Jump into fall with this lineup of captivating concerts, a lavish light show, century-old cars and more.
La Bohème is sure to captivate audiences with the tragic love story of Mimí and Rodolfo.
Through 9/11
Drawing the Curtain: Maurice Sendak’s Designs for Opera and Ballet
Travel to faraway lands in a grand collection of over 100 marvelous illustrations, innovative designs, stunning sets and costumes from late children’s author Maurice Sendak. Known for the set and costume designs of popular stage productions like Mozart’s The Magic Flute, Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker and his own Where the Wild Things Are, Sendak’s art is bound to take visitors on a trip down memory lane. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, 25 Evans Way, 617.566.1401, gardnermuseum.org
Through 9/25
Boston Lights: A Lantern Experience
Hundreds of lanterns come together to create over 55 oversized plants and animals with an emphasis on highlighting the importance of biodiversity at the seasonal experience. The LED lights illuminate the zoo to create luscious forest scenes and sensational ocean habitats. New this year: an 82-foot-long octopus tunnel with realistic features like blinking eyes and color-changing tentacles. 1 Franklin Park Road, 617.541.5466, zoonewengland.org
9/3-10/30
The Obama Portraits Tour
The striking portraits of former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama will be adorning the walls of the Museum of Fine Arts through October as the last stop of its nationwide tour. Unveiled in 2018, the jaw-dropping portraits wowed the world with their realistic features and captivating colors. Come marvel at the masterpieces before they return to D.C. after their stop in Boston. 465 Huntington Ave., 617.267.9300, mfa.org
9/7, 9 & 11
Bruno Mars at MGM Music Hall
Calling all Hooligans: Bruno Mars is coming to MGM Music Hall at Fenway for two shows this month that are sure to bring the funk. Hot off his headliner spot at Dolby Live at Park MGM in Las Vegas, the 15-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, producer and dancer certainly knows how to put on a captivating show. Sing along to hits like “Uptown Funk” and the 2022 Grammy song of the year, “Leave the Door Open.” 2 Lansdowne St., brunomars.com
9/10-11
The Boston Arts Festival
Treat your eyes and ears to the productions of local artists at the 20th annual Boston Arts Festival. Tents of original paintings, masterful photography and more from over 70 treasured artisans will fill Christopher Columbus Park on the Waterfront while attendees listen to upbeat tunes from hometown favorites. Christopher Columbus Park on the Waterfront, thebostonartsfestival.com
9/14
Florence + The Machine Dance Fever at TD Garden
Dance the night away to the five-time Grammy Award-nominated British band at TD Garden for one night only, nearly four years since its last Boston appearance. The indie rock group has been producing hits like “Dog Days Are Over” for over a decade, which are sure to bring you to your feet along with new tunes from its latest album, Dance Fever. 100 Legends Way, 617.624.1000, tdgarden.com
“Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama” (2018, oil on linen), by Amy Sherald
9/20-10/2
TINA: The Tina Turner Musical
The woman. The myth. The legend. Starting late September, relive Tina Turner’s journey to becoming the Queen of Rock ’n’ Roll with Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Katori Hall’s Broadway show. The original cast, with Nkeki Obi-Melekwe as Turner, showcases how one woman defied racial and gender barriers to become the most sought-after performer—selling more concert tickets than any other solo artist in music history. 539 Washington St., 617.259.3400, boston.broadway.com
9/23-10/2
La Bohème
Catch a new perspective of Giacomo Puccini’s La Bohème by visionary director Yuval Sharon, who begins with the opera’s tragic ending and tells the story in reverse. The production reorients the classic story from tragedy back to love, all sung in Italian. Soprano Lauren Michelle returns to Boston Lyric Opera (BLO), playing the role of Mimi, and Jesus Garcia is set to shine as Rodolfo. 106 Boylston St., 617.542.6772, blo.org
9/22-23
A Toast! at Boston Symphony Orchestra
Conductor Andris Nelsons is kicking off the new season of Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) with a collaboration of must-see artists. “A Toast!” was written by legendary composer John Williams eight years ago to welcome Nelsons to BSO. The show kicks off with pianist Awadagin Pratt as he makes his local debut with new music, along with composer Jessie Montgomery’s “Rounds,” Gustav Holst’s The Planets and more. 301 Massachusetts Ave., 617.266.1200, bso.org
9/25
The Boston Cup
There are few places to see a 1947 Chrysler Town & Country and a 1955 Bentley Continental in one place. Lucky for locals, the annual Boston Cup is back at Boston Common for its 11th year of car-gazing, fine dining and exclusive test drives—attracting attendees like Gov. Charlie Baker and Red Sox principal owner John Henry. Ranked in the top five car shows in the country, the event typically features bites like lobster sliders with plenty of refreshments. 115 Boylston St., 617.834.3937, thebostoncup.com
Check out some of the country’s most exclusive cars at The Boston Cup.
9/29
75th Anniversary Diamond Awards Gala
Honor the success of the New England design community at the Diamond Awards Gala, hosted by the International Furnishings and Design Association. From architect of the year to sleekest modern kitchen project, the awards will go out to the best in the business. If you’re looking to hire for a new project, this could be your perfect scouting opportunity. 50 Park Plaza, ifdane.com
9/30
Lizzo: The Special Tour
Grrrrls and boys won’t want to miss Lizzo at the TD Garden with her new album Special on tour. The showstopping performer and three-time Grammy Award winner dazzles the crowd with bright costumes and rhythmic choreography. Sing along to classics like “Juice” and “Truth Hurts” from a variety of premium suites at The Garden or go eye-level with a spot in the pit. 100 Legends Way, 617.624.1000, lizzomusic.com
9/30
NEADS’ Get Dressed. Give Back.
Head out to The Exchange in Boston’s Seaport District for a night of fundraising to support the national leader in service dog training. The upscale event takes a break from treats and slobber for an evening filled with exclusive shopping, a silent auction, handcrafted cocktails and a delectable tasting menu. The annual event has raised over $500,000 to fund the training and placement of Service Dogs for those in need. 212 Northern Ave., 978.422.9064, neads.org
Photography by: COURTESY OF SPOLETO FESTIVAL USA; COURTESY OF THE SMITHSONIAN’S NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY AND THE MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, BOSTON; RUSS ROCKNAK /THECHASEMAGAZINE.COM;
