News Summary
Boston has kicked off a series of open street events on Newbury Street, aimed at fostering community spirit and supporting local businesses. Every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., a stretch of the street will be pedestrian-friendly, encouraging outdoor activities and increasing foot traffic for local retailers. The initiative also aims to promote neighborhood connection through various family-friendly events. Following a successful pilot, it’s part of a wider effort to create vibrant urban spaces.
Boston Launches Open Newbury Street Events to Promote Community Engagement and Local Businesses
Boston has initiated a series of open street events on Newbury Street, designed to enhance community engagement and support local businesses. Starting July 2, 2025, this one-mile, eight-block stretch from Berkeley Street to Massachusetts Avenue will be closed to car traffic every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., running until October 15, 2025, with the exception of August 31. Parking will be prohibited along the route beginning at 5 a.m. on Sundays.
The Open Newbury Street events are part of the broader Open Streets initiative launched in Boston to create pedestrian-friendly spaces that foster community activities and promote local commerce. The initiative allows local businesses to host various outdoor programs, including family-friendly activities and pop-up parklets, aimed at attracting visitors to the area.
This project follows a successful pilot program that began in 2016 and has since expanded in scope, demonstrating increased participation from local businesses and residents each year. The president of the Back Bay Association has highlighted how these events provide notable benefits for restaurants and retailers by increasing foot traffic and introducing new patrons to the area.
Upcoming Events and Activities
The Open Newbury Street events will be held every Sunday through September 21, 2025, except for August 31. Residents and visitors are encouraged to engage in a variety of neighborhood activities, such as crafts, games, and food truck offerings. A winter Open Newbury event is planned for December 7, 2025, focusing on holiday shopping activities, further emphasizing the initiative’s commitment to community involvement throughout the year.
Expansion of Open Streets Initiative
This initiative is part of Boston’s city-wide Open Streets program, which was launched in 2022 and initially featured events in neighborhoods such as Dorchester, Jamaica Plain, and Roxbury. Due to its success, the program has now been expanded to include five neighborhoods. Future Open Streets events are scheduled in Hyde Park on August 10, Dorchester on September 14, Mattapan on October 18, and Jamaica Plain on November 2, 2025.
Community and City Collaboration
City officials emphasize the importance of these events in fostering community relationships and showcasing the unique aspects of various neighborhoods. The Open Streets program is a collaborative effort involving multiple city departments that focus on enhancing accessibility, cleanliness, and safety during community events.
Residents are encouraged to use bicycles, scooters, or roller skates as a means of transportation for a more active experience during the events. The overarching goal of the Open Newbury Street initiative is to reimagine urban streets as vibrant public spaces where community engagement thrives, and local businesses can flourish.
Boston’s Open Newbury Street events are more than just street closures; they are a concerted effort to strengthen community bonds and foster an environment where local businesses can showcase their offerings while encouraging pedestrian-friendly activities. As the summer progresses, these events promise to create opportunities for connection, engagement, and enjoyment among Boston’s diverse residents and visitors.
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Additional Resources
- Boston Herald
- Wikipedia: Open streets
- Jamaica Plain News
- Google Search: Boston Open Streets
- Boston 25 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community Engagement
