Five Reasons to Leave the House This Weekend

Enjoy the Bust holiday craft show, a benefit concert with Chadwick Stokes, and a John Waters performance.

Photo provided.

Photo provided.

BENEFIT CONCERT
Chadwick Stokes 

From being the frontman of two highly successful bands to selling out Madison Square Garden, Chadwick Stokes has always created music with one aim: Motivate a generation to turn passion into action. He’s founded his own non-profit, Calling All Crows, to connect bands with fans in collective activism. His benefit concert this weekend focuses on the issue of gun violence and what can be done to stop it. So take a break from holiday shopping, support a cause, and enjoy some music.

$25+, December 16, Paradise Rock Club, 967 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, ticketmaster.com.

Photo provided.

Photo provided.

CRAFT SHOW
BUST Craftacular

This all-day shopping event is your one stop shop for all the perfect holiday gifts. Featuring more than 120 of Boston’s best indie makers, the craft show has everything from handmade jewelry to photography. There will be a café full of kittens to cuddle, too! The first 300 visitors will receive a swag bag, so get there early.

$3, December 17-18, Boston Center for the Arts Cyclorama, 539 Tremont St., Boston, bust.com.

Photo by Greg Gorman.

Photo by Greg Gorman.

ONE-MAN SHOW
A John Waters Christmas

Some call him the Pope of Trash for his unusual obsession with violence and gore on screen. But you may known him better for his 1988 film, Hairspray. Explore his unhealthy love of true-crime holiday horror stories and his obsession with perverted gifts during his one-man show. It’s sure to put you in the holiday spirit. Meet and greets with the legendary filmmaker are available with certain ticket purchases.

$26+, December 17, Berklee Performance Center, 136 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, berklee.edu.

Photo by Liza Voll Photography.

Photo by Liza Voll Photography.

MUSEUM
Third Thursday: Cozy Up

Looking for a winter escape? Head to the Isabella Steward Gardner Museum for a night of warm conversation, music, and hands-on art activities. DJ Warp and violist Dominic Johnson will provide a live soundtrack for the evening with a hint of classical music merged with electronic music. And if you want to remember the evening, stop by the studio to try your hand at bookbinding and take home a handmade journal. A cash bar will be open around the courtyard, and Cafe G will be open for snacks and dinner.

$5+, December 15, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, 25 Evans Way, Boston, gardnermuseum.org.

COMEDY
Impractical Jokers

Nothing beats watching four comedians compete to embarrass each other with some of the most hilarious dares. Lifelong friends and stars of the TruTv show Sal, Joe, Q, and Murr are known for their comedic challenges where they must do what is asked of them. If they don’t, they lose and must endure an equally hilarious punishment. It’s just like you and your friends, except funnier, and with a better budget.

$48+, December 17, Boch Center Wang Theater, 270 Tremont St., Boston, bochcenter.org.