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P.L.A.Y. Ribbon Cutting And Out Of Bounds Art Showcase

Join us to celebrate new public artworks in Roxbury created by Marlon Forrester and Studio Luz Architects!

September 28, 2025
Event Date2025-09-28T11:00:57 - 2025-09-28T17:00:57

Celebrate the unveiling of P.L.A.Y. (Play Learn Athletic Youth)—a new public art project at Dewitt Playground in Madison Park, designed by artist Marlon Forrester in collaboration with Studio Luz and BR+A+CE. The project reimagines the basketball court as both a neighborhood gathering space and a living canvas. Alongside the ribbon cutting, experience Out of Bounds, a live art showcase curated by Marlon Forrester, with activations that bring artists, coaches, and neighbors together.

Come for the ribbon cutting, stay for the joy.

RSVP for the event

What’s Going Down
  • Ribbon cutting and unveiling of P.L.A.Y. with Marlon Forrester, Studio Luz, BR+A+CE, City partners, and Madison Park/BPS community
  • Out of Bounds court activations led by teaching artists and coaches
  • Live DJ and performances that move us to reflect
  • Hands-on art stations for kids and grown-ups, beginners welcome
  • Community tables with resources, programs, and ways to get involved
  • Local food vendors on site
Play by Play

11 a.m. - Opening remarks

12 p.m. - Ribbon cutting and group photo

12:30 p.m. - Showcase and live performances

1 p.m. - Afrofuturism / The Court as Canvas: Sport, Design, and the Architecture of Black Imagination curated by Nucarta

2 p.m.  - Tunes by your favorite DJs

3 p.m.  - Youth basketball activation

5 p.m. - Closing word

Meet Us Here

Dewitt Playground at Madison Park, Roxbury

Enter near Dewitt Drive and Malcolm X Boulevard. Follow the wayfinding and the sound of good music.

Need the T?
  • Transit: Roxbury Crossing (Orange Line), Bus 15, 22, 23, 28, 44, 45
  • Bikes: Bluebike stations nearby + racks (bring a lock)
  • Parking: Limited neighborhood street parking — transit or rideshare encouraged
Accessibility

The site has paved paths, curb cuts, and seating. ASL available by request — email (arts@boston.gov) by September 22. A low-sensory area will be located near the info table.

Gratitude

Presented by the City of Boston Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture, Nucarta, Studio Luz, BR+A+CE, and artist Marlon Forrester. With production support by SIDE Presents. Thank you to Madison Park/BPS, neighbors, volunteers, and partners who make this day possible.

Photos on this page by Jane Messinger.

September 28, 2025
Event Date2025-09-28T11:00:57 - 2025-09-28T17:00:57

Brewing Connections: Intergenerational LGBTQ+ Cafe

October 11, 2025
  • 11:00am - 1:30pm
  • Civic Pavilion
    5 Congress Street
    Boston, MA 02203
  • Contact:
    Mayor's Office of LGBTQIA2S+ Advancement
  • send an email
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Downtown
  • Event Type:
    Family friendly
    Youth
  • Published Date
Event Date2025-10-11T11:00:29 - 2025-10-11T13:30:29

Coming out isn’t just a moment — it’s a story. For National Coming Out Day, join us for Brewing Connections, an intergenerational LGBTQ+ café where our community gathers to share experiences, listen deeply, and reflect on what “coming out” has meant across time.

Inspired by Oral History, a method The History Project uses to preserve and archive LGBTQ+ stories, we’ll spark conversations that honor our past, ground us in the present, and imagine queer futures together. Over coffee, donuts, and fresh fruit, community members of all ages are invited to connect, share, and celebrate the power of living our truths out loud.

☕ Conversation. Community. Coming Out.

Presented by: Ethos; The History Project; and The City of Boston’s Mayor’s Office of LGBTQIA2S+ Advancement, Age Strong Commission, and Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement

October 11, 2025
  • 11:00am - 1:30pm
  • Civic Pavilion
    5 Congress Street
    Boston, MA 02203
  • Contact:
    Mayor's Office of LGBTQIA2S+ Advancement
  • send an email
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Downtown
  • Event Type:
    Family friendly
    Youth
  • Published Date
Event Date2025-10-11T11:00:29 - 2025-10-11T13:30:29

Canceled:
Bike Town Pop-Up At City Hall Plaza

Reason for cancellation: Cancelling due to rain. Join us at our next event on Monday, August 25!
August 20, 2025
Event Date2025-08-20T13:30:00 - 2025-08-20T16:30:00

Located on the terrace above the playground at City Hall Plaza (pending City of Boston license approval), this two-hour drop-in event is for families and children under 12 who want to learn to ride and practice their riding skills. A variety of different sized bikes and helmets will be provided, and staff will be present to lead on-bike games and teach bike riding skills and safe riding tips and techniques.

Young children riding bikes in the new City Hall Plaza bike town.
Young children riding bikes in the new City Hall Plaza bike town.

Plan your visit

Individuals and families: no registration is required. We will have waivers available at the site. 

Groups and schools: please email us so that we know to expect your group! Hand out waivers to students ahead of time so they can participate. Everyone that takes part in our program must have a signed waiver to ride bikes. Teachers / group leaders are responsible for collecting bringing signed waivers to the event. 

August 20, 2025
Event Date2025-08-20T13:30:00 - 2025-08-20T16:30:00

3 Days of Chess Tournament

This FREE tournament is the final event of "3 Days of Chess," a series of chess events made possible through a grant from the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture.

August 17, 2025
Event Date2025-08-17T14:00:50 - 2025-08-17T17:00:50

This tournament is open to all chess players regardless of rating. Rated sections require USCF membership. In 2024, we had 75 players competing with 29 in the rated section and 46 in the unrated section.

Screen Shot 2024-07-05 at 10.03.50 AM.png

REGISTER HERE

Registration is now open. Spots are limited due to physical space, so please only register if you are certain that you will be attending.​​​

Players must be present on the day of the tournament no later than 1:45 p.m. and re-register in person (doors open 1 p.m.).

If registration is full, we may have additional spots available on the day depending on no-shows, cancellations and available space.

Turn up on the day no later than 1:30 p.m. to be added to waitlist.

List of entrants: CLICK HERE

​Format: 5SS, G10 d5

Tournament is 5 rounds with one game per round. Time controls are 10 minutes with 5 seconds delay per player.

Must be a USCF member to participate in the rated sections. No USCF membership required for unrated sections. 

​​Sections and Prizes

The tournament may have sub-sections depending on the number of entrants. Prizes may vary depending on the number of entrants in each section.

​​Rated Sections (requires USCF membership):

Players will be split according to their USCF rating. If more than 24 rated players there will be Higher and Lower Rated Sections. If less than 24 players there will be just one section.

  Higher Rated Section (Red) 

  •   1st: $75 Gift Card/Equivalent
  •   2nd: $50 Gift Card/Equivalent
  •   3rd: $25 Gift Card/Equivalent

  Lower Rated Section (Yellow)

  •   1st: $50 Gift Card/Equivalent
  •   2nd: $30 Gift Card/Equivalent
  •   3rd: $20 Gift Card/Equivalent

Unrated Sections (no USCF membership required)

Players will be split according to their estimated rapid rating.

  Higher Unrated Section (Blue)

  •   1st, 2nd, 3rd: Medals

Lower Unrated Section (Green) 

  •   1st, 2nd, 3rd: Medals

Round Times:

R1: 2:00pm, R2: 2:35pm, R3: 3:10pm, R4: 3:45pm, R5: 4:20pm

Rounds 2-5 may start sooner/later than scheduled.

Prize giving and closure will be after Round 5 has been completed, at approx at 5pm.

Additional Information

  • Doors open at 1:00pm (an hour before the tournament start)

  • On-site registration closes 30 minutes before Round 1​ (i.e. at 1:30pm)

  • Players that are not present and checked in by 1:45pm may be removed from the tournament, or at the discretion of the touranment director given a first-round half point bye.

  • No phones allowed during tournament play.

  • This event is financed through a grant from the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture with assistance from JP Chess and Ocean State Chess Association​

Safety and Notices

  • If you feel sick or have been in close contact with someone recently with COVID please do not attend the tournament.

  • The event is taking place in a public location. Please keep your belongings safe and with you at all times.

  • Parental supervision is required for all juniors.

  • Photography will happen at the event and may be used in social media posts.

August 17, 2025
Event Date2025-08-17T14:00:50 - 2025-08-17T17:00:50

Boston After Dark at BCYF Tobin (Mission Hill)

August 15, 2025
Event Date2025-08-15T17:00:00 - 2025-08-15T19:00:00

Boston After Dark promotes youth summer safety by creating safe and fun spaces for teens (14-18 year olds) on Friday evenings throughout the summer. The goal is to activate spaces across Boston’s neighborhoods in collaboration with BCYF and YMCA centers. Past events included basketball tournaments, paint nights, pool parties, movie nights, and more. All events include free food, merch giveaways, and a live DJ - don't miss out on the fun this summer season! 

August 15, 2025
Event Date2025-08-15T17:00:00 - 2025-08-15T19:00:00

Family Bike Day

On Saturday, August 23, join Boston Bikes for a Family Bike Day in East Boston!

August 23, 2025
Event Date2025-08-23T10:00:00 - 2025-08-23T13:00:00

The event includes on-bike skill-building for children and adults, free bike checks, and a family-friendly bike ride. The event will take place at McKay School and East Boston Memorial Stadium Park in East Boston. The rain date is Sunday, August 24, 2025.

Register

 
Here is the plan for the day:

 

10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Adult Learn-to-Bike workshop | On-bike children's activities | Bike tune-up station

McKay School, 122 Cottage St, East Boston, MA 02128

  • Learn-to-Bike workshop for adults. There is limited space available! We do maintain an active waitlist if the workshop fills up. 
  • On-bike activities for children (ages 3-12). Bikes and helmets provided, or feel free to bring your own! This is a drop-in activity.
  • Bike tune-up station. This is a drop-in activity.

12 - 1 p.m.

Family-Friendly Bike Ride + Group Walk

Start: McKay School | End: East Boston Memorial Stadium Park

  • Join us for a short family-friendly bike ride or walk
  • Limited number of bicycles are available. Register for the ride and request a free bike rental.
  • Anyone joining the ride should check in by 12:00 p.m.
  • If you're not ready to ride, no problem! A staff member will lead a walking group from the McKay School to the East Boston Memorial Stadium Park.

1 p.m.

Light Food (Sponsored by Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers)

East Boston Memorial Stadium

  • Free food provided to participants who register and attend any part of the day’s events.

The rain date for the event is Sunday, August 24, 2025. The event is sponsored by Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers. 

JGIL Logo

August 23, 2025
Event Date2025-08-23T10:00:00 - 2025-08-23T13:00:00

Bike Town Pop-Up At City Hall Plaza

September 3, 2025
Event Date2025-09-03T13:30:24 - 2025-09-03T16:30:24

Located on the terrace above the playground at City Hall Plaza (pending City of Boston license approval), this two-hour drop-in event is for families and children under 12 who want to learn to ride and practice their riding skills. A variety of different sized bikes and helmets will be provided, and staff will be present to lead on-bike games and teach bike riding skills and safe riding tips and techniques.

Young children riding bikes in the new City Hall Plaza bike town.
Young children riding bikes in the new City Hall Plaza bike town.



PLAN YOUR VISIT

Individuals and families: no registration is required. We will have waivers available at the site. 

Groups and schools: please email us so that we know to expect your group! Hand out waivers to students ahead of time so they can participate. Everyone that takes part in our program must have a signed waiver to ride bikes. Teachers / group leaders are responsible for collecting bringing signed waivers to the event. 
September 3, 2025
Event Date2025-09-03T13:30:24 - 2025-09-03T16:30:24

Canceled:
Bike Town Pop-Up At City Hall Plaza

Reason for cancellation: Rain
August 25, 2025
Event Date2025-08-25T13:30:23 - 2025-08-25T16:30:23

Located on the terrace above the playground at City Hall Plaza (pending City of Boston license approval), this two-hour drop-in event is for families and children under 12 who want to learn to ride and practice their riding skills. A variety of different sized bikes and helmets will be provided, and staff will be present to lead on-bike games and teach bike riding skills and safe riding tips and techniques.

Young children riding bikes in the new City Hall Plaza bike town.
Young children riding bikes in the new City Hall Plaza bike town.

 

Plan your visit

Individuals and families: no registration is required. We will have waivers available at the site. 

Groups and schools: please email us so that we know to expect your group! Hand out waivers to students ahead of time so they can participate. Everyone that takes part in our program must have a signed waiver to ride bikes. Teachers / group leaders are responsible for collecting bringing signed waivers to the event. 

August 25, 2025
Event Date2025-08-25T13:30:23 - 2025-08-25T16:30:23

Canceled:
Bike Town Pop-Up at Almont Park

Reason for cancellation: Heat advisory
July 30, 2025
Event Date2025-07-30T14:30:29 - 2025-07-30T16:30:29

Located at the Basketball Courts at Ronan Park, this two-hour drop-in event is for families and children under 12 who want to learn to ride and practice their riding skills. A variety of different sized bikes and helmets will be provided, and staff will be present to set up impermanent bike towns, lead on-bike games and teach safe bike riding skills.

Child riding on an impermanent bike town on Playstead road at Franklin Park.

Plan your visit

Individuals and families: no registration is required. We will have waivers available at the site. 

Groups and schools: please email us so that we know to expect your group! Hand out waivers to students ahead of time so they can participate. Everyone that takes part in our program must have a signed waiver to ride bikes. Teachers / group leaders are responsible for collecting bringing signed waivers to the event. 

July 30, 2025
Event Date2025-07-30T14:30:29 - 2025-07-30T16:30:29

Bike Town Pop-Up At City Hall Plaza

August 18, 2025
Event Date2025-08-18T13:30:00 - 2025-08-18T16:30:00

Located on the terrace above the playground at City Hall Plaza (pending City of Boston license approval), this two-hour drop-in event is for families and children under 12 who want to learn to ride and practice their riding skills. A variety of different sized bikes and helmets will be provided, and staff will be present to lead on-bike games and teach bike riding skills and safe riding tips and techniques.

Young children riding bikes in the new City Hall Plaza bike town.
Young children riding bikes in the new City Hall Plaza bike town.

Plan your visit

Individuals and families: no registration is required. We will have waivers available at the site. 

Groups and schools: please email us so that we know to expect your group! Hand out waivers to students ahead of time so they can participate. Everyone that takes part in our program must have a signed waiver to ride bikes. Teachers / group leaders are responsible for collecting bringing signed waivers to the event. 

August 18, 2025
Event Date2025-08-18T13:30:00 - 2025-08-18T16:30:00
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