This summer, the City of Boston is expanding the popular “Open Newbury Street” concept to two additional Boston neighborhoods.
East Boston and Allston-Brighton will join the pedestrian party, along with last year’s additions of Jamaica Plain, Roxbury, and Dorchester.
What’s the Open Streets schedule?
Mark your calendars for some car-free fun:
- Sunday, June 25: Centre Street, Jamaica Plain
- Saturday, July 15: Blue Hill Avenue, Roxbury
- Saturday, Aug. 19: Harvard Avenue + Brighton Avenue, Allston-Brighton
- Sunday, Sept. 17: Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester
- Sunday, Oct. 15: Meridian Street + Bennington Street, East Boston
What can I expect at the events?
Each of the above streets will be closed to vehicles from 9 a.m. to ~3:30 p.m., with festivities starting at 10 a.m. Stop by for performances, food trucks, and shopping while you stroll down one to two miles of road without having to look both ways.
The programming will differ slightly from neighborhood to neighborhood, but Bostonians can expect activities like photo installations, pedicab rides, and exclusive performances. Keep an eye on the Open Streets webpage for more event information as it’s released.
Pro tip: Feel free to bring your bicycle, scooter, or rollerskates along — these Open Streets weren’t made only for walking.
What about Newbury Street?
Don’t worry, the original Open Street is returning for 16 Sundays — that’s 10 more car-free weekends than last year.
The Back Bay shopping street will be closed to vehicles every Sunday between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. from July 2 through Oct. 15. Expect the same route as previous years, with Berkeley Street to Massachusetts Avenue closed to cars.