The Boston Bhangra Competition returns this weekend

Boston Offers Music, Comedy and Arts Events This Weekend

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Boston offers a diverse slate of cultural programming this weekend, ranging from high-energy musical performances to introspective museum exhibitions.

Many jazz, comedy, and fine arts events take place in the city between November 13 and November 15, 2026. Whether looking for large-scale concerts at Fenway or intimate theatrical productions in Cambridge, the weekend provides several distinct avenues for engagement.

Victoria MONÉT and jazz ensembles perform in November

Music lovers have several high-profile options starting Friday night. Victoria MONÉT, the 2024 best new artist Grammy winner, brings her “Frequency of Love” tour to the MGM Music Hall at Fenway on November 13. Doors open at 8 p.m. for a 9 p.m. show, with tickets starting at $53.05.

For those interested in jazz, the MIT Festival Jazz Ensemble will perform the 19th annual Herb Pomeroy Memorial Concert at the Thomas Tull Concert Hall in Cambridge on November 13 at 8 p.m. The event features special guest trombonist Elliot Mason and will include music by Ellington, Coltrane, and Chick Corea. General admission is $20, though those with an MIT ID can attend for free.

The weekend also highlights global rhythms and classical precision. The Boston Bhangra Competition 2026 takes place at the Strand Theatre in Dorchester on November 14, featuring energetic folk dance from the Punjab region. Tickets for the 6 p.m. start are from $15. Meanwhile, the Boston Symphony Orchestra continues its genre-expansive series at Symphony Hall, with the world premiere of Osvaldo Golijov’s “Creation” scheduled for November 13 and 14.

Boston Comedy Festival features stand-up and headliners

The Boston Comedy Festival enters its final stages this weekend. On Friday, November 13, the semifinal rounds of the stand-up competition will be held at The Rockwell and City Winery. The festival concludes on Saturday, November 14, with Emo Philips headlining The Rockwell, followed by the competition finals and a Lifetime Achievement Award presentation for Steven Wright at the Somerville Theatre.

In Cambridge, comedian Ian Edwards will perform at The Comedy Studio on November 15 at 6 p.m. His set, priced at $20.95, is expected to touch on the economic pressures currently facing many Americans.

Museums host Spanish master exhibitions and artisan markets

Museums across the region are hosting exhibitions that connect historical narratives with contemporary art. At the Museum of Fine Arts, visitors can view “Picasso, Miro, Dali: Unbound,” an exhibition of vibrant artists’ books from three Spanish masters, which runs through January 24.

The MFA is also hosting an Artisan Market on November 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring unique items and book signings by Eric Jay Dolin and culinary expert Joanne Chang.

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is currently presenting “The Book of Esther in the Age of Rembrandt,” exploring how the biblical heroine’s story became a cultural phenomenon in the 17th-century Netherlands. This exhibition runs through January 18.

Community-focused programming includes the following:

  • Native American Heritage Month Celebration: The Museum of Science hosts a day of indigenous scientists, artists, and performers on November 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Celebration of Cats Art Exhibit: A collection of over 120 cat-themed pieces benefits MSPCA-Angell, with an opening reception at M Fine Arts Galerie on November 13 at 6 p.m.
  • Arsenal Bazaar: The first-ever bazaar at Arsenal Yards in Watertown features over 50 local small businesses on November 14 and 15.

Theatrical productions in Cambridge and Boston

The performing arts scene is anchored by several significant plays. At the American Repertory Theater in Cambridge, the rock opera 1972, inspired by the real-life “Janes” collective, runs through December 6. At the Central Square Theater, The Getaway Driver, based on the true story of Katherine Ann Power, is currently playing through November 22.

The Front Porch Arts Collective is presenting The Wash at the Roberts Studio Theatre through November 22. The play, inspired by the 1881 Atlanta Washerwomen Strike, examines the intersection of labor exploitation and systemic racism.

At the Boston Opera House, the Broadway musical Wicked remains in residence through November 15.

Musical Improv & Taking the Stage: Boston Comedy Arts Festival — Kathryn Parks

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