Boston’s North End, September 6, 2025
News Summary
The San Gennaro Feast is set to take place in Boston’s North End from September 5 to 7, featuring a vibrant array of food from local restaurants, live music, and community fundraising efforts. Organized by the Saint Gennaro Foundation, the festival will benefit A Voice for Mikey and Autism Eats, helping families affected by autism. Attendees can enjoy attractions such as a Beer Garden, live performances, and a closing procession with the statue of Saint Gennaro.
Boston
San Gennaro Feast returns to Boston’s North End Sept. 5–7 with food, music and fundraising
What: The annual San Gennaro Feast will take place from September 5 to 7, 2025, offering food, live music and community events. The weekend-long festival is organized by the Saint Gennaro Foundation and will benefit two nonprofit groups focused on supporting families affected by autism.
Where: The event will be staged along Paul Revere Mall on Hanover Street in Boston’s North End.
Who benefits: Proceeds from the feast will be directed to A Voice for Mikey and Autism Eats, organizations that provide funding and services to families of children with autism. A Voice for Mikey is also hosting a gala on September 3 to raise additional funds for specialized care and support; contributions and applications for assistance can be submitted through A Voice for Mikey’s website.
Key attractions and performers
- Food and drink from more than three dozen North End restaurants, including Strega, Bricco, My Mother’s Cutlets, Antico Forno, Prezza, Little Sage, Mother Anna’s, Cini, Forcella, Lucca and Giacomo’s.
- Festival features such as a Beer Garden, an Espresso Martini Bar, live DJs and raffles.
- Live music throughout the weekend with scheduled appearances by Ruben Studdard, Al McKay’s Earth Wind and Fire Experience, and The Miami Sound Revue.
- The weekend concludes with a special Mass and a procession featuring the statue of Saint Gennaro, conducted by priests from St. Stephens.
Organization and purpose
The Saint Gennaro Foundation is a nonprofit named for the patron saint of Naples, Italy. The foundation runs the feast as a community fundraiser and cultural celebration. Organizers emphasize that proceeds support local families, especially those affected by autism, by funding specialized care and services through the benefitting groups.
Other community events the same weekend
Several major events are scheduled in the region the same weekend, which may affect crowds and transportation:
- Breakaway Music Festival at Palladium, featuring The Chainsmokers and DJ Diesel (Shaquille O’Neal).
- Outlaw Music Festival at Xfinity Center on Sunday, featuring Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan and Sheryl Crow.
- A separate Greek festival in Somerville at Dormition of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church, running Sept. 5–7 and expecting more than 10,000 visitors, celebrating Greek food, music and dancing.
- Cambridge Carnival International on Sunday, Sept. 7, celebrating African and Caribbean culture with costumes, music and crafts.
Practical notes for attendees
The feast takes place outdoors along a pedestrian-focused section of the North End. Attendees should expect large crowds during peak mealtimes and musical headliners. The festival offers multiple food and beverage stations and family-friendly activities. The procession and Mass are scheduled as the weekend’s closing events.
Background
The San Gennaro tradition in Boston’s North End traces to Italian-American community celebrations that highlight cultural foodways, music and religious observances. The Saint Gennaro Foundation uses the event to raise funds for charitable purposes while maintaining cultural and religious elements, including the traditional procession with the statue of Saint Gennaro.
FAQ
When and where is the San Gennaro Feast?
The feast runs from September 5 to 7, 2025, along Paul Revere Mall on Hanover Street in Boston’s North End.
Which groups benefit from the event?
Proceeds support A Voice for Mikey and Autism Eats, which provide funding and services to families affected by autism.
What types of food and vendors will be present?
More than three dozen North End restaurants will participate, offering Italian and other fare from vendors including Strega, Bricco, My Mother’s Cutlets, Antico Forno, Prezza, Little Sage, Mother Anna’s, Cini, Forcella, Lucca and Giacomo’s.
Are there musical performances and special attractions?
Yes. The weekend features live musical performances by Ruben Studdard, Al McKay’s Earth Wind and Fire Experience, and The Miami Sound Revue, plus a Beer Garden, an Espresso Martini Bar, live DJs and raffles.
Is there a religious component?
The feast concludes with a Mass and a procession featuring the statue of Saint Gennaro, performed by priests from St. Stephens.
Are there other events in the area the same weekend?
Yes. Notable simultaneous events include the Breakaway Music Festival at Palladium, the Outlaw Music Festival at Xfinity Center, a Greek festival in Somerville at Dormition of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church, and the Cambridge Carnival International on Sunday, Sept. 7.
How can families seek assistance or support from A Voice for Mikey?
A Voice for Mikey accepts contributions and applications for assistance through its website and is hosting a gala on September 3 to raise funds for family support and services.
Quick reference
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | San Gennaro Feast |
| Dates | September 5–7, 2025 (Gala supporting A Voice for Mikey on September 3) |
| Location | Paul Revere Mall on Hanover Street, North End, Boston |
| Main attractions | Food from 30+ North End restaurants, Beer Garden, Espresso Martini Bar, live DJs, raffles, live concerts |
| Headliners | Ruben Studdard; Al McKay’s Earth Wind and Fire Experience; The Miami Sound Revue |
| Beneficiaries | A Voice for Mikey; Autism Eats |
| Closing events | Mass and procession with statue of Saint Gennaro (priests from St. Stephens) |
| Other nearby events | Breakaway Music Festival (Palladium); Outlaw Music Festival (Xfinity Center); Somerville Greek festival (Dormition of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church); Cambridge Carnival International |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Patch: San Gennaro Feast and Events
- CBS News: Weekend To-Do List
- WHDH: San Gennaro Feast Supporting Local Charity
- Wikipedia: San Gennaro
- Time Out: Feast of San Gennaro Guide
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