SoWa Artists Guild to offer more August events
SoWa Sundays will be held Aug. 23, and 30, starting at 11 a.m.
SoWa Artists Guild events, which are free and open to the public, are held at 450 Harrison Ave.
Open Newbury Street Resumes Following Strategic Hiatus
Following a one-week operational pause, the City of Boston’s highly successful Open Newbury Street initiative will resume on Sunday, August 23, once again transforming the iconic Back Bay commercial corridor into a sprawling, pedestrian-only promenade. From 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., the entire eight-block stretch from Berkeley Street to Massachusetts Avenue will be entirely closed to vehicular traffic, allowing local diners, retail shoppers, and pedestrians to freely utilize the full width of the streetscape. Major cross streets, including Arlington, Berkeley, Clarendon, Dartmouth, and Exeter, will remain open to facilitate neighborhood traffic flow, while Fairfield, Gloucester, and Hereford streets will be closed at their respective Newbury intersections. Residents are reminded that strict parking restrictions on Newbury and immediately adjacent streets will be enforced beginning at 5:00 a.m. The pedestrian-only Sundays will continue on select upcoming dates, including September 6, 13, and 20, before concluding on October 11.
Boston Public Library ‘Concerts in the Courtyard’ Series wrapping up for season
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The Boston Public Library’s Central Branch in Copley Square is preparing to conclude its highly celebrated 2026 “Concerts in the Courtyard” series with a diverse and globally inspired lineup of final performances. Set against the stunning architectural backdrop of the historic McKim Building Courtyard, these free, public concerts have showcased a dynamic mix of established local artists and emerging talents from the Berklee College of Music. Upcoming evening performances feature award-winning classical cellist Luke Walker on Wednesday, August 19, at 6:00 p.m., and Latin R&B saxophonist Diego Herrera on August 26 at 6:00 p.m. Afternoon attendees can enjoy the Hawa Collective performing traditional Arabic music on Friday, August 21, at 12:30 p.m. The summer season will officially conclude with a dramatic, staged concert by the Boston Lyric Opera on Friday, August 28, at 12:30 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, all performances will be relocated indoors to Rabb Hall.
NABB Hosts ‘Farewell to Summer’ party
The Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay (NABB) is warmly inviting local residents to gather and toast the end of the season at their exclusive “Farewell to Summer” event on Monday, August 24, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Orchestrated by the NABB Special Events committee, this year’s gathering will be hosted at Bubble Bath Back Bay, the newly opened and highly anticipated rooftop wine bar located at the CitizenM Hotel. The event offers neighbors a structured yet relaxed opportunity to connect, discuss neighborhood affairs, and enjoy spectacular skyline views of the city. Tickets are priced at $55 per member, which includes a premium welcome drink—with sophisticated non-alcoholic options readily available—and a curated selection of gourmet appetizers. Registration is currently active and accessible through the official NABB website.
San Gennaro Feast TAKES OVER THE NORTH END THIS WEEKEND
The vibrant culinary and religious traditions of Boston’s historic North End will proudly be on display at the Paul Revere Mall for the highly anticipated annual San Gennaro Feast, taking place from Friday, August 21, through Sunday, August 23. This expansive three-day festival promises an immersive celebration of Italian-American culture, featuring nearly continuous live entertainment and diverse culinary offerings from more than 50 renowned North End restaurants and local purveyors. Explicitly designed as a family-friendly weekend, the feast invites residents from across the city to experience authentic Italian street food, traditional music, and an unparalleled sense of community spirit right in the heart of the neighborhood.
Rose Kennedy Greenway Hosts End-of-Summer Food Truck Festival
Culinary enthusiasts and families are invited to converge on the Wharf District for the Rose Kennedy Greenway Food Truck Festival on Saturday, August 22. Serving as a massive, open-air celebration to officially close out the summer season, this annual event will feature 15 highly sought-after local food trucks offering a diverse, global array of cuisines. Beyond the primary culinary attractions, the festival features curated artisan vendors, an expansive inflatable obstacle course, and a towering inflatable rock-climbing wall, establishing it as an ideal, all-encompassing weekend destination for families. The event highlights the continued vibrancy of the Greenway as a premier destination for dynamic outdoor dining and recreation in the heart of the city’s financial and waterfront districts.
Friends of the Public Garden Reveal ‘Untold Stories’ in Final Summer Tours
Residents and visitors have a closing window of opportunity to discover the complex, hidden history of America’s first public botanical garden through the “Untold Stories of the Public Garden” walking tours. Hosted by the non-profit Friends of the Public Garden, these free, one-hour guided excursions are expertly led by highly knowledgeable volunteer guides who delve deeply into the park’s fragile horticulture, its iconic sculptures, and its groundbreaking historic design. Tours are available to the public every Tuesday at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday at 6:00 p.m., and Thursday at 4:00 p.m., convening at the famous Make Way for Ducklings statue near the corner of Beacon and Charles Streets. The seasonal tours will continue to run through the end of September, offering a unique, educational perspective on the meticulously maintained botanical landscape that defines this treasured urban oasis.