2021 Open Newbury Street dates announced

Today, Mayor Kim Janey announced Open Newbury Street will turn Newbury Street into a pedestrian-only walkway for three Sundays in August (August 15, 22, and 29) from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. As Boston emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, Open Newbury Street provides exciting new opportunities for businesses to engage their customers on repurposed street space, and allow pedestrians to enjoy the full width of this famous Boston street.

“I’m especially excited to kick-off Open Newbury Street as we look for ways to hold space for collective joy and imagination,” said Mayor Janey. “We look forward to supporting businesses by providing space for them to engage customers in creative ways. I hope residents and visitors will be able to experience all that Open Newbury Street has to offer.”

“It lends a really fun atmosphere for the whole street — everybody is in a good mood, everyone is smiling, everyone is excited to see what merchants are doing.” says Kathy Palmer, President of The Fish & Bone pet supply shop. “[Merchants] are excited to open up again: our stores are very small so it was hard to have capacity limits in the last year. Having the ability to bring your brand out onto the street in open air where everyone is safe and there’s no fear of being too close, that really helps!” 

Newbury Street will be open to pedestrians and closed to motor vehicles from 10am to 8pm from Berkeley Street to Massachusetts Avenue. Parking will be restricted on Newbury Street and adjacent streets with enforcement beginning at 5:00 a.m.; signs will be posted informing drivers of the change. 

Businesses and attendees are encouraged to promote the event on social media using #OpenNewbury. The public is encouraged to utilize the several different MBTA routes that service the area in addition to bicycling and walking. For more information, visit the event’s website at boston.gov/open-newbury. Businesses are asked to submit their plans for any of the Open Newbury days using this form.

Next month, the City of Boston will announce additional open streets events to take place in multiple Boston neighborhoods in the early fall. Pending analysis and feedback, the City will also consider additional Open Newbury Street dates in September 2021.