Boston for a Buck: Free Events this Weekend
By Steph Solis, Staff Writer
@stephmsolis
While you’re probably not running painfully low on dining points, chances are you’re starting to see your work money or family allowance disappear at your fingertips. Blame food (or the PBR). Either way, Boston’s got you covered with some fun events that are free, or at least inexpensive.
Get your tech on. Network with entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and local companies for the first TechJam, a block party highlighting the local tech industry. The event 21+ and is free for students.
The block party will be hosted at District Hall and will feature music, craft beer producers, food trucks, local artists and more. There’s also an event where startups and entrepreneurs are invited to test their company pitches.
Date: 4-9 p.m., Thursday, October 3
Location: District Hall, 75 Northern Ave., Boston
Admission: Free (students); $10 for others
Beer Launch Party for New Element Pumpkin IPA & Altoberfest
Another 21+ event (sorry, not that sorry). Element Brewing is releasing its hoppy Elemental Pumpkin IPA, an unspiced 6.5 percent ABV IPA with fresh pumpkin, English heirloom malt. According to the event website, it was a limited specialty brew for a bar in Connecticut and they have the only keg of the stuff in the Massachusetts. (Also, if you’re wondering, Altoberfest is Oktoberfest with a German Altbier.)
There’s “specialty food pairings,” and they have a full beer list if you’re not feeling the Pumpkin IPA.
Tickets are free, but limited. You can RSVP here.
Date: 6:30-9:30 p.m., Thursday, October 3
Location: Champions Cambridge, Kendall Square, Cambridge
Admission: Free (RSVP)
‘Sound of Music sing-a-long’ by ‘Play Me, I’m Yours’
If you haven’t heard of ‘Play Me, I’m Yours,’ you haven’t been out enough. But here’s your chance to get your foot in the door, with the project’s sing-a-long. The Longy School of Music of Bard College is hosting the sing-a-long in honors of the 75th anniversary of the Celebrity Series of Boston.
There will be a piano outside of the school for the public to play, and they will gather to serenade passersby twice: once at noon, and again in the late afternoon.
There’s also free cider, but you should definitely go for the music.
Date: 12 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., Friday, October 4
Location: Longy School of Music of Bard College, 27 Garden St., Cambridge
Admission: Free
If you ever wanted to learn swing dancing, now’s your chance. The dancing nonprofit holds beginner lessons every week, as well as live bands and DJs, according to the Boston Calendar. It isn’t free, but it’s a good opportunity to give it a try.
Date: 8-9 p.m., Friday (lessons), October 4
Location: The Whistle Stop, 24 Roland St., Charlestown
Admission: $12-15/person
Boston Co-Ed Flag Football
If you feel like facing off against your friends and some locals, head over to Cambridge on Saturday for some co-ed flag football. The group has free games, year-round and co-ed, although donations are accepted to cover the cost of flags, markers, other materials and site fees.
Keep in mind they’re not responsible for any injuries you may get in the process. Avoid being aggressive or intense, as everyone’s playing for fun. If you’re interested, look for Donny, the organizer.
Date: 12-4 p.m., Saturday, October 5
Location: Russell Field, 333 Rindge Ave., Cambridge
Admission: Free
The festival is New England’s largest one-day farmers market, promoting “healthy local food for all.” It’s free and features local food vendors, farmers, fishermen, DIY demos and a seafood throw down, among other things. Learn about sustainability or healthy food, or just enjoy the food.
Date: 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, October 6
Location: Rose Kennedy Greenway, 185 Kneeland St., Boston
Admission: Free