October’s first weekend offers several different ways to get out: a free studio evening, a ticketed museum night, a food festival and new public art. Choose the plan that suits your company and budget, then use the official links to check availability before leaving.

Friday, October 2: choose your art night

SoWa First Friday — South End

5–9 p.m. • Free • Family-friendly. Browse open artist studios and galleries around Harrison Avenue. SoWa lists studios at 450 Harrison and galleries at 460 Harrison; start with the official visitor information rather than treating the neighborhood’s mailing address as the event entrance.

This is the flexible Friday option: pick a few studios and leave room to stay longer at work that catches your eye. See the October 2 event and SoWa’s location details.

MFA First Fridays — Fenway

6–9 p.m. • Ages 21+ • $30 nonmembers; free for members. The October edition highlights Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month with We Are ALX, art-making and music from DJ Montro. A ticket is required, including for members; bring ID and check availability before making the trip.

This is a separate, adults-only plan from the SoWa studios. Book through the MFA and confirm the admission details there.

Saturday, October 3: food downtown, art in the North End

SpicetoberFest — City Hall Plaza

11 a.m.–6 p.m. • Free festival admission. The organizer’s program centers on local food, spice, hot sauces, makers and entertainment. Free entry does not mean free food or drinks: budget for anything you want to try.

The separate Taste of the Harvest bar lounge is for guests 21 and older, with noon–3 p.m. and 3–6 p.m. sessions and VIP packages. Check the organizer’s current options before purchasing. See SpicetoberFest details and RSVP.

Stone Maps: A Ruttier for the Dispossessed — opening reception

4–8:30 p.m. • Free • Copp’s Hill Terrace, 520 Commercial Street. Kiyan Williams’s public-art opening brings a different pace to the evening. The city’s listing connects the work with Black history and Boston’s landscape, presented with Boston Ujima Project and CAIUP.

If you combine it with City Hall Plaza, allow time to move between the two locations rather than trying to do both programs in full. Read the city’s event listing and RSVP information.

Sunday, October 4: browse the market or settle in for kickoff

SoWa Open Market — South End

11 a.m.–5 p.m. • Free entry • 500 Harrison Avenue and Thayer Street. The open-air market combines farmers, artists, local vendors and food trucks. Purchases cost extra. Its published 2026 season runs on Sundays through November 15.

For a quieter plan on paper, choose the market as the day’s main outing rather than racing between every stop. Check the market’s current hours and vendor information.

Patriots at Bills — a 1 p.m. viewing option

New England is away in Buffalo. Boston-area viewers can watch on CBS/WBZ-TV Channel 4; kickoff is 1 p.m. Eastern. Check the team’s viewing guide for streaming and location restrictions.

Build a weekend that fits

For free-admission plans, start with SoWa’s Friday studios, the festival, the public-art opening or Sunday’s market. Keep a separate budget for meals, shopping and travel. For the MFA, book first. Check outdoor-event notices and transit alerts on the day; these listings are plans, not a weather forecast.

Following the teams as well? Read our Patriots October schedule and Bruins opening-week guide. All event times are Eastern.