November has arrived and daylight saving time has come to an end, meaning there are only a few weeks of downtime before the holiday spirit kicks in. Before your calendar fills up (and your wallet empties out), here are low-key, no-cost ways to have fun in Greater Boston — from “Downton”-inspired blooms to classic comedy screening night … with live organ accompaniment. Whether you want to create heartwarming harmonies or make your way through the Goblin Market, here are five fun and free events and activities across Greater Boston, Nov. 3-9.
‘DOWNTON ABBEY’ DOWNTOWN If “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale” left you wanting more from your favorite family of aristocrats, check out Fleurs de Villes’ pop-up floral show featuring decorated mannequins and displays based on the fashion of “Downton Abbey.” The show, which has been exhibited in London, New York, and other cities, arrives in the Hub featuring 21 local floral designers’ meticulous and artful arrangements inspired by the show’s early-20th-century elegance and glamour. Nov. 5-9. Prudential Center, 800 Boylston St. prudentialcenter.com
TOGETHER IN TUNE The New School of Music, in partnership with local home care agency Seniors Helping Seniors, will present a Memory Café event for individuals experiencing memory and cognitive changes (and those who love and care for them). The musical sing-along features a selection of well-known tunes led by an NSM faculty member, pianist Joe Reid, followed by socializing and complimentary treats. Nov. 5 at 1 p.m. RSVP required. New School of Music, Concert Room. 25 Lowell St., Cambridge. newschoolofmusic.org/events/memory-cafe-sing-along
Knights, merchants, and other fantasy characters come to the Bow Market’s Urban Ren Faire on Nov. 8.Carlie Febo Photography
FALL FAIRE Miss the King Richard’s Faire season? Don’t fret, as the Bow Market’s Urban Ren Faire brings a full day of medieval activities to the city, including two armored combat demos (knight fights) at 12:30 and 2:30 p.m., a circus performance from local aerialist Qatherine in Flight at 3:30 p.m., and a Celtic music performance at 5:30 p.m. Fun competitions, including a stein-holding contest, will be held throughout the day, with a chance to win mystery prizes. At 7:30 p.m., the event transforms from a Goblin Market into a Fantasy Ball, where all witches, wizards, and warlocks can dance to modern tunes in ancient garb. Nov. 8, noon-11 p.m. Bow Market, 1 Bow Market Way, Somerville. bowmarketsomerville.com
Advertisement
ORGAN TUNES Catch a free screening of two classic comedies: “The Red Balloon,” a post-WWII fable about a boy chasing a bright-colored balloon in a world of dull tones, and “The Kid,” a silent comedy by Charlie Chaplin about found family. Local organist Peter Krasinski, who has performed live movie accompaniments throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island, will improvise a score for both films live. The screening starts at 5 p.m. — beforehand, at 4 p.m., the church will hold a silent auction to raise funds for organ maintenance. Nov. 8, 4-6:30 p.m. The Cathedral Church of St. Paul, 138 Tremont St. stpaulboston.org
HISTORIC HARMONIES The Key of Cambridge exhibit, on display at the Kendall Public Lobby through Dec. 2, showcases 100 years of the city’s expansive musical history. The showcase features the likes of Joan Baez, a Club 47 performer, and Tracy Chapman, who busked in Harvard Square as a student. On Nov. 9, the Cambridge curious can explore the exhibit with an opening reception featuring live music and beverages. Through Dec. 2. Kendall Public Lobby, 355-325 Main St., Cambridge. kendallcenter.com
For National Sandwich Day, Bootleg Special in the North End offers a buy-one-get-one-free deal for their Po’ boy sandwiches Nov. 3-7.FWA Creative
SANDWICH SECONDS Monday is National Sandwich Day, and Bootleg Special, a Cajun-inspired fusion restaurant in the South End, celebrates the occasion with its buy-one-get-one-free Po’ boy deal, valid from Monday through Friday. Take a double serving of the Louisiana favorite filled with fried catfish, oyster, or shrimp. Nov. 3-7. Bootleg Special, 400 Tremont St. bootlegspecial.com
Check individual event websites for the most up-to-date information. Send info on free events and special offers at least 10 days in advance to ryan.yau@globe.com.
Investigators identified Tyler Brown of Boston as the man who allegedly opened fire on Memorial Drive in Cambridge, Massachusetts, leaving two victims with life-threatening injuries.
Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan said Brown fired 50 to 60 shots on the busy road shortly after 1 p.m. Monday.
Two male victims were hit in vehicles, Ryan said. They are in critical condition and fighting for their lives.
A Massachusetts State Police trooper and a civilian with a license to carry a firearm went toward the gunman and fired their weapons at him. Officers treated Brown at the scene, and he was brought to a Boston hospital, where he is in intensive care, according to the district attorney.
Advertisement
This video shared with NBC10 Boston appears to show a man opening fire at cars on Memorial Drive in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on Monday, May 11, 2026.
Authorities have, so far, shared limited information about the suspect.
“Mr. Brown is from Boston, and apparently was in the process of moving here. We understand that Mr. Brown was under the supervision of either the Massachusetts Probation Department or Department of Parole,” Ryan said.
She did not elaborate on why Brown may have been on probation or parole.
“We will address Mr. Brown’s criminal record, if any, at the arraignment,” she said.
Advertisement
Ryan added that she did not know enough about Brown’s condition to say whether he would be arraigned in court or in a hospital bed. The timing was also not clear.
He will face two counts of armed assault with intent to murder and firearms charges, and “a variety of other charges as we unfold what took place, exactly, and we have a chance to speak to the many, many people who were out there,” Ryan said.
An inbound stretch of Storrow Drive and Soldiers Field Road will be closed each night through August for tunnel repairs, officials announced.
Starting Monday, the closures will begin at 8 p.m. and last until 5 a.m., state officials said.
Road closures begin at North Harvard Street in Allston and stretch along the Charles River Esplanade to Mugar Way in Boston, near the Hatch Memorial Shell, officials said.
Traffic will be detoured into Cambridge over the Anderson Bridge, along Memorial Drive, and then be routed into Boston over the Longfellow Bridge.
Advertisement
The closures will allow ongoing repairs to the Storrow Drive Tunnel in the Back Bay.The work is the first phase of a two-stage project to extend the lifespan of the tunnel, which carries roughly 50,000 drivers to and from downtown Boston daily.
The outbound portion of the tunnel and accompanying roadways will not be affected.
State transportation officials said changes to the work schedule will be made when necessary to minimize impacts during major local events at TD Garden, Fenway Park, or during the FIFA World Cup and 250th anniversary celebrations scheduled for this summer.
Additional changes may be made without notice due to weather.
Transportation officials have not specified when the closures will end.
Advertisement
Bryan Hecht can be reached at bryan.hecht@globe.com. Follow him on Instagram @bhechtjournalism.
OXFORD — Ole Miss softball is back in the NCAA Tournament after making the Women’s College World Series a season ago.
The Rebels (34-24) will play Boston (46-13) on May 15 (1 p.m. CT, ESPNU) in the Lubbock Regional. Ole Miss is the No. 2 seed in the regional, and Boston is the No. 3.
Advertisement
Texas Tech (52-6), the No. 11 overall seed and regional host, will face No. 4 Marist (37-19).
The Rebels went 6-18 in SEC play this season, and have a largely new-look roster from the team that made the WCWS last season.
Ole Miss beat South Carolina and Tennessee in the SEC Tournament to improve its seed.
Freshman Madi George has burst onto the scene in the SEC. The first-year infielder leads Ole Miss with a .385 batting average. She has a team-high 21 home runs and 58 RBIs.
Seniors Emilee Boyer (3.86 ERA), Kyra Aycock (3.97 ERA) and junior Lily Whitten (3.04 ERA) are the primary options in the circle for coach Jamie Trachsel.
Advertisement
Trachsel is in her sixth season leading the Ole Miss program. She led the Rebels to their first WCWS appearance in program history in 2025.
What to know about Boston, Texas Tech and Marist in Lubbock Regional
Boston entered the Patriot League Tournament as the top seed and the Terriers delivered. Boston beat No. 2 Colgate 12-1, becoming the second team in Patriot League history to four-peat as conference champions. Boston is on a 12-game winning streak. Kylie Doherty leads the team with a .396 batting average and 26 home runs.
Texas Tech made the 2025 WCWS championship series, losing to Texas in three games.
Texas Tech lost just three Big 12 games this season but lost in the first round of the Big 12 Tournament. The Red Raiders are a strong threat to get to the WCWS again. There are four Texas Tech batters hitting over .400. Star pitcher NiJaree Canady leads the Red Raiders with a 1.24 ERA. She has 209 strikeouts.
Advertisement
Marist plays in the MAAC and won the conference tournament. Marist split a two-game series against South Carolina early in the season. Ava Metzger (12-3, 2.51 ERA) and Peyton Pusey (.404 batting average) lead the team.
Sam Hutchens covers Ole Miss for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at Shutchens@gannett.com or reach him on X at @Sam_Hutchens_
