Mayor Wu Announces Open Streets 2024

Mayor Michelle Wu today announced six Open Streets events, adding Hyde Park as an Open Streets location and beginning the popular car-free event series earlier in the year. Similar to years past, more than a mile will be temporarily closed to vehicular traffic to create room for community and play. The half-day events will allow local businesses to expand into the street, and to safely make space for music, games, bicycling, community tabling, and more. This year, Open Streets will be in Dorchester, Roxbury, Jamaica Plain, Hyde Park, East Boston, and Allston-Brighton, with events throughout late spring, summer, and early fall. These pedestrian-focused events build on Mayor Wu’s commitment to reimagining our streets and making Boston the best city in the country for families. 

“Over the last two years, we have seen Open Streets events transform public streets into shared community spaces where residents can experience the full liveliness of our neighborhoods and small businesses can be supported,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “We’re thrilled to keep this going this year.”

The timing of the Open Streets series has been extended from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. to 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This year, streets will close to vehicular traffic at 9:00 a.m. and reopen at 6:00 p.m.

“Expanding our Open Streets events gives residents more opportunities to explore new neighborhoods in their city,” said Jascha Franklin-Hodge, Chief of Streets. “Open Streets bring neighborhoods together to enjoy a safe, fun environment for walking, biking, and recreation.”

“Open Streets events are a wonderful opportunity for Boston residents to support small businesses and enjoy their neighborhoods,” said Segun Idowu, Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion. “I appreciate the Mayor and colleagues across the Administration, our partners in the field, and the women- and BIPOC-led businesses helping to grow the number of safe and successful Open Streets events.”  

“The expansion of Open Streets brings Hyde Park neighbors together to experience joy and unity in their community,” said Community Engagement Cabinet Chief Brianna Millor. “I am excited to see Hyde Park businesses thrive and see the smiles on residents' faces that will attend this festive, community-centered event attracting residents throughout our city.” 

This year’s Open Streets dates are as follows:

• Sunday, May 5, 2024 - Dorchester
• Saturday, June 22, 2024 - Roxbury
• Sunday, July 21, 2024 - Jamaica Plain
• Sunday, August 11, 2024 - Hyde Park
• Sunday, September 15, 2024 - East Boston
• Sunday, October 20, 2024 - Allston-Brighton

For the inaugural Open Streets Hyde Park route, the pedestrian-only zone will stretch from the intersections of Hyde Park Ave. and River Street to Fairmount Avenue and Davison Street. 

"Being a woman owned local business in Hyde Park is exciting and even more so with Open Streets coming to my community,” said Emily Pimentel, owner of Events by Emily, whose Hyde Park business has supported previous years of Open Streets events with balloon installations. “I have been a part of this project since the beginning and feel honored to celebrate this year again!"

Open Streets programming will vary slightly by neighborhood but will include food trucks, face painting, balloon animals, crafts, interactive games, photo installations, exclusive performances and activations, and Pedicabs. New this year, the Boston Fire Department and the Office of Emergency Management are partnering to introduce hydrant-fed misting stations at key locations to help residents stay cool at Open Streets events.

“Open Streets Roxbury provides a great outreach opportunity for non-profits trying to reach an underserved population. There is no charge to set up a table and reach the thousands of people who will be enjoying open streets that day.  We welcome small vendors selling food items, arts and crafts, and health and beauty aids like soaps,” said Ed Gaskin, Executive Director, Greater Grove Hall Main Streets. “This one-day event has more shoppers than all but the largest farmers markets or festivals. It also provides a platform for schools such as dance, music, martial arts, and other artists to show the world their skills.”

Open Newbury, a similar event series that closes Newbury Street in the Back Bay to vehicular traffic, will also be returning this year. First piloted in 2016, thousands of people have enjoyed food, shopping, and dining in the street. Dates will be announced closer to the summer.

Open Streets first started in the summer of 2022 with three neighborhoods. The City is contracting again this year with Shana Bryant Consulting, a Black- and woman-owned small business, to carry out Boston’s Open Streets program.

“Shana Bryant Consulting is thrilled that Open Streets Boston is back! We will have programming for all ages, and we are excited to bring back the kids and music hubs, vendor and resource rows, and of course, food from local restaurants and Pedicabs! After executing 8 successful events in 5 neighborhoods, announcing a new neighborhood means more fun for everyone! We look forward to seeing you from May to October in Dorchester, Roxbury, Jamaica Plain, East Boston, Allston Brighton, and the newest neighborhood Hyde Park with family fun for everyone,” said Shana Bryant. “Be sure to visit the website, subscribe to the newsletter, and add the dates to your family calendar.”

More on Open Streets 2024 can be found here.