City of Boston suspend parades and festivals through Labor Day

Mayor Martin J. Walsh today in accordance with public health guidance around the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic announced that city-permitted parades and festivals taking place outdoors on city property and expected to draw large crowds will not be allowed in the City of Boston this summer, up to and including Labor Day on September 7, 2020. 

"While we're planning a healthy, phased reopening and an equitable recovery process, I know this announcement will be disappointing to many residents and organizations that look forward to these events each year," said Mayor Walsh. "This is a hard public health decision, but it's the right one. I encourage people in the planning stages to rethink their events, and thank them for their work to inspire us, and help our communities get through this difficult time."

The City of Boston has made the decision to continue to suspend events that bring large crowds together in close contact, like a road race, concert, or flag-raising. No one will be issued a permit by the City of Boston for a public event that could draw a large crowd. Smaller public outdoor events on City property with appropriate social distancing may be considered on a case-by-case basis, pending continued guidance from public health officials. 

The Mayor added, “We will continue to monitor the situation, and adjust if we can, but I think it’s very likely that we are looking at a cap on all events through the summer.”

The City of Boston encourages organizers to host events through virtual means, such as the 24th Annual 2020 Mother's Day Walk for Peace, which has transitioned into a virtual walk-a-thon. The Boston Symphony Orchestra will not be holding a live performance of the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on July 4. Instead, it will present, on television and online, A Boston Pops Salute to Our Heroes, in honor of front-line workers and all those who have lost their lives to the health crisis. City of Boston events that will move to a virtual option include the Donna Summer Disco and Gospelfest.