The disco event returns to City Hall Plaza this year. | Photo by Isabel Leon via Flickr
It’s time to boogie the night away during the Donna Summer Disco Party. The groovy tradition is happening today at City Hall Plaza from 5 to 9 p.m.
Details about Donna
The “Queen of Disco” is a Boston native. She was born in Dorchester and grew up on Parker Hill Avenue in Mission Hill, which has been officially renamed Donna Summer Avenue.
Born LaDonna Gaines, the five-time Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter found her voice by singing at the Grant AME Church in the South End with her family.
After she died from cancer at the age of 62 in 2012, our city began honoring the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame musician’s legacy + Boston roots every summer. The annual tribute is hosted by Mayor Wu and the Office of Tourism, Sports, and Entertainment.
Know before you go
Pro tip: Wear your brightest colors + clothes you can move in.
In addition to plenty of classic hits from Donna Summer, like “Hot Stuff” and “She Works Hard For the Money,” there will be a roller rink with first come, first served skate rentals, a disco ball, and glow sticks.
Plus, we can expect special performances by Donna Summer’s sister, Mary Gaines Bernard, and her nephew O’Mega Red + music by DJ Vince1.
The family-friendly party is free and open to all.
Save the “Last Dance” for the after party
High Street Place will host a spectacular Disco Weekend June 27-29. The three-night celebration kicks off with the Official Donna Summer Disco After Party, including vibrant music, dancing + food and drink offerings. Pro tip: Must haves include disco fries from Wheelhouse, jello shots from Haley Jane’s, and a martini bar with disco tumblers from Daiquiris & Daisies.
Admission is free for all events, and guests are encouraged to register in advance.
Berklee Summer in the City Concert Series | Thursday, June 27 | 12-1 p.m. | Prudential Center-South Garden, 800 Boylston St., Boston | Free | Grab a blanket and enjoy a free performance by Yae-Seul Kim.
Jhené Aiko | Thursday, June 27 | 7 p.m. | TD Garden, 100 Legends Way, Boston | Prices vary | The R&B star performs “The Magic Hour Tour” with Coi Leray, Tink, Umi, and Kiana Lede.
Mars Symphony | Thursday, June 27 | 7:30-9 p.m. | Museum of Science, 1 Science Park, Boston | $20 | This NASA collab will let you take an interplanetary journey while listening to orchestral melodies.
Friday, June 28
Boston Red Sox vs. San Diego Padres | Friday, June 28 | 7:10 p.m. | Fenway Park, 4 Jersey St., Boston | $52-$450 | It’s an East Coast vs. West Coast showdown as the Sox face the SoCal team.
Saturday, June 29
Boy Band Drag Brunch | Saturday, June 29 | Times vary | Summer Shack, 50 Dalton St., Boston | $20 | It’s a tribute to boy bands suitable for a queen.
Sunday, June 30
Juneteenth Freedom Fest | Sunday, June 30 | 12-4 p.m. | City Hall Plaza, 1 City Hall Sq., Boston | Free | This festival commemorates freedom and celebrates African American culture and contributions.
Saturday, August 10
Climb 4 Climate Boston 2024 | Saturday, Aug. 10 | 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. | Harvard Stadium, 79 N. Harvard St., Allston | $25-$40 | Join Climb 4 Climate’s inaugural stair-climbing event, where participants will ascend 30 rows across all 37 sections of Harvard Stadium to support the fight against climate change.*
The MBTA will receive $22.4 million in federal funding to make bus improvements in Boston and Everett, near the potential soccer stadium that would need expanded public transportation infrastructure. The funding will support bus-only lanes, signaling for buses, and new stop facilities. (WBUR)
Open
Folio is now open and accepting reservations. The new restaurant space at the Boston Athenaeum will serve made-to-order shareable plates, new and old world wines, and craft cocktails in a European-inspired setting. Stop by Tuesday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. + Friday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pets
Park-9 is hosting a summer pop-up in the Fenway neighborhood at The Station. Grab your pup and head to the opening on Friday, June 28 at 4 p.m. All dogs and humans are welcome. Note: dogs are required to be registered prior to entry.
Drink
Trifecta at Four Seasons Hotel is hosting a special Pride Tea on Saturday, June 29 with live entertainment and classic teatime snacks. Tickets are $99 and proceeds from each drink will benefit Fenway Health, a nonprofit supporting equitable and accessible health for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Sports
The Patriots are kicking off the 2024 season with a training camp in July. Fans can get an early view of the team during 13 open practices. All of New England’s players will report to training camp by Tuesday, July 23 + the first practice begins Wednesday, July 24 at 11 a.m. (Boston.com)
Arts
For the fourth consecutive year, Silkroad in partnership with with New England Conservatory will host the Boston-based Global Musician Workshop from Aug. 4 to Aug. 10. The 2024 programs include professional development workshops and a multi-night Performance Festival. Performances are open to the public.
Finance
This card is a cash rewards dream, ft. unlimited cash rewards on purchases, a $200 bonus after spending $500, and a long intro APR on purchases + balance transfers. Reward seekers, say it with us: Cha-ching.*
Skate on a large mural by Boston-based artist Massiel Grullón, featuring retro-inspired shapes and movement. | Photo by Chris McIntosh
Don’t put your skates up yet — roll over to Cambridge’s Innovation District in Kendall Square to check out a new pop-up skating rink. Rollerama atKendall Common will offer free roller skating and free roller skate rentals for all to enjoy through Sunday, Sept. 29.
Skating will be open on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 2 to 8 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Donations of $5 will be accepted to help support various Cambridge nonprofits throughout the season.
Local restaurants will offer food and drinks for purchase — plus, plans for an outdoor beer garden are brewing.
Throughout the coming months, Rollerama will offer specialty themed skating nights, live entertainment, and family friendly events.
Dorchester native and star of the “The Bear” Ayo Edebiri recently visited Seth Meyers and was chatting about a very Boston specific topic — the great molasses flood. Read up on the historic event of when a 50-ft-tall tank collapsed, sending a wave of 2.3 million gallons of fermented molasses onto the streets of Boston.
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