Boston, September 7, 2025
News Summary
Boston’s Office of Nightlife Economy has launched new initiatives aimed at enhancing community-centered nightlife. The plan includes inflatable nightclubs for neighborhood events and support for local queer groups seeking inclusive spaces. Corean Reynolds, the newly appointed director, emphasized the importance of accessibility and safety in nightlife settings. The inflatable nightclubs will serve as flexible venues for various community gatherings, helping to address the decline of LGBTQ+-designated spaces and foster a safer environment for all.
Boston
Boston’s Office of Nightlife Economy has introduced a new set of initiatives aimed at expanding community-centered nightlife and improving access to safe, inclusive spaces. Key measures include a proposal for temporary inflatable nightclubs to host neighborhood events and support for local groups serving queer communities of color, which are working to secure permanent venues amid a shrinking pool of LGBTQ+-designated spaces.
Top details
The city’s newly appointed director of the Office of Nightlife Economy, Corean Reynolds, outlined a plan to pilot inflatable nightclubs—large, temporary structures resembling giant bounce houses—designed to host block parties, family-friendly activities like kids karaoke nights, and other community gatherings. The concept is intended to provide flexible, pop-up space that can be set up in public plazas and parks for short-term events.
At the same time, a local nightlife collective that began in 2016 as Men of Melanin Magic and has since rebranded as Frolic is expanding its programming and fundraising efforts to secure a permanent venue for queer people of color. The group reports difficulty securing consistent, welcoming venues and has opted to withdraw from locations where attendees experienced poor treatment. Planning and production staff are prioritizing safety, accessibility, and cultural belonging when selecting event sites.
Supporting details
The inflatable nightclub proposal is framed as a tool for neighborhood activation rather than a replacement for traditional nightlife venues. Officials and event organizers view inflatable structures as adaptable, low-cost ways to deliver daytime and evening programming that ranges from family events to adult-focused community nights.
Frolic, founded by organizers who launched the group to address a lack of nightlife options for queer people of color, now runs events across several major cities in addition to Boston. The collective has held gatherings at public and semi-public locations including Faneuil Hall, Boston Common, and Downtown Crossing Plaza, and has produced themed takeovers and daytime programming such as drag shows and brunches to increase daytime visibility for queer communities.
The group’s director of production has emphasized the challenge of finding stable, long-term venues as LGBTQ+-designated spaces have declined. Staff and volunteers have prioritized pulling events from sites where staff behavior or policies compromised attendee safety. Organizers are actively fundraising to establish a dedicated venue that can reliably host Frolic’s programming.
Safety context and trends
Organizers point to rising concerns about safety and inclusion in nightlife settings. Official data tracking hate crimes in Massachusetts shows an increase in incidents targeting LGBT individuals, with a reported 30 percent rise from 2021 to 2022. Independent researchers have found that LGBT people are significantly more likely than non-LGBT people to experience violent hate crimes, a dynamic that shapes how community groups vet and choose event locations.
Many attendees report anxiety about entering new venues because of past traumatic experiences or exposure to violence. These concerns have prompted event organizers to prioritize background checks on venues, staff training in inclusive practices, and public communication about safety measures.
Related private-sector offerings
Separately, companies that rent themed inflatable venues offer services that overlap with the city’s inflatable concept. One Irish-founded business operating out of Boston provides an inflatable Irish pub product available nationwide for private events, offering traditional decor, food and drink options, and event planning services for weddings, corporate gatherings, and community events. Such private rentals illustrate the broader market for temporary, themed inflatables as event infrastructure.
Next steps and fundraising
City officials are exploring pilot programs and logistical requirements for deploying inflatable nightclubs in public spaces, including permitting, accessibility, and safety protocols. Frolic’s leadership is pursuing fundraising to secure a permanent venue and is expanding events that emphasize daytime visibility, community-building, and culturally responsive programming. Event planners and city staff are working to ensure temporary pop-up spaces and permanent venues alike meet safety and inclusion standards.
Background
Men of Melanin Magic began in 2016 as a response to limited nightlife options for queer people of color and later rebranded to Frolic to reflect a focus on liberation and joyful gatherings. The rebranding accompanies broader efforts to expand regionally and to make queer-focused events more accessible. The Office of Nightlife Economy, now led by Corean Reynolds, was created to support the city’s entertainment and community event ecosystem and to find new ways to program public space.
FAQ
What are inflatable nightclubs?
Inflatable nightclubs are large, temporary structures made of durable inflatable materials that can be set up in public plazas or parks to host events. They are intended for short-term programming like block parties, family activities, and pop-up performances.
Who is leading the city’s nightlife initiatives?
The Office of Nightlife Economy is led by Corean Reynolds as of early 2024. The office develops programming ideas and pilots to animate public spaces and expand access to community-focused nightlife.
What is Frolic and what does it aim to do?
Frolic is a nightlife collective that began in 2016 focused on creating nightlife spaces for queer people of color. The group organizes events across cities, emphasizes inclusive and welcoming environments, and is fundraising to secure a permanent venue.
How are safety concerns being addressed?
Organizers and city officials are planning safety protocols, venue vetting, staff training, and clear attendee communications. These steps are intended to reduce risk and increase trust among communities that have experienced past violence or discrimination.
Can private companies provide inflatable venues?
Yes. Private vendors offer themed inflatable rentals for a range of events. These businesses provide planning services, decor, and hospitality options for temporary event spaces and may operate locally and nationwide.
Quick reference table
| Topic | Details | Next Steps / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Office leadership | Corean Reynolds appointed director in early 2024 | Pilot programs and public messaging about pop-up events |
| Inflatable nightclubs | Temporary, pop-up structures for community events and family activities | Permitting, safety checks, and accessibility planning required |
| Frolic (formerly Men of Melanin Magic) | Collective focused on queer people of color; operating regionally; fundraising for permanent venue | Continue venue searches and community fundraising |
| Venue challenges | Decline in LGBTQ+-designated spaces; need for reliable, welcoming locations | Vetting processes and potential city support for accessible venues |
| Safety context | Hate crimes against LGBT individuals in Massachusetts rose about 30% from 2021 to 2022 | Implement safety protocols and staff training at events |
| Private inflatable vendors | Companies offer themed inflatable pubs and event structures with nationwide options | Options available for private events; coordination needed for public use |
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Additional Resources
- NBC Boston: Boston Inflatable Nightclub
- Wikipedia: Nightlife
- Herald News: It’s 2 Cool Unveils Boston Bar Mitzvah Venues
- Google Search: Boston’s Nightlife
- Boston Globe: Founders Create Nightlife for Queer People of Color
- Encyclopedia Britannica: LGBTQ Rights
- New York Post: Inflatable Irish Pub
- Google News: Inflatable Nightclubs
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
