Boston’s City Hall Plaza is officially back in action for the summer and fall seasons, with a full calendar of free, public events that highlight the city’s creative communities. The Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture announced the return of its third season of programming under the City Hall Plaza Engagement Grant—bringing live music, theater, dancing, festivals, and community gatherings to the heart of downtown Boston.
The season officially kicks off in July with two flagship events that reflect the city’s cultural diversity and creative energy.
On July 20, the One Boston, Many Stories Festival will take over the plaza, curated by Boston’s four official Cultural Districts: the Latin Quarter, Fenway, Roxbury, and Boston Little Saigon. The daylong event will include live performances, storytelling sessions, art displays, and food vendors representing the neighborhoods’ distinct identities and shared histories. The focus is on community-building through storytelling—a chance for residents and visitors alike to engage with Boston’s layered heritage.
Later in the month, on July 24, the Civic Pavilion rooftop will host Slam Theatre, an outdoor showcase inspired by the format of classic American variety shows. The night will feature 10-minute plays, live jazz, spoken word, and dance, including performances by Boston and Massachusetts’ newly appointed Poet Laureates. The event is designed to create an intimate yet vibrant space for both seasoned and emerging performers to share work with a live audience.
The broader summer-to-fall season includes over 25 public events, all supported by the City Hall Plaza Engagement Grant, which provides funding and production assistance to local artists, collectives, and community groups. In total, more than $430,000 will be distributed directly to artists, with an additional $100,000 allocated for technical support and production needs.
This year’s initiative aims to reimagine the Plaza not just as a civic space, but as a shared cultural venue—welcoming all ages, backgrounds, and artistic styles. Programming spans a wide range of formats, from pop-up performances to community festivals, and all events are free and open to the public.
For a full schedule and updates on events throughout the season, visit the City of Boston Arts & Culture’s official channels.
