Last Saturday, Blue Hill Avenue in Roxbury transformed into a vibrant hub of activity during this summer’s Open Streets Boston event, as colorful awnings and bright smiles filled the air.
Since its inception in 2022, the annual Open Streets initiative has aimed to invigorate neighborhoods throughout Boston, including Dorchester, Jamaica Plain, and Roxbury.
The event replaces the usual sounds of honking traffic with lively street karaoke and a variety of food trucks, providing a refreshing atmosphere for attendees.
Kicking off this year’s series, Roxbury set the stage for Open Streets, which will continue into the fall, showcasing the rich diversity of Boston’s neighborhoods in its fourth consecutive year. Public service officials, local businesses, and nonprofits joined forces to engage residents and create a sense of community.
According to the City of Boston’s website, Open Streets aims to “create room for community and play” by closing off key roads to vehicles, allowing pedestrians to take the helm of the streets.
Local artists display their talents, small businesses gain exposure, and activists share their messages, fostering a vibrant community atmosphere.
Karleen Porcena, Director of Outreach for Open Streets Boston, expressed the intent behind the events, noting, “The idea is to reimagine streets to be centering people instead of cars.”
Porcena also highlighted the benefits of the event, stating, “I love to hear people say, ‘Oh my God, I never knew this business was there,’ because when the streets are open, people slow down and notice what is around them.”
Last weekend’s event in Roxbury set a high standard for future Open Streets gatherings.
Under the shining sun with music permeating the atmosphere, residents from all around the Roxbury area came together on Blue Hill Avenue, exploring booths set up by various organizations such as the Boston Public Library and Boston Medical Center.
The event featured a plethora of activities, including caricature artists, face painters, and even a mountain of bubbles for children to enjoy.
Designated photo-op spots were strategically placed around booths offering handmade candles, artisan skincare products, and family-owned jewelry items.
Kristine Frazier, the creator of Elevated Queen Essentials, expressed her support for the Open Streets initiative, proclaiming, “I absolutely love Open Streets… it brings the entertainment and the vendors — it brings the community to the communities.”
Since its launch four years ago, Roxbury residents have witnessed the evolution of Open Streets Boston, with the events expanding to include five neighborhoods.
The newest addition, Mattapan, will host its debut Open Streets event in October.
Following Roxbury, Hyde Park will host next, with Dorchester, Mattapan, and Jamaica Plain scheduled for later this year.
Frazier observed, “I think they have more events each year, and they reach more communities,” adding that Open Streets continues to explore new areas that haven’t been included before, creating opportunities for diverse interactions among residents.
Open Streets is much more than a summertime celebration; it stands as a testament to the strength and resilience of Boston’s communities.
Porcena noted, “It’s an event for the community, not just in the community.”
As families and friends gathered for a day of dancing, singing, and artistic expression, locals cherished the chance to come together and celebrate their passions.
In the face of ongoing challenges, Porcena emphasized the importance of such events, stating, “This is such an important time for us to really focus on joy.”
With an overwhelming number of negative headlines impacting various communities, she concluded that events like Open Streets serve as vital reminders of the need for connection, joy, and the celebration of diversity, bringing people of all colors and ages together for a day of fun.
image source from：thescopeboston
