DORCHESTER WEATHER is an original play about climate and change, led by Dorchester resident, theater artist and educator Jaronzie Harris. It is the culmination of a year-long process that engages Dorchester residents in an exploration of environmental issues that are disproportionately impacting their community.

DORCHESTER WEATHER showcases community members coming together to tell a story that raises questions at the intersection of environmental justice, neighborhood development, and social resilience. The script came to life through dialogue, workshops, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

DORCHESTER WEATHER is a product of the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture Boston Artist in Residence program in partnership with Kathleen Hart of the City of Boston Environment Department.

There will be food, music, and interactive activities. Come share your thoughts and ideas, as we dive deep into the implications of climate change for Dorchester.

See you at the show!

The Summer Dance Party series will take place on select Thursdays in July through September except for our House Series which will be held on Friday, September 22. Each Dance Party will take place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at City Hall Plaza. Please see below breakdown for dates and times; 

• R&B Dance Party August 10, 2023, at 5 p.m.- 8 p.m.

This family-friendly event is free and open to the public. Guests will be able to dance the night away to all of Donna Summer’s greatest hits in a groovy atmosphere complete with glow sticks, bubbles, colorful lights, a disco ball, and the highly anticipated return of roller skating on City Hall Plaza.

Special performances by Donna Summer's sister, Mary Gaines Bernard and her nephew O'Mega Red, Music by DJ Vince1

Boston-born disco legend Donna Summer is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a five-time Grammy winner, and sold over 140 million records worldwide. She was born in Dorchester and was raised in Mission Hill before rising to stardom in the 1970s. She passed away at the age of 62 years old on May 17, 2012. This annual event honors her life and celebrates her music and legacy in Boston.

When Old North Church opened its doors in 1723, it fanned the flames of a growing religious controversy over sacred singing. While Old North was Boston’s second Anglian Church, Massachusetts was dominated by Congregationalists who had strict rules about what type of music was appropriate for worship.

Old North’s massive new presence in Boston’s North End delivered a powerful ritual challenge to the city’s Congregationalists, none more important than the innovative psalm texts and tunes that its congregation sang at Sunday services. This talk from Dr. Stephen A. Marini of Wellesley College will explore these little-known sacred song practices and their contexts from the earliest decades of Old North’s history.

The NEMPAC Open Mic Night on Friday, April 21 will honor One Boston Day by donating any proceeds from the event directly to the Massachusetts Coalition Against Gun Violence. This is a free event, registration is required. Community members who are 21+ are invited to join us as a performer or audience member.

sign up here

6 p.m. | Tree Lighting Ceremony

• Performances by Boston Children's Chorus and Berklee's Grooversity
• Refreshments from Tasty Burger
• Cider and cocoa
• Meet and greet with Red Sox mascots, Wally and Tessie

6:45 p.m. | Luminary Walk

7 - 9 p.m. | Community Skate at The Rink at 401 Park

The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is hosting the City’s second annual Ready Boston Field Day at English High School Track and Field on Saturday, September 9, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. 

• Learn CPR and first aid from Boston Emergency Medical Services through demonstrations and practice sessions.
• Get fire-safety tips from the Boston Fire Department.
• Participate in an emergency exercise with public safety professionals.
• Get an inside look at emergency vehicles: SWAT vehicles, ambulances, police cruisers, fire trucks, emergency management vehicles, and more.
• Build an emergency kit to help you and your family prepare for an emergency.
• Play preparedness games and collect giveaways!