1,500 Youth, 23 Events, 15 Neighborhoods: Measuring Boston After Dark’s Successes

On Tuesday, Sept. 30, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and the City of Boston's Office of Youth Engagement (OYEA) shared the impact of the 2025 Boston After Dark summer event series. Launched during the summer of 2024 as a direct response to a pattern of youth violence the city experienced during the summer of 2023, the program provided safe, fun opportunities for teens 14 to 18 years old on Friday nights during the summer. 

This past summer, OYEA coordinated 23 events across 15 neighborhoods from the end of June through August. These activities engaged more than 1,500 youth, resulting in a 50% increase in participation compared to the previous summer. Support from the Cummings Foundation and Boston's Children Hospital allowed the city to provide an expanded slate of activities for summer 2025.

Activities at these events featured sports, music, arts, roller skating, tattoos, face painting, dunk tanks, and youth performances. These activities were offered free of charge with food, merchandise, DJ sets, photo booths, and giveaways.

“I am grateful to the Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement for not only leading this successful summer safety plan but their continuous work year-round, which is a critical step in making sure Boston remains the safest city in America,” Wu said in a statement.

“Boston After Dark has shown us the power of creating safe, fun, and welcoming spaces for our city's teens during the summer months. From neighborhood basketball games to music and arts events, young people came together to connect, celebrate, and feel a sense of belonging in their communities,” said Pedro Cruz, executive director of the Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement, in a media statement.

An OYEA Youth Speaks Boston survey confirmed the need for Boston After Dark among teens. Based on the survey results, Boston youth prioritize events where they can “hang out with friends” (according to 55% of survey respondents) and include opportunities to meet new people (56%), enjoy free food (49%), and connect with feelings of community, belonging, and inclusivity (49%).