This event will feature free entry, free food, art activities, gallery exploration, the BPS High School Art Show, music, prizes, and more!

Inspired by the exhibitions Say It Loud: AAMARP, 1977 to Now and To My Best Friend, we want this event to highlight the ways our communities shine even when there is darkness.  

Dress to feel radiant. No masks, no weapons, and no large props. First 50 people to arrive get a surprise.   

HAPPENINGS

• Performances
• Art Making
• Food Truck
• Snacks
• Giveaways
• Dance Party
• More

Questions or requests for accessibility assistance? Email teens@icaboston.org or text or call (339) 236-3039. 

*Boston After Dark is an initiative of the City of Boston’s Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement.

Aspiring and established restaurateurs will be able to explore hands-on demonstrations, practical tools and equipment for improving kitchen and bar efficiency, and guidance on preparing for high-traffic seasons. Industry experts, along with members from the City’s Licensing Board and Office of Small Business, will be on hand to share insights, answer questions, and connect with attendees in a welcoming, in-person setting that supports a strong and resilient restaurant community.

Public Transportation and Parking Information

• Arriving: Once you arrive at the Innovation Center, enter the building under shipping container number 21, and take the elevator on your left to the 5th floor. Once on the 5th floor, exit left and follow signs for TriMark!
• Taking Public Transit: Attendees are encouraged to take public transportation to this event. The Innovation Center is located directly on the SL2 (23 Drydock Ave stop).
• Parking: There is limited 90 minute parking directly in front of the building, as well as a parking garage on the corner of Drydock Avenue.

Join us as we begin Black History Month with a flag-raising ceremony and community gathering honoring the legacy, resilience, and achievements of Black communities in Boston and beyond. Established in 1926 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson as Negro History Week, this annual observance has grown into a global month-long celebration recognized across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.

This year’s kickoff will feature speakers, cultural performances, and the raising of the Black Liberation Flag—a moment of reflection, celebration, and unity. More program details will be shared soon.

 The Boston Parks and Recreation Department in partnership with the Franklin Park Coalition present the 2026 Winter Festival at Franklin Park on Saturday, February 21st, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit boston.gov/winterfest for more information about this family-friendly school vacation week event.  The event is hosted in partnership with title sponsor Highland Street Foundation and contributing sponsors H.P. Hood LLC.

The free festival is open to all and offers music, giveaways, winter activities, treats, games and crafts. Featured attractions include a synthetic ice skating rink, snowman igloo bounce house and obstacle course.  Try your musical skills at Boston Music Group’s instrument ‘petting zoo.’  Enjoy the New England Revolution interactive soccer exhibit.  Meet the horses of the Boston Park Rangers Mounted Unit and learn about their important role in our parks. 

Additional Winter Festival at Franklin Park Activities to include:

Thursday, February 19th: Stable Tour and Snowshoeing Safari

Friday, February 20th: Horse-Of-Course

The Franklin Park Golf Clubhouse is located at 1 Circuit Drive, Dorchester MA 02121. Call (617) 635-4505 or email parks@boston.gov for more information. To stay up to date with news, events, and improvements in Boston parks, visit Boston.gov/Parks, join our email list at bit.ly/Get-Parks-Emails, and follow our social channels @bostonparksdept on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.