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City Hall Sessions #1: Boston's Creative Future

Celebrate our creative workforce, meet your future collaborators, and get hands-on support from City of Boston staff.

September 24, 2026
Event Date2026-09-24T17:00:00 - 2026-09-24T20:00:00

The Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture, Dorchester Art Project, and the ICA Teens invite you to City Hall Sessions #1: Boston's Creative Future.

This event is free and open to all, featuring:

  • Music by Rayvino & Dephrase
  • Art exhibited by the City Hall Galleries
  • A panel discussion with the ICA Teens and AAMARP artists
  • Live apparel printing
  • A photobooth
  • And more!

Register for the Event

Flyer: City Hall Sessions #1: Boston's Creative Future

September 24, 2026
Event Date2026-09-24T17:00:00 - 2026-09-24T20:00:00

Notice of Accommodations

English: Interpretation and translation services and disability accommodations are available to you at no cost. If you need them, please contact arts@boston.gov or 617-635-4445 by: 9/17/2026

Spanish - Español: Hay servicios de interpretación, traducción y adaptaciones para personas con discapacidad a su disposición, sin costo alguno. Si los necesita, por favor póngase en contacto con arts@boston.gov o al 617-635-4445 antes del: 17/9/2026

Haitian Creole -Kreyòl: Sèvis entèpretasyon, tradiksyon, ak akomodasyon pou andikap disponib gratis. Si w bezwen sèvis sa yo, tanpri kontakte nou nan arts@boston.gov oswa 617-635-4445, ant: 17/9/2026

Traditional Chinese - 繁體中文: 口译、笔译及残障便利措施等服务 均免费提供。如有需要，请于 17/9/2026 联系 arts@boston.gov 或 617-635-4445。

Vietnamese - Tiếng Việt: Dịch vụ thông dịch, biên dịch và hỗ trợ dành cho người khuyết tật được cung cấp miễn phí cho quý vị. Nếu quý vị cần các dịch vụ này, vui lòng liên hệ arts@boston.gov hoặc 617-635-4445 trước: 17/9/2026

Simplified Chinese - 简体中文: 口译、笔译及残障便利措施等服务 均免费提供。如有需要，请于 17/9/2026 联系 arts@boston.gov 或 617-635-4445 。

Cabo Verdean Creole - kriolu: Sirvisus di interpretason y traduson akomodason pa difisientis sta dispunível pa bo sen kustu. Si bu meste, pur favor entra en kontatu ku arts@boston.gov ô 617-635-4445 pa: 17/9/2026

Arabic - العربية: تتوفر لكم خدمات الترجمة الفورية والتحريرية والتسهيلات لذوي الاحتياجات الخاصة مجاناً. إذا كنت بحاجة إليها، يرجى الاتصال بـ arts@boston.gov أو 617-635-4445 بحلول: 17/9/2026

Russian -Русский: Услуги устного и письменного перевода, а также приспособления для лиц с ограниченными возможностями предоставляются бесплатно. Если Вам они нужны, просьба связаться с нами по адресу электронной почты arts@boston.gov либо по телефону 617-635-4445 до 17/9/2026

Portuguese - Português: Serviços de interpretação e tradução e acomodações para pessoas com deficiência estão disponíveis gratuitamente. Se precisa desses recursos, entre em contato com arts@boston.gov ou 617-635-4445 até: 17/9/2026

French - Français: Des services d'interprétation et de traduction, ainsi que des aménagements pour les personnes handicapées, sont mis gratuitement à votre disposition. Si vous en avez besoin, veuillez contacter arts@boston.gov ou le 617-635-4445 d’ici le : 17/9/2026

Somali - Af Soomaali: Adeegyada Turjumaada hadalka, Turjumaad, iyo adeegyada taageerada Naafonimo waxaa laguu heli karaa lacag la'aan. Haddii aad u baahan tahay adeegyadan, fadlan kala xiriir arts@boston.gov ama 617-635-4445 ugu dambayn: 17/9/2026

Open Streets Mattapan

Join us for Open Streets Boston in Mattapan!

September 12, 2026
  • 10:30am - 3:00pm
  • Blue Hill Avenue
    Mattapan, MA 02126
  • Contact:
    Tourism, Sports, and Entertainment
  • send an email
  • 617-635-3911
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Mattapan
  • Event Type:
    Family friendly
    Music
    Outdoor
  • Published Date
Event Date2026-09-12T10:30:00 - 2026-09-12T15:00:00

OSB Matt_1

 

Get ready for a family-friendly, pedestrian-focused event on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. that will transform Blue Hill Avenue in Mattapan, from River Street to Babson Street, into a vibrant, car-free boulevard where people can dream, play, and explore. Open Streets Boston in Mattapan will feature live music, food trucks, kid's activities, and much more!

(All Open Streets Boston events take place from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Streets will be closed to vehicular traffic starting at 9 a.m. and reopen at 4 p.m.

Mattapan Map

September 12, 2026
  • 10:30am - 3:00pm
  • Blue Hill Avenue
    Mattapan, MA 02126
  • Contact:
    Tourism, Sports, and Entertainment
  • send an email
  • 617-635-3911
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Mattapan
  • Event Type:
    Family friendly
    Music
    Outdoor
  • Published Date
Event Date2026-09-12T10:30:00 - 2026-09-12T15:00:00

MBTA Advisory

Mattapan_1

General FAQs

General FAQs

Yes, Open Streets Boston events and related activities are free for anyone to attend. Across the full event route, you will find:

- Main Stage with live performances

- Live music along the route throughout the day

- Kids Hubs

- Vendor Hubs (local businesses and food)

- Resource Rows (community organizations and services)

- Free interactive activities and games

- Free water stations

- Free pedicab rides (not included on all routes)

- ADA-accessible restrooms

Signage on the route will direct you to all programming and amenities.

You can find a complete list of vendors and activities listed on this page's airtable. You can also sign up for the Open Streets Boston newsletter here

You can find information regarding MBTA diversions on this page.

Yes, there are port-a-potty stations found throughout each Open Streets Boston event route. 

Yes, you can find a complete list of vendors listed on this page's airtable.

Check this page during inclement weather to see the latest updates regarding the schedule. 

Open Streets Boston Mattapan Vendors

Intersectional Innovation and Impact Labs

Boston’s first multicultural Dollhouse is an immersive performance experience creating Boston’s first cross-cultural, trans-led Dollhouse.

November 6, 2026
  • 12:00am - 11:59pm
  • Boston City Hall Plaza
    1 City Hall Square
    Boston, MA 02201-2006
  • Contact:
    Arts and Culture
  • send an email
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Downtown
  • Event Type:
    Art
    Civic Engagement
    Music
    Outdoor
    Social good
  • Published Date
Event Date2026-11-06T00:00:00 - 2026-11-06T23:59:59

This event is part of a City Hall Plaza Event Series supported by the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture. Stay tuned for event time and more details, coming soon!

November 6, 2026
  • 12:00am - 11:59pm
  • Boston City Hall Plaza
    1 City Hall Square
    Boston, MA 02201-2006
  • Contact:
    Arts and Culture
  • send an email
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Downtown
  • Event Type:
    Art
    Civic Engagement
    Music
    Outdoor
    Social good
  • Published Date
Event Date2026-11-06T00:00:00 - 2026-11-06T23:59:59

The Blair Project

BLAIR is a Halloween concert and cultural marketplace celebrating women creatives through performances, installations, DJs, and women-owned pop-up businesses.

October 31, 2026
  • 12:00am - 11:59pm
  • Boston City Hall Plaza
    1 City Hall Square
    Boston, MA 02201-2006
  • Contact:
    Arts and Culture
  • send an email
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Downtown
  • Event Type:
    Art
    Festivals and fairs
    Music
    Outdoor
  • Published Date
Event Date2026-10-31T00:00:00 - 2026-10-31T23:59:59

This event is part of a City Hall Plaza Event Series supported by the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture. Stay tuned for event time and more details, coming soon!

October 31, 2026
  • 12:00am - 11:59pm
  • Boston City Hall Plaza
    1 City Hall Square
    Boston, MA 02201-2006
  • Contact:
    Arts and Culture
  • send an email
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Downtown
  • Event Type:
    Art
    Festivals and fairs
    Music
    Outdoor
  • Published Date
Event Date2026-10-31T00:00:00 - 2026-10-31T23:59:59

Sweater Weather Fest

 Sweater Weather Fest: Where fall meets film. Sweater Weather Festival is a film and music activation that will connect local filmmakers and musicians with established industry professionals and organizations through panels, workshops and a premiere film screening projected on to the City Hall building.

October 17, 2026
Event Date2026-10-17T00:00:00 - 2026-10-17T23:59:59

Sweater Weather Fest is a free, all ages event on City Hall Plaza hosted by Sweater Weather Films, where Boston’s film industry opens up to the public. Taking place October 17, the day includes panels with local working filmmakers, crew, and local production companies, plus a short film contest anyone can enter. Guests can browse fall vendors from around the city, grab food from local favorites, and stop by the beer garden throughout the day. The night closes with a feature screening under the open sky. The plaza is fully accessible, with accommodations available for guests who need them.

This event is part of a City Hall Plaza Event Series supported by the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture. Stay tuned for event time and more details, coming soon!

Learn more about Sweater Weather Films

October 17, 2026
Event Date2026-10-17T00:00:00 - 2026-10-17T23:59:59

One Night in Alosha

One Night in Alosha is an immersive Afro-Latin cultural experience blending music, dance, theater, folklore, and Afrofuturism to celebrate diasporic storytelling and cultural exchange.

October 4, 2026
  • 12:00am - 11:59pm
  • Boston City Hall Plaza
    1 City Hall Square
    Boston, MA 02201-2006
  • Contact:
    Arts and Culture
  • send an email
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Downtown
  • Event Type:
    Art
    Civic Engagement
    Music
    Outdoor
  • Published Date
Event Date2026-10-04T00:00:00 - 2026-10-04T23:59:59

This event is part of a City Hall Plaza Event Series supported by the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture. Stay tuned for event time and more details, coming soon!

October 4, 2026
  • 12:00am - 11:59pm
  • Boston City Hall Plaza
    1 City Hall Square
    Boston, MA 02201-2006
  • Contact:
    Arts and Culture
  • send an email
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Downtown
  • Event Type:
    Art
    Civic Engagement
    Music
    Outdoor
  • Published Date
Event Date2026-10-04T00:00:00 - 2026-10-04T23:59:59

Summer Dance Party Series

Join us for .Tribe Vibes, part of Mayor Michelle Wu's Summer Dance Party Series, in collaboration with Democracy Beer Garden.

September 12, 2026
  • 5:00pm - 9:00pm
  • 1 City Hall Square
    Boston, MA 02201-2006
  • Contact:
    Tourism, Sports, and Entertainment
  • send an email
  • 617-635-3911
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Downtown
  • Event Type:
    Music
    Outdoor
  • Published Date
Event Date2026-09-12T17:00:00 - 2026-09-12T21:00:00

Mayor Michelle Wu's Summer Dance Party Series concludes this year with .Tribe Vibes, a multicultural experience right on City Hall Plaza. DJ Shy, DJ Cha & Slick Vick will be bringing the music vibes to provide a great soundtrack for the night.

When: Saturday, September 12, 5-9 p.m.

Where: City Hall Plaza

Cost: Free and open to the public

Bring your family and friends for an amazing experience, with great food provided by Lisboa Cafe and more. This event is free and open to the public.

September 12, 2026
  • 5:00pm - 9:00pm
  • 1 City Hall Square
    Boston, MA 02201-2006
  • Contact:
    Tourism, Sports, and Entertainment
  • send an email
  • 617-635-3911
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Downtown
  • Event Type:
    Music
    Outdoor
  • Published Date
Event Date2026-09-12T17:00:00 - 2026-09-12T21:00:00

Friday Afternoon Concert Series

July 24, 2026
  • 12:00pm - 2:00pm
    Repeats weekly on Friday, starting from July 24, 2026, until August 21, 2026
  • Sam Adams Park
    Boston , MA. 02131
  • Contact:
    Tourism, Sports, and Entertainment
  • send an email
  • 617-635-3911
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Downtown
  • Event Type:
    Music
    Outdoor
  • Published Date
Event Date2026-07-24T12:00:00 - 2026-07-24T14:00:00

Mayor Michelle Wu is pleased to resume the Friday Afternoon Concert Series. This concert series, a partnership between Berklee College of Music and the City of Boston, showcases the best of Boston's local music talent.

On Fridays in July and August, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., an artist or band will set up in front of the statue of Sam Adams on the Congress Street side of Faneuil Hall. Bring your lunch and a friend or two and enjoy some great music and sunshine. It's completely free!

See dates and artists below:

  • July 10 : LEIA
  • July 24 : Esaïe Menou Band
  • July 31 : Tommy Creighton Group
  • August 7 : Chef (Cole Ellis)
  • August 21 : TESI

 

 

 

July 24, 2026
  • 12:00pm - 2:00pm
    Repeats weekly on Friday, starting from July 24, 2026, until August 21, 2026
  • Sam Adams Park
    Boston , MA. 02131
  • Contact:
    Tourism, Sports, and Entertainment
  • send an email
  • 617-635-3911
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Downtown
  • Event Type:
    Music
    Outdoor
  • Published Date
Event Date2026-07-24T12:00:00 - 2026-07-24T14:00:00

Ruckus! First Look: The Encore

Join Revolutionary Spaces & be among the first to see Ruckus!, a bold new 25-minute immersive show at the Old South Meeting House that drops you into the heart of Revolutionary Boston!

July 2, 2026
Event Date2026-07-02T19:00:00 - 2026-07-02T21:30:00

Watch the debates and defiance that once filled this iconic space come to life using dynamic sound, dramatic lighting, and projected animations of fiery revolutionaries, determined citizens, and a few unlikely troublemakers whose courage shook these walls.

Celebrate America's 250th in the very place where ordinary people set extraordinary change in motion. Enjoy lively music, snack on summer-inspired fare and tasty drinks, and connect with fellow Boston locals. Doors open at 7:00 PM and the show begins at 8:00 PM. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before showtime to reserve your seat. To preserve the integrity of the experience, late entry will not be permitted once Ruckus! has started. Guests arriving after 8:00 PM will be admitted following the conclusion of the show.

Ruckus! is made possible through the generous support of a local private foundation, with major support from The Lynch Foundation, The Hamilton Company Charitable Foundation, Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism, Massachusetts 250, Meet Boston, and many generous individual supporters.

  • Supporter Ticket: $250
  • Community Champion Ticket: $50
  • Neighbor Ticket: $25
  • Friend Ticket: Free or Pay What You Can*

* Anyone who reserves a Friend Ticket will be placed on a waitlist and will receive attendance confirmation (space permitting) from Revolutionary Spaces closer to the event date.

July 2, 2026
Event Date2026-07-02T19:00:00 - 2026-07-02T21:30:00

Handmade Craft Demonstration and Sale with the Steinhagens

Learn about traditional pottery and thread spinning techniques!

August 29, 2026
Event Date2026-08-29T11:00:00 - 2026-08-29T16:00:00

Erich and Janice Steinhagen bring their 18th century craft techniques all the way from Connecticut as they demonstrate redware pottery production and the fiber art of spinning. Erich will be throwing pots on the wheel while Janice spins sheep’s wool or flax into yarn. Finished products will be available for sale!

August 29, 2026
Event Date2026-08-29T11:00:00 - 2026-08-29T16:00:00
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