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BCYF Neighborhood Block Party - Jamaica Plain

New Date: This Block Party was postponed from 7/26 to 8/16.

Food, activities, great information, and give-a-ways — all for free!

August 16, 2018
Event Date2018-08-16T17:00:00 - 2018-08-16T19:00:00

Have you ever visited a BCYF community center, pool, or program? The Neighborhood Block Parties will have lots of information about what we offer, as well as what many other City departments do. There will be a cookout, swimming, and activities too — all for free. Come to one, or come to them all!

August 16, 2018
Event Date2018-08-16T17:00:00 - 2018-08-16T19:00:00

BCYF Neighborhood Block Party - South Boston

Food, activities, great information, and give-a-ways — all for free!

July 19, 2018
Event Date2018-07-19T17:00:00 - 2018-07-19T19:00:00

Have you ever visited a BCYF community center, pool, or program? The Neighborhood Block Parties will have lots of information about what we offer, as well as what many other City departments do. There will be a cookout, swimming, and activities too — all for free. Come to one, or come to them all!

July 19, 2018
Event Date2018-07-19T17:00:00 - 2018-07-19T19:00:00

Celebration of Summer VI: Donna Summer Roller Disco Party

Get your groove on at our sixth annual roller disco party honoring five-time Grammy winner and Boston native, Donna Summer!

June 21, 2019
Event Date2019-06-21T18:00:00 - 2019-06-21T22:00:00

Celebration of Summer VI pays tribute to Boston-born disco legend Donna Summer! Music is provided by DJ Vince, with a performance by O'Mega Red.

Try out your roller disco moves on the skating rink. If you don’t have your own skates, the City of Boston will be providing free rentals on a first-come, first-serve basis. We'll also have a photo booth.

June 21, 2019
Event Date2019-06-21T18:00:00 - 2019-06-21T22:00:00

39th annual Boston Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival

Cheer on the teams paddling 39-foot, Hong Kong-style dragon boats, and stay for the festival featuring Asian food, arts, and crafts.

June 9, 2018
  • 7:00am - 5:00pm
    Repeats daily, starting from June 9, 2018, until June 10, 2018
  • 406 Memorial Drive
    Cambridge, MA 02139
  • Contact:
    Boston Dragon Boat Festival
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Citywide
    Allston
    Back Bay
    Bay Village
    Beacon Hill
    Brighton
    Charlestown
    Chinatown/Leather District
    Dorchester
    Downtown
    East Boston
    Fenway/Kenmore
    Hyde Park
    Jamaica Plain
    Mattapan
    Mission Hill
    North End
    Roslindale
    Roxbury
    South Boston
    South End
    West End
    West Roxbury
  • Published Date
Event Date2018-06-09T07:00:00 - 2018-06-09T17:00:00

The Boston Dragon Boat Festival takes place annually on the banks of the Charles River in Boston and Cambridge. This year, the Boston Dragon Boat Festival takes place on Saturday, June 9, and Sunday, June 10, with activities from 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. each day.

Starting in 1979, Boston Dragon Boat Festival, the first and oldest such festival in North America, has grown from a small neighborhood event commemorating the death in 200 B.C. of the beloved Chinese poet-patriot Qu Yuan to the largest Asian-American cultural event in New England, drawing more than 20,000 participants and spectators.

Each year, 30-40 teams from the US and Canada compete over a 500-meter course in an energetic race to the finish line. The teams practice in the spring to prepare for the June races, paddling in sleek, colorful 39-foot, Hong Kong-style dragon boats. Along with dragon boat races, the festival also presents performances from various Asian cultures, Asian food, and arts and crafts, representing traditions of this ancient Chinese celebration.

The Boston Dragon Boat Festival fosters learning and exploration of diverse multi-cultural heritage, especially that of the Asian-American heritage in New England. The goal of the festival is to provide a common setting through which citizens of diverse backgrounds may share goodwill. The short-term impact is a day of friendship, and the long-term impact will be bonds forged within a heritage activity and extended to life-long understanding among people of diverse backgrounds. Shared participation in arts and athletics not only serves as unifying strategies, it also improves community life and health and fitness for all.

June 9, 2018
  • 7:00am - 5:00pm
    Repeats daily, starting from June 9, 2018, until June 10, 2018
  • 406 Memorial Drive
    Cambridge, MA 02139
  • Contact:
    Boston Dragon Boat Festival
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Citywide
    Allston
    Back Bay
    Bay Village
    Beacon Hill
    Brighton
    Charlestown
    Chinatown/Leather District
    Dorchester
    Downtown
    East Boston
    Fenway/Kenmore
    Hyde Park
    Jamaica Plain
    Mattapan
    Mission Hill
    North End
    Roslindale
    Roxbury
    South Boston
    South End
    West End
    West Roxbury
  • Published Date
Event Date2018-06-09T07:00:00 - 2018-06-09T17:00:00

Fireworks display over Columbia Point

Join us for a fireworks display over Boston Harbor. 

June 8, 2018
  • 9:30pm
  • Columbia Point
    Boston, MA 02125
  • Contact:
    Mayor's Office of Tourism, Sports, and Entertainment
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Dorchester
    South Boston
  • Event Type:
  • Published Date
Event Date2018-06-08T21:30:00

The Boston Harbor fireworks display will be hosted on Friday, June 8, beginning at 9:30 p.m. 

Fireworks will be launched from Columbia Point, displayed over Dorchester Bay and viewable from beaches along Dorchester and South Boston.

The fireworks display is a part of a series of public activations and celebratory events being offered as the United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) Annual Meeting is hosted in Boston this week: www.usmayors.org

June 8, 2018
  • 9:30pm
  • Columbia Point
    Boston, MA 02125
  • Contact:
    Mayor's Office of Tourism, Sports, and Entertainment
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Dorchester
    South Boston
  • Event Type:
  • Published Date
Event Date2018-06-08T21:30:00

Real people, real stories of Mattapan

A photo exhibit and poetry reading based on interviews of people with connections to Mattapan.

June 14, 2018
  • 6:00pm - 7:30pm
  • 1350 Blue Hill Avenue
    Boston, MA 02126
  • Contact:
    Danielle Legros Georges
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Mattapan
  • Event Type:
  • Published Date
Event Date2018-06-14T18:00:00 - 2018-06-14T19:30:00

Join Boston Poet Laureate Danielle Legros Georges, photographer Jennifer Waddell, and project collaborators for a photography exhibition with a poetry reading celebrating Mattapan and the people who make this Boston neighborhood the vibrant community that it is

 The poetry reading will take place on Thursday, June 14, 2018 from 6 - 7:30 p.m. The exhibition will run from June 15 - August 15 at the Mattapan Branch of the Boston Public Library.

June 14, 2018
  • 6:00pm - 7:30pm
  • 1350 Blue Hill Avenue
    Boston, MA 02126
  • Contact:
    Danielle Legros Georges
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Mattapan
  • Event Type:
  • Published Date
Event Date2018-06-14T18:00:00 - 2018-06-14T19:30:00

10th annual Free Fun Fridays

Ten Fridays, 10 venues, 100 things to do, and 100% free!

June 29, 2018
Event Date2018-06-29T10:00:00

The Highland Street Foundation's Free Fun Fridays program offers visitors no-cost admission to many of the most treasured cultural venues in Boston and across Massachusetts. The program was created to increase access and enrichment opportunities for children and families throughout Massachusetts during the summer months. Every Friday, from the end of June through the end of August, multiple sites are open for free.

This year, the Free Fun Fridays program boasts 24 venues in Boston:


Since 2009, Free Fun Fridays has drawn more than 900,000 visitors to venues throughout the Commonwealth. The program has grown to include participating venues in every corner of the state, helping them open their doors for free to the community.

The Highland Street Foundation is committed to addressing the most pressing needs and concerns for children and families in Massachusetts and California. We provide access and opportunities in education, housing, mentorship, health care, environment, and the arts.

June 29, 2018
Event Date2018-06-29T10:00:00

Free family concert with Diego Silva

BCYF Paris Street invites you to celebrate with mom and enjoy the sounds of Diego Silva!

May 6, 2018
Event Date2018-05-06T15:00:00 - 2018-05-06T17:00:00

Celebrate Mother's Day early at a free concert at BCYF Paris Street Community Center in East Boston that features Diego Silva.

May 6, 2018
Event Date2018-05-06T15:00:00 - 2018-05-06T17:00:00

2018 Bunker Hill Day Parade

A tradition dating back to 1786, the Bunker Hill Day Parade commemorates the first major battle of the American Revolution.

June 10, 2018
  • 12:30pm - 2:30pm
  • 1 Vine Street
    Boston, MA 02129
  • Contact:
    Arthur Hurley
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Charlestown
  • Event Type:
  • Published Date
Event Date2018-06-10T12:30:00 - 2018-06-10T14:30:00

The Bunker Hill Day Parade commemorates the Battle of Bunker Hill, which was fought on Breed's Hill on June 17, 1775, in Charlestown. This parade is always held on the Sunday before or on June 17.

Mayor Martin J. Walsh, joined by local marching bands and other musical groups, current and past military personnel, re-enactment groups, sports teams, fire trucks, police motorcycles, and floats sponsored by local businesses, will travel:

Many people take this opportunity to learn more about Boston's history by visiting the the Bunker Hill Museum, the Bunker Hill Monument, and other historic sites along Boston's Freedom Trail before or after the parade.

To explore Boston's rich history further, check out our guide to uncovering Boston's history.

June 10, 2018
  • 12:30pm - 2:30pm
  • 1 Vine Street
    Boston, MA 02129
  • Contact:
    Arthur Hurley
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Charlestown
  • Event Type:
  • Published Date
Event Date2018-06-10T12:30:00 - 2018-06-10T14:30:00

2018 Dorchester Day Parade

The parade is the 114th in Dorchester Day history and is the 55th annual since 1963.

June 3, 2018
  • 1:00pm
  • Dorchester
    Boston, MA 02205
  • Contact:
    Dorchester Day Parade Committee, Inc.
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Dorchester
  • Event Type:
  • Published Date
Event Date2018-06-03T13:00:00

Every year the Dorchester Day Parade, also known as the Dot Day Parade, takes place on the first Sunday in June.

Mayor Martin J. Walsh, Chief Marshall Ed Kelly, and other members of the community will travel:

  • from Lower Mills at the corner of Washington Street and Dorchester Avenue
  • along Dorchester Avenue, and
  • ending at Savin Hill at the corner of Columbia Road and Dorchester Avenue.

The parade route totals 3.2 miles.

June 3, 2018
  • 1:00pm
  • Dorchester
    Boston, MA 02205
  • Contact:
    Dorchester Day Parade Committee, Inc.
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Dorchester
  • Event Type:
  • Published Date
Event Date2018-06-03T13:00:00
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