Take a moment to exhale this weekend. We’ve curated plans for couples, friends and families so you don’t have to! This is all the information you need in a step-by-step guide to make your planning easier.
It’s a Date!
Saturday, March 16
Do This
Shake off the week at Dance Saturdays at the Sanctuary Theatre. Hosted by the Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre, each weekend features a dance party celebrating a different cultural style of movement. In this inaugural evening, you’ll learn steps to classical Indian dance and sample local food to match. Then, you can break down your new skills on the dance floor.
The Sanctuary Theatre
7 p.m.
$35 per person
400 Harvard St., Cambridge
Limited street parking, Harvard T stop
Then What?
After burning off all those calories dancing, you deserve a treat! Walk across the street to Zinneken’s for a traditional Belgian waffle drizzled in your choice of chocolate, fruit, caramel or any number of other toppings. Don’t worry, you can mix and match and add ice cream to any waffle.
Zinneken’s
9 a.m.–12 a.m.
$10–$12 per waffle
1154 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge
Limited street parking, Harvard T stop
Friends Zone
Sunday, March 17
Do This
Kick off Girls Night with a trip to the opera. Boston Lyric Opera is performing a powerful, contemporary rendition of the age-old story “The Rape of Lucretia.” Staged at the Artists for Humanity EpiCenter in South Boston, the production will be performed in the round for an immersive, participatory experience. Plus, this is a great opportunity to bust out your pearls.
Artists for Humanity EpiCenter
5 p.m.
$45 and up per ticket
100 W 2nd St., Boston
Limited street parking, Broadway T stop
Then What?
Walk down the street to Amrheins, the oldest restaurant in South Boston. The joint has been operating since 1890 and retains that classic charm in its décor and comfort food menu. Warm up with a caramelized apple pork chop or seafood risotto in a white wine sauce. If you’re feeling feisty, try a make-your-own Moscow Mule where you can customize the ingredients.
Amrheins Restaurant
10 a.m.–1 a.m.
Appetizers $10–$15, Entrees $16–$30
80 West Broadway
Limited street parking, Broadway T stop
Family Fun
Saturday, March 16
Do This
Party the winter blues away with a Tropical Fiesta at the Boston Public Library’s Jamaica Plain branch. Saint Mary’s Heavenly Fire Steel Orchestra, the only traditional steel band operating year round in Boston, will drum out Latin American beats to get you on your feet. When you need a dance break, check out the food offered by JP’s newest Dominican restaurant 100% Delicias. It may not be the Caribbean, but it’s a slight reprieve from Boston’s never ending winter.
Boston Public Library, Jamaica Plain
11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Free admission
30 South St., Jamaica Plain
Some parking on site, South St at Bardwell St stop on the 39 bus
Then What?
Walk five minutes to Bukhara Indian Bistro for lunch. This neighborhood favorite offers a modern spin on classic Indian cooking and is known for friendly customer service. Vegetarian eaters will find an oasis of eggplant, cauliflower and lentil dishes, while carnivores can indulge in lamb tikka masala or beef curry. Don’t forget dessert! Bukhara offers everything from ginger ice cream to sweet rice with raisins.
Bukhara Indian Bistro
11:30 a.m.–10:30 p.m.
Appetizers, $4–$10 Entrees $15–$24
701 Centre St., Jamaica Plain
Limited street parking, Centre St at Burroughs St stop on the 39 bus
Then What?
Wrap up the day at Boomerangs, a local nonprofit thrift shop owned and operated by the AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts. Not only can you hunt for second-hand treasures, and write donations off on your taxes, 100 percent of proceeds go towards HIV/AIDS prevention. The shop boasts everything from furniture and books to clothes. We recommend checking out their Instagram before a trip to scope out sales and treasures.
Boomerangs
10 a.m.–7 p.m.
Items starting at $3
716 Centre St., Jamaica Plain
Free parking at lot off Harris Ave., Centre St at Burroughs St stop on the 39 bus