For the first time ever, Verizon announced it’s bringing the ultimate festival for NFL fans to 30 venues across the US on Super Bowl Sunday. Gather ‘round, team — here’s the game plan for the all-ages event at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 9.
FanFest is exclusively for Verizon customers, who can bring a select number of guests — request tickets.
Doors open at 4 p.m.
Fans will be able to mingle with host Dave Andrews, surprise NFL legends, the Militia, and Pat the Patriot.
The field will be open for tours and tailgate games.
Sure, Super Bowl LIX has Kendrick Lamar, but live performances will also keep the party going strong at FanFest.
Come hungry — local food will be available for purchase.
Check the Verizon FanFest website for more announcements.
Events
Events
Thursday, Jan. 16
Winter Lodge Party | 6-9 p.m. | Eataly Boston | $70 | Enjoy an evening of unlimited wine, mocktails + Italian Alpine-inspired bites while a DJ spins tunes; après-ski outfits encouraged.
Boston Celtic Music Festival | Thursday, Jan. 16-Sunday, Jan. 19 | Times vary | Club Passim + Somerville Theatre, Cambridge | $35+ | The annual fest returns with live performances from Celtic groups across several venues.
“Dancing with the Stars: Live!” | Thursday, Jan. 16-Friday, Jan. 17 | 7:30 p.m. | Boch Center | $210+ | The latest round of “DWTS” pros + celebs perform their 2025 tour live — expect foxtrots, cha-chas, and pasos a plenty.
Friday, Jan. 17
Boyz II Men | 8 p.m. | MGM Music Hall at Fenway | $78+ | Oh, it’s about to be “One Sweet Day” alright — the iconic R&B group brings their epic harmonies to Beantown, likely “On Bended Knee.”
Brat Boston | Middle East Restaurant and Nightclub, Cambridge | $15 | This neon-themed blacklight party will feature a DJ spinning pop hits from Sabrina Carpenter, Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, and, of course, Charli XCX.
Saturday, Jan. 18
Bruce In the USA | 8 p.m. | The Sinclair, Cambridge | $50+ | Yes, you were “Born to Run” to this tribute show dedicated to the hits of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band — be The Boss and go.
Sunday, Jan. 19
Christopher Titus | 7 p.m. | Wilbur Theatre | $35+ | The “Titus” actor, comic, and podcaster performs his “Doomed to Repeat” stand-up tour.
Monday, Jan. 20
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service 2025 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum | Free | Museum admission is free today as artists and thought leaders share reflections on social justice, equity, and empowerment.
Tuesday, Jan. 21
New Year’s Resolution Candle-Making | 6-8 p.m. | Winter Hill Brewing Company, Somerville | $35 | Craft two personalized candles with uplifting scents, colors + designs that symbolize your goals for 2025.
“Peter Pan” | Tuesday, Jan. 21-Sunday, Feb. 2 | 7 p.m. | Citizens Opera House | $35+ | “Faith, trust, and a little bit of pixie dust” is in the air as the hit Broadway musical flies into the local venue.
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Mayor Michelle Wu re-filed a tax proposal aiming to help Boston residents with their surging property tax bills. The proposal now includes provisions to provide residential tax rebates if the tax rate isn’t adjusted, plus increased exemptions to support small businesses + seniors. The package will head to the city council for approval.
Edu
Boston Public Schools might close four campuses by the end of 2025-2026 as part of the district’s long-term strategy. Excel High School and Dever Elementary would fully shutter, while Community Academy and part of Mary Lyon Pilot would be reconfigured. The recommendation heads to the school committee on Wednesday, Jan. 22. (NBC Boston)
Opening
Swoon.Lovestruck Books — a bookstore dedicated to the romance genre — debuts Friday, Jan. 17 in Harvard Square, with grand opening celebrations lasting all weekend. For a truly perfect match, the bookstore also houses a coffee shop (and soon-to-come wine bar) operated by George Howell Coffee.
Coming Soon
Sweet Teez Bakery — a local biz specializing in nut-free treats — will open its first permanent location this fall at the Dorchester apartment community Dot Block. The bakery’s menu will feature coffee, mini quiches, soups, and signature goodies like the sweet potato pie + Tipsy Cake.
Sports
The New England Patriots hired Mike Vrabel as the team’s new head coach. Vrabel — the 2021 NFL Coach of the Year with Tennessee — has a big job ahead as he looks to rebuild the struggling franchise. “Time to get to work,” he said at a press conference. (The Boston Globe)
Community
MFA Boston and Citizens will host a free open house for Massachusetts residents on Monday, Jan. 20 to honor the life of Martin Luther King Jr. The celebration will include an art-making activity, guided museum tours, and a performance of the poetry + music program “Radical Heroes.”
Edu
Boston Adult Technical Academy (BATA) has opened an East Boston campus. The alternative high school is for students ages 19-22, with a focus on multilingual learners who are new to Boston. BATA East Boston plans to serve 50 students this year and enroll up to 150 students by 2026. (WBZ NewsRadio 1030)
Concert
Country crooner Thomas Rhett will perform his “Better in Boots Tour 2025” at Fenway Park on Saturday, July 19. Hold “The Door” — the show will also feature special guests Teddy Swims, Tucker Wetmore, and The Castellows. Tickets go on sale Friday, Jan. 17, at 10 a.m.
Arts
We’ll never let go.“TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition” has extended its Boston run at The Saunders Castle at Park Plaza through Monday, May 26. The touring attraction features 250+ authentic artifacts from Titanic’s wreck site and a replica of the grand staircase. Get tickets — weekends often sell out.
Watch
“The Traitors” — Peacock’s competition reality show hosted by Alan Cumming — features familiar faces from Massachusetts. This includes “Survivor” stars Rob “Boston Rob” Mariano and Jeremy Collins, and Dorinda Medley from “The Real Housewives of New York City.” New episodes air Thursdays. (Wicked Local)
Eat
Start 2025 with Thrive Market: organic groceries delivered right to your door. (They ban over 1,000 harmful ingredients.) Join here to get 30% off your order plus a free $60 gift.*
Job
Ready to get connected with the best local talent in 2025? We created our community job board just for you. Give it a try by posting your first listing for free.
Finance
When this card hit the market, it became the do-it-all card that took the top spot in thousands of peoples’ wallets. Perks include a significant first-year bonus, up to 5% cashback on everyday purchases, no annual fee, and 0% intro APR on purchases + balance transfers into 2026. Cha-ching.*
Volunteer
Did you know MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service? Join AmeriCorps this MLK Day to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King and help your community by volunteering on Monday, Jan. 20. Find volunteer opportunities to serve locally.*
City Guide
City Guide
🔎 Exploring Boston’s must-see museums
We’re sharing everything from the free MassArt Art Museum to the Waterworks Museum in Chestnut Hill. | Photo by @waiyo.daiyo
Museums are the cultural hubs of Massachusetts. Whether you’re looking to learn something new about our city or plotting a way to spend your Saturday afternoon, here are 20+ museums to visit in the Greater Boston area.
Arts
MassArt Art Museum | Free The contemporary art museum at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design first opened its doors in February 2020. Visit to see curated exhibitions from emerging and well-known artists.
History
Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum | $35 Reservations are required to hop aboard 18th century replica vessels and view the only known surviving tea chest from the Boston Tea Party.
Special Interest
Museum of Illusions Boston | $33-$36 This highly-anticipated museum opened its Boston location in December 2024 with its signature science-meets-illusion exhibits designed to make guests question perception vs. reality. The Marketplace Center museum also features special exhibits with a local twist.
A pair of 14K gold plated heart hoops. The huggie-sized earrings are hypoallergenic and tarnish-resistant. Psst — they’re also the perfect Valentine’s Day accessory.
Have you seen Yelp’s list of the top 100 pizza spots in the US? Boston is well represented, landing six spots. The highest local marks were Cambridge’s Russell House Tavern at No. 33, The Salty Pig at No. 42, and La Famiglia Giorgio’s at No. 56. Of course, we know of a few more great local places for pizza, too.
Answered
Answered
We asked you to share some books by your favorite local authors. You said...
“That Which Sings” by Wren Scarborough | BOStoday reader Toni G. said, “Brilliant read, eloquently written — your imagination will color the pages. [It] should be a movie!”