Opening Our Doors Festival 2025

Join us for a FREE day of cultural experiences at the Fenway Alliance’s Opening Our Doors festival on Indigenous People’s Day, Monday October 13!

With over 20 programmed locations throughout the Fenway, Opening Our Doors (celebrating its 24th year) is one of the largest, longest running day of free art experiences in Boston! From free entry to the Museum of Fine Arts and Isabella Stewart Museum (both highlighting artistic contributions of Indigenous populations) to performances and an instrument “petting zoo” offered by the Boston Symphony Orchestra, to student rehearsal sessions at NEC’s iconic Jordan Hall, family-friendly activities at Massachusetts Historical Society, and much more, Opening Our Doors offers something for everyone--ages 3 to 103!

New this year are live music and art making sessions from OOD partners Side Presents and art installations from The Triennial at Lyrik’s HubSpot. Like fall walks? The Emerald Necklace Conservancy is offering a walking tour of the historic Olmsted Muddy River Park. Acting more your thing? Visit the Huntington Theatre for a free performance of Sardines; or BU’s Wheelock Theatre for a performance of Leonardo!. Want to know what the young people are up to? Come to the Huntington YMCA for arts and game activities curated exclusively by Y teens!

Don’t forget to stop by the Kick-Off ceremony at 10 AM at the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras’ (BYSO) new home located on the Christian Science Plaza. The Kickoff will feature performances by Boston’s Poet Laureate, Boston Children’s Chorus, Handel + Haydn’s Ambassador Ensemble, BYSO Honors Chamber Group, Northeastern University’s EON Dance Troupe, and New England Conservatory Wind Ensemble. The Kick-Off culminates at 11:00 AM in a participatory New Orleans-style dance parade around the First Church Reflecting Pool led by Mickey Bones and the Hot Tamale Brass Band!

Join us for a priceless (free!) day-long celebration of the artistic contributions of indigenous populations, all types of visual arts, art making, musical performances, dance, historical exhibitions, park walks, and more. Visit www.fenwayculture.org for full schedule to plan your day!

Host or Publisher The Fenway Alliance