Community Events
Sat. Mar 26, 2016
10-Noon
Sponsored by: Boston Main Streets, CVS, Duncan Donuts, Sisters of St. Joseph
Photos by Danita Jo

2016 Annual Gala
Fri. Nov 04, 2016
6:00–9:00PM
CHECK out Brighton and the Boston Bruins practice ice, all in one evening.
Come for the Black and Yellow Tie Gala and enjoy an evening of food, music, & drink. Taste the local flavor, as Devlin’s Restaurant serves delicious bites and libations while being entertained by the skaters on the rink during the event. Or skate on the ice with the Community Skate Night. But why choose? There's time to do both!
6-9pm : Gala tickets are $75, and includes food and cash bar. Guests are encouraged to wear black and yellow festive attire.
8-10pm: Community Skate is $10 (available at the door only).
100% of all Gala ticket sales are put directly back into the community due to the generous event sponsorship from New Balance.
Thank you to our sponsors!
Volunteer Info Meeting
Wed. Mar 22, 2017
6:30-7:30pm
Make a difference! Get involved!
Come learn about upcoming events & opportunities to volunteer, right here in our neighborhood. Grab some food and drink. Meet other like-minded community members. Join us at The Green Briar, 304 Washington Street, Brighton.
Let's make Brighton a better place to work, play, and shop.

Community Egg Hunt
Sat. Apr 15, 2017
11am-12:30pm
Every year, hundreds of children ages 2-10 gather in Brighton to scoop up Easter eggs. This tradition was started over 50 years ago by the McCarthy family, and it is continued today by Steve McCarthy and his daughter Molly. No one goes home empty handed. The day is never complete without a visit from the Easter Bunny himself.
Gather in the parking lot at Sisters of St. Joseph, 637 Cambridge Street, Brighton. Festivities start at 11am, and the egg hunt is promptly at 11:30am!
Brighton Main Streets has made this event possible in past years with cooperation of Boston Main Streets, CVS, Dunkin Donuts, Sisters of St. Joseph and of course the McCarthy family.
We'll be looking for you this year. Don't forget to bring your basket.
Outdoor Movie Night: Up! (PG)
Thu. Jun 22, 2017
Hardiman Park (behind Oak Square YMCA)
Dusk
Sponsored by Rockland Trust.
Disney/Pixar's Up! is centers on an elderly widower named Carl Fredricksen (Ed Asner) and an earnest young "Wilderness Explorer" (a fictional youth group similar to the Boy Scouts) named Russell (Jordan Nagai). By tying thousands of balloons to his home, 78-year-old Carl sets out to fulfill his dream to see the wilds of South America and complete a promise made to his late wife, Ellie.
Presented by Brighton Main Streets, Boston Police Station D14, the Presentation Foundation School Community Center, and ABCD's Brighton Neighborhood Opportunity Center.
National Night Out in Allston Brighton
Mon. Jul 31, 2017
Brighton Common
3:00 pm
Join us to celebrate America's Night Out against crime!
3:00 pm: Free BBQ, ice cream, kids' activities, and music. Meet Mayor Walsh and Boston Police Commissioner Evans.
8:00 pm (dusk): Outdoor showing of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Outdoor Movie Night: The Blues Brothers (R)
Fri. Aug 18, 2017
Presentation School Foundation Community Center
Dusk
Sponsored by Rockland Trust.
Enjoy a classic movie and a cold beverage outdoors.
The story is a tale of redemption for paroled convict Jake and his brother Elwood, who set out on "a mission from God" to save from foreclosure the Catholic orphanage in which they were raised. To do so, they must reunite their R&B band and organize a performance to earn $5,000 needed to pay the orphanage's property tax bill.
Beverage service for 21+ (with a family-friendly general admission policy for those with supervised children).
Presented by Brighton Main Streets, Boston Police Station D14, the Presentation School Foundation Community Center, and ABCD's Brighton Neighborhood Opportunity Center.
Outdoor Move Night: The Wizard of Oz (G)
Fri. Sep 08, 2017
Presentation School Foundation Community Center
Dusk
Sponsored by Rockland Trust.
When a tornado rips through Kansas, Dorothy and her dog, Toto, are whisked away to the magical land of Oz. They follow the Yellow Brick Road toward the Emerald City to meet the Wizard. On the way, they meet a Scarecrow who needs a brain, a Tin Man missing a heart, and a Cowardly Lion who wants courage. The wizard agrees to help Dorothy get back home but only if she can bring him the magical broom of the Wicked Witch of the West.
Presented by Brighton Main Streets, Boston Police Station D14, the Presentation School Foundation Community Center, and ABCD's Brighton Neighborhood Opportunity Center.
Brighton Day 2017
Sun. Sep 24, 2017
Washington Street, Brighton
12:00 PM
Come and show your Brighton Pride at one of the great events on Sunday, September 24.
14th Annual Brian Honan 5K Run/Walk - 12:00 pm
Runners will start off from Tavern in the Square, Allston. Everyone is welcome, from competitive runners, recreational runners and walkers, children, families,
and friends of the beloved councilor. The run/walk supports and fosters local and national programs that contribute to education, recreation, housing
and healthcare. To register, please visit: https://racewire.com/register.php?id=8021
Allston Brighton Parade 1:00 pm
The parade leaves from Allston Village at 1:00 and makes its way down Washington Street through Brighton Center to Oak Square.
Representative Michael Moran's Annual Party in the Park
Following the parade, State Representative Michael Moran hosts the Party in the Park at Hardiman Park in Oak Square with bounce houses, food, games, DJ, and face painting for families.
Small Business Saturday
Brighton Center and Oak Square Shopping Districts
All day!
This Nov 25, we want to share Small Business Saturday® with you! It’s a holiday shopping tradition that celebrates small businesses like the ones in our district. And it wouldn’t be a celebration without customers like you joining us.
So mark your calendar for Nov 25 — the Saturday after Thanksgiving — and get ready to Shop Small® with us. Grab a friend or family member
and head over to Washington Street on the big day.
You can help get the word out and celebrate Small Business Saturday by using #shopsmall and #BrightonMA on Facebook and all your social networks. Thank you for all your support, and see you Saturday, Nov 25!
Oak Square Tree Lighting
Sat. Dec 02, 2017
Oak Square Common (across from Oak Square YMCA)
5:30 pm
Join Mayor Martin J. Walsh, Brighton Main Streets, and Oak Square friends & neighbors as we kick off the holiday season. Mayor Walsh will light the tree, and Santa arrives on a trolley with gifts for children and hears their holiday wishes. Free hot cocoa and cookies from Shawmut Century 21 Properties round out the celebration.
Sponsored in part by: Mayor's Office of Special Events, Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services, Department of Public Works, Boston Police Department, Boston Fire Department, and Old Town Trolley.
(PAST EVENT) Brighton on Chronicle
Thu. Jan 18, 2018
WCVB Channel 5
7:30 pm
Channel 5/WCVB's newsmagazine, Chronicle, aired an episode about Brighton on Thursday, January 18. If you missed the live broadcast, the episode is also available on the show's website, http://www.wcvb.com/article/brighton-buzz-looking-local/15394193.
Winter Warmer
Thu. Feb 08, 2018
Devlin's (side bar)
6:30 pm
Come in out of the cold! Grab a "Bri-Tai"—our neighborhood's signature tropical drink—and a bite to eat. Meet and mingle with our staff and current volunteers as well as board and committee members.
We'll be talking about the events and programs that we are planning for Brighton in 2018, and sharing big & small ways you can get involved.
Complimentary appetizers and a cash bar will be provided.
This event is free & open to the public, but please RSVP so we can get a head count!
RSVP
Economic Development Committee Open House
Thu. Feb 15, 2018
Athan's Bakery, 407 Washington St, Brighton
6:30 pm
Our Economic Development committee is recruiting new members! Current members include Brighton residents and local business owners who are interested in
strengthening existing businesses and recruiting new ones--as well as finding new uses for vacancies.
All are welcome, but we could especially use new members with expertise in restaurants, retail, real estate, commercial leasing and market research.
Community Preservation Forum
Mon. Feb 26, 2018
Harvard Ed Portal, 224 Western Ave, Allston
6:00 - 8:00 pm
In 2016, Boston Voters approved the Community Preservation Act.
https://www.boston.gov/community-preservation-act
Come learn how the new CPA Fund will work - $20 million each year for parks, historic preservation and affordable housing! What are the priorities for Brighton and Allston?
Presented by City of Boston Community Preservation and co-sponsored by the Allston Brighton CDC, Allston Village Main Streets, and the Harvard Ed Portal.
Public Space and Beautification Committee Open House
Wed. Feb 28, 2018
Presentation School Foundation Community Center (lower level), 640 Washington Street, Brighton
6:30 - 7:30 pm
Our Public Space and Beautification Committee is recruiting new members! Current members include Brighton residents and local business owners who are interested in improving the physical landscape of the Main Streets district.
Potential projects include grants to businesses to improve their storefronts and signage, as well as streetscape improvements such as murals, lightpole banners, wayfinding signage, planters and more.
All are welcome, but we could especially use new members with expertise in urban planning, architecture, preservation, and landscaping.
Spring Cleaning the Business District
Tue. Apr 24, 2018
358 Washington Street
3:00 pm - dusk
Join us as we give the Brighton Main Streets business district (Oak Square to St. Elizabeth's Medical Center) a thorough spring cleaning.
We provide gloves and trash bags; you provide the elbow grease! You will receive further instructions & your assignment via email after signing up.
We'll be starting in the afternoon, but feel free to come out after work. This event is rain or shine. Preferably shine! Meet at the Brighton Main Streets office.
RSVP TODAY!
Take Your Workout Outdoors on Wednesdays
Wed. Jun 06, 2018
Brighton Common
6:00 - 7:00 pm
The Boston Public Health Commission, the Boston Parks & Recreation Department, and Blue Cross Blue Shield MA are partnering to provide the Boston
Parks Summer Fitness Series - FREE fitness programming in Boston Parks this summer. The Fitness Series will activate Boston parks while increasing
opportunities for physical activity across Boston's neighborhoods. Promotional support for Brighton Common events provided by Brighton Main Streets.
National Night Out
Mon. Aug 06, 2018
Brighton Common
3:00 pm
National Night Out is a celebration of police-community partnerships. Come out early and enjoy free food & drink, the Boston Police Hoodsie truck, community partner awards, bands, and a dance troupe. At dusk, the inflatable screen goes up for a showing of The Muppet Movie.
Brighton Sounds: Unplugged
Sat. Aug 18, 2018
The Brighton Main Streets District
10:00 am - 10:00 pm
Brighton Sounds: Unplugged is a new, unique cultural experience. For one summer Saturday, local businesses will host live acoustic
music, entertaining visitors and increasing foot traffic in the business district. See you there!
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Brighton Sounds: Johnny Trama & Dub Apocalypse
Sat. Aug 18, 2018
Rain Location: the Green Briar Pub & Restaurant
4:00 - 6:00 pm
Pack your picnic basket, grab a blanket or chair, and join us at Brighton Common for some bluesy, funky reggae featuring Johnny Trama and Dub Apocalypse.
The band has appeared at many clubs and festivals throughout New England. They've won a Boston Music Award, were named "One of 10 Local Acts You Need To Hear Now" by The Improper Bostonian, and have one of the most popular and longest running weekly residencies in Boston.
Presented by Brighton Main Streets.
Outdoor Movie Night: The Lion King
Fri. Sep 07, 2018
Brighton Common
Dusk (7:00 pm)
City on a Hill Church presents a back-to-school movie night: The Lion King.
Spread out your blanket, set up your chair and get ready to be transported to the savannah, where Simba, a young lion, is to succeed his father, Mufasa,
as King of the Pride Lands.
Promotional support for Brighton Common events provided by Brighton Main Streets.
Presented by:
Brighton Sounds: The Love Dogs and Racky Thomas
Sat. Sep 08, 2018
Brighton Common
2:00 - 6:00 pm
An afternoon in the park with two local favorite bands:
The Love Dogs with Eddie Scheer will be rockin' the house, and singin' the rhythm & blues. This septet is from Boston, MA with 4 critically acclaimed CDs and one of the best live shows you will ever see! http://www.thelovedogs.com/
Eddie has also lined up the Racky Thomas band as a special guest. http://www.rackythomas.com/
AllBright Art Crawl
Sat. Oct 13, 2018
Boston Landing
12:00 pm
AllBright Art Crawl is a relaxed group bike ride covering about 5 miles during the afternoon of October 13. This free, family-friendly event will link the two neighborhoods of Allston and Brighton through a guided cycling tour along with 10 free pedicabs. The afternoon’s activities will be rounded out by a variety of arts events planned for the weekend.
Presented by Brighton Main Streets and Allston Village Main Streets with funding provided by the Boston Main Streets Foundation.
Fall Cleanup
Sat. Oct 20, 2018
Oak Square Common or Brighton Center
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Come out and meet your neighbors while tidying up Brighton's common areas, streetscape, and traffic islands in preparation for winter. Email director@brightonmainstreets.org to sign up.
Trick or Treat in the Business District
Wed. Oct 31, 2018
Boston Police Station D14, 301 Washington Street, Brighton
3-5 pm
Dressed in costume, local children visit each business that displays the orange “trick or treat” sign from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Wednesday, October 31. The route starts at Boston Police Station D14 and heads down Washington Street toward Oak Square where the YMCA will host a pizza party for neighborhood families.
Brighton Main Streets and the Brighton Board of Trade sponsor the 23nd Annual Business District Trick or Treat in partnership with Boston College, Boston University, the Oak Square YMCA and Boston Police Station D14 (Allston-Brighton).

2018 Annual Gala: Roaring Twentieth Party
Fri. Nov 09, 2018
WGBH, 1 Guest Street, Brighton MA 02135
6-9pm
You're Invited to our Roaring Twentieth Party!
Join us in celebrating our 20th Anniversary.
It'll be a rip ROARING, raging, hootenanny, box social of a good time. Test Lady Luck at a casual blackjack or poker table (there'll be roulette and craps too if you find that the bees knees). And of course, it wouldn't be a true Prohibition party without plenty of local eats, and a sip or two of some giggle water.
Even though we're telling you where to find our speakeasy, you'll need to RSVP for the password to get in.
Gala Tickets: $75.00 (includes "funny money" for casino games, music, a small-plate style dinner, and a drink at our speakeasy)
HOW TO FIND THE PARTY.
Head up the street where the A line trolley tracks used to be. Hang a Louie and head down the old cattle path. But don't lollygag too much, you'll want to get there in time to cut a rug.
And did we mention, you can store your Model A in the parking garage next door for FREE?
HERE'S THE DEAL...
100% of your donation will go directly into the community.
Your donations are critical, providing revitalization projects needed to make Brighton an even better place to live, dine, shop, and play. Programs such as storefront improvements, free concerts in the park, and new innovative wayfinding signage are only possible with your support. Through the generosity of New Balance, the event's Premier Sponsor, your donation will power the work of our volunteer based organization.
Event Premier Sponsor
INTERESTED IN BECOMING A SPONSOR?
As a sponsor, your partnership will make a greater impact helping to bring community programs into our neighborhood throughout the year. Programs such as Brighton Sounds concerts in the park, holiday lights along Washington Street, outdoor movies as well as business assistance, like exterior signs & free legal advice. There are 4 levels of sponsorship available, each with its own benefits. Choose the one that's right for you.
or download the sponsorship form and return it to us.
Holiday Networking
Wed. Dec 12, 2018
Corrib Pub & Restaurant, 396 Market Street
5:00 pm
Enjoy an evening of holiday cheer, networking, and celebration with the Allston and Brighton business community. Appetizers, dessert and a cash bar will
all be available!
There is no cost to attend but we kindly ask that you bring an unwrapped toy which will be donated to help a local family this holiday season.
This event is co-sponsored by Brighton Main Streets, Allston Village Main Streets, Allston Board of Trade, and Brighton Board of Trade.
Brighton Center Tree Lighting
Mon. Dec 03, 2018
Brighton Center Traffic Island (across from Rockland Trust)
5:00 pm
Join Brighton friends & neighbors as we kick off the holiday season. Local elected officials will light the tree with help from the smallest children in the crowd. Santa arrives on a fire truck with candy canes and hears holiday wishes. A troop of Girl Scouts will lead the crowd in singing traditional carols. Free hot cocoa from the Brighton Lodge of Elks rounds out the celebration.
Sponsored in part by: Brighton Lodge of Elks, Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services, Brighton Main Streets, Boston Police Department, Boston Fire Department, Office of Special Events, and Department of Public Works.
36th Annual Gerry McCarthy Community Egg Hunt
Sat. Apr 20, 2019
Sisters of St. Joseph Boston, 637 Cambridge St, Brighton MA 02135
Start time: 9:30 am, Egg Hunt promptly at 10:00 am
Every year, hundreds of children ages 2-10 gather in Brighton to scoop up Easter eggs. This tradition was started over 50 years ago by the McCarthy family,
and today Steve McCarthy and his daughter Molly work with Brighton Main Streets to continue this family friendly event.
This FREE Egg Hunt is open to the public. No one goes home empty-handed. The day is never complete without a visit from the Easter Bunny himself.
Touch-a-truck provided by Armstrong Ambulance, Boston Police, and Boston Fire. Facepainting by City on a Hill Church. Thank you to our community partners!
Brighton Main Streets makes this event possible with support of Boston Main Streets, Comcast Xfinity, Presentation Rehab & Skilled Care, Franciscan Childrens, Caffe Nero, Sisters of St. Joseph, and of course the McCarthy family.
We'll be looking for you this year. Don't forget to bring your basket.
(Check out some pictures from past years.)
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Love Your Block: Brighton Spring Clean Up Day
Sat. May 11, 2019
Corrib Restaurant, 396 Market St, Brighton, MA 02i35
9-11am
Pitch in for our annual neighborhood clean up day. Come and meet other Brighton neighbors. Or volunteer as a team, representing your group or business. Last year we had 25 volunteers who planted over 500 flower bulbs. More than 30 bags were filled with leaves, cleaning up our parks. Show your Brighton pride. Love your block!
All groups and individuals must register! After registering, your neighborhood contact will reach out to you with more information.
More information and registration page (available after March 1) is on the City of Boston Love Your Block site: https://www.boston.gov/calendar/love-your-block-spring-cleanup-05-11-19.
Meet at the Corrib Restaurant 396 Market St, Brighton, MA. We will have gardening tools, gloves, and trash bags for volunteers to use.
Historic Brighton Center Walking Tour
Sat. May 18, 2019
Veronica Smith Senior Center, 20 Chestnut Hill Ave
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Ever wonder about how Brighton transformed from a rural farming community to today’s bustling city streets? Much of our neighborhood’s earliest history occurred in the streets and blocks around Brighton Center, a rich legacy just waiting to be discovered!
Join the Brighton Allston Historical Society for a walking tour co-hosted by the Allston-Brighton CDC and Brighton Main Streets, led by BAHS volunteers on a beautiful spring morning!
The tour is free, and will last approximately 1 1⁄2 to 2 hours. Brighton Center Meet in front of the Veronica Smith Senior Center 20 Chestnut Hill Ave.
Rain date: Saturday, June 1.
CANCELLED: Simple Staffing Solutions
Tue. May 21, 2019
Presentation School Foundation Community Center, Lower Level
8:00 am
We have had to cancel this workshop. We apologize for any inconvenience.
8:00-8:30 am Breakfast & Networking
8:30-10:00 am Workshop Presentation
Having trouble finding quality employees to help your run your business? Spending too much time on recruiting?
At this workshop, you'll learn how to:
- Produce crafty job descriptions
- Plan advertising and social media strategies
- Attract quality and loyal small business talent
- Become a "talent acquisition whiz"!
Due to funding restrictions, this workshop is reserved for small businesses located in a Main Streets district.
Mayor Walsh's Allston-Brighton Coffee Hour
Wed. Jun 05, 2019
Brighton Common
9:30 am - 10:30 am
Coffee hours give residents the chance to speak with Mayor Walsh and staff from City departments.
Through these discussions, Mayor Walsh looks forward to hearing how the City of Boston can improve upon local parks, public areas, and City services.
We'll also have a suggestion box set up at each site. We'll have free coffee and breakfast treats provided by Dunkin', as well as fresh fruit from Star Market. Each family will receive a flowering plant grown in the City's greenhouses as a gift from Mayor Walsh. Also, there will be a raffle with prizes from Dunkin'.
More info here: https://www.boston.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/neighborhood-coffee-hours
Community Celebration & Annual Meeting
Thu. Jun 13, 2019
Devlin's Patio, 332 Washington Street
6:30-8:00 pm
Help us kick off the summer as we honor our community volunteers!
Our work would not be possible without neighbors like you! Come raise a glass, celebrate the shared success of the good work happening here in your neighborhood, and find out how you can get involved. We'll be presenting awards in the following categories:
- Business of the Year, John J. Ryan Insurance Agency
- Volunteer of the Year, Andrea Kalsow
It is our great pleasure to recognize organizations and individuals who help make Brighton a great place to live, work and play.
Learn about community programs as well as business resources available right here in Brighton. But most importantly, show your B.RIGHT.ON pride!
This event is FREE! RSVP requested.
Brighton Farmers Market
Wed. Jun 19, 2019
Brighton Common, 30 Chestnut Hill Ave
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
The Allston Brighton Health Collaborative is bringing you fresh food every Wednesday throughout the summer!
- We have tons of great vendors on board, so come get your locally grown produce, grass fed and organic meats, fresh fish and so much more.
- Contact our Market Manager to reserve a table for your organization or sell your products.
- Check us out at our NEW location on Brighton Common.
- Wednesdays June 19 - September 26, 3-7pm 30 Chestnut Hill Ave
Thanks so much to our sponsors, Presentation School Foundation, Brighton Main Streets, Franciscan Children's, Harvard Ed Portal, and St. Elizabeth's Medical Center for supporting this access to healthy food.
We accept SNAP/EBT, HIP, WIC, Senior Coupons, and Veggie Vouchers. We'll see you rain or shine at Brighton Common!
Presented by the Allston Brighton Health Collaborative and the Presentation School Foundation Community Center
Volunteer Mingle
Thu. Aug 29, 2019
The Circle Tavern | 356 Chestnut Hill Ave, Brighton
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Brighton Main Streets is able to do the work it does because of supportive volunteers. Come help the new Executive Director for Brighton Main Streets, Aidan McDonough, and members of our board celebrate their hard work!
Join us at The Circle, located on Chestnut Hill Ave in Cleveland Circle, from 6pm - 8pm and learn about ways you can get more involved and future volunteer opportunities.
Brighton Sounds Live Stream: Eddie Scheer & Willie J Laws
Sat. Jun 27, 2020
Facebook Live
7-8:30pm
Kick off your summer with Brighton Sounds Live Stream. Four Boston-based musicians who have each traveled the world on tour making music and spreading
good vibes are coming together to make a little summer music, right here in Brighton.
- Eddie Scheer, Drums
- Willie J Laws, Guitar
- Johnny Juxo, Keyboard
- Ksenia Vaslieva, Bass Guitar
Tune in on Brighton Main Streets' Facebook Page.
They'll be playing at the Corrib, but you can catch them right here filling our Facebook page with the sounds of summer. There'll be give-aways throughout the virtual happy hour in the chat. Sit back and enjoy a little music and a lot of summer.
Brighton Sounds Live Stream: Patch of Grass
Thu. Aug 20, 2020
Facebook Live
7-8:30pm
Join us for Brighton Sounds Live Stream. You know Patch of Grass from Three Piece Suite Football or you might have heard them at The Green Briar or The Bus Stop Pub, here in Brighton. Now you can hear them from the comfort of your own backyard. Tune in on Brighton Main Streets' Facebook Page.
There'll be give-aways throughout the virtual happy hour in the chat. Sit back and grab a Patch of Grass.

Community Projects
We work with the local community of Brighton to host events, support businesses, improve storefronts, clean up neighborhoods, and help the environment.

GET INVOLVED
Get involved by signing up for our mailing list or filling out our volunteer form. Every little bit counts towards making Brighton an amazing community.