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Black Voices: Writers for a 19th Century Revolution - SPARK Boston Tour

Join SPARK Boston and Boston by Foot to learn about Boston’s Black writers who were laser-focused on the great topic of the era - slavery.

August 3, 2025
  • 4:00pm - 6:00pm
  • Museum of African American History
    46 Joy Street
    Boston, MA 02114
  • Contact:
    Sam Brenner
  • send an email
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Beacon Hill
    North End
  • Event Type:
    Civic Engagement
    Family friendly
    Outdoor
  • Published Date
Event Date2025-08-03T16:00:33 - 2025-08-03T18:00:33

Come along with Spark Boston and Boston By Foot for an exploration of civic engagement and history!

Learn about the mark Black thinkers and writers made on literary and political history: David Walker and his sentinel work, Appeal to the Colored Citizens of the World; novelist, playwright and editor Pauline Elizabeth Hopkins; Dorothy West and her biting satire on racial tensions, and many others.

Walk Beacon Hill as you explore where they worked, raised their families, fought injustice, and wrote. Join us Sunday, August 3 from 4 – 6 p.m. as we explore the stories of Black writers, thinkers, and revolutionaries who shaped 19th-century Boston—and American history. You can meet us at the Museum of African American History – 46 Joy Street, Boston, MA 02114.

August 3, 2025
  • 4:00pm - 6:00pm
  • Museum of African American History
    46 Joy Street
    Boston, MA 02114
  • Contact:
    Sam Brenner
  • send an email
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Beacon Hill
    North End
  • Event Type:
    Civic Engagement
    Family friendly
    Outdoor
  • Published Date
Event Date2025-08-03T16:00:33 - 2025-08-03T18:00:33

Bike Town Pop-Up At City Hall Plaza

September 3, 2025
Event Date2025-09-03T13:30:24 - 2025-09-03T16:30:24

Located on the terrace above the playground at City Hall Plaza (pending City of Boston license approval), this two-hour drop-in event is for families and children under 12 who want to learn to ride and practice their riding skills. A variety of different sized bikes and helmets will be provided, and staff will be present to lead on-bike games and teach bike riding skills and safe riding tips and techniques.

Young children riding bikes in the new City Hall Plaza bike town.
Young children riding bikes in the new City Hall Plaza bike town.



PLAN YOUR VISIT

Individuals and families: no registration is required. We will have waivers available at the site. 

Groups and schools: please email us so that we know to expect your group! Hand out waivers to students ahead of time so they can participate. Everyone that takes part in our program must have a signed waiver to ride bikes. Teachers / group leaders are responsible for collecting bringing signed waivers to the event. 
September 3, 2025
Event Date2025-09-03T13:30:24 - 2025-09-03T16:30:24

Canceled:
Bike Town Pop-Up At City Hall Plaza

Reason for cancellation: Rain
August 25, 2025
Event Date2025-08-25T13:30:23 - 2025-08-25T16:30:23

Located on the terrace above the playground at City Hall Plaza (pending City of Boston license approval), this two-hour drop-in event is for families and children under 12 who want to learn to ride and practice their riding skills. A variety of different sized bikes and helmets will be provided, and staff will be present to lead on-bike games and teach bike riding skills and safe riding tips and techniques.

Young children riding bikes in the new City Hall Plaza bike town.
Young children riding bikes in the new City Hall Plaza bike town.

 

Plan your visit

Individuals and families: no registration is required. We will have waivers available at the site. 

Groups and schools: please email us so that we know to expect your group! Hand out waivers to students ahead of time so they can participate. Everyone that takes part in our program must have a signed waiver to ride bikes. Teachers / group leaders are responsible for collecting bringing signed waivers to the event. 

August 25, 2025
Event Date2025-08-25T13:30:23 - 2025-08-25T16:30:23

Canceled:
Bike Town Pop-Up at Almont Park

Reason for cancellation: Heat advisory
July 30, 2025
Event Date2025-07-30T14:30:29 - 2025-07-30T16:30:29

Located at the Basketball Courts at Ronan Park, this two-hour drop-in event is for families and children under 12 who want to learn to ride and practice their riding skills. A variety of different sized bikes and helmets will be provided, and staff will be present to set up impermanent bike towns, lead on-bike games and teach safe bike riding skills.

Child riding on an impermanent bike town on Playstead road at Franklin Park.

Plan your visit

Individuals and families: no registration is required. We will have waivers available at the site. 

Groups and schools: please email us so that we know to expect your group! Hand out waivers to students ahead of time so they can participate. Everyone that takes part in our program must have a signed waiver to ride bikes. Teachers / group leaders are responsible for collecting bringing signed waivers to the event. 

July 30, 2025
Event Date2025-07-30T14:30:29 - 2025-07-30T16:30:29

Bike Town Pop-Up At City Hall Plaza

August 18, 2025
Event Date2025-08-18T13:30:00 - 2025-08-18T16:30:00

Located on the terrace above the playground at City Hall Plaza (pending City of Boston license approval), this two-hour drop-in event is for families and children under 12 who want to learn to ride and practice their riding skills. A variety of different sized bikes and helmets will be provided, and staff will be present to lead on-bike games and teach bike riding skills and safe riding tips and techniques.

Young children riding bikes in the new City Hall Plaza bike town.
Young children riding bikes in the new City Hall Plaza bike town.

Plan your visit

Individuals and families: no registration is required. We will have waivers available at the site. 

Groups and schools: please email us so that we know to expect your group! Hand out waivers to students ahead of time so they can participate. Everyone that takes part in our program must have a signed waiver to ride bikes. Teachers / group leaders are responsible for collecting bringing signed waivers to the event. 

August 18, 2025
Event Date2025-08-18T13:30:00 - 2025-08-18T16:30:00

Canceled:
Bike Town Pop-Up At City Hall Plaza

Reason for cancellation: Heat Emergency
August 11, 2025
Event Date2025-08-11T13:00:19 - 2025-08-11T17:00:19

Located on the terrace above the playground at City Hall Plaza (pending City of Boston license approval), this two-hour drop-in event is for families and children under 12 who want to learn to ride and practice their riding skills. A variety of different sized bikes and helmets will be provided, and staff will be present to lead on-bike games and teach bike riding skills and safe riding tips and techniques.

Young children riding bikes in the new City Hall Plaza bike town.
Young children riding bikes in the new City Hall Plaza bike town.

Plan your visit

Individuals and families: no registration is required. We will have waivers available at the site. 

Groups and schools: please email us so that we know to expect your group! Hand out waivers to students ahead of time so they can participate. Everyone that takes part in our program must have a signed waiver to ride bikes. Teachers / group leaders are responsible for collecting bringing signed waivers to the event. 

 

August 11, 2025
Event Date2025-08-11T13:00:19 - 2025-08-11T17:00:19

Canceled:
Bike Town Pop-Up at Ronan Park

Reason for cancellation: This event is canceled due to the hot temperatures in the City. Our next event is August 5 at 2:30 p.m.
July 29, 2025
Event Date2025-07-29T14:30:33 - 2025-07-29T16:30:33

Located at the Basketball Courts at Ronan Park, this two-hour drop-in event is for families and children under 12 who want to learn to ride and practice their riding skills. A variety of different sized bikes and helmets will be provided, and staff will be present to set up impermanent bike towns, lead on-bike games and teach safe bike riding skills.

Child riding on an impermanent bike town on Playstead road at Franklin Park.

July 29, 2025
Event Date2025-07-29T14:30:33 - 2025-07-29T16:30:33

Plan your visit

Individuals and families: no registration is required. We will have waivers available at the site. 

Groups and schools: please email us so that we know to expect your group! Hand out waivers to students ahead of time so they can participate. Everyone that takes part in our program must have a signed waiver to ride bikes. Teachers / group leaders are responsible for collecting bringing signed waivers to the event. 

YouthFest 2025! Summer Showcase

A collaboration between the Boston Music Project and the Office of Youth Employment and Opportunity's SuccessLink program, where up-and-coming young artists get to showcase their talent.

August 13, 2025
Event Date2025-08-13T12:00:00 - 2025-08-13T18:00:00

At Youth Fest! 2025, youth employees across the City’s Summer Youth Jobs Program are invited to celebrate the end of the summer in this culminating event. The showcase, which highlights the artistic, musical, and cultural talents of Boston young people employed in the summer youth program, will take place this year at the City of Boston’s City Hall Plaza. futureBOS partners, youth, and young adults from across the city are invited to attend this celebratory showcase to conclude the summer youth jobs experience.

Youth Fest! 2025 will take place on Wednesday, August 13 and will include:

  • Signature Youth Performances from the Boston Music Project and SuccessLink
  • Headline Performances
  • Featured Youth Visual Artists, Jewelers, and Crafts People
  • House DJ (Pro) 
  • Youth DJs 
  • A celebration that includes youth employed at over 200 local non-profit and city agency partnership sites

 *Rain Date - Thursday, August 15th

August 13, 2025
Event Date2025-08-13T12:00:00 - 2025-08-13T18:00:00

Canceled:
Bike Town Pop-Up At City Hall Plaza

Reason for cancellation: Heat advisory
July 29, 2025
Event Date2025-07-29T13:30:00 - 2025-07-29T16:30:00

Located on the terrace above the playground at City Hall Plaza (pending City of Boston license approval), this two-hour drop-in event is for families and children under 12 who want to learn to ride and practice their riding skills. A variety of different sized bikes and helmets will be provided, and staff will be present to lead on-bike games and teach bike riding skills and safe riding tips and techniques.

Young children riding bikes in the new City Hall Plaza bike town.
Young children riding bikes in the new City Hall Plaza bike town.
July 29, 2025
Event Date2025-07-29T13:30:00 - 2025-07-29T16:30:00

Plan your visit

Individuals and families: no registration is required. We will have waivers available at the site. 

Groups and schools: please email us so that we know to expect your group! Hand out waivers to students ahead of time so they can participate. Everyone that takes part in our program must have a signed waiver to ride bikes. Teachers / group leaders are responsible for collecting bringing signed waivers to the event. 

For The Culture Week

Mayor Michelle Wu invites residents and visitors alike to share in what makes Boston what it is–sports, music, food, culture, and its people.

August 25 - August 31, 2025
Event Date2025-08-25T09:00:27 - 2025-08-31T23:00:27

For the Culture Week is an opportunity to uplift, laud, and embrace the people and events that not only impact Boston, but transform industries and perceptions. There are more spaces for people to be themselves than ever before across the city. Join celebrations of one another in neighborhoods from Dorchester to Downtown. The week will be anchored by two major events: Honoring New Edition, the legendary R&B group, and cheering on the Boston HBCU Kickoff Classic to cap off the summer, brought to you by Essence and sponsored by Cash App, VISA, and Meet Boston.

August 25 - August 31, 2025
Event Date2025-08-25T09:00:27 - 2025-08-31T23:00:27

Honoring New Edition

NE update

The City of Boston will host a series of events recognizing New Edition, the legendary Boston-based R&B group founded in Roxbury in 1978. The group has had a profound impact on Boston and the music industry, and we will celebrate their contributions and legacy. To celebrate the group’s contributions and legacy, events will include a street naming ceremony and a community block party, along with a declaration of “New Edition Day” on August 30, by Mayor Michelle Wu.

The Essence HBCU Classic

For the Culture Week Logo

The HBCU Classic returns to Boston after 50 years. It will be a multi-day experience that brings Boston together to celebrate the legacy and excellence of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Feel the pride of HBCU tradition and achievement and celebrate the rich cultural influence of Boston’s Black communities. Following community events across the city, the week will be capped off by a historic match-up between Johnson C. Smith University and Morehouse College at Harvard Stadium. The event is sponsored by Cash App, VISA, and Meet Boston.

Learn More

Monday, August 25

AJ Dybantsa Foundation Bookbag Giveaway

The Foundation partners with the City and others for its 2nd Annual Backpack Giveaway for 150 youth at the BCYF Mattahunt.

6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Tuesday, August 26

City Council Listening Session on HBCU Satellite Campus

Councilor Brian Worrell (D-4) hosts a listening session regarding bringing a HBCU satellite campus to Boston.

4 - 6 p.m.

Thursday, August 28

Hella Black Trivia: HBCU Classic edition

Join neighbors and friends for fun and games as they test knowledge of HBCU culture and tradition.

5 p.m. - 12 a.m.
Boston Raiders Alumni Host Committee Reception

Join future HBCU alumni from the Boston Raiders Youth Football and Cheer for a celebration.

6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
THE AFTER PAR – A Classic Cocktail Party

An elevated evening of cocktails, conversation, live music, and curated brand activations.

6 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Friday, August 29

WorthWealthCon

Join this free event to learn how to build wealth from noted sports figures, business leaders, and community members.

9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
City Hall Pep Rally

Join this free celebration with representatives from the two football teams and the city's marching band.

4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Harvard Black Graduate Alliance X HBCU Classic Social

Join Harvard’s Black Graduate Alliance and local professionals for an evening of food, music, games, and networking.

5 p.m. - 12 a.m.
WELCOME TO THE YARD – JCSU x Morehouse

A night where the yard comes alive with soul-stirring performances and an unforgettable DJ set.

6 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Legacy: HBCU Night at HUE

Join this free after party at HUE Back Bay to celebrate HBCU culture and tradition.

9 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Old Skool Meets New Skool

Legacy, Black Excellence, Culture. Celebrate the HBCU experience.

9 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Southern Comfort

LiteWork Events, with the Greater Boston Morehouse College Alumni Association, hosts the 8th #SoCoBoston. [Ticketed Event]

10 p.m. - 2 a.m.

Saturday, August 30

New Edition Street Renaming

Family, friends, fans, and residents come together for a free back-to-school block party and ceremony honoring New Edition.

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
The Mix HBCU Classic Watch Party

Head to The Mix for a game day watch party followed by an evening celebration.

12 p.m. - 12 a.m.
Fan Fest & D9 Stroll Off

A free celebration of HBCU culture, including a stroll off organized by the Greater Boston National Pan-Hellenic Council.

1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Black Outside Block Party

Celebrate the culture with good music and food in an outdoor setting. [Ticketed Event]

2 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Cash App | Visa Presents The Essence HBCU Classic

Watch Morehouse College take on Johnson C. Smith University for the first HBCU Classic in more than 50 years.

4 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
SCHOOL DAZE – House Party Edition

Relive the magic of campus nights with live music, vibrant energy, and a house party that doesn’t quit.

6 p.m. - 2 a.m.
The Yard at Savvor

This is more than an event…it’s a celebration of legacy, pride, and Black excellence.

9 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Toasted Life | HBCU Classic Weekend After Party

Whether repping an HBCU or just in town for the vibes, pull up to HUE for a night to remember.

10 p.m. - 2 a.m.

Sunday, August 31

Boston Raiders 50th Season Opener

Join local youth for the kickoff of their 50th football season with a full day of exciting matchups.

9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
MILK & HONEY – The All White Classic Brunch Affair

Brunch turns into a full-on vibe with bottomless flavors, all-white elegance, and a live mashup from DJ Alcide and Sticks.

11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sunday Brunch: “Homecoming” Edition

Bring your college or university gear to The Mix for a special Homecoming event.

12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
HBCU Day at Fenway Park

At the Boston Red Sox vs. Pittsburgh Pirates game, there will be a special recognition of HBCU alumni. [Ticketed Event]

1:35 p.m.
All the Feels R&B: Homecoming Edition

Come to City Hall Plaza for the fastest growing R&B party in the country, curated for the culture by the culture.

4 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Gospel Fest

A free, soul-stirring evening of music and inspiration with headline performer John P. Kee, "The Prince of Gospel Music.”

5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
ALL THAT JAZZ – Roella Oloro

End the weekend with dinner and the smooth sophistication of live jazz.

6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
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