5 things to do this weekend, from an herb festival to a Beacon Hill art walk

One of my favorite things to do this time of year is explore Boston when the weather is nice. There's nothing like a stroll along the esplanade or a foray into the public gardens as the sun is high in the sky, and I have a few recommendations that will give you the opportunity to do just that this weekend. I'm looking forward to visiting a new bookstore in Somerville that specializes in literature by and about people of color. It's called Narrative and it just opened its doors over the weekend. If you're a book lover like me but don't want to buy books brand new, the Boston Public Library is having a book sale on Saturday (did I mention that books are $1-$2?). If you're more inclined to take in some art or be surrounded by herbs, I have suggestions for you as well.

You may have heard of Jamaica Plain Porchfest or Somerville Porchfest, but did you know that the city of Medford has its own version as well? Medford Porchfest is very similar to its counterparts — porches and driveways are transformed into tiny stages where local musicians play for onlookers. The festival is free and open to the public so you can arrive and leave whenever you'd like. There are a little less than 200 acts — many from the New England area — that will be performing throughout the day. Sets range from 30 minutes to one hour. Some bands on the lineup include Orbital Gun, a band that specializes in laid-back, trip-hop sounds, and the rock-inspired Cape Cod singer-songwriter Zion Rodman. There will also be a stage for karaoke and a comedy act.

Artist Susan Thompson utilizes textiles, paint and dye to create visually mesmerizing quilts that tell stories about community and identity. "Go Down to the River and Talk to 'JAH'" is a small but pertinent exhibit of Thompson's work at the Boston Public Library's Hyde Park branch. The exhibit includes five quilts, a quilted storybook and two masks. One quilt is based on a sketch created by celebrated Boston artist Allan Rohan Crite, Thompson's mentor. I had the pleasure of interviewing Thompson about the exhibit and she spoke a lot about her ancestors and how they are incorporated into her artistic practice. Join the artist and community members this Saturday for a closing reception of the exhibit, which is on view through June 29.

Looking for new artwork for your home or perhaps a gift for Father's Day? Beacon Hill Art Walk transforms the private gardens and courtyards in the quaint neighborhood into outdoor markets where local artists can showcase their work. Around 100 creatives will be showing their pieces, from the abstract floral watercolors of Anthony Andrade to the crystalline ceramics made by Teri MacMillan. What better way to enjoy a Sunday afternoon than perusing one of Boston's most scenic areas while supporting local artists? This event will be happening rain or shine, so make sure to bring an umbrella just in case. (Though right now, the weather is predicted to be warm and sunny.)

One of my personal goals for 2024 is to incorporate more plants and herbs into my everyday life — I even have my own little herb garden that's starting to thrive as the weather gets warmer. If you're also into plants, then Herbstalk for you. This two-day event is a convening of sorts for local herb lovers, farmers, artists, healers and herbalists who wish to learn from others and share their knowledge of different herbs and plants. There are classes you can take (offered both Saturday and Sunday) on topics like urban foraging, psychedelics and native plants. The marketplace takes place on both days at the Center for the Arts at the Armory in Somerville. Participating vendors include Fat Moon Mushrooms (an organization that teaches how to cultivate edible and medicinal mushrooms at home) and Body, Stone and Soul (a Black-owned crystal shop). Vendors change from day to day so make sure to check out the schedule so you don't miss out!

Arlekin Players Theatre is back with the U.S. premiere of its production of "The Dybbuk." Based on the play by S. Ansky, "The Dybbuk" is transported from its original setting in Europe and takes place in The Vilna Shul, Boston’s Center for Jewish Culture on Beacon Hill. The play follows the story of Leah (played by Yana Gladkikh) and Khonen (played by Andrey Burkovskiy), the impoverished poor man who loves her. Leah is a sought-after young woman with many suitors who vie for her hand in marriage, though her rich father rejects them all. Khonen, who is a student, watches her from afar. What happens to these seemingly star-crossed lovers and is their story destined to end in tragedy? "The Dybbuk" is Arlekin Players Theatre's latest project in its Jewish Plays Initiative, created to uplift nuanced stories about identity, culture, family and more.