Photo: The City of Boston
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Boston's Open Streets 2026 is set to kick off later this summer, but residents might find events scaled back on Newbury Street.
Since 2021, the City of Boston has made some streets car-free on particular dates during the year. Newbury Street was open to foot traffic 10 Sundays last summer, as well as one day in December.
This year, the city has only announced plans for Jamaica Plain, Mattapan, Alston-Brighton, and Roslindale, but not Newbury Street.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said June and July are already programmed with lots of events. Because of that, fewer open streets events are being held.
Read More: Boston City Council Wants BPS To Join Nationwide Social Media Lawsuit
Some Boston residents said they understood but were disappointed.
"It makes sense to me. I mean, I think it would be better for the city if they could have it open during those events because it's usually going to be full of people wanting to walk around," said Jordan, who lives in the area.
Margery, another local, said she thought the busy summer was "a good reason" to have scaled back events.
"I guess it makes sense. I mean, there's a lot of Boston to explore, but Newbury is just like a really special place, so I really kind of hope that it gets all the excitement that it usually does," said Marielle, a Boston resident who works on Newbury Street.
Open Streets Series Dates:
JAMAICA PLAIN
Sunday, August 2
Centre St. from Lamartine St. to Lochstead Ave.
MATTAPAN
Saturday, September 12
Blue Hill Ave. from River St. to Babson St.
ALLSTON/BRIGHTON
Sunday, October 4
Brighton Ave. and Harvard Ave. from Cambridge St. to Commonwealth Ave.
ROSLINDALE
Sunday, October 18
Roslindale Square from Belgrade Ave. to Washington St.
WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojas.bsky.social) reports.