Get out your walking shoes, sunglasses, and if you’re Mayor Martin J. Walsh, your cargo shorts: Open Newbury Street will return this summer, offering pedestrians the opportunity to stroll the thoroughfare without dodging cars on three Sundays over the next three months. The dates are July 23, Aug. 13 and September 10.
The concept which debuted last year, took a page from successful car-free events in New York City and Paris and allowed retailers to engage their customers in new ways. Rag & Bone held a foosball tournament. Daniel Wellington held a cornhole competition. And the Boston Architectural College set up an inflatable “balloon goon” art installation. Dozens of other storefronts offered discounts and special on-site offers and the city temporarily eliminated 220 parking spaces to let people wander free.
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