The prospect of a long weekend at Harvard can mean many things. For many, it is a chance to catch up on those readings that have been pushed to the bottom of the to-do list for weeks or to study for that looming midterm. For others it is a chance to visit friends or go home for the first time of the semester and for others still it’s a chance to party a little harder on those Friday and Saturday nights knowing that there will be an extra day to recuperate.

Now that we are coming to the end of the weekend and the feathers and glitter of Oktoberfest are behind us, there may be students looking for a productive way to spend their Columbus Day that doesn’t involve sleeping in all day or sitting in Lamont for hours on end. Instead, maybe use the day to explore the Cambridge and Boston area and do a few things you have never done before. Noice is here to give you a few ideas for what to do on your Columbus Day.

1. Columbus Day Yoga

That’s right, Om City Yoga has planned a special class just for the day off. Get out of your room a little earlier than usual and make your way down Mass Ave to cleanse your mind and stretch away your anxieties. The class begins at 11am and costs only $5.

2. Fall Open House at the Museum of Fine Arts

If you are feeling a little more adventurous, Monday could be the perfect chance to make the trip into Boston for the MFA’s annual Columbus Day open house. The event includes free admission and tours to all but that’s not all. From 10am- 4:45pm the museum will be hosting live performances, poetry readings, gallery talks and more. If you’ve never had a chance to visit the museum before, this could be your perfect opportunity. Plus… it’s FREE!

3. The Harvard Film Archive Presents and Evening with Ben Rivers

Maybe later on in the night you’ll still be in an artsy and academic mood. If so, Monday night the Film Archive will be hosting noted film-maker Ben Rivers in his first visit the Boston Area. The special event will highlight Rivers’ uniquely artistic style of film making and will focus on some of  his most well known films,  ”The Origin of Species” (2008), and “The Coming Race” (2005). The event will start at 7 and tickets will be available starting 45 min before for $12.

So, there you have it. A few ideas for the morning, noon and night of your Columbus Day. These free days don’t come around too often so don’t waste yours in the library or in bed. Try something new and make the most of the holiday!