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Frog Pond Spray Pool Opening

Mayor Michelle Wu and The Skating Club of Boston are pleased to welcome children and their caregivers to kick off the 2026 summer wading season as the Boston Common Frog Pond spray pool reopens on Wednesday, July 1.

July 1, 2026
Event Date2026-07-01T11:00:00 - 2026-07-01T13:00:00

The wading pool opening is made possible by presenting sponsors H.P. Hood LLC and the New England Dairy Council. The event will include an exciting celebration at 11 a.m. followed by the opening of the spray pool. In addition to activities from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., residents can enjoy tasty treats and a visit from official mascot Frog Pond Freddie. Also offering giveaways and activities from various participants. 

A year-round recreational facility, the Frog Pond offers ice skating in the winter, a spray pool and supervised wading for youth in the summer, and the Carousel from spring through fall. Information on additional activities offered at the Frog Pond can be found by visiting www.bostonfrogpond.com.

The Frog Pond spray pool is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. until Labor Day. The facility is managed by The Skating Club of Boston and staffed by youth workers from the Boston Youth Fund. For further information, please call the Frog Pond at (617) 635-2120.

For more information visit www.boston.gov/frogpond.To stay up to date with news, events, and improvements in Boston parks visit boston.gov/parks, call (617) 635-4505, join our email list, and follow our social channels @bostonparksdept on X, Facebook, Instagram, and @parks.boston.gov on Bluesky.

July 1, 2026
Event Date2026-07-01T11:00:00 - 2026-07-01T13:00:00

Summer Dance Party Series

This family-friendly event series is free and open to the public.

September 12, 2026
  • 5:00pm - 9:00pm
  • 1 City Hall Square
    Boston, MA 02201-2006
  • Contact:
    Tourism, Sports, & Entertainment
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Downtown
  • Published Date
Event Date2026-09-12T17:00:00 - 2026-09-12T21:00:00

We're excited to bring you the Summer Dance Party Series. Full details including talent are coming soon. Stay tuned to this page and follow us on social media for the latest updates. We look forward to seeing you there!

September 12, 2026
  • 5:00pm - 9:00pm
  • 1 City Hall Square
    Boston, MA 02201-2006
  • Contact:
    Tourism, Sports, & Entertainment
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Downtown
  • Published Date
Event Date2026-09-12T17:00:00 - 2026-09-12T21:00:00

Summer Dance Party Series

Join us for SILK R&B Cookout, part of Mayor Michelle Wu's Summer Dance Party Series, in collaboration with Democracy Beer Garden.

August 14, 2026
  • 5:00pm - 10:00pm
  • 1 City Hall Square
    Boston, MA 02201-2006
  • Contact:
    Tourism, Sports, & Entertainment
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Downtown
  • Published Date
Event Date2026-08-14T17:00:00 - 2026-08-14T22:00:00

Mayor Michelle Wu's Summer Dance Party Series continues with SILK R&B Cookout, bringing an evening of R&B, food, and community to City Hall Plaza.

When: Friday, August 14, 5 – 10 p.m.
Where: City Hall Plaza
Cost: Free and open to the public

Music by: ReaL P, Baby Indiglo, MEZ.WAV, and Special Guest ALEXANDR.

Music Performance by: Nahli, a 2X nominee for R&B Artist of the Year at the Boston Music Awards.

Bring your friends and family for a laid-back cookout vibe with great music, good food, and good company right in the heart of the City. This event is free and open to everyone.

August 14, 2026
  • 5:00pm - 10:00pm
  • 1 City Hall Square
    Boston, MA 02201-2006
  • Contact:
    Tourism, Sports, & Entertainment
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Downtown
  • Published Date
Event Date2026-08-14T17:00:00 - 2026-08-14T22:00:00

26th Annual Boston Gospel Fest

Join us for the 26th annual Gospel Fest, New England’s largest Gospel music celebration!

August 30, 2026
  • 4:30pm - 8:00pm
  • 1 City Hall Square
    Boston, MA 02201-2006
  • Contact:
    Tourism, Sports, & Entertainment
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Downtown
  • Published Date
Event Date2026-08-30T16:30:00 - 2026-08-30T20:00:00

Boston's beloved celebration of gospel music returns to City Hall Plaza this summer! Join Mayor Michelle Wu and the City of Boston for an unforgettable evening of soul-stirring music, powerful voices, and community spirit as Boston Gospel Fest makes its way back to the plaza.

Now in its 26th year, this free, family-friendly event brings together some of the region's most gifted vocalists, choirs, and performers for a night celebrating unity, culture, and the sound that moves us all. Join us at City Hall Plaza on Sunday, August 30, 2026, from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

This year's headlining artist is Todd Galberth. Galberth will be joined by a lineup of talented performers including the Community Choir, City Praise Team, Jesus Gang The Family,  Alexis Benoit, Angela Elizabeth, Pastor Jeremy D. Battle, and the Boston Latin School Gospel Choir. The Community Choir features participation from more than 85 members representing nearly 40 churches across the city and region.

The event will feature food vendors, including Cool Shade Jamaican Food Truck, Gourmet Fingerz Southern Cuisine, delicious cookies from Boston Cookie Kitchen and more.

Bring your family, bring your friends, and bring your voice, Boston Gospel Fest is a celebration for the whole city.

Note: All attendees should bring their own chair.

August 30, 2026
  • 4:30pm - 8:00pm
  • 1 City Hall Square
    Boston, MA 02201-2006
  • Contact:
    Tourism, Sports, & Entertainment
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Downtown
  • Published Date
Event Date2026-08-30T16:30:00 - 2026-08-30T20:00:00

Donna Summer Disco Party

Mayor Michelle Wu and the Office of Tourism, Sports, and Entertainment welcome you to join us for the 12th Annual Donna Summer Disco Party.

August 28, 2026
  • 5:00pm - 9:00pm
  • 1 City Hall Square
    Boston, MA 02201-2006
  • Contact:
    Tourism, Sports, and Entertainment
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Downtown
  • Published Date
Event Date2026-08-28T17:00:00 - 2026-08-28T21:00:00

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 roller skating on City Hall Plaza.

DJ Vince1 will be playing all of Donna Summer's greatest hits and more classics.

DS-graphic

August 28, 2026
  • 5:00pm - 9:00pm
  • 1 City Hall Square
    Boston, MA 02201-2006
  • Contact:
    Tourism, Sports, and Entertainment
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    Downtown
  • Published Date
Event Date2026-08-28T17:00:00 - 2026-08-28T21:00:00

Age Strong Rotating Memory Cafe - North End

A Memory Café is a welcoming place for people with forgetfulness or other changes in their thinking.

November 6, 2026
  • 11:30am - 1:00pm
  • North End Branch of the Boston Public Library
    25 Parmenter Street, North End
    Boston, MA 02113
  • Contact:
    Corinne Brindley
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    North End
  • Event Type:
  • Published Date
  • Downloads:
Event Date2026-11-06T11:30:00 - 2026-11-06T13:00:00

Age Strong Rotating Memory Cafes - North End 2026

Memory cafés meet at a variety of places, including coffeehouses, museums, or community organizations. Each memory café is different. Some cafés invite guest artists, some offer education about memory changes. And some are just for relaxing and chatting. But all cafés share one goal — to help guests feel comfortable and to know that they are not alone. Cafés are a place to talk with others who understand what you are going through. You can forget about your limitations and instead focus on your strengths.

North End Branch of the Boston Public Library

365 Bremen Street, East Boston

For information, contact: Corinne Brindley at 617-635-3745, corinne.brindley@boston.gov

November 6, 2026
  • 11:30am - 1:00pm
  • North End Branch of the Boston Public Library
    25 Parmenter Street, North End
    Boston, MA 02113
  • Contact:
    Corinne Brindley
  • Price:
    Price
    FREE
  • Neighborhood:
    Neighborhood
    North End
  • Event Type:
  • Published Date
  • Downloads:
Event Date2026-11-06T11:30:00 - 2026-11-06T13:00:00

Age Strong Rotating Memory Cafe - East Boston

A Memory Café is a welcoming place for people with forgetfulness or other changes in their thinking.

October 9, 2026
Event Date2026-10-09T11:30:00 - 2026-10-09T13:00:00

Age Strong Rotating Memory Cafes - East Boston 2026

Memory cafés meet at a variety of places, including coffeehouses, museums, or community organizations. Each memory café is different. Some cafés invite guest artists, some offer education about memory changes. And some are just for relaxing and chatting. But all cafés share one goal — to help guests feel comfortable and to know that they are not alone. Cafés are a place to talk with others who understand what you are going through. You can forget about your limitations and instead focus on your strengths.

 

East Boston Branch of the Boston Public Library

365 Bremen Street, East Boston

 

For information, contact: Corinne Brindley at 617-635-3745 | corinne.brindley@boston.gov

October 9, 2026
Event Date2026-10-09T11:30:00 - 2026-10-09T13:00:00

Age Strong Rotating Memory Cafe - Roxbury

A Memory Café is a welcoming place for people with forgetfulness or other changes in their thinking.

September 11, 2026
Event Date2026-09-11T11:30:00 - 2026-09-11T13:00:00

Age Strong Rotating Memory Cafes - Roxbury 2026

Memory cafés meet at a variety of places, including coffeehouses, museums, or community organizations. Each memory café is different. Some cafés invite guest artists, some offer education about memory changes. And some are just for relaxing and chatting. But all cafés share one goal — to help guests feel comfortable and to know that they are not alone. Cafés are a place to talk with others who understand what you are going through. You can forget about your limitations and instead focus on your strengths.

 

Shaw-Roxbury Branch of the Boston Public Library

149 Dudley Street, Roxbury

 

For information, contact: Corinne Brindley at 617-635-3745 | corinne.brindley@boston.gov

September 11, 2026
Event Date2026-09-11T11:30:00 - 2026-09-11T13:00:00

Parks and Recreation Duck Boat Challenge

Let's pull together for youth sports!

April 11, 2026
Event Date2026-04-11T11:00:00 - 2026-04-11T15:00:00

Back for round two! The Boston Parks and Recreation’s Duck Boat Challenge returns for its second year on Saturday April 11, 2026, bringing one of the city’s most unique and exhilarating challenges back to Boston Common. Teams of 10 will battle the clock as they pull a 21,000-pound duck boat down the course. Are you ready to take on the competition?

Beyond the thrill, the Duck Boat Challenge celebrates community spirit and the Boston Parks and Recreation programs that help young athletes grow, stay active, and stay healthy.

This event is in partnership with the Boston Duck Tours.

See the excitement from the 2025 Duck Boat Challenge in the video below.

April 11, 2026
Event Date2026-04-11T11:00:00 - 2026-04-11T15:00:00

Here's How it Works

  • TEAM CHALLENGE: Assemble a team of 10 friends, family, or coworkers (must be 16+ to participate & Teams must have exactly 10 members.)
  • TAKE ON THE CHALLENGE: Compete to pull the massive 21,000-pound duck boat in the fastest time. 
  • HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE: Your team’s participation directly supports youth sports programs in Boston, helping foster fitness, well-being, and opportunities for young athletes to explore a variety of sports.

How to Participate

REGISTER YOUR TEAM

Each team will consist of 10 members, with one appointed as the Team Captain. The Team Captain will be responsible for managing the team’s registration process. 

REGISTER YOUR TEAM

GET ON BOARD

Put your name on the Duck! The Duck Boat Challenge has taken Boston by storm, capturing attention and buzz citywide! This is a fun way to be involved with a high-energy, community-centered event.  If your business, company, or organization is interested in supporting the event or joining the challenge, reach out to Tiffany Clark at Tiffany.Clark@boston.gov or (617) 233-2305.

SUPPORT OUR MISSION

Can't make it to the event?  You can still support the Recreation Division by making a donation to the Fund at Parks and Recreation in Boston now or any time of year.

DONATE

CHECK OUT THE 2025 DUCK BOAT CHALLENGE

Contact

For more information, please contact Tiffany Clark, Recreation Resource Development Manager, at tiffany.clark@boston.gov or 617-233-2305. 

Thank You Event Sponsors

THANK YOU BOSTON DUCK TOURS

Movie Night - Wicked: For Good

LOCATION MOVED - JOIN US ON THE BOSTON COMMON NEAR BREWER FOUNTAIN

August 29, 2026
Event Date2026-08-29T19:00:00 - 2026-08-29T23:00:00

The series is hosted by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department with additional support from the Mayor’s Office of Tourism, Sports, and Entertainment.

Free popcorn will be provided while supplies last.

Wicked: For Good (2025) Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West and her relationship with Glinda, the Good Witch of the North. PG.

 

 

August 29, 2026
Event Date2026-08-29T19:00:00 - 2026-08-29T23:00:00
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