Opening Our Doors comes to Back Bay and Fenway on Columbus Day

The streets of Back Bay and The Fenway will come alive on Columbus Day with art, music, dance performances, exhibits and much more during Opening Our Doors, a day of free cultural experiences.

The unique celebration, now in its 11th year, brings together many of Boston's brightest cultural and academic institutions for a day filled with over 60 cultural experiences for the whole family both indoors and outdoors.

Mayor Menino is scheduled to kick off the day with remarks at 10 a.m. at the Christian Science Plaza followed by a performance from the Boston Children's Chorus and a Kids Parade featuring the Hot Tamale Brass Band.

Delicious treats from Mei Mei Street Kitchen, Paris Creperie and other vendors will be available for purchase all day from Food Trucks on the Plaza at the Christian Science Plaza.

Kelly Brilliant, Executive Director of The Fenway Alliance, says the idea came about as a way for the area's cultural treasures to give back to the community.

"We want people in the neighborhoods of Mission Hill and Roxbury to feel like they own a piece of these cultural treasures," said Brilliant.  "Our programs are welcoming to different cultures and all age groups."

The Fenway is home to some of the city's most renowned cultural treasures such as the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Museum of Fine Arts, Huntington Theatre Company, Boston Symphony Orchestra as well as several of Boston's top universities and colleges.

Opening Our Doors events will range from music and dance performances to historical tours, lectures, glass blowing demonstrations, indoor kite flying and much more.  

For a complete schedule including transportation options, click here.  

A temporary interactive art installation for everyone to enjoy is being set up at Evans Way Park located across the street from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.

ENfold, a 500 foot translucent ribbon made up of 240 LED lights, was created by the architectural firm of Perkins and Will.  The display will be lit at night and will extend across the historic park until October 31st.

The Fenway Alliance, made up of 22 national and internationally cultural and academic Fenway area institutions, was founded in 1977 and is dedicated to enhancing the Fenway Cultural District by providing high quality intellectual, social and cultural opportunities for people throughout the five mile region.  

Brilliant, who works tirelessly to raise awareness about the nonprofit organization, says there are many benefits for businesses to becoming a corporate partners. 

Under Brilliant's watch, the Fenway Alliance has joined forces with government officials and local community leaders to leverage millions of dollars for funding for projects that include neighborhood revitalization as well as linking higher education and arts to underserved youth and families in the area.

Last year more than 14,000 people took part in Opening Our Doors.

To find out how you can get involved or become a corporate partner, click here.