Halloween is here, and this weekend is a packed one. With October 31 falling on a Saturday this year, there’s no shortage of events planned all around the city. The competition for this week’s picks was even scarier than your street’s costume contest.
There’s also a ghost in the room that needs to be named: Daylight Saving Time ends this weekend. If you’re feeling a little extra sleepy when you wake up on Sunday morning, it wasn’t just a witch’s potion!
🏆 If you only do one thing
Halloween Bonanza. All witches, ghouls, and monsters are invited to this annual party at Somerville’s Aeronaut Brewery. Show up in your best costume for a chance to win bragging rights. Embrace fall with limited-time flavors on the menu. And don’t miss The Femmes performing all of your favorite Halloween tunes. Are you ready to do the Monster Mash?
Saturday, October 31⬩6-11 PM⬩Aeronaut Brewing, 14 Tyler St, Somerville⬩Free
A few Jack-o-Lanterns carved by friends made at the New to Camberville mixer. Thanks for the invite!
The week's picks
🤝 Actually meet people
Dialogue Nights Lite. Start your weekend with thoughtful conversation and new connections during this evening of “speed-connecting.” This is a condensed version of the full Dialogue Nights hosted regularly at the Ikeda Center, which calls Harvard Square home and offers a variety of programming around peace, learning, and life-affirming dialogue. I’ve attended this one a few times before!
Friday, October 30⬩7-8:15 PM⬩396 Harvard St, Cambridge⬩Free, RSVP required
NESFA Halloween Party. Considering NESFA revolves around a shared love for science fiction, the costumes are unlikely to disappoint during their Halloween party. There’s a party during the afternoon and movie later in the evening. If sci-fi is your jam, this community and space are a must-visit and this Halloween is a spookily good time to check it out.
Saturday, October 31⬩1-6 PM, movie from 7-10 PM⬩NESFA, 504 Medford St, Somerville⬩Free
🎶 Out at night
Entre Mundos: A Día de los Muertos Party. Celebrate Día de los Muertos in a way that’s out of this world. Drop in for the sound bath and art installations, or spend all night on the dance floor with several DJs performing while supported by visual projections and performances.
Saturday, October 31⬩9 PM-2 AM⬩Casa Bikes, 181 Morgan Ave, Cambridge⬩$10-20 suggested, NOTAFLOF
Día de los Muertos at Bow Market. You'll find a live Mariachi band, traditional Mexican food and drinks, and local vendors and artisanal crafts at this year's annual celebration in the courtyard at Bow Market.
Sunday, November 1⬩3-8 PM⬩Bow Market, Somerville⬩Free
🌳 Daylight hours
Halloween Bulb Blitz. Before dressing up as your favorite villain, join the Somerville Horticultural Heroes to plant bulbs in garden planters along Somerville Avenue. Meet your neighbors and do something sweet for the city before the rest of the day’s tricks and treats!
Saturday, October 31⬩10 AM-12 PM⬩The Independent, 75 Union Square, Somerville⬩Free
Community Science Fair. Get to know a thing or two about the biodiversity in Camberville by learning about the urban ecology research experiments being conducted at Mount Auburn Cemetery. You’ll find more than a dozen interactive stations inside Bigelow Chapel where you can talk to local scientists about their research on the native flora and fauna.
Sunday, November 1⬩1-3 PM⬩Mount Auburn Cemetery, 580 Mt Auburn St, Cambridge⬩Free
✦ Upcoming New to Camberville events
Friendship & Community Discussion Group. Gather in rotating small groups to discuss topics of friendship and community with people who value it the same way you do. Three short written excerpts, no preparation required.
Monday, November 30⬩7-9 PM⬩Aeronaut Brewery, 14 Tyler St, Somerville⬩Free
Winter 5K + Brunch. The Cambridge Classic race is my quarterly running tradition. Join me for a chilly Winter Classic 5K (all paces welcome!) followed by a warm conversation over brunch with friends in Central Square.
Sunday, December 6⬩9 AM-12 PM⬩64 Sidney St, Cambridge⬩Buy your own race registration + brunch
From Aaron
On Saturday afternoon I’ll be volunteering at my neighborhood’s annual Halloween block party. Last year I dressed up as Waldo. The first time I wore this costume, I envisioned blending in with the crowd, but I’ve learned that wearing those red and white stripes and circle-framed glasses always has the opposite effect.
If you’re shy about meeting new people, Halloween provides a unique opportunity to step outside of your comfort zone and into a different persona.
A costume can do half the work when striking up a conversation with a stranger, whether it’s an easy topic for a compliment or the built-in confidence boost that comes from running around in a cape.
If you’re still deciding on your costume and feeling brave, wearing something unique or outlandish that others will ask you about is an easy once-a-year cheat code to bring more conversations and connection your way. Happy Halloween!
Talk to you next Thursday,
Aaron
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