The best things to do in Boston this weekend: August 30–Sept. 2

Anime, or action heroes? Both genres are showing at this (long) weekend's options for outdoor movies. Movie Night at MIT presets Spirited Away at Kendall/MIT Open Space, Cambridge, on Friday, Aug. 30; while WS Paramount+ Movie Nights at Seaport presents Transformers: Rise of the Beasts at 88 Seaport Blvd. on Monday, Sept. 2.

Boston Lights: A Lantern Experience—aka “zoo lights,” colloquially—returns more boldly and brightly than ever. Opening August 2 and running nightly through November 3, the illuminating experience has expanded its footprint in Franklin Park Zoo this year, with new, forested areas decked out in light displays. The annual event features all-new immersive walkthroughs, enchanting interactive elements and photo opportunities at every turn—including a stunning, 115-foot octopus; colorful butterflies, luminous blossoms, an erupting volcano, traditional lanterns and more. 

Rollerama at Kendall Common, a pop-up roller rink and social space, debuted in June at the corner of Third and Broadway in Cambridge’s Innovation District. Programming is on every weekend with DJ nights, beginner-friendly skating classes and more. Check out the full schedule of events here. The spot's Drinks at the Rink beer garden is now open, with local bartenders serving up the likes of Lamplighter and Remnant Brewing beers, wine curated by Rebel Rebel and more. Concesssions are available for purchase from BUENCIES, a Roller Disco Snack Bar from Buenas and Gracie's Ice Cream; and a rotating selection of food trucks. Skating is free and includes free skate rentals. The rink is open Thursdays and Fridays from 2-8pm and on weekends from 11am-8pm.

The South End is arguably one of Boston’s best neighborhoods for dining, and it’s about to get even better. Three new restaurants that have recently opened in the neighborhood range from an American bistro to a Chinese dumpling shop to the return of a Mexican favorite (with more room for margaritas). Check out our scoop on five new South End spots to put on your radar as the summer wanes in Boston.

The Paris Olympics may have passed the torch onto L.A., but at Time Out Market Boston, French vibes are still going strong. Just more than a month since opening at the Fenway food hall, PRB Boulangerie has added crêpes to its tableau of authentic French breakfast, lunch and snack offerings. The savory varieties—with edges folded over fillings like salmon and cream cheese; or Swiss cheese, ham and egg—are made with buckwheat flour imported from France, a traditional grain that imparts a heftier chew and deeper flavor to savory crȇpes. Sweet versions use standard white flour for a lighter taste, alongside fillings like Nutella, honey and lemon or caramel beurre salé (salted butter caramel). Exclusive to the Time Out Market outpost, crêpes are a great addition to the dynamic food hall, says PRB founder Loic Le Garrec. "The fact that we are prepping them for the customers really attracts a lot of people just to see what's going on,” he says. For now, PRB’s crêperie—situated next to the boulangerie inside Time Out Market—opens daily at 11am.

No matter where your interests lie, you can always find something to get excited about in the Hub. The best things to do in Boston run the gamut—from seriously fun to awesomely educational.

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