Runners crossing the finish line during the 125th Boston Marathon. | Photo via @olc_coach
With Marathon Monday just around the corner on April 21, we’re lacing our sneakers and gearing up to attend the 129th Boston Marathon. We’ll be there — phone in hand — cheering for the runners while trying to hold back tears.
What’s new this year?
The city will host a range of volunteer opportunities + service projects to commemorate One Boston Day on Tuesday, April 15. Spreading kindness all over Boston is highly encouraged.
This year, approximately 11,326 athletes will be racing their first Boston Marathon, including ~1,286 Massachusetts residents.
Kenya’s Hellen Obiri and Ethiopia’s Sisay Lemma will return to defend their Boston Marathon titles. Obiri wants a historic three-peat and Lemma wants a repeat.
The Boston Athletic Association launched a new Boston Marathon logo last summer, so expect to see Spike the unicorn everywhere. The emblem “eyes the future and many miles ahead” and with “alert and focused eyes, Spike is determined to conquer the challenging Boston Marathon course.”
Boston Symphony Orchestra: Yo Ma, cello | Thursday, April 3-Saturday, April 19 | Times vary | Symphony Hall Boston | $25+ | See conductor Philippe Jordan and solo pianist Jan Lisiecki in action. Pro tip: arrive early at 9:30 a.m. for talk with a former BSO Director of Program Publications Marc Mandel.
Free Public Wine Tastings | Thursday, April 3-Thursday, July 31 | 5-7 p.m. | BRIX Wine Shop - South End | Free | Discover new sips by joining the South End wine shop’s weekly public wine tastings.
Friday, April 4
Becky Robinson: “Members Only Tour” | Friday, April 4-Saturday, April 5 | Times vary | Wilbur Theatre | $37 | The actress and comedian — known for “bits, skits, goofs and a whole lotta wigs” — performs her stand-up tour.
St. Louis Cardinals vs. Boston Red Sox | 2:10 p.m. | Fenway Park | $130 | We’re suited up in our red + white gear, so ready for the start of Sox baseball.
Saturday, April 5
Stories of Harvard Square Food Tour | Saturday, April 5-Saturday, June 28 | 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Off The Beaten Path Food Tours and Experiences, Cambridge | $80 | Take a local foodie tour and try Mark Zuckerberg’s favorite college pizza, creative tiki eats, and traditional Greek cuisine.
Boston Comedy Festival | 8 p.m. | Somerville Theatre, Somerville | $30 | This fest has been a launchpad for rising comedy stars for 25 years; watch the final eight comics battle for a $7,000 grand prize.
Sunday, April 6
Alessia Cara | 8 p.m. | Orpheum Theatre | $42 | The Grammy Award-winning pop star performs her “Love & Hyperbole Tour.”
Monday, April 7
Bonsai Beginner Workshop | Monday, April 7, Monday, May 5 | 7-9 p.m. | Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co. - Fenway | $85 | Learn the fundamentals behind the art of bonsai as a teacher guides you through potting, pruning, and designing your very own bonsai tree.
Tuesday, April 8
Riverdance 30: The New Generation | Tuesday, April 8-Sunday, April 13 | Times vary | Boch Center | $29+ | The world-renowned show has been rejuvenated with new choreography, costumes, lighting, projection + motion graphics, but the pizzazz remains the same.
Wednesday, May 28
Cody Fry with the Boston Pops | 7:30 p.m. | Symphony Hall, Boston | $46+ | Join singer-songwriter and viral internet star Cody Fry as he brings his cinematic orchestrations to Symphony Hall for a night of pop, classical music, and storytelling in song.*
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Boston pitcher Garrett Crochet, who has only played one game for the Red Sox, signed a six-year, $170 million contract. The 25-year-old phenom was set to become a free agent after this season, but now this new deal locks him in until 2031.
Art
The Museum of Fine Arts Boston announced its 18th century Art of the Americas galleries will be reinstalled. The exhibit is in honor of the 250th anniversary of American independence and will be on display starting June 19.
Opening
Lulu Green is opening a second location at 675 W. Kendall St in Kendall Square. The plant-based restaurant is known for its vegan offerings, like chick’n and waffles, and the owners are planning to open by the end of spring.
Plan Ahead
Boston Ballet season is here and you can start penciling shows into your schedule. Check out the full list of performances online to get your tickets to classic shows like “The Nutcracker” and “The Sleeping Beauty.” (Boston Globe)
Sports
UConn is still marching in the NCAA Women’s Tournament. The Huskies are traveling to play UCLA on Friday, April 4 at 9:30 p.m. and the game will be televised on ESPN.
Trending
Good news for brunch-goers: the price of eggs is finally declining. The wholesale price of a dozen eggs is down by 63% from its record high in February. But that’s just the wholesale price — we’ll believe it when we see it on the shelves. (Axios)
The Word
Over 40 words from around the world have been added to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) last month. From Ireland, the OED added “class” which is a general way of expressing approval. As in, “Today’s BOStoday’s newsletter was class — you should subscribe.”
Number
$366.71. That’s how much it costs, on average, for a family to attend a Boston Red Sox Game. The cost puts our historic Fenway Park at No. 30 — last place — on Action’s recent ranking of the best and worst value stadiums for families, considering costs like ticket prices + parking rates.
Weather
Spring is warming up and it’s likely to keep getting warmer in Fort Worth. According to the National Weather Service, Cowtown’s temperatures are likely to be above average over the next three months — so why not use the nice weather to enjoy some al fresco dining?
Number
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City Guide
City Guide
🍺 Don’t worry, beer happy
Cheers to the many spots to sip in our city. | Photo by @roxannesboston
Can we interest you in a post-work beverage? Gather your pals and hit the town with this guide to 20 spots to grab a drink.
Beer lovers
City Tap House, 10 Boston Wharf Rd. | Drink we love: All Day IPA Side of pizza with your brew? This Seaport spot is popular for its brick-oven pizzas and extensive tap list including rare beers like breakfast stouts.
Keeping spirits up
Roxanne’s, 6 Beacon St. | Drink we love: In Tokyo Reservations are recommended to visit this eclectic cocktail bar in Beacon Hill. Expect major ambiance, including a backlit bar and sleek lounge seating.
Off the vine
haley.henry, 45 Province St. | Drink we love: Varies by wine list
This downtown wine bar was a 2020 James Beard Semi-Finalist for the “Outstanding Wine Program” category. Pro tip: Take advantage of the half-bottle concept if you aren’t looking to buy a full bottle.
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Happy Thursday, Boston. I’m officially at the helm and ready to bring you all the latest news, updates, and happenings in Bean Town each week. As always, send me your story tips and ideas.