A free Boston Symphony Orchestra chamber concert in the South End on Oct. 25 is among the options for spending the latter part of October in Boston without paying admission. Other choices include a literary festival in Copley Square, an art-making session in Back Bay and a ranger-led tour of a historic burying ground.
Some events require reservations, and others charge for optional extras. The listings published by The Boston Globe and Boston.com include both entirely free programs and gatherings where visitors can participate without buying food, drinks or merchandise.
Chamber music in the South End
The BSO opens its Community Chamber Concert series at IBA’s La CASA, 85 W. Newton St., with an Oct. 25 performance beginning at 3 p.m., according to the Globe. The series features music by composers including Brahms and Dvořák.
Admission costs nothing, but guests must reserve tickets through bso.org so seating can be planned. Accessible seating is available. For anyone choosing this outing, advance booking is a requirement rather than an optional step.
Books and rowing
The Boston Book Festival returns to Copley Square for its 18th annual edition Oct. 17. Boston.com lists a 10 a.m. start and a 6 p.m. finish, with authors discussing subjects that range from mysteries and fiction to art history, science and young adult literature. The festival is presented in partnership with WGBH.
Along the Charles River, spectators can watch the Head Of The Charles Regatta Oct. 16-18. Racing begins at 8 a.m. and continues until 5 p.m., according to Boston.com. The outlet recommends arriving early for a viewing spot between the Anderson and Weeks bridges, near the course’s midpoint. The Weld Exhibition also offers samples alongside vendors selling food and merchandise.
Art and a Fenway celebration
In Back Bay, the Mandarin Oriental hosts an Atelier art session Oct. 22, with artist Maria DeVito Palmer leading participants in making cocktail-inspired artwork. The Globe lists the event at 776 Boylston St., beginning at 5 p.m. and ending at 7 p.m. Supplies are included, and participation is open to hotel guests and the public.
Time Out Market’s Munich-themed Oktoberfest gathering offers another free-entry option Oct. 17 at 401 Park Drive. Scheduled for 1-5 p.m., it includes live music, photo props and a stein-holding contest organized by weight class, the Globe reports. Tasting passes cost $15 and are separate from admission.
Halloween activities and a history walk
PruBoo takes place Oct. 25 at the Shops at Prudential Center, 800 Boylston St. Boston.com lists activities between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., including face painting, magic, pumpkin decorating and musical performances. Those activities are free; a trick-or-treat bag requires a $5 donation for each participating child age 12 or younger, benefiting Boston Children’s Hospital.
Later in the month, a National Park Service ranger will lead a Granary Burying Ground tour beginning at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 29. At the Tremont Street site, participants will explore colonial burial traditions and learn how gravestone symbols and imagery changed over time, according to Boston.com.
