In a look ahead at a week of Cambridge and Somerville events, Valentine’s Day comes out swinging with an R&B concert and cypher, The Hasty Pudding Theatricals premieres its 174th show, there’s cabaret and drag, readings of novels and poetry, an Après Cambridge outdoor party and much more.

In a look ahead at a week of Cambridge and Somerville events, The Comedy Studio holds an all-star fundraiser, magician John Vale promises to read minds in Inman Square, the Boston Opera Collaborative brings back its commissioned “Opera Bites” and there are readings, music, games and crafting to enjoy.

In a look ahead at a week of Cambridge and Somerville events, there are World Cup matches broadcast from Qatar to The Port, a run and wrestling, readings, poetry and storytelling, chances to dance before and after the Thanksgiving meal, and a holiday tradition: “David Boobie” burlesque.

In a look ahead at a week of Cambridge and Somerville events, there are holiday shopping markets with art, food, ice skating and workshops; music of the jazz and “chocolate rock” varieties; American Repertory Theater Day of Giving events; and a menorah lighting in Harvard Yard.

In a look ahead at a week of Cambridge and Somerville events, Niki Luparelli’s David Boobie burlesque returns for its 10th year, there’s gift buying at an East Somerville Holiday Market and Cambridge Arts’ Holiday Art Market, music, film and dance.

In a look ahead at a week of Cambridge and Somerville events, there’s a free look at the work-in-progress dance piece called “Hebel,” the Dark Days, Long Night Fashion Show Dance Party, the 25th anniversary Bugs Bunny Film Festival, and a ton of events for (and against) Valentine’s Day.

In a look ahead at a week of Cambridge and Somerville events, there are Winter Wonder popup dance performances, New Year’s Eve music and comedy, followed by New Year’s Day comedy with local standups and the Marx Brothers, and much, much more.

In a look ahead at a week of Cambridge and Somerville events, there are public holiday parties as well as ongoing theater experiences for kids (“Thumbelina”) and adults (“Slutcracker” and its Slutmas Eve) and a Thriftmas Party Fashion Show to see out the season.

In a look ahead at a week of Cambridge and Somerville events, Sean Altman brings “Jewmongous” back to town for the rest of us, the Brattle hosts a Buster Keaton film series, Pizza Pi Press hosts a pajama party, there’s a “Criminal Sketch Artist” comedy show and more.

In a look ahead at a week of Cambridge and Somerville events, there are Hotter Than Hell Halloween meals, “Buffy” singalongs and the final “Gorefest,” but also a midterm election Shakespeare night, a Thai festival, and Occurrence playing a dark show with mood lighting.