Family-friendly, pedestrian-focused events added to Allston-Brighton & East Boston; Open Streets returns to Dorchester, Jamaica Plain, and Roxbury
Note: Sunday, October 15: Meridian Street & Bennington Street (East Boston)
The exact stretch of vehicular closure for Meridian Street & Bennington Street is still being finalized.
BOSTON – Tuesday, May 2, 2023 – Mayor Michelle Wu today announced five Open Streets events, expanding the family-friendly, free pedestrian spaces to East Boston and Allston-Brighton. The addition of two new locations (Harvard Ave. & Brighton Ave., and Meridian St.) to the Open Streets events this year builds off the success of last year’s three events (Dorchester Ave., Centre St. in Jamaica Plain, and Blue Hill Ave. in Roxbury). Like last year, more than a mile will be temporarily closed to vehicular traffic to create room for community and play. The half-day events will allow local businesses to expand into the street, and to safely make space for music, games, bicycling, community tabling, and more. Additionally, Mayor Wu announced Open Newbury will be returning with expanded dates. Newbury Street will be pedestrian-only every Sunday, starting July 2 and running through October 15. Together, the announcement of these two car-free events series expands on the Mayor’s commitment to reimagining our streets and creating a family-friendly Boston.
“Last year was a reimagining of what’s possible when we think about transforming our streets, from how we connect to where we connect with each other. That’s why as part of our commitment to making Boston the best place in the country to raise a family we’re expanding our efforts this year to not only have those three successful events continue in community but to add Allston-Brighton and East Boston,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “For Open Newbury we have ten more days for residents and visitors to explore the eight block, mile long stretch of shops, restaurants, galleries, and activities free from car traffic.”
“These events demonstrate what can be possible on our streets when we open them to everyone,” said Jascha Franklin-Hodge, Chief of Streets. “Families and neighbors get to explore their communities in new ways and enjoy a safe, fun environment for walking, biking, and recreation.”
This year’s Open Streets events will take place from 10:00 a.m. (with streets closing at 9:00 a.m. and activities beginning at 10:00 a.m.) to 3:30 p.m. in Jamaica Plain, Roxbury, Allston-Brighton, Dorchester, and East Boston. The schedule is as follows:
Sunday, June 25: Centre Street (Jamaica Plain)
Saturday, July 15: Blue Hill Ave. (Roxbury)
Saturday, August 19: Harvard Ave. & Brighton Ave. (Allston-Brighton)
Sunday, September 17: Dorchester Ave. (Dorchester)
Sunday, October 15: Meridian Street & Bennington Street (East Boston)
The exact stretch of vehicular closure for Meridian Street & Bennington Street is still being finalized.
