“Mr. Pink” can be found at six locations in downtown Boston, including Post Office Square — you really can’t miss it. | Art by Philippe Katerine + photo via Annielly Camargo
Next time you’re walking downtown, give yourself extra time — there’s a lot to see on the streets thanks to “Winteractive,” a free, walkable outdoor art experience.
Downtown Boston Alliance’s event is back for its second year with engaging public art installations on display at 17 sites through Sunday, March 30. Here are a few of the thought-provoking activations you shouldn’t — and honestly can’t — miss.
“Alouette” by Brandon Vickerd | An aerospace device has fallen from the sky and onto a parked car on Washington Street.
“Mr. Pink” aka “Monsieur Rose” by Philippe Katerine | These huge, pink inflatable sculptures can be found perching on buildings or clinging to trees at six locations, including Post Office Square and Winthrop Center.
“Sonic Runway” by Rob Jensen + Warren Trezevant | This glowing installation at City Hall Plaza converts audio signals into patterns of light that shoot down a corridor of lined arches at the speed of sound.
Lunar New Year | 5-10 p.m. | Boston Museum of Fine Arts | $5 | Enjoy a special admission deal after 5 p.m. and explore Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese art.
The Collector Expo | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | The Great American Beer Hall, Medford | $10+ | Browse collectibles, cards + memorabilia to add to your stash and meet fellow collectors.
“The Simon & Garfunkel Story” | Saturday, Feb. 1-Sunday, Feb. 2 | Times vary | Emerson Colonial Theatre | $39+ | This concert-style production chronicles the journey shared by the folk-rock duo, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel — from humble beginnings and stardom to their split.
We Black Folk Fest | Saturday, Feb. 1-Sunday, Feb. 2 | 7 p.m. | Club Passim, Cambridge | $20 | Boston artist Cliff Notez curated the lineup for this celebration of Black voices + artistry that will showcase musicians, artist-audience discussions, storytellers, poets, and community innovators.
Della Mae | 8 p.m. | Somerville Theatre, Somerville | $22 | The Boston-formed bluegrass band takes the stage.
Sunday, Feb. 2
Lunar New Year: Year of the Snake | 12-4 p.m. | New Art Center, Newton | Free | Expect make-and-take crafts and performances by the Greater Boston Chinese Cultural Association’s music ensemble.
Monday, Feb. 3
The Dunkin Men’s Beanpot | 5 p.m. | TD Garden | $98+ | The annual men’s college hockey tournament returns to the Garden.
Tuesday, Feb. 4
“Funny Girl” | Tuesday, Feb. 4-Sunday, Feb. 16 | Times vary | Boston Opera House | $35+ | The hit Broadway musical about Fanny Brice takes the stage with its iconic score + choreography — and no one is going to rain on your parade.
Wednesday, Feb. 5
Two Friends Presents “Heatwave: The Tour” | 8 p.m. | MGM Music Hall at Fenway | $55+ | Dance-pop DJ duo Matt Halper + Eli Sones are on a 20-city tour and fans can expect to hear high-energy tracks like “Wrong Way.”
Brrr. We’re back in that deep freeze today thanks to arctic air that keeps coming down from northern Ontario and Quebec. The temps are expected to go up into the 40s tomorrow through Sunday, Feb. 2, before another rain + snow system moves in that night. Spring, please hurry up. (NBC Boston + WHDH)
Civic
Boston City Hall is now a designated landmark, touted for its “deep historical and cultural significance.” Over the decades, the distinctive design of the brutalist-style structure built in 1968 has stirred the pot — including the time it was ranked one of the ugliest buildings in the US. (NBC Boston)
Development
Boston’s Planning Commission will host a virtual public meeting on Thursday, Feb. 6 to present a revised plan for Rosindale Square: Squares + Streets, a growth vision for the area’s housing, small businesses, public spaces, cultural amenities, and transit. Register to join.
Coming Soon
The rebrand of Darryl’s Corner Bar & Kitchen in the South End appears to be underway. The restaurant is now called Uptown Social and promises to bring “Southern hospitality to Boston’s South End.” An opening date has not been released, but we’ve got our eyes peeled for any updates. (Eater Boston)
Concert
Katy Perry will bring “The Lifetimes Tour” to TD Garden on Friday, Aug. 8. Don’t let this be the one that got away — grab presale tickets starting today at 10 a.m. with the code FIREWORK, or jump on general ticket sales Friday, Jan. 31 at 10 a.m.
Plan Ahead
Panda Fest — a huge Asian food festival — will make its Boston debut at City Hall Plaza Friday, May 2-Sunday, May 4. Attendees can expect 60+ vendors selling street foods, plus panda-themed activities and live performances. Tickets go on sale Monday, Feb. 3.
Number
$64.2 million. That’s the amount of funding the city is awarding to build 12 income-restricted, zero-emission housing developments across eight neighborhoods. The projects will create 637 mixed-income housing units for families, older adults, and unsheltered locals in communities like Allston/Brighton, Chinatown, and Dorchester.
Try This
Legal Sea Foods, Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers, and Bruins legend Ray Bourque teamed up to create a new golden lager dubbed Bourque’s Brew. Find it at local Legal locations and pair it with steamed clams or oysters — a portion of the beer’s proceeds will benefit the Bourque Family Foundation.
Arts
The largest-ever exhibition of works by late Roxbury artist John Wilson will be on view at MFA Boston Saturday, Feb. 8-Sunday, June 22. “Witnessing Humanity: The Art of John Wilson” will feature ~110 works across mediums, plus rare pieces on loan from the Wilson family. It’s included in museum admission.
Listen
Sound up, Boston.“GBH Amplifies” is a new YouTube series released every Monday that highlights local voices + community leaders. It’s recorded at the Boston Public Library in Copley Square — if you want to join the audience, the next tapings are today or Thursday, Feb. 6, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Job
Don’t let your job posting get lost on over-saturated job sites. Get premium visibility when you post on our local job board. Your first listing is free.
Wellness
Simplify healthy living for your whole family. Thrive Market brings groceries free from 1,000+ harmful ingredients right to your doorstep. Sign up to get 30% off your first order, plus a free gift valued at $60.*
Health
Ready to feel better about your weight-loss goals? Through Hims & Hers, you’ll get the cheapest 12-month GLP-1 plan†, plus expert care and personalized support. From custom medications to snack ideas in the app, it’s all designed just for you. Start your free assessment.*
Travel
Pro tip: Hawaiian Airlines has special one-way fares between BOS and Hawaiʻi. See the fare sales (like $207) and start dreaming of this year’s vacation.*
†Please note: Comparison based on 12-month plan prices for compounded semaglutide from 12 leading competitors as of December 2024.
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Tech
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We’ll never say no to a classic Margherita pizza from Coppa | Photo via @coppaboston
Whenever we’re feeling saucy, we like to dig into a slice of local pizza. Boston’s pizza scene is bubbling with options — and we keep finding ways to top ourselves. If you’re on the quest for the perfect slice, we’ve pie-oneered a list of 30+ places to grab pizza that are definitely worth the dough.
North End/Beacon Hill
Galleria Umberto Look no further for the square-style pizza of your dreams at this pizzeria that’s been around since 1965.
Back Bay/South End
Coppa This restaurant has incredible Italian dishes and serves pizzas like soppressata and Margherita.
South Boston/Dorchester
Pantry Pizza Grab hot pizzas or your own dough balls to make ‘za at home.
Newton
Bill’s Pizzeria This pizzeria has fresh-made dough and gluten-free options. Fun fact: Boston-born actor John Krasinski once said Bill’s is the pizza he grew up eating, and “by which I judge all others.”
Boch Center — aka The Wang Center, which first opened as a movie palace in 1925 — is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
In honor of its centennial, the venue will host its Century Cinema Series Thursday, Feb. 14-Sunday, Feb. 17, feauturing free screenings of films that celebrate Boston’s cinematic history like “Good Will Hunting” and “Legally Blonde.” Keep an eye on the center’s other shows + events throughout 2025, too.
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