Cultural Center has organized its annual cultural showcase, “Vive Latinoamérica,” held at Symphony Hall. The event is meant to recognize the strength, richness and joy of Latino life and art, while drawing together participants from across generations. A range of artists will be highlighted, including children as young as 3 to seniors. Over 110 members will perform, representing the Latin American countries of El Salvador, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela and others. Featured art forms include folkloric dance, visual art and music. “Vive Latinoamérica” is being held in commemoration of the 27 years that the Veronica Robles Cultural Center has existed in East Boston, serving as a nonprofit that has shaped the Latin American arts community. The program runs from 2-6 p.m. and tickets start at $30.

Elmendorf Baking Supplies and the East Cambridge Business Association are throwing a street festival and baking competition, now in its 4th year. Come out and participate in a contest that will determine who bakes the best baguette. The winner will become the “official supplier” of the Boston Consulate General of France for one year (although a note on the event website says this is still being confirmed). Bakers can participate in one of two categories: professionals will make sourdough boules, and amateurs will prepare seeded sandwich loaves. And if you’re looking to enjoy more French culture, stop by the vendor stalls at this public festival — you’ll see businesses such as Batifol, La Saison Bakery, Clear Flour Bakery, Lakon Paris and PRB Bakery. The event, which runs from 12-4 p.m., is free and will be held along Cambridge Street between Fulkerson and 5th streets.