In 1889, Lucy Stone, abolitionist and advocate of women's suffrage, declared that she was, “decidedly in favor of Cremation!” After her death four years later, Mrs. Stone was the first person in New England to be cremated in the 1893 facility erected by local cremation societies. The event was front page news.

Forest Hills purchased the handsome structure in 1925. Many other Greater Boston notables have chosen this alternative for their final disposition. Proponents include: Linda Richards, America's first trained nurse; Edgar Helms, founder of Goodwill Industries; Maria Baldwin, first African-American school principal in Massachusetts; and Ruby Foo, famed restaurateur.

Boston Social Fitness Festival is a free, day-long celebration of getting Boston moving, featuring fun activities for all ages and fitness levels!

Join us on September 26 for a free concert featuring Hunter Hayes and High Valley.

Previous years have brought Eli Young Band and Scotty McCreery to the City Hall Plaza stage. 

The Mayor’s Office of Tourism, Sports, and Entertainment hosts this event in partnership with Country 102.5 FM radio.

Now in its 19th year, this gospel festival blends contemporary and traditional gospel melodies. GospelFest showcases national and local gospel talent. This event features Todd Dulaney, with performances by Tamar St. Julien and Phil Thompson.

Fulanito will headline this year's festival. Caliente! is promoted by Noticiero Telemundo Boston.

A Dominican-American musical group from New York, Fulanito combines traditional merengue with other styles (hip hop, bachata, and especially house).

They have been awarded with two Grammy Nominations, three Billboard Awards, a Premio Lo Nuestro Award, an ACE Award, Voted ASCAP Song of the Year, and BMI Song of the Year!

Join us at City Hall Plaza to hear their international Latin hits!

"Boston Winter" will feature a mix of winter activities. This includes an outdoor skating path and an expanded holiday shopping market. The Millennial Entertainment Group will also be producing hospitality experiences and attractions. The event will run seven days a week. For exact hours of operation, check the bottom of this page.

Berkshire Bank is the official community partner of "Boston Winter." The bank has helped bring to life year-round programming to City Hall Plaza. As part of that effort, the "Berkshire Community Stage" will return this year. Local artists and community groups will get a chance to showcase their talent.

The Main Streets Explorer is a pilot program. We're offering a shuttle on December 7, 14, and 21 between three Main Street Districts:

• Hyde Park
• Roslindale Village, and
• West Roxbury.

We want riders to experience the live music, restaurants, stores, and events in each neighborhood. Our free shuttle is open to anyone who wants to ride. It's an easy way to shop, eat, and play locally. Learn more about when and where to pick up the shuttle at the bottom of this page.

This pilot program is run by the Mayor's Office of New Urban Mechanics. Through this experiment, they are testing ways Main Street Districts could be even more welcoming spaces for all.

For the 24th year, the Mayor's Enchanted Trolley Tour will continue the festive tradition of lighting holiday trees while bringing holiday spirit to children across Boston. The event is sponsored by Bank of America, and includes visits with Santa, holiday performances, tree lightings and more.

On the first day of the 2019 Mayor’s Enchanted Trolley Tour, the trolley will be stopping at the following locations:

• 5:30 p.m. - Mattapan Square, Mattapan
• 6:30 p.m. - Wolcott Square, Readville
• 7:15 p.m. - Hastings Street Lot, Centre Street, West Roxbury

To learn more about the Mayor's Enchanted Trolley Tour and Tree Lightings, and view the full, three-day schedule, visit the 2019 Enchanted Trolley Tour page.

For the 24th year, the Mayor's Enchanted Trolley Tour will continue the festive tradition of lighting holiday trees while bringing holiday spirit to children across Boston. The event is sponsored by Bank of America, and includes visits with Santa, holiday performances, tree lightings and more.

On the second day of the 2019 Mayor’s Enchanted Trolley Tour, the trolley will be stopping at the following locations:

• 1 p.m. - Codman Square, Dorchester
• 1:45 p.m. - Hyde Square, Jamaica Plain
• 2:30 p.m. - J.P. Monument, Jamaica Plain
• 3:30 p.m. - Brigham Circle, Mission Hill
• 4:15 p.m. - Bolling Building, Roxbury
• 5:30 p.m. - Blackstone Square, South End
• 6:45 p.m. - Oak Square, Brighton

To learn more about the Mayor's Enchanted Trolley Tour and Tree Lightings, and view the full, three-day schedule, visit the 2019 Enchanted Trolley Tour page.