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Ancient Fishweir Project installation

The 14th annual Fishweir installation on Boston Common takes place during May and June.

May 6, 2017
Event Date2017-05-06T10:00:00

The Ancient Fishweir Project on Boston Common will be installed by students from Boston's Josiah Quincy School.
On June 5, school groups attending Making History Day will participate on-site in dance and music performances by the Wampanoag Nation Singers and Dancers.
Event sponsored by the Friends of the Public Garden.

May 6, 2017
Event Date2017-05-06T10:00:00

Polish Fest Boston

Celebrating a historic Polish community in Boston.

May 6, 2018
Event Date2018-05-06T12:00:00 - 2018-05-06T18:00:00

A fun, family-friendly street festival celebrating the rich cultural traditions and contributions of Boston's Polish-American community. There will be Polish food and beer vendors, and, of course, polka music! This year marks the 100th anniversary of the re-establishment of the country of Poland. 

Event is FREE and open to all. 

 

May 6, 2018
Event Date2018-05-06T12:00:00 - 2018-05-06T18:00:00

Wake Up The Earth Festival - now May 13

The annual Wake Up the Earth Festival (WUTE) is postponed to May 13 (rain date).

May 13, 2017
Event Date2017-05-13T12:00:00

The Wake Up the Earth Festival began in 1979 when a group of local neighbors and activists banded together to stop the Interstate 95 expansion into Jamaica Plain. The festival began as, and still is, a celebration of what can be accomplished when people of all traditions, cultures, ages, and beliefs come together.
The annual Wake Up the Earth Festival (WUTE) takes place each year on the first Saturday in May and is currently attended by well over 10,000 individuals of all ages. The event features four stages that include:

  • music and dance performances
  • popular theater
  • the Youth Stage, and
  • story telling for all ages.

In addition to performances, WUTE features over more than 50 craft, non-profit, and food vendors. The festival is anchored by a massive parade (with branches that start in JP Center and Roxbury) with several thousand people marching. A great many individuals, local artists, community groups, and schools join forces every year to create this unique community collaboration.

May 13, 2017
Event Date2017-05-13T12:00:00

Americans with Disabilities Act Celebration Day

A celebration of the 29th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

July 23, 2019
Event Date2019-07-23T12:00:00 - 2019-07-23T14:00:00

Rain location: If there is heavy rain, ADA Day events will be moved inside to the 5th floor of City Hall.


A free event for children, families, and individuals of all abilities!

ADA Celebration Day is a yearly celebration of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. It is held in Boston around the last week of July near the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act signing. Each year, we honor a local organization that has made an impact on accessibility or inclusion in Boston. ADA Celebration Day is an event for people of all ages and all abilities to come together and celebrate a milestone in the disability community. 

The public is invited to join us for: 

  • food  
  • music
  • a resource fair
  • friends, and
  • fun.

ASL and CART provided. For additional accommodation requests, call 617-635-3682 or e-mail disability@boston.gov.

July 23, 2019
Event Date2019-07-23T12:00:00 - 2019-07-23T14:00:00

Boston Winter Garden

We invite you to experience the first season of the open-air holiday festival "Boston Winter," presented by Berkshire Bank.

December 7 - February 1, 2017
Event Date2016-12-07T16:30:00 - 2017-02-01T23:00:00

Anchored by New England’s first custom-designed Skating Path and a Holiday Shopping Market, "Boston Winter" is part of Mayor Walsh’s commitment to creating a City Hall that is both vibrant and welcoming to all. It's open seven days a week.

The nearly 11,000 square foot outdoor ice Skating Path will remain open through February, offering learn-to-skate programs and many special events. The Holiday Shopping Market will run through New Year’s Eve (December 31, 2016) and include unique attractions and over 40 chalets with boutique style shops offering a wide array of gifts and food. Park yourself right here – we have a little something to keep everyone busy this winter.

Hours of Operation

The Holiday Market will be open:

  • Monday – Thursday, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Sunday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
December 7 - February 1, 2017
Event Date2016-12-07T16:30:00 - 2017-02-01T23:00:00

Copley Square Tree Lighting

Come join us for Boston's Official Copley Square Tree Lighting.

November 28, 2016
Event Date2016-11-28T17:00:00

Mayor Martin J. Walsh, the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, and The Friends of Copley Square welcome the holidays with the annual Copley Square Tree Lighting on Monday, November 28, from 5 - 6 p.m.

This free event will feature appearances by Mayor Walsh, NECN’s Jenny Johnson, Santa Claus, and Rudolph along with musical performances by the Boston Children’s Chorus, vocalist Marchelle Jacques-Yarde, the Tanglewood Festival Chorus, and Berklee College of Music student Mahamma Germain of Hyde Park.  In addition, the US Postal Service will unveil its new holiday stamp. 

The Old South Church bell will toll when the tree is illuminated.  Light refreshments will be provided by local businesses New England Coffee and HP Hood LLC. The Fairmont Copley Plaza will host a family reception immediately following for all in attendance.  The reception will include cookie decorating, photos with Santa and treats from the Fairmont Copley Plaza.

Even more festivities will take place in and around Copley Square on November 28. The Boston Public Library and The Catered Affair will host a Storytime and Candy Cane Tea at the library from 3:30 - 5 p.m.  The tea is free but reservations are required by calling 617-859-2282. 

For additional information please call the Boston Parks and Recreation Department at 617-635-4505.  Learn more about the event at the Friends of Copley Square website.

November 28, 2016
Event Date2016-11-28T17:00:00

Veterans Day Parade

Celebrate and honor our veterans at this annual parade.

November 11, 2019
  • 12:00pm
  • and Charles Street
    Boston, MA 02116
  • Contact:
    Amy Yandle
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Beacon Hill
    Chinatown/Leather District
    Downtown
  • Event Type:
  • Published Date
Event Date2019-11-11T12:00:00

The Veterans Day Parade happens annually on Veterans Day (November 11).

Image for veterans day parade 2015

The parade is a rain or shine event, starting at Boylston and Charles Streets, marching up Boylston to Tremont. The parade turns left on Tremont and marches straight until it enters City Hall Plaza where it ends.

This year the parade will begin at 12 p.m. on November 11.

November 11, 2019
  • 12:00pm
  • and Charles Street
    Boston, MA 02116
  • Contact:
    Amy Yandle
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Beacon Hill
    Chinatown/Leather District
    Downtown
  • Event Type:
  • Published Date
Event Date2019-11-11T12:00:00

Light Bright Beer Garden

We're unveiling City Hall's new exterior lighting installation during the year's final Beer Garden on the Bricks event.

October 13, 2016
Event Date2016-10-13T17:00:00

This will be this year's largest celebration with an expanded presence on City Hall plaza, more local food and drink options and glow lawn games. This year's final Beer Garden on the Bricks event, themed 'Light Bright Beer Garden', will also serve as the unveiling City Hall's new exterior lighting installation. Guests will get a demonstration of the new systems capabilities.

The new lighting fixtures will wash the building in a warm white light, and also have the capability of projecting a wide-range of color options which will allow the City to light the building to acknowledge a variety of civic and celebratory events.  

Our event will feature:


Music by Dorchester's Big City 101.3FM with Marcus James

Wanderlush Cocktail Catering, featuring beverages from:
Idle Hands Craft Ales
Aeronaut Brewery
Downeast Cider
Lila Wines

Boston Main Streets Food Vendor:
The Red Eyed Pig (West Roxbury)

Attendees can play special glow games and enter for a chance to win a $2,500 holiday mad dash shopping spree through Boston's Main Streets' districts.

Admission to the Garden is free and open to members of the public. Food will be available for purchase, and drinks will be available for purchase for those who are ages 21 and above. Entertainment will be provided.

October 13, 2016
Event Date2016-10-13T17:00:00

Islay Kids Fashion and Talent Show

This show is the work of an incredible little entrepreneur, 10-year-old Trinity Raye.

October 16, 2016
Event Date2016-10-16T14:00:00

The show features local teen group Smooth Impact with Jam'n DJ Maverik. Tickets are free but Trinity will be accepting donations for this fundraiser to benefit children who suffer from growth disorder. This little lady is going places and will not be stopped!

Show time is 3 p.m. Doors open at 2 p.m. Admission for the event is free, but you need to register.

Register for the event

***Seating is limited, so please register early. 

October 16, 2016
Event Date2016-10-16T14:00:00

Columbus Day Parade

Join us in the North End on Sunday, October 13, for a festive parade celebrating Columbus Day!

October 13, 2019
  • 1:00pm
  • North End
    Boston, MA 02228
  • Contact:
    Amy Yandle
  • Price:
    Price
    Free!
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    North End
  • Event Type:
  • Published Date
Event Date2019-10-13T13:00:00

Marching bands, vintage cars, performers, and floats make this parade a fun celebration of Italian heritage and has been an annual event since 1937. Each year it switches off neighborhoods, between the North End (odd years) and East Boston (even years).

October 13, 2019
  • 1:00pm
  • North End
    Boston, MA 02228
  • Contact:
    Amy Yandle
  • Price:
    Price
    Free!
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    North End
  • Event Type:
  • Published Date
Event Date2019-10-13T13:00:00
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