The Lantern Parade began in 1984 as a seasonal celebration to bring light into the winter: “Better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.” It is a two-night family outing with music, home-made cider and empanadas. Jamaica Pond is circled with light by families carrying community-made lanterns.

For some participants it’s the first time seeing that liquid jewel of the Emerald Necklace. Spontaneous celebrations holds workshops in local schools, libraries, housing developments and community centers where artists teach community members how to make their own lanterns with everyday materials. Children and adults leave the workshops with skills and creations to bring to the Lantern Parade, and back to their homes and communities.

The gathering begins at 6pm. Participants meet and light their lanterns at the Jamaica Plain Boat house. Freshly pressed Apple Cider is affordably sold hot or cold, as are empanadas and other grab and go food items. A line up of local musicians and artists participate and offer entertainment for the crowd.

This year we are planning to partner with the following organizations to provide entertainment:

1) The North American Indian Center of Boston (NAICB) to provide music and dance

2) Paige Academy, a Roxbury based independent school, to provide African drumming and dance

3) Pumawari Tusuy to perform traditional Peruvian dance

We will highlight and celebrate through engagement all families and people. We incorporate artistic traditions and performances from different cultures including Native American, African, Latino, and Dutch traditions. Our event occurs in a public space and is free to attend and wheelchair accessible. 

Halloween is creeping up, and we’re hyped to announce the return of THE BLAIR B*TCH PROJECT! The Blair B*tch Project (BBP) is a Halloween Party and Concert highlighting creative women in the Greater Boston Area. Combining Halloween festivities with an all-women line-up of DJs, artists and entertainers, BBP centers the rich cultural contributions of women to Boston's creative community.

It's going down this October at Chez Vous, and we’re throwing a massive Halloween party + concert to celebrate the women who’ve been running the scene! 🖤

POP OUT ON OCTOBER 17—it’s gonna be a night to remember!

DATE:

Thursday, October 17, 2024

TIME:

8 p.m. - 12 a.m. (DON’T BE LATE)

LOCATION:

Chez Vous

11 Rhoades Street, Mattapan, MA 02126

PARKING:

Limited street parking (Uber/rideshare highly recommended)

EXTRAS + ACTIVITIES

Local vendors

Rollerskating

Photo Ops

PERFORMANCES BY:

Cleotrapa

kei

Big Sosa

Baby Indiglo

DJ Rayvino

Brandi Chanel

F.I.S.T.S.

Special thanks to our partners:

City of Boston, Office of Nightlife Economy

Enjoy The Thrill

COLOURS

Dyke Alley wishes to create an inclusive space to celebrate members of the LGBTQ+ community, particularly lesbian and transgender communities within Boston. They collaborate with DJs in Boston and wish to employ other LGBTQ+ artists and performers that live local to Boston, as well as hiring an Audio/Visual Director to further the immersive experience of the event.

Found Boston and the Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion present Found On Canal, bringing a series of four vintage markets to Canal Street, across from the entrance to the TD Garden, in September and October. These markets will feature 30 of Boston's best vintage vendors. 

Join us on Friday, October 11 for the final of four vintage markets, taking place on Canal Street from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. before the Billie Eilish concert at the TD Garden. 

Found Boston and the Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion present Found On Canal, bringing a series of four vintage markets to Canal Street, across from the entrance to the TD Garden, in September and October. These markets will feature 30 of Boston's best vintage vendors. 

Join us on Thursday, October 3 for the third of four vintage markets, taking place on Canal Street from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. before the Sabrina Carpenter concert at the TD Garden. 

Found Boston and the Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion present Found On Canal, bringing a series of four vintage markets to Canal Street, across from the entrance to the TD Garden, in September and October. These markets will feature 30 of Boston's best vintage vendors. 

Join us on Saturday, September 28, for the second of four vintage markets, taking place on Canal Street from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. before the Charlie XCX and Troye Sivan concert at the TD Garden. 

Found Boston and the Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion present Found On Canal, bringing a series of four vintage markets to Canal Street, across from the entrance to the TD Garden, in September and October. These markets will feature 30 of Boston's best vintage vendors. 

Join us on Friday, September 27, for the first of four vintage markets, taking place on Canal Street from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. before the Vampire Weekend concert at the TD Garden. 

Join representatives from some of Boston’s most prestigious corporate and public institutions as they share their lighthearted – and often hilarious – commentary on the Latino community, their contributions to the city and state, and their many lovable quirks.  Featuring an awards presentation recognizing individuals that make the area’s Latino community truly special.

Tickets

Celebrate Latinx Heritage Month at Fiesta en la Plaza! Enjoy performances by award-winning Puerto Rican saxophonist Edmar Colón and pianist Alain Mallet, the charming Fabiola Méndez Trio, the dynamic Meta Movements dance group, and the versatile Colombian artist Manuela Sánchez Goubert and her band. Let’s celebrate Latin talent!

Register

Join us on Saturday, September 14, as we celebrate Central American Independence Day with a vibrant festival on City Hall Plaza! This event will honor the rich cultural heritage of Central America, featuring the ceremonial raising of flags from countries such as Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Belize.

The day will be filled with traditional music, dance, and delicious cuisine from across Central America. It's a wonderful opportunity to learn about and experience the pride and unity of the Central American community here in Boston. All are welcome to join in this joyous celebration of culture, history, and community!

Don’t miss it—let’s come together to show our support and appreciation for the Central American diaspora.