The City of Boston is getting a new Youth Poet Laureate! Join us for a showcase at Boston Public Library's Rabb Hall featuring the 2026 finalists, and find out who will serve as the fourth Boston Youth Poet Laureate (BYPL).

What is the Boston Youth Poet Laureate program?

The BYPL is a writer and advocate who performs original works at civic events, brings poetry into schools and libraries, leads a special interest project, and works closely with Boston’s current Poet Laureate, Emmanuel Oppong-Yeboah, to strengthen the City’s literary community.

Join us as we begin Black History Month with a flag-raising ceremony and community gathering honoring the legacy, resilience, and achievements of Black communities in Boston and beyond. Established in 1926 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson as Negro History Week, this annual observance has grown into a global month-long celebration recognized across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.

This year’s kickoff will feature speakers, cultural performances, and the raising of the Black Liberation Flag—a moment of reflection, celebration, and unity. More program details will be shared soon.

 The Boston Parks and Recreation Department in partnership with the Franklin Park Coalition present the 2026 Winter Festival at Franklin Park on Saturday, February 21st, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit boston.gov/winterfest for more information about this family-friendly school vacation week event.  The event is hosted in partnership with title sponsor Highland Street Foundation and contributing sponsors H.P. Hood LLC.

The free festival is open to all and offers music, giveaways, winter activities, treats, games and crafts. Featured attractions include a synthetic ice skating rink, snowman igloo bounce house and obstacle course.  Try your musical skills at Boston Music Group’s instrument ‘petting zoo.’  Enjoy the New England Revolution interactive soccer exhibit.  Meet the horses of the Boston Park Rangers Mounted Unit and learn about their important role in our parks. 

Additional Winter Festival at Franklin Park Activities to include:

Thursday, February 19th: Stable Tour and Snowshoeing Safari

Friday, February 20th: Horse-Of-Course

The Franklin Park Golf Clubhouse is located at 1 Circuit Drive, Dorchester MA 02121. Call (617) 635-4505 or email parks@boston.gov for more information. To stay up to date with news, events, and improvements in Boston parks, visit Boston.gov/Parks, join our email list at bit.ly/Get-Parks-Emails, and follow our social channels @bostonparksdept on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.