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Birthday Bashes, Balfolk Beats & Botanical Brushes
Now that we've shoveled out from last week's massive snow, trade the heavy shovel for the inviting glow of local taprooms and social circles. This week focuses on staying warm through community—whether that’s celebrating a "grandma chic" birthday bash or watching your single pals get pitched on the Aeronaut stage. Between botanical paint nights and Valentines craft nights, there are plenty of ways to stay social while the sidewalks remain a mess.
Monday February 2nd
Winter Warm Up: Build a Puzzle @ MIT Welcome Center, Cambridge — Whether you’re a master puzzler or just want to help with the edges, stop by to work on one of the many community puzzles available for neighbors to tackle as a team | FREE, 9:30AM–4PM
Introduction to Collage - Collage Clocks @ The Foundry, Cambridge — Spend a creative evening crafting a unique clock using a variety of vintage clippings and creative supplies provided on-site; it’s a low-pressure environment perfect for anyone looking to turn a mix of analog treasures into a personalized timepiece | $44, 6PM–8PM
Chess Nights at the Library @ Central Library, Somerville — Whether you’re a Grandmaster or just learned how the knight moves, join this monthly meetup to test your skills against fellow Somerville residents; chess sets are provided, so you just need to show up ready for a challenge | FREE, 7PM–8:30PM
Pitch-A-Friend Boston @ Aeronaut Brewing, Somerville – Ever wished your friends could sell your best qualities for you? At this live matchmaking night, they actually do as they pitch their single pals in quick slides inside Aeronaut’s buzzing taproom. Pitch submissions are full but you can still attend and get on the on the waitlist | FREE, 7:30PM

Tuesday February 3rd
Sit 'n' Knit @ Cambridge Main Library, Cambridge — Join this social crafting circle to knit, crochet, or mend in good company while picking up new skills from other local makers in a relaxed library environment | FREE, 2:30PM-3:30PM
Pottery with a Purpose - Build a Boob Pot @ Lamplighter CX, Cambridge — Grab a drink at this 21+ workshop where you'll learn pottery basics and create up to three custom pieces during a night of clay and trivia; all clay, tools and materials to be provided | $75, 6PM-8PM
A Botanical Galentine’s Paint Night (Beginner-Friendly) @ Posto, Somerville — Celebrate friendship and creativity at this relaxed workshop where you'll arrange a mini carnation bouquet for inspiration before diving into two floral watercolor paintings with guidance from artist AIRI | $45, 6:30PM
Speed Jigsaw Puzzling @ Winter Hill Brewing Company, Somerville — Watch squads of four battle it out in a fast-paced 500-piece puzzle sprint while competing for gift card prizes and climbing the nationwide rankings; follow Puzzle Buzz to sign up for the next one | FREE, 7PM

Wednesday February 4th
Boston Social Conversations @ Aeronaut Brewing Company, Somerville — Skip the repetitive "what do you do" routine for a structured evening where strangers become friends through curated digital prompts and small group rotations designed to facilitate genuine connections and ensure everyone gets a chance to share and listen throughout the night | FREE, 6:30PM-8:30PM
Somerville Stitch Club @ West Branch, Somerville — Bring your latest fiber craft project to the library makerspace for a night of social stitching and creative company with access to on-site sewing machines — please note registration is close to full but you can still add your name through the waitlist form below | FREE, 6:30PM-8:30PM
Historic Portraiture Drawing @ The Loov, Somerville — Settle in for a creative BYOB evening featuring a live model in authentic 19th-century garments along with provided sketching materials and light snacks | $15, 6:30PM-9:30PM
On Tap at Aeronaut: The Berklee Music Series @ Aeronaut Brewing Company, Somerville — Catch the next big thing in music every Wednesday night as up-and-coming student artists from the Berklee College of Music take the stage for a live performance in the taproom | FREE, 7PM-9PM

THE STOOP’S PICK

Thursday February 5th
Galentine's Wine + Card Collaging @ Kathryn Schultz Gallery, Cambridge — Turn a mix of analog materials into personalized mail for whoever deserves it most during this social evening of collage-making that pairs creative play with a glass of wine in a welcoming gallery space | $35, 7PM-8:30PM
Boston Balfolk Dance @ The Loov, Somerville — Discover the charm of traditional Balfolk with live tunes and step-by-step instruction for every dance provided throughout the night so you can focus on the music and meeting new friends regardless of your experience level — want to know what a Balfolk event is like, see HERE | $15–$30, 7PM-10PM

WEEKEND SNEAK PEAK

The Birthday Party: February Edition - Grandma Chic! @ Remnant Brewing, Somerville — Have a February birthday (or know someone that does)? Celebrate local February birthdays at this monthly first-Friday bash featuring a "Grandma Chic" theme complete with house shoes, pocket caramels, and gossip whispered over sherry



