☀️👍 We’ve got your weekend plans covered

Happy Friday, Boston!

☕ Many of us have dreamed of having an espresso at Central Perk. But what about an espresso martini? The “Friends” themed coffee shop is now serving alcohol, from special “Friends” themed cocktails to local brews. Cheers!

👀 What’s on tap today:

• July service changes on deck

• The C’s newbies

• A $22 million deal

Up first…

SUMMER FRIDAYS

Book fairs, ‘Bottoms,’ and beer gardens

It’s not just a summer Friday, it’s the summer Friday. Fourth of July week is right around the corner, so let’s kick off the good vibes early with some epic weekend plans. 

👀 See Newbury Street from a new perspective. Namely, the middle of the road. Open Newbury Street Sundays are back for the summer, and things are kicking off this week. Take a walk, hit some shops, or grab a bite: It’s all car-free.

📚 Revel in scholastic book fair nostalgia. But make it really, really queer. Somerville’s All She Wrote is hosting their annual Pride book fair on Saturday. During the day, admission is free and all-ages. But after 8 p.m. it’s grown-ups only, with $10 tickets, queer performers, snacks, and their spiciest reads. 

🎶 Peek into Boston’s soul. The Boston Art & Music Soul fest, a.k.a BAMS, is coming to Franklin Park this Friday and Saturday, with music from BIPOC artists (including headliner BJ the Chicago Kid), food trucks, visual art exhibitions, dance, and a vendor market. And tickets are pay-what-you-wish. 

🕺 Dance like the whole city is watching. Because at Cambridge’s second annual city-wide dance party tonight, they will be. Expect 90’s music, a big crowd, and non-stop dancing. 

👭 Catch a wacky queer flick. If you haven’t seen “Bottoms” yet (starring Boston’s sweetheart Ayo Edebiri) tonight is the perfect chance at The Loring Greenough House’s “Friday night at the movies” outdoor film series.

✊🏿 Keep the Juneteenth vibes rolling. This Sunday afternoon, the city is hosting their Juneteenth Freedom Fest to celebrate and commemorate the contributions Black folks have made to Boston. 

🥳 Celebrate Vivant Vintage’s b-day. By shopping! Today, the iconic Allston shop is offering BOGO 50% off on all clothing from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., plus other sales, a sip and shop, and more. Run, don’t walk.

🛶 Paddle through that dirty water. On Saturday, join the Charles River Watershed Association and Indigenous Peoples Day Newton for a peaceful midday paddle down the Quinobequin (a.k.a. the Charles River) and education session. 

🧘 Skip your usual $40 workout class. Boston Landing’s first ever Community Fit Fest is on Saturday, with eats, beats, and a bunch of FREE workout classes all day. Or, catch a fitness freebie double-header at Franklin Park at their walking group series and yoga class. 

😂 Have a laugh (and a beer). Democracy Brewing is hosting their weekly comedy party this Saturday night, where you can catch national headliners alongside local up-and-comers. And there are always brews.

🏳️‍🌈 Close out Pride month with a bang. Tonight, Sam Adams’ JP taproom is hosting an 80s-themed beer garden Pride party. The vibes will be backyard BBQ with lawn games, music, dancing, and a special Pride themed brew.

B-SIDE FOODIE’S CHOICE AWARDS SPONSORED BY TOAST

🥂 Rise and shine! Let us know where you’re fighting off the Sunday scaries (preferably with a mimosa in one hand and a fork in the other). 

Poll nominees have been selected by Toast and B-Side’s branded content team

TOGETHER WITH THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE TREASURY

Looking for an apartment glow-up? 

🔑 🏦 Find out if you can afford it in less than 30 seconds. The Massachusetts State Treasury may have your forgotten funds. Whether you’re escaping a toxic roommate situation (we’ve all been there), moving to a different neighborhood, or giving up the renter’s life, the cash you need for a smoother move could be waiting for you. Search your name today and uncover lost savings accounts, uncashed checks, and more.

CITY

Quick & dirty headlines

🚇 July has it OUT for the Red Line. It’s time for next month’s MBTA service changes, and this go-around, Red Line, Green Line, and commuter rail riders are in the splash zone. The Red Line will see trains bypassing Kendall Square/MIT from the evening of July 5 through July 7, plus a behemoth 16-day shutdown between Alewife and Kendall/MIT mid-month. On the GLX, expect a weekend shutdown on both branches. And Needham/Haverhill commuter rail riders, we’re out of words, but you can check out your service changes here.

☕ The second half of Wednesday’s City Council meeting got heavy. The council managed to claw back about $6 million of their proposed $15.3 million in amendments to the city budget after they failed to fully override Mayor Wu’s veto (remember?). But it wasn’t without (literal) tears. The meeting, which dragged until 12:35 a.m. Thursday morning, essentially devolved into a power struggle between a seven councilor majority and a smaller coalition of Wu’s close allies, who seemed to turn their backs on the council’s budgetary efforts after her veto.

🍀 The C’s squad just grew by two. The NBA draft has come and gone, and our newly minted champs have picked up two new members for the team. In round one, the Celtics used their No. 30 pick to take guard and elite three-point shooter Baylor Scheierman, a Nebraska native and Creighton grad, a move which has been largely applauded. And in round two, they used their No. 54 pick to take Anton Watson, a forward out of Gonzaga. But considering that the C’s starters are all rumored to return next season, we might not see too much of them yet.

MEDIA SPONSORSHIP

Want to help shape Boston’s future for young people? 

This is your sign. B-Side is a proud supporter of SPARK Boston Council, the leadership and civic engagement force that’s giving 20 to 35-year-olds a seat at Mayor Wu’s table — meaning you have a huge opportunity to advocate for your demographic (Boston’s largest demographic at 39% of the city!) and make a noticeable impact. Apply here by July 5 at 11:59 p.m.

ONE LAST THING

Cape Cod’s most expensive house

Calling all nosy Zillow lovers! If your favorite pastimes include endlessly scrolling through Zillow (guilty) or sticking your nose into other people’s business (also guilty), boy do we have a treat for you. 

This Osterville mansion just set a record in single-family Cape Cod real estate sales, recently selling for a mind-blowing $22.75 million. The house, as you can imagine, is absolutely wild, at 15,500 square feet, with 7 beds, fourteen baths, a private beach and pool, plus, other necessities like a “media wall,” a full bar, golf simulator, massage room, and 5,000-bottle wine cellar. Obviously. 

And if our description isn’t doing it for you, just look at these pictures. But warning: They might make you want to break your lease.

— Written by Gia Orsino and Emily Schario

🏠 Thanks for reading! To be an unemployed and sitting by the pool. 

💜 Special shoutout to today’s sponsor, the Massachusetts State Treasury, for supporting local journalism and helping residents reclaim what’s rightfully theirs.

💃 Keep up with us @BostonBSide on IG, TikTok, and Twitter. Send comments and suggestions to [email protected] or [email protected].