Open Newbury Street 2026:
Everything You Need to Know
Stroll, shop, and soak in the Back Bay vibes. Open Newbury Street returns with car-free Sundays and a full mile of shopping, outdoor dining, and summer energy. Explore at your own pace and stay for the fun.
📍 Open Newbury Street 2026 at a Glance
When: Select Sundays through October 2026
Time: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Where: Newbury Street, Berkeley Street → Massachusetts Avenue
Neighborhood: Back Bay, Boston
Admission: Free
Experience: One mile of pedestrian-only Newbury Street
Open Newbury Street returns for 2026, once again transforming one of Boston’s most iconic Back Bay destinations into a lively, car-free walkway on select Sundays. From 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Newbury Street closes to vehicle traffic between Berkeley Street and Massachusetts Avenue, giving everyone more space to stroll, shop, dine, and enjoy the neighborhood at their own pace.
Whether you’re meeting friends, exploring the city, or looking for something fun to do this weekend, Open Newbury offers a fresh way to experience Boston’s Back Bay.
📅 Upcoming Open Newbury Street 2026 Dates
There are still several chances to enjoy Open Newbury this year:
- Sunday, August 23
- Sunday, September 6
- Sunday, September 13
- Sunday, September 20
- Sunday, October 11
- December — Holiday Stroll (TBA)
Earlier 2026 dates included July 12, July 19, July 26, August 2, and August 9.
🚶 What Is Open Newbury Street?
Launched as a pilot in 2016, Open Newbury has grown into one of Boston’s most popular seasonal traditions. On designated Sundays, the eight-block stretch of Newbury Street becomes a pedestrian-only zone, inviting visitors to explore the neighborhood without cars, traffic, or the usual rush.
With more than 400 businesses along the mile-long route, Open Newbury gives locals and visitors a chance to slow down and enjoy one of Boston’s best-known shopping and dining destinations in a completely new way.
🛍️ What to Do at Open Newbury
Open Newbury is designed for wandering. You can:
- Browse boutiques and major retailers
- Explore galleries and specialty shops
- Grab coffee or brunch
- Meet friends for lunch or drinks
- Enjoy outdoor patios and dessert spots
- Take photos and soak in the Back Bay atmosphere
Many visitors turn the day into a full Back Bay outing. After exploring Newbury Street, it’s easy to walk to Copley Square, the Commonwealth Avenue Mall, the Boston Public Garden, or the Charles River Esplanade.
🍽️ Eat, Drink & Shop Along Newbury Street
Newbury Street and the surrounding Back Bay neighborhood offer endless food and drink options: cafés, brunch spots, restaurants, dessert shops, patios, and bars. Whether you want a quick iced coffee or a full sit-down meal, you’ll find plenty of choices.
If you have a specific restaurant in mind, check Sunday hours or reservation availability ahead of time, especially on busy Open Newbury dates.
🚇 Getting to Open Newbury Street
Public transportation is the easiest way to reach Open Newbury, especially with street closures and parking restrictions.
MBTA Green Line stops nearby:
- Hynes Convention Center: closest to the Mass Ave end
- Copley: central Back Bay
- Arlington: near Berkeley Street and the Public Garden
Back Bay is also walkable from many surrounding neighborhoods.
🚗 Parking & Street Restrictions
Boston parking meters are free on Sundays, but that doesn’t mean every space is available.
During Open Newbury:
- Parking is restricted on Newbury Street and certain adjacent streets
- Enforcement begins at 5:00 AM
- Posted signs must be followed
Street parking elsewhere in Back Bay may be available, but spots fill quickly. The MBTA is often the easiest option.
🌦️ What to Know Before You Go
- Check the weather. Severe weather may lead to cancellation by Friday evening. Cancelled dates are not rescheduled.
- Wear comfortable shoes. The pedestrian route is about a mile long, and you’ll likely explore beyond it.
- Arrive early. Open Newbury starts at 10:00 AM, and mornings are typically less crowded.
- Plan for parking restrictions. Even with free Sunday meters, Open Newbury rules still apply.
🌆 Make the Most of Open Newbury
Open Newbury offers a refreshing way to experience one of Boston’s most recognizable streets. Spend the afternoon shopping, grab something to eat, meet up with friends, and enjoy Back Bay without the usual vehicle traffic.
With several dates still ahead, there’s plenty of time to experience Newbury Street car-free and enjoy one of Boston’s most iconic neighborhoods in a whole new way.
