Things to do this in Boston this week: July 13-17

You Should Know Podcast brings its signature blend of sharp humor and unfiltered honesty to a live Boston audience. Hosts take the stage for an evening of unscripted conversation, weaving personal stories with timely topics that hit close to home. The atmosphere is relaxed but charged, as guests and listeners alike become part of the discussion. Each segment moves seamlessly from laugh-out-loud moments to thoughtful reflection, never shying away from the messier sides of life. The show’s knack for drawing out unexpected truths keeps the energy unpredictable and the dialogue refreshingly real. With its mix of wit and vulnerability, this live taping promises a night that feels both intimate and electric, capturing the spirit of a podcast that thrives on genuine connection.

There is something oddly satisfying about watching a blank canvas become a finished painting in just 20 minutes, especially when the artist is surrounded by a crowd that's cheering them on. Art Battle turns that process into a live competition, with local artists facing off in a series of timed rounds while the audience watches every brushstroke unfold. Once each round ends, spectators vote for their favorite piece before the finalists return for one last painting challenge. The evening has the energy of a sporting event mixed with the curiosity of an open studio, with plenty of opportunities to wander between easels, chat with the artists, and see the work up close. Every painting is auctioned at the end of the night, giving the artwork a life beyond the competition and ensuring no two editions of Art Battle are ever quite the same.

Bob Dylan’s unmistakable rasp and poetic lyricism return to Boston for a rare live appearance, drawing from a songbook that has shaped generations. The evening unfolds in the company of a Nobel laureate whose restless creativity has never settled into nostalgia. Dylan’s setlists are famously unpredictable, weaving together reinventions of classics like “Blowin’ in the Wind” with deep cuts and recent material. The stage is stripped of spectacle, focusing attention on the interplay between Dylan’s voice, his band’s subtle musicianship, and the words that have become cultural touchstones. For longtime fans and curious newcomers alike, the concert offers a chance to witness an artist who continues to rewrite his own legend, one verse at a time. The atmosphere is intimate, the mood contemplative, and the sense of history unmistakable.

Summer movie nights have a way of bringing out the kid in everyone. Theatre Thursdays turns Revere Beach into an open-air cinema each Thursday evening, with free family-friendly films, music, popcorn, and cotton candy before the movie begins at dusk. People arrive early to spread out beach chairs and blankets, catch the pre-show entertainment from 6 to 8 p.m., and watch the sky fade as the screen lights up. The lineup changes every week, giving families plenty of reasons to return throughout the summer. With the ocean just steps away, it's the kind of movie night that feels distinctly New England, where a trip to the beach naturally ends with a film under the stars.

The women of Mob Wives built a reputation for saying exactly what everyone else was thinking, and The Sit Down Tour promises more of that unfiltered honesty. Cast members Renee Graziano, Karen Gravano and Carla Facciolo reunite at City Winery Boston for an evening of behind-the-scenes stories, fan questions, and candid conversations about the hit reality series that made them household names. Expect plenty of laughs, a few shocking revelations, and the kind of family drama that never fit into a single television episode. Years after Mob Wives left the air, the show's larger-than-life personalities remain every bit as outspoken, making this feel less like a formal stage show and more like catching up with old friends who still have plenty of stories left to tell.

Mondays don't usually have much going for them, unless you happen to wander past The Anchor. That's when the waterfront fills with salsa, bachata, and people who showed up saying they "don't dance." The evening starts with a free lesson before the music takes over and the dance floor opens to everyone, from first-timers counting their steps to regulars who barely seem to touch the ground. No partner is required, and nobody seems too concerned about getting it perfect. Between the harbor views, the live music, and the easygoing crowd, it's the kind of night that makes you forget you're standing in Boston on a Monday.

One of the best free concerts in Boston might be happening on your lunch break. As part of Berklee's Summer in the City series, the Prudential Center's South Garden hosts live performances every Thursday from June through August, showcasing rising artists from Berklee College of Music and Boston Conservatory at Berklee. The music changes from week to week, spanning everything from jazz and folk to R&B, pop, Latin, and global sounds, so no two afternoons feel quite the same. Office workers drift outside with lunch, shoppers pause to listen, and passersby often end up staying for an entire set. It's a reminder that in Boston, world-class musicians are never very far away, sometimes they're just playing in the middle of your day.

A garden might not be the first place you'd think to learn mixology, but that's exactly what makes this series so much fun. Botanical Mixology invites guests to the New England Botanic Garden for hands-on workshops that explore how herbs, flowers, fruits, spices, and other botanicals can transform a great cocktail into something memorable. Each session features two seasonal drinks, introduces a new mixology technique, and includes recipes to recreate at home, with nonalcoholic variations available as well. Held during the Garden's extended summer evenings, it's an easy excuse to trade the usual happy hour for something a little more creative, surrounded by blooming gardens instead of a crowded bar.

There's something refreshing about swapping fluorescent studio lights for fresh air. Every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., Outdoor Yoga with NB Fitness Club brings all-levels classes to Athletes Park at Boston Landing, where gentle movement, breathwork, meditation, and relaxation unfold on the lawn instead of inside a gym. The pace is unhurried, making it just as welcoming for first-timers as seasoned yogis looking for a midweek reset. Best of all, it's free for members and non-members alike, proving that one of the city's most restorative wellness experiences doesn't require a membership, just a yoga mat and 45 minutes to yourself.

Summer evenings are better when the whole neighborhood shows up. Southie Summer Nights brings Moakley Park to life with free live music, dinner, lawn games, art activities, climate education, and community programming, creating the kind of gathering that feels more like a weekly block party than a scheduled event. Each Wednesday features a different musical guest, with DJ Easy Flicks kicking off this week's celebration while families spread out on picnic blankets, kids bounce between games, and neighbors linger long after dinner. It's a reminder that some of Boston's best summer nights don't happen behind a ticket gate, they happen in the neighborhood.