The Pleasures of Poetry from 1 to 2 p.m. in the conference room 14E-304 in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Building 14, also known as Hayden Memorial Library, 160 Memorial Drive, in the MIT/Area II neighborhood, Cambridge (and continuing every weekday through Jan. 24 except for Jan. 20). Free. The Lit@MIT community has offered this Independent Activities Period for 30 years. Each session is devoted to a poet or two, often a close reading of a single poem. Everyone with an interest in a diverse range of poetry, regardless of experience level, is welcome to join. Information is here.
Fiber Arts Circle from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Cambridge Public Library Central Square Branch, 45 Pearl St. Free. Bring your own project and drop in to crochet, sew, embroider, knit, cross stitch, spin, mend and more with other crafters. Information is here.
“Science and Democracy: What They Are and Why They Need Each Other” at 6 p.m. at the the Museum of Science, 1 Science Park, Boston, on the Cambridge border. Free with pre-registration. Danielle Allen of Harvard’s Allen Lab for Democracy Renovation and David Kaiser, MIT physics professor, discuss polarization and misinformation and how can we come together to create a new era of scientific and democratic participation. Museum of Science president Tim Ritchie moderates. Also via livestream. Information is here.
Figma on Tap meetup for designers from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Aeronaut Brewing, 14 Tyler St., near Union Square, Somerville. Free entry, but RSVP and 21-plus. Meet, collaborate and shape the future of Friends of Figma Boston, a group formed around the collaborative online design software. Information is here.
Vernon Street Studios 50th Anniversary Retrospective exhibit closing reception from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Nave Gallery, 155 Powderhouse Blvd., near Teele Square, Somerville. Free. Last day to see the exhibit featuring more than 50 artists and the Vernon Street documentary “A Matter of Light.” Information is here.
After Dark Series: DIY from 6 to 9 p.m. at The MIT Museum, 314 Main St., Kendall Square, Cambridge. $10 to $20 and 21-plus. Explore the art of making with tinkerers, creators and innovators. Design your own sew-able electronics, build with mechanical metamaterial and make collaborative modular origami sculptures. Plus, check out the work of ingenious local makers, including DIY pinball machines, a Fab-in-a-Box digital fabrication kit and more. Handmade lasagna from Mostly Pasta and crafts beers from Arlington Brewing are available to buy. Information is here.
Dungeons & Dragons from 6 to 9 p.m. at Mothership, 125 Cambridgepark Drive, in North Cambridge near Alewife. $25 and 18-plus. Fight The Exposition presents a monthly D&D night open to all levels of experience (includes a beginner’s table). Information is here.
Adam Ross reads from “Playworld” at 7 p.m. at Harvard Book Store, 1256 Massachusetts Ave., Harvard Square, Cambridge. Free. The author of “Mr. Peanut” and editor of The Sewanee Review discusses his novel about a transformative year in the life of a child actor coming of age in 1980 Manhattan. Dan Chiasson, the poet, critic and author of the forthcoming “Bernie for Burlington: Sanders in a Changing Vermont,” joins. Information is here.
Bruce Schneier on “AI and Trust” at 7 p.m. in room 32-G449 (Kiva) on the fourth floor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Building 32, also known as the Ray and Maria Stata Center, at 32 Vassar St., Cambridge. Free. The internationally renowned security technologist discusses how the companies behind the current generative AI systems are poised to exploit the difference between personal and impersonal trust, and that democratic governance is how we create social trust in our society. Also via Zoom. Information is here.
Sebastian Smee reads from “Paris in Ruins: Love, War and the Birth of Impressionism” at 7 p.m. at Porter Square Books, 1815 Massachusetts Ave., Porter Square, Cambridge. Free. The Pulitzer–winning art critic at the Washington Post and the author of “The Art of Rivalry” discusses how artistic genius emerged from the darkness and catastrophe of the “Terrible Year” in Paris (the summer of 1870 to the spring of 1871) and led to the rise of Impressionism. “The Bear” author Andrew Krivák joins. Information is he re.
Lady Lee and the New Awakening Band from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Cambridge Public Library Central Square Branch, 45 Pearl St. Free, but register. As part of the Dr. MLK Jr. Day Lecture Series 50th anniversary, a celebration in the branch’s Lewis Room – the original location of the lecture series. Listen to a live reggae band, check out the branch’s Black Voices Collection, learn the history of the lecture series and enjoy refreshments. Information is here.
Pub Sing from 7 to 10 p.m. at the café at Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave., Somerville (and the second Thursday of each month). Free. A pub-style singalong where anyone is welcome to lead – drinking songs, sea chanteys and any song with a singable chorus is appreciated! Information is here.
Blues Union January Dances from 7 to 11 p.m. at Dance Union, 16 Bow St., Union Square, Somerville (also Jan. 16, 23 and 30). $10 to $25. A lesson in the first hour, then an hour to socialize, rest or practice with a partner before two hours of social dancing. Wear shoes that allow you to pivot; no need to bring a partner. Information is here.
“Tom Dustin: Portrait of a Comedian” documentary film screening at 7:30 p.m. at Somerville Theatre’s Crystal Ballroom, 55 Davis Square. $25. Comedian Joe List shot this feature-length film about the veteran comedian and comedy club owner over one weekend in Key West, Florida. Information is here.
Dave Fox Trio performs at 7:30 p.m. at Aeronaut Brewing, 14 Tyler St., near Union Square, Somerville. Free. This modern jazz trio plays original compositions and arrangements inspired by John Coltrane, Joe Henderson, Chick Corea, Steve Swallow, Charles Mingus, Thelonious Monk and Wayne Shorter. Includes drummer Fox, bassist John Lockwood and rotating Boston-area musicians and composers. Information is here.
MexUp Comedy Showcase at 8 p.m. at Mex Taqueria & Bar, 500 Technology Square, The Port neighborhood near Kendall Square, Cambridge. $12 to $15 and 21-plus. A new biweekly show bringing comedians from New England and beyond into the three-level restaurant. Hosted by Jamie Aird and featuring Tooky Kavanagh, Maria Palombi, Ryan Ellington, Trent Wells and Geurby Laguerre. Information is here.
Office Hours comedy show from 8 to 9:30 p.m. at The Comedy Studio in the basement at 5 John F. Kennedy St., Harvard Square, Cambridge. $10 to $15. Jeremy Pearson – professor by day, comedian by night – hosts a show where up-and-coming comedians cross highbrow concepts with lowbrow silliness. Information is here.
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