Thankfully, the luck of the Irish may be on our side with these free local events. From free jazz nights to an early St. Patrick’s celebration — where no body of water will be dyed green — here are some free things to do around Boston for the week of March 10-16.
St. Patrick’s Day is almost here, and though the holiday may bring future luck — in the form of green paper, we hope — we currently lack a pot of gold to fund our activities. No, four-leaf clovers are not a viable payment method, nor are the gold foil-wrapped candy coins left strewn around this time of year.
SONNETS ON STAGE The Poets’ Theatre will bring Dr. John Okrent’s book of sonnets, “This Costly Season,” to the stage with a performance by three Boston-based actors. The book originally follows the doctor’s experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, describing the grief, loss, and helplessness Okrent felt. Re-arranged by the Poets’ Theatre’s literacy director, David Gullette, actors Ben Evett, Natalya Baldyga, and Vincent Siders will give life to Okrent’s poetry. Two performances of “This Costly Season” will arrive at Harvard University on Monday and Wednesday. March 10, 5 p.m. and March 12, 6 p.m. Various locations. Registration required, see site for details: poetstheatre.org
SMOOTH MOVES If the cover at Boston jazz clubs is a little out of your pay grade, don’t fret, there’s plenty of free live music options nearby. GBH’s JazzNow program, which invites listeners to live tapings of jazz performances, will present shows at its studio in Copley Square. These monthly showcases at the Central BPL location bring local talent to downtown Boston for an intimate night of tunes. This Thursday, Afro-pop guitarist and Berklee alumnus Albino Mbie will perform in his jazz-fusion style. March 13, 6-7 p.m. GBH Studios at the Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St. wgbh.org
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Behnaz Farahi’s exhibit “Gaze to the Stars” is projected onto the MIT dome, exploring the school’s experience as a “living canvas.” Behnaz Farahi
AN INNOVATOR’S GALLERY MIT’s Artfinity festival, having kicked off last month, has brought many creative, artistic events and exhibits to the local scene so far. This Thursday night, the MIT Museum will host one of the festival’s largest events — and it’s completely free. Community members are invited to a night of activities, including a “Flash Portrait” drawing and textile design, as well as live DJ sets, open exhibits by faculty, and a talk from Behnaz Farahi, the interdisciplinary designer behind “Gaze to the Stars,” which has brought the MIT dome to life. March 13, 6-9 p.m. Ages 18+. Gambrill Center, 314 Main St., Cambridge. mitmuseum.mit.edu
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SLAY THE STAGE If you love “Drag Race” but your wish to guest judge has yet to be granted, head to Cambridge. Remnant Brewing’s Satellite location is hosting a drag competition coined “Give Good Mouth” this Thursday night. Twenty-eight drag artists will compete during two rounds of performances for the chance to win $500. And if the audience wants to try their hand — they can stick around until the end of the competition to show off their own lip-sync abilities. March 13, 8:30-10:30 p.m. 877 Cambridge St., Cambridge. remnantsomerville.com
SLASH AND REPEAT There’s something about the grainy, misty quality of VHS that makes horror movies seem all the more terrifying. Wicked VHS, committed to keeping analog video recording alive, invites community members to GrandTen Distillery for a 21+ VHS viewing of Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho,” starring Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates. Then, because there truly is no rest for the wicked, a viewing of Wes Craven’s classic slasher “Scream” will make the night a double-feature. March 14, 7 p.m. 383 Dorchester Ave. grandten.com
GOOD CRAIC St. Patrick’s Day is coming early at Somerville’s Bow Market. The day will kick off bright and early with Remnant’s annual 3-mile Fun Run. Then, attendees can test their St. Patty’s luck with lawn games like corn hole, ladder toss, and giant Jenga while enjoying some live music by Boston-based bands Feather Weather, the Nogs, and Mixtape Misfits. Families can bring along the kids to participate in crafting activities including making “leprechaun traps” and chalk coloring. For-purchase food and drinks will also be available — including snowcones for the kids that can be made boozy for the adults. March 16, 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. 1 Bow Market Way, Somerville. bowmarketsomerville.com
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Deals & steals
Petula’s $10 kitchen sink cocktail brings a new recipe to the restaurant’s menu every Tuesday evening. Petula’s
MYSTERY IN A GLASS We all know, love, and appreciate a good drink deal. Southie’s Petula’s is known for its Monday $10 martini special, but the underrated Tuesday deal also provides a great after-work libation. Every Tuesday, Petula’s adds a $10 “kitchen sink” cocktail to its menu with a different recipe every week. Last week’s cocktail was coined “La Bicyclette” and included a mixture of gin, Italicus, and Grüner Veltliner. Tuesdays, 5 p.m.-close. $10. 81 L St. South Boston. petulasboston.com
Marianna Orozco can be reached at marianna.orozco@globe.com.