A typical Saturday in the district is normally busy with people visiting our local restaurants and small businesses. In the warmer seasons there are a lot of activities on the Brighton Common such as concerts, Farmers Market, exercise classes, and community events like Community Egg Hunt and National Night Out.

Some new businesses in Brighton are Flo Hair Salon 10 Tremont Street Brighton, MA and Moonlight Nails 416 Market Street. Within the year we welcomed Thonglor Restaurant 559 Washington Street Brighton, and BalaMao Restaurant 433 Washington Street.

We have so many great spots: Devlins which has open mic every Monday night, and a outdoor patio. Devlins along with Brighton Bodega and Porterbelly’s are all owned by same group but all unique concepts. Corrib Pub and Restaurant is one of our longest family owned businesses and they have live music every Tuesday Night. Jim’s Deli is another long time family owned business. Dash Café, Athens Bakery, Beauty Addicts, Little Pecan, one of the best Elder Community Centers in the City, Veronica B Smith Center which is also the home of the Allston Brighton Historical Museum, Center for Pranic Healing.

There are multiple bus routes: 57, 65 and 84. The Green Line Train is not far from the district. We also have a commuter rail stop within walking distance of the district at Boston Landing!

Our list of community leaders is long!

City Councilor Liz Braedon, State Representatives Kevin Honan and Michael Moran, Senator Will Brownsberger, Veronica B. Smith Center Director Lauren Basler and her assistant Jacqueline McLaughlin, Director of Presentation School Foundation Director Clodagh Drummey, Community Outreach for Brighton Marine Dan Cuddy, BAIA President Dan Daly, AB Health Collaborative leaders Anna Leslie and Jessi Rubin (she also runs the Farm Share and Farmers Market).

Jen Christie is our current Board president and (along with Kelly) is a great presence for Main Streets and business interests across Brighton.

Community events throughout the year include Allston Brighton Parade September 24, 2023 and on the same day the Brian Honan Road Race takes place. In April there is the Community Egg Hunt and many community concerts. In July we have the National Night Out. In November there is the AB Toy Drive.  Corrib Pub’s Annual Saint Patrick’s Day Party, State Rep Michael Moran Saint Patrick’s breakfast, and  Farmer’s Market June through October. There are so many community events throughout the year.

“Our Halloween event and Egg Hunt are two of my personal favorites because there are so many little kids and it’s really inspiring to see the next generation of Brighton folks. We’ve also had people come out from Watertown and Waltham and Brockton and Randolph to those events because it’s in the City of Boston without being in an otherwise very crowded downtown district.” says Jayda Leder-Luis, Foundation Board Member.

What is a typical Saturday in Roslindale like? What kind of places and activities can you go to and participate in?

Saturday is the best day in Roslindale because of the Farmers Market! Folks can stop by the Farmers Market (every Saturday from June – November) to shop for local produce, specialty foods, crafts, and more. Plus, we offer children’s entertainment, free fitness and other wellness activities, and music almost every Saturday. Afterwards, stop into Birch Street House and Garden or Joanne Rossman: Purveyor of the Unnecessary and the Irresistible for some more shopping, or check out Rozzie Bound for a new book! Take a stroll in the Arnold Arboretum, just up the road, and for dinner, we have some amazing restaurants for you to choose from! There’s always something going on in the evenings as well. You could see a show at the Rozzie Square Theater, check for live music, comedy, karaoke, or other events at Square Root or Distraction Brewing – there’s something for everyone! 

 

What are the newest businesses in Roslindale?

The Centerpiece Flower Shop opened recently on Belgrade Ave. and has been such a great addition to the neighborhood! They have gorgeous bouquets and have already been engaging the community with workshops, artist in residence programs, and more. Midnight Morning JUST opened on Birch St. and we are so excited for them! They have an awesome menu with great wine and cocktails, and we can’t wait for people to try it! Another new business is V!Healthy, a smoothie and tea shop on Washington Street offering yummy treats and fun community events.

 

Can you talk about any hidden gems in Roslindale?

There are so many! Roslindale Market and Deli is a real hidden gem. In addition to grocery items, they also have a takeout counter where they serve delicious Dominican food! Our staff loves getting lunch there. Next time, I’m going to try one of their juices or smoothies! We also have the Bay State Model Railroad Museum, which many folks don’t know about. Twice a year they hold open houses where everyone can check out the model trains!

 

What kind of public transportation is available?

We have a Commuter Rail stop right in our neighborhood! The closest T stop is Forest Hills, at the end of the Orange Line. But we have lots of bus routes that go through Roslindale, and more bus lanes have recently been added to improve bus transportation along Washington Street.

 

Are there any community leaders that more people should know about?

Dianna Bronchuk is our Neighborhood Liaison in the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services, and she’s a great resource for people. She assists residents with city services, shares important information, and provides a forum for folks to express concerns, request services, and extend opinions. 

 

What are the best events in Roslindale throughout the year?

We’re biased, but we love the annual Tree Lighting! We always hold it on Small Business Saturday, so it’s a full day of shopping local, gathering with our community, and getting into the holiday spirit. Small Business Saturday was first started right here in Roslindale, so it’s an extra special day for us! Opening Day of the Farmers Market is also always a big celebration, and one of our favorite events. Roslindale Porch Fest is another favorite that people look forward to every year, and Roslindale Open Studios is always an awesome weekend packed with arts and artist events. We’re lucky to have such an active neighborhood with so much going on!

Hidden Gems

The BYTE Shop – a computer museum and repair shop. For regular business, owner Tim Colegrove repairs and recycles electronics but the space itself is used as a museum of vintage computers. Visitors are welcome to turn on the computers and play with them! Includes vintage games, old floppy disks, and even computers from the 60s (huge monsters!). 

https://byteshop.io/

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/12/15/lifestyle/jamaica-plains-new-byte-shop-you-can-geek-out-over-very-old-computers-or-get-your-21st-century-model-fixed/

Little Cocoa Bean – a tot cafe! A cafe and learning space for little ones and their caretakers to enjoy food and education. Owner Tracy Skelly has built a warm and vibrant space that includes a small cafe and a classroom, as well as a playspace for toddlers. They make veggie centric cupcakes and more in tiny sizes for the little ones, and custom blends for pouches and smoothies. They have worked hard to ensure that the space is also focused on Black and Brown culture and foods.

https://www.littlecocoabeanco.com/

Public Transportation in JP Centre South

We are accessible by Bus Routes 39 and 41. The closest T-stop is the Green Street Station on the Orange Line. We also have a municipal parking lot behind Blanchards Wine & Spirits, accessible from Centre St and Burroughs Street.

Canine Costume Parade

Our most popular event is the Canine Costume Parade, which is held on the last Saturday in October. Dogs in costume parade down Centre Street to the red carpet, laid out on the lawn of Loring Greenough House. Prizes are awarded to the best costumes, and we’ve seen some really creative outfits, such as Ruth Bader Barksburg, the Orange Line, and Game of Thrones.