9 fun things to do for college students after dark

September marks a new beginning for students. After returning to Boston, many may be excited to start new classes, make new friends, and find exciting things to do in the city. Nightlife is an important part of any college experience, although it can be difficult to find events that are open to students 18 and older. We've put together some ideas to make this process easier.

Below, find a guide to nightlife activities that students can participate in. Whether you're interested in hearing original poetry read aloud, sampling cuisine from around the world, or simply dancing, we've found events you might enjoy this fall. Scroll down to see 9 different ways to have fun after dark.

Watch “absurd comedy and epic storytelling” at Paradise Rock Club

Glass Cannon Live! is coming to Paradise Rock Club and the production will be a unique live gaming session that will bring laughter to the audience. You'll follow five edgy heroes in a “Lovecraftian nightmare, where danger lurks around every corner.” The show is a board role-playing game, but it takes place in front of a live audience, a comedic event at its core. Tickets are $40, September 9. 967 Commonwealth Ave., Boston.

Join a giant college party at Citizens House of Blues Boston

Students from across Massachusetts are invited to attend Black Ice College Fest, a back-to-school dance party held at the Citizens House of Blues Boston. According to a spokesperson, revelers from Boston University, Northeastern University, Harvard, MIT and more will be in attendance. Come socialize and meet undergraduates from different schools. Tickets are $20 for general admission. September 9? 15 Lansdowne St., Boston.

Share original poetry at Trident Booksellers & Cafe

If you find yourself writing poetry in your spare time, you might want to read your work at the Trident Booksellers & Poetry Open Mic Night. The bookstore in the Back Bay creates a supportive environment in their upstairs cafe where poets can share their own pieces or read another author's poem. Free; September 10? 338 Newbury St., Boston

Explore art and music at this Charlestown festival

From The Anchor in the Charlestown Navy Yard, you'll be able to enjoy a festive evening at the Soulful Bliss Arts & Music Festival. The evening is also curated for communities of color and will include live performances, an artisan market, views of the sunset over the horizon, and food and drink. Before you head into the night, grab one Soulful Yoga class from 3 to 4 in the afternoon Free; September 10? 1 Shipyard Park, Charlestown.

See a standup act by Michael Yo at Laugh Boston

You may be familiar with comedian Michael Yo from “America's Got Talent” and “The Insider.” The University of Arkansas football player-turned-performer will entertain the crowds at Laugh Boston, offering what he promises will be “some biting pop culture commentary.” Tickets are $29. September 14? 425 Summer St., Boston.

Celebrate Latinx Heritage Night at the Museum of Fine Arts

September 15th marks the start of National Hispanic Heritage Month, and the Museum of Fine Arts will honor Latino culture with an evening of celebration. Hear live music, watch a traditional Bomba dance performance, attend gallery talks, and view artworks from North, Central, and South America. Admission is pay-what-you-want, with a $5 minimum. September 21st? 465 Huntington Ave., Boston.

Pay homage to your favorite musicals at a Broadway Rave

You might find yourself humming show tunes that get stuck in your head for hours. If so, you might want to join a Broadway Rave, held at Brighton Music Hall. You can dress up as your favorite musical theater character and be ready to dance to hits from “Hamilton.” Tickets are $18. September 29? 158 Brighton Ave., Allston.

Sample delicious food at a Somerville festival

The streets of Union Square will be filled with revelers, enjoying delicious food, music, dancing — and fire shows — at Ignite! A Global Fire and Food Festival. When you're not enjoying arepas, pupusas and taco birria, you can enjoy Brazilian Capoeira dancing, juggling, face painting and food demonstrations. Free; September 30? 90 Union Square, Somerville.

Dance the night away at the Museum of Fine Arts

What's more fun than being at the museum after dark? At this after hours party, part of the Museum of Fine Arts' Late Nites program, the institution will celebrate a new exhibition, “Fashioned by Sargent.” The night ends at 1am, but until then, you'll be able to dance to DJ tunes, see pop-up performances and wander the galleries. Advance tickets for non-members are $20. Oct. 20; 465 Huntington Ave., Boston.

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