THU 8.6

The Struggle Continues: 50th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act

We love telling you about all manner of arts events, parties, beer soaked shindigs, and all the rest. But we also like telling you when more serious events are happening around town. Like the public discussion about the 50th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 being moderated by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Kenneth Cooper at the Museum of African American History on Thursday and featuring speakers from MassVote, NAACP, and the Urban League. All about balance.

Museum of African American History: Boston Campus. 46 Joy St., Boston. 6-7:30pm/all ages/$5 donation. For more information, visit maah.org

THU 8.6

Eyes Shut. Door Open.

There’s a new theatre production in Dudley Square billed as a “modern Cain and Abel story set in the SoHo art scene” of NYC. It’s a brand new play by playwright and Lesley University grad Cassie M Seinuk, and the kickoff performance happens Thursday night. It touches on themes of high art, gritty urban life, pill-popping siblings, dark family secrets “shut behind doors,” and what we can only hope are performances to back up the intriguing plot.

The Inner Sanctum. 4 Palmer St., Roxbury. 7:30-9pm/all ages/$20. For tickets and more information, visit waxwingsproductions.com/current-production

THU 8.6

’90s Dance Party

And now that some of the heavier events are out of the way, here’s something that’s on the other end of the cultural entertainment spectrum. Head to Zuzu in Cambridge for an all-night throwdown of classic jams from the era that gave us Yo! MTV Raps, vintage Salt-n-Pepa, and a president that loved Big Macs as much as Oval Office blowjobs. And sure, these things tend to pop up around the city often, but hey, if we don’t tell you about them, who will?

Zuzu. 472 Mass Ave., Cambridge. 10pm-2am/21+/$5. For more information, visit mideastoffers.com/me/content/zuzu-shows

FRI 8.7

BitFest: Lost Arcade of Atlantis

Any dedicated reader of our bright little sheet will probably recognize the name BitFest. And for good reason. The gaming nerdery behind it is known to throw epic beer-fueled parties in breweries featuring classic standup and console arcade games from its menagerie of options, and the group is bringing the big fun to NightShift. Bonus: competitions, new games since the last event, more food trucks, and NightShift beer at the ready all night. Try and not have fun here.

NightShift Brewing. 87 Santilli Hwy., Everett. 4-11pm/21+/$5. For more information, visit bostonbitfest.com

SUN 8.2

Boston and Bale Pop-Up

If your idea of a fun little Sunday is comprised of nothing more than sitting around the house with no pants on and drinking yourself into a sweaty stupor, well, that’s your thing. Go for it. But if you also consider hitting up a pop-up shop inside a new local bakery that will allow you to purchase and “bale” together a range of locally made artisanal products (dark chocolate, artsy paper products, jarred goods) a good time, well, here you go.

Forge Baking Co. 626 Somerville Ave., Somerville. 9am-3pm/all ages/FREE. For more information, visit bostonandbale.com/popups

WED 8.12

Felicia Day Memoir Reading

Like many people, you’ve probably thought long and hard about what a memoir from an actress known for roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Eureka, Supernatural, and Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog would be like. Even if you haven’t, you can find out for yourself on Wednesday when Felicia Day (an actress from all of the above) reads from her memoir in Brookline, moderated by author and co-director of MIT’s graduate science writing program Seth Mnookin.

Brookline Booksmith. 279 Harvard St., Brookline. 6pm/all ages/$5. For more information, visit brooklinebooksmith.com