As October ends, we put our Halloween decorations away and ready ourselves for the beginning of the holiday season.
But Thanksgiving isn’t the only day for food, family and fun here in Beantown: There’s a whole new month of events to enjoy. From celebrating Inno-approved trailblazers at our premier 50 on Fire awards ceremony to networking with industry professionals and sampling fine wines, we’ve got plenty of autumnal activities for you to be thankful for.
Here are the top tech, innovation and entertainment events in November.
Friday, Nov. 1
The Art of Leadership | BostonSpeaks Series: Want to learn how to be a more effective leader? This Q&A and panel discussion with GrubStreet founder Eve Bridburg, leadership coach George Baker and others will teach you the ins and outs of leadership, from decision-making to executing business strategies. RSVP here. 8 a.m., 50 Milk Street, Boston, free
Día de los Muertos/Day of the Dead Celebration: Presented by the Peabody Museum and sponsored by the Consulate General of Mexico in Boston, this celebration of Día de los Muertos includes traditional Mexican hot chocolate and pan de muerto, as well as live music. Come honor departed loved ones and learn more about the Day of the Dead at this free-to-the-public event. Learn more here. 4 p.m., 11 Divinity Ave., Cambridge, free
Monday, Nov. 4
Examining 400 Years: Mapping Local Legacies of Slavery in New England: Presented by Leslie University, this is a moderated conversation about the beginnings of institutional slavery in the United States. It will feature Leslie University history professor Dr. Tatiana Cruz as part of Leslie University’s 400 Years Initiative to spark a discussion about the global implications of slavery. More info here. 4:30 p.m., 10 Phillips Pl., Cambridge, free
Tuesday, Nov. 5
A Year Ahead: The 2020 Presidential Campaign: This examination of the U.S. political landscape now and in the year ahead is hosted by WBUR’s political coverage team. The team will be joined by both Democratic and Republican consultants who will discuss the issues most vital to voters, including an overview of the Democratic candidates and President Donald Trump’s strategy for reelection. Get tickets here. 6:30 p.m., 890 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, free
Wednesday, Nov. 6
DisruptHR Boston: Local professionals will give TED talk-like presentations on talent recruiting strategies and business empowerment. Each five-minute talk will, as written in the event copy, aim to “blow your mind on topics relevant to the human experience in the workplace." Get tickets here. 6 p.m., 1 Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston, $40
Wine Down Wednesdays: VINOvations hosts Wine Down Wednesdays, a free weekly wine-tasting night. If consider yourself a wine connoisseur or if you just like wine, this selection of reds and whites around the world may tickle your fancy. More info here. 3 p.m., 2 Merchant St., Sharon, free
Thursday, Nov. 7
BostInno 50 on Fire: A showcase of the companies and people who are heating up the Boston ecosystem, our 50 on Fire awards ceremony honors 2019’s best and brightest. Read about the winners here, then come celebrate and network with the startups and individuals who are defining innovation. We'll also unveil our 2019 Inno Blazers, seven people and companies selected by our panel of esteemed judges. Get tickets here. 6 p.m., 100 W 2nd St., Boston, $115+
Boston Sales Summit 2019: Top Rep Boston presents a summit all about sales. With panels by leading names and organizations in the marketing industry, the event will cover how sales reps distance themselves from their peers, creative ways to self-market your product and more. Get tickets here. noon, 75 Northern Ave., Boston, $100+
Friday, Nov. 8
Boston Christmas Festival: Want to get a head start on holiday shopping? The Boston Christmas festival will play host to more than 350 pop-up shops by American Artisans. Wares include handmade gifts, specialty foods and a healthy dose of pure Christmas spirit. More info here. 10 a.m., 200 Seaport Blvd., Boston, $15
Breaking Barriers: First-Gens in Tech: This free, day-long event presented by HubSpot aims to assist first-generation immigrants in learning more about the job opportunities available in tech. The panel discussion and workshop are geared toward those who want to break into the tech industry, covering topics like editing resumes, landing your first tech job and more. Register here. 10 a.m., 2 Canal Park, Cambridge, free
Sunday, Nov. 10
Skip the Small Talk at Trident Books: A startup we previously featured, Skip the Small Talk regularly hosts events that foster opportunities for “deep talks” with strangers. At each event, participants are given written prompts and are set up to participate in conversations with strangers, both one on one and in groups. The events are designed to create a space where people can be vulnerable with one another. Get tickets here. 7 p.m., 338 Newbury St., Boston, $10
Monday, Nov. 11
Resilient Coders Workshop: This coding bootcamp is designed to empower young people of color in the tech industry. In addition to providing an overview on coding, the workshop will also be an opportunity to learn about Resilient Coders’ mission of economic empowerment for communities of color in Boston. Register here. 5 p.m., 50 Milk St., Boston, free
Harry Potter Trivia at Sunset Cantina: Are you a knowledgeable Harry Potter fan looking to show off your wizardry? Sunset Cantina is hosting Harry Potter trivia night, a five-level trivia game that will test your knowledge of the magical book series. Register your team here. 7 p.m., 916 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, free
Tuesday, Nov. 12
Coffee, Chat & Go! Morning Networking: Ellevate Boston’s monthly networking event at Caffe Nero is a place to make friends, swap business cards and get up to date on the goings-on of fellow startup employees. The free event is free is a great opportunity to mingle and network before the daily grind. Reserve your spot here. 7:30 a.m., 10 Summer St., Boston, free
Shoobx Drive 2019 - Startup Fundraising Summit: An afternoon of talks and networking sessions, Shoobx’s Startup Fundraising Summit will guide attendees through each part of the fundraising journey, highlighting how to take charge of your fundraising and avoid common pitfalls. Learn how to prepare for your next round, work on fundraising leadership and gain a thorough knowledge of the fundraising process. Get tickets here. noon, 75 Northern Ave., Boston, general admission $150
Wednesday, Nov. 13
Paleovirology: Ghosts and Gifts of Ancient Viruses: Harmit Malik, a principal investigator at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, will speak on Paleovirology, the study of extinct viruses. By analyzing how ancient viruses affected their hosts, evolutionary biologists can better understand how modern illnesses affect us. Join Malik for an exploration into some of the most prolific ancient diseases and the ways studying them can help us for the future. More info here. 6 p.m., 24 Oxford St., Cambridge, free
Board Game Speed Dating: In the age of modern dating, it can be difficult to find someone worth sticking with. So why not make it fun? Trident Booksellers is offering speed dating over board games. Discover fun games, meet new people and have fun conversations over classic and new titles galore. Register here. 7 p.m., 338 Newbury St., Boston, $25
Thursday, Nov. 14
When and Where I Center: Black-Indigenous Women Voices on Resistance and Relationship: Highlighting the voices of women with black and indigenous ancestry, this panel draws from real-world experiences of people who have interacted with intersectionality and cultural reclamation through the lens of creative expression. Part of the Wellesley Center for Women’s Social Change Dialogues, the event is free to the public. More info here. 1 p.m., 106 Central St., Wellesley, free
Friday, Nov. 15
UX Fair: A career development fair for students and career changers who want to break into the field of user experience, this event includes discussion panels, one-on-one mentorship and career guidance. Get tickets here. noon, 245 Summer St., Boston, $20
Monday, Nov. 18
Friends-Themed Trivia at Back Bay Social: So no one told you life was gonna be this way? Why don't you drop by Back Bay Social for a trivia night. The event also includes $10 Build-Your-Own Burger Night, plus gift card rewards for members. Register your team here. 7 p.m., 867 Boylston St., Boston, free
Everything to Gain: How Higher Ed Leadership Can Confront Substance Use: The American Council of Trustees and Alumni presents this one-day symposium exploring the latest research on how higher ed can advocate against harmful substance use. Its panelists include the presidents of many Boston colleges in the area, who will speak on their personal experiences with their respective college communities. Register here. 9 a.m., 210 Morrissey Blvd., Boston, free
Tuesday, Nov. 19
Roxbury Pitch Night: Venture Café is hosting entrepreneurs in Roxbury and Greater Boston who will pitch their business ideas to a panel of judges for an opportunity to win prize money. Hosted at the Roxbury Innovation Center, the night will be an opportunity for startups to spread the word about their missions and network with prolific names in their respective industries. Register here. 5:30 p.m., 2300 Washington St., Boston, free
Wednesday, Nov. 20
Ladies Lounge: How She Got There | An Evening with Female Entrepreneurs: This panel discussion with women entrepreneurs from various industries offers an overview of what it’s like to be a woman in the world of business. Panelists will share their success stories and offer insights on navigating their respective industries as women. Afterward, the floor will be open for questions. Register here. 6:30 p.m., 125 Summer St., Boston, free
Thursday, Nov. 21
Best Practices and Challenges for Raising Capital for Early Stage Companies: When you’re focused on growing your business, it can be difficult to split your focus to fundraise. This panel discussion, featuring several experienced financial executives, will examine the challenges of funding efforts and cover best practices and strategies. Register here. 5:30 pm., 2 Avenue de Lafayette, Boston, free
Monday, Nov. 25
Monday’s Job Seekers Toolkit: This discussion group for job-seekers is a place for people to come and discuss their challenges and successes with the job market. An expert will offer time management and day-structuring advice and help attendees examine their personal struggles with finding a career that fits them best. More info here. 9:30 a.m., 120 St. James Ave., Boston, free
Tuesday, Nov. 26
Tuesday Brew: This networking event meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month. This time, it's at the Incubator at Sasaki. Designed to be format-free, Tuesday Brew is a loosely structured way to make new connections and strengthen existing ones. Coffee, tea and pastries will be served. Register here. 8:30 a.m., 64 Pleasant St., Watertown, free
Wednesday, Nov. 27
The Small Business Buffet: Hosted by Urban NYCHE Marketing, this free dinner buffet is a way to make new connections in the small business industry. Small business owners are invited to speak on their experiences and offer advice over the course of the night, and anyone involved in the startup industry is welcome to come listen and ask questions about their field over a free buffet. Register here. 6 p.m., 50 Broadway, Cambridge, free
