In a look ahead at a week of Cambridge and Somerville events, holiday shopping is underway and so is the Harvard Square Business Association’s Giving Tree tradition, and there’s comedy, music, book readings and interactive events such as the Cardboard City Big Group Build at The MIT Museum.

In a look ahead at a week of Cambridge and Somerville events, Petsi Pies founder Renee McLeod shares her secrets for a good cause, a Holiday Plant Enthusiast Market is coming, there are open studios by Brickbottom/Joy Street artists, Robert Pinsky reads, “Something Strange” returns and much more.

In a look ahead at a week of Cambridge and Somerville events, there’s laughs at a “Best of the Boston Comedy Festival” showcase, action at a Smash the Patriarchy! Abortion Fundraiser and plenty of music, drama, art, literature and science in between.

The opening night was as glittering as could be for a headquarters for The Engine, MIT’s incubator for “tough tech” such as wastewater testing and cell engineering platforms. A red carpet was laid into 750 Main St.; a black Cadillac Escalade waited outside; and 300 guests toured inside.

In a look ahead at a week of Cambridge and Somerville events, there’s a Bob Moses MathTrail Launch and Parade; “Emotive Land” augmented-reality performance and other dance debuts; a beery class on how to make a New York Times crossword; “Smoke This” Rib Fest; readings, concerts, theater and much more.

For Cambridge residents who like to be first in line, the new MIT Museum offers a one-day peek of the expanded facility – and other activities – for neighbors only on Oct. 1.

The MIT Museum reopens Oct. 2 after a Covid lockdown that merged into an expected shutdown so it could relocate to a newly built home in Kendall Square.

Before the Covid pandemic, being on the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s campus was a matter of opening a door – for anyone. But MIT says access will stay limited.

Public health officials have said heightened Covid precautions aren’t necessary because of vaccine availability and vaccination rates. Coalition members disagreed.

In a look ahead at a week of Cambridge and Somerville events, there’s festivals of comedy, hip-hop and Somergloom, plenty of theater and dance, and everything from a Moth Story Slam to a monarch butterfly release celebration.