Boston to Hold Fewer Open Newbury Street Events This Summer

Boston will scale back its Open Newbury Street events this summer, Mayor Michelle Wu said on Saturday. Wu stated that the city is managing multiple large events during June and July, including World Cup festivities, 250th anniversary celebrations, and the arrival of the Tall Ships.

She said one Open Streets event per month is the level the city can manage given public safety and coordination resources.

The city first piloted Open Newbury Street in 2016.

The program expanded to other neighborhoods in 2022. Last year, Newbury Street was closed to vehicles on 10 summer Sundays and once during the winter. Open Streets events also took place last year in Roxbury, Hyde Park, Dorchester, Mattapan, and Jamaica Plain.

The city announced four Open Streets events for this year last week. They are scheduled for Jamaica Plain on Aug. 2, Mattapan on Sept. 12, Allston/Brighton on Oct. 4, and Roslindale on Oct. 18. Dates for Open Newbury Street events remain under review.

Wu said the Open Streets series will return to a fuller schedule in 2027 after the current summer events conclude. Wu added that neighborhood block parties and World Cup watch parties will also be held this summer.