Wasn’t it August, like, yesterday? How are we already halfway through September? The students have returned in full force and I’m once again personally victimized by backpacks on the T. Pro tip, since common sense apparently isn’t so common: take off your damn backpack on the T.

Okay. Rant over, because this is peak New England as far as I’m concerned. And at the rate we’re going, spooky season is basically tomorrow. Start it off with a proper scare at Silver Scream Con. Enter to win tickets.

JUST ANNOUNCED

• John Crist has made a career out of finding the funny in everyday life. Laugh with him live at the Boch Center Shubert Theatre on September 25th. Enter to win a pair of tickets.*

• Come sail away with Styx at The Big E on October 4th. Pregame the rock legends accordingly, with something fried and a questionable number of carnival rides.

• The Chicks are Taking the Long Way to Fenway on October 9th, celebrating 20 years of the album that proved they weren’t ready to make nice. Win your way in.

• Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo-doo, doo. You know the rest. Third Eye Blind is playing Roadrunner on November 15th, so go brush up on “Semi-Charmed Life” and all the songs you still know every word to.

• Find even more just-announced Boston shows to add to your calendar!

INSIDE ALLSTON’S FIRST CAT STROLL

This week we’re talking to someone doing something objectively important for our city: introducing us to our neighbors’ cats. Ashley Lesperance is behind Lower Allston’s very first Cat Stroll, taking over the neighborhood tomorrow with plenty of window cats and curious humans. We caught up with Ashley to chat about bringing neighbors together, one furry sighting at a time.

THIS WEEKEND

LOCALS ONLY

• Spending time in Salem this weekend? Swing by this FREE food truck festival, serving up great eats, seasonal sips and a full day of spooky fun.

• Pick up a page-turner and a cocktail this weekend at Short Path’s boozy book fair. Just be warned: browsing with a buzz can get expensive fast.

• Still need weekend plans after everything I just gave you? What the fluff? Okay, one more: head to Union Square tomorrow for games, live music, and marshmallow mania in the neighborhood where Fluff started.

WIN STUFF

FEATURED