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October 9,
2018
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Featured Stories
In The News
This Week's Featured Event
Arts, Entertainment & Events
Meetings & Notices
Announcements
Deals & Promos
Construction, Utility Work and City Updates
City Services & Important Hotlines
BID Services & Links
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This Week's Featured Event
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Boston Lyric Opera's
'The Barber of Seville' Opens at
Emerson Cutler Majestic Theatre
Oct. 12th
BID member
Boston Lyric Opera (11 Avenue de Lafayette)
is kicking off its 2018-2019 season with
"The Barber of Seville"
on Oct. 12th at the
Emerson Cutler Majestic Theatre
.
The opera is about Rosina, who is determined to marry the man she loves. The zany and witty opera includes schemes and delights with help from the cunning barber Figaro.
The show is running through Oct. 21st. Please click here for showtimes and to purchase tickets. |
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Arts, Entertainment & Events
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Author Talk & Book Signing
'Frederick Douglass -- Prophet of Freedom' at Old South Meeting House Oct. 15th
Historian and author David Blight will be talking about his new book "Frederick Douglass -- Prophet of Freedom" at the Old South Meeting House on Monday, Oct. 15th.
Blight has drawn on new information from both a private collection and recently discovered issues of Douglass's newspapers. The first major biography of Douglass in a quarter-century tells the fascinating story of Douglass' two marriages, his complex extended family, and his fierce support of the Republican party together with African-American civil and political rights.
This is a free event that is open to the public, and registration is requested by clicking here. The event starts at 6:30 pm. Blight will also be signing copies of the book. |
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ArtsEmerson Presenting
'The Peculiar Patriot' Starting Oct. 17th
ArtsEmerson is presenting Liza Jessie Peterson's one-person show "The Peculiar Patriot" starting Oct. 17th at the Paramount Center.
The play is inspired by Peterson's decades of working with prison populations, including New York City's notorious Riker's Island.
The show runs through Oct. 28th. Click here for more information, showtimes and tickets.
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Explorateur Screening 'The Shining'
Oct. 17th
Explorateur Cafe, Restaurant and Bar (186 Tremont St.)
is getting into the Halloween spirit and screening
"The Shining"
on
Wednesday, Oct. 17th
.
The screening will be in Explorateur's Library and tickets include admission, a house-made candy bar and popcorn. Alcoholic beverages will be available at extra cost with a valid 21+ ID. Limited seating is available so get your tickets by clicking
here. The screening starts at
8 pm.
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ArtsEmerson Presenting
Boston Asian American Film Festival
Oct. 18th - Oct. 28th
The
Boston Asian American Film Festival
is highlighting the Asian-American experience around the Greater Boston area during a 10-day festival presented by
ArtsEmerson
at the
Paramount Center
from
Oct. 18th through Oct. 28th
.
The festival includes a wide range of short films, feature films and documentaries and there are often Q&As with filmmakers following most screenings.
Please click here for information about screenings, showtimes and tickets. |
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Mayor's Fall Pumpkin Float on
Boston Common Frog Pond Oct. 19th
The annual
Fall Pumpkin Float
will be held on the
Boston Common Frog Pond
on
Friday, Oct. 19th
from
5 to 8 pm
.
Hundreds of jack-o-lanterns will be floated on the water and there will be spooky family activities.
Attendees are asked to bring an 8-inch or smaller carved pumpkin to be lit and floated. Everyone is encouraged to wear costumes. Children can decorate luminary bags to be displayed along the edge of the pond. There will be a Pumpkin Bounce, fun house maze, bean bag toss and more. There will also be glow-in-the-dark games, children's crafts, free giveaways and more. This is a free event! For more info visit facebook.com/bostonparksdepartment. |
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WalkBoston 'Step On It!' Scavenger Hunt in Downtown Boston Oct. 27th
Think you have seen everything in Downtown Boston?
Guess again.
Join in a sidewalk scavenger hunt through Downtown Boston on Saturday, October 27th and see just how much you know.
Here's how the scavenger hunt works:
- Participants (teams of 1-6 people) will receive clues challenging them to find specific items embedded or engraved in the Downtown Boston sidewalks and pathways. Bonus questions provide opportunities for groups to earn additional points.
- Answer the questions/riddles and travel as a team to each spot. Take a team picture showing the answer. No vehicles or rideshares needed; all locations are within walking distance.
- Document it on Twitter or Instagram using the official event hashtag #StepOnItBoston. Make sure to include teammates in the photos.
Once all the riddles and locations are found, meet at
Scholars Bistro (25 School St.) for the post-hunt celebration and prizes for top finishers. Free entry for paid participants. Prizes are generously donated by local businesses and valued at more than $1,000.
100% of all proceeds will support WalkBoston, a non-profit organization dedicated to making Massachusetts more walkable.
Registration is at noon at Old City Hall (45 School St.). The hunt is from 1 to 3 pm. Click here to register for the event.
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Sign Your Dog Up!
Downtown Boston Doggone Halloween
Costume Parade Oct. 29th
Who doesn't love dogs in costumes?! The 5th Downtown Boston Doggone Halloween Costume Parade will be in Downtown Crossing on Monday, Oct. 29th.
This is a free event to enter and all dogs receive prizes. There are also several grand prizes, including one-night stays at area hotels! Grand prizes are awarded for the Best Costume, Scariest Costume, Best Dog and Human Costumes and Most Creative Costume.
The parade is on Monday, October 29th from
noon to 2 pm.
This year's event will be held on Summer Street between Washington and Hawley streets.
Click
here to register your dog!
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Discover the Dark Side of Boston's Freedom Trail! Lantern Tours are Back This Fall
Discover the Freedom Trail in a new light -- after dark -- on the official Freedom Trail Lantern Tours. These unique Lantern Tours offer visitors and residents the opportunity to experience the sinister history and mystery along the Freedom Trail!
Explore the ghastly side of Boston's iconic red-lined path and hear historic tales too macabre for daytime. Join Freedom Trail Players, darkly garbed with lanterns, who bring true accounts of appalling crimes, spies and assassins, cold-blooded killings and demonic possession to life on these 90-minute walking tours.
Tickets may be purchased at the ArtsBoston Booth at Faneuil Hall, the Boston Common Visitor Information Center, Cheers Retail Gift Shop at Faneuil Hall Marketplace, and tickets are discounted when purchased online by clicking here.
The lantern tours are on Thursdays, Sept. 20th through Oct. 25th and Saturdays, Oct. 6 through Oct. 27th at 7 pm from the ArtsBoston Booth at Faneuil Hall. |
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Get $10 Tix to 'Hamilton':
At Boston Opera House Thru Nov. 18th
The Broadway smash hit, Tony Award-winning musical "Hamilton" made its Boston debut at the Boston Opera House on Sept. 18th and will be in town through Nov. 18th.
The musical is based on Ron Chernow's biography of Alexander Hamilton. Hamilton was an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington's right-hand man during the Revolutionary War, was a Founding Father and America's first Treasury Secretary.
The show blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B and Broadway to have America's present tell Hamilton's story from back in the 1700s.
Also, if you haven't purchased tickets there's still a chance get $10 tickets on the day of show! There will be a release of 40 $10 tickets for every show -- click
here to learn more.
Click
here
for showtimes and more info about the musical.
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Live Music at The Steps, Federal Street, Summer Street, Readers Park and More
The Downtown Boston BID's 2018 performance season features more than 1,600-plus live musical performances spread across five different locations.
This week, Code 51, DD Martin Trio, Zach Ivy, Joe Weinberg, Canvas Collective and Opera Guy and Friends will perform at The Steps (Franklin and Washington streets). There are daily performances from noon to 2 pm and 4:30 to 6:30 pm on Monday through Friday, noon to 2 pm on Saturday and 4:30 to 6:30 pm on Sunday. With plenty of seating at The Steps, it's a wonderful spot to sit down with your lunch and enjoy the show.
Soloists Joe Weinberg and Henry Cobb will perform at 133 Federal St. this week. Performances are on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from noon to 2 pm.
Dan Barton, Nico Rivers, Berklee College of Music students and the Robbie Pate Trio will perform outside of
Macy's on Summer Street. These performances are on
Thursday and Friday, from noon to 2 pm, and again from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. Saturday performances, from 12:30 pm to 3 pm, feature the popular ensemble group Sweet Harmony, singing hits from the 80s, 90s, 2000s and today.
The BID is teaming up with
Exchange at 100 Federal Street to present live music inside the atrium from
4 to 6 pm on Tuesdays.
The BID is also sponsoring live music at Readers Park (School and Washington streets) on Friday from noon to 1:30 pm and Saturday from noon to 2 pm. Henry Cobb is performing this week.
All performances are subject to change and may be cancelled due to inclement weather.
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Look Out for Redcoats on
The Freedom Trail
The Freedom Trail Foundation and Downtown Boston BID offer the opportunity to experience British soldiers in 18th-century Redcoat uniforms reenacting guard duty like it's 1775.
This historical program utilizes experienced Freedom Trail Players, costumed in the attire of 18th-century British soldiers, who bring the daily actions and atmosphere of British-occupied Boston to life. Residents and visitors can meet the soldiers and engage them in talk about their postings in the hostile environment of colonial Boston as they "occupy" Downtown Boston on Washington, Summer, and Winter streets. The Freedom Trail's Changing the Guard takes place through October on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 2 pm.
For more information about Changing the Guard, please call the Freedom Trail Foundation at 617-357-8300 or visit TheFreedomTrail.org. |
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Construction, Utility
Work and City Updates
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New Developments Under Construction, Proposed Projects and More
Downtown Boston is continually transforming, with new buildings rising, as well as transportation projects taking place underground and at street level. Looking for the latest updates on developments, construction, sidewalk closings, and more? Click here. 
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City Services &
Important Hotlines
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Important Phone Numbers
Boston Fire, Police & Emergency Services: 911
Non-emergency requests: 311
Eversource gas and electric: 1-800-592-2000
National Grid: 1-800-322-3223
Boston Water & Sewer Commission: 617-989-7000
Mass Water Resources Authority: 617-242-6000
City of Boston Tow Lot: 617-635-3900
National Weather Service: 508-822-0634
Verizon: 800-837-4966
Boston Animal Care and Control: 617-635-5348
Cold Relief Heatline: 800-632-8175
Elderly Commission: 617-635-4366
Emergency Shelter Commission: 617-635-4507
MBTA: 617-222-3200
MEMA: 508-820-1428
Mass. Road and Traffic Conditions: 617-374-1234
City of Boston Neighborhood Services: 617-635-3485
State Police: 617-740-7600
Transit Police: 617-222-1212
City of Boston Veterans Services: 617-635-3957
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Downtown Boston BID Weekly News Update
For questions and comments, please contact David Ertischek, Communications & Social Media Manager, at:
dertischek@bostonbid.org
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Redcoats Parade Thru
Downtown Boston,
Occupying Our City -- Again!
On Saturday morning, more than 200 Redcoat re-enactors "occupied" Boston as they landed in long boats and ships at Long Wharf. Just as they did in October 1768, the Redcoats "marched with insolent parade, drums beating, fifes playing and colours flying" through Downtown Boston on their way to the Boston Common. But first --- they stopped and enjoyed regimental tea with regular common folk -- courtesy of
Roche Bros.
in Downtown Crossing.
As they insolently paraded through Boston, claiming that Boston was still part of England, they were met with rebuff by modern day Americans, which was all part of the celebration.
The Insolent Parade was part of
Revolution 250
,
a consortium of organizations working together to commemorate the 250th anniversaries of the events that led to American Revolution.
"It was a spectacular and history-filled weekend. The city witnessed a rare glimpse of what life was like 250 years ago. It was so exciting to engage with living historians that turned back time to the start of democracy in America," said George Comeau, BID Marketing and Brand Activation Manager. "
There were thousands of people engaged in history over the two days. Everyone involved thoroughly enjoyed this Revolution 250 event. Roche Bros. served more than 800 cups of tea and cider to folks in Downtown Crossing. There were lots of smiles from young and old, tourists, residents, passersby and more!"
After passing the Old State House, the Redcoats stopped at The Steps (Franklin and Washington streets) where their commanding officers, event organizers and living historians portraying John Hancock and British Army Col. William Dalrymple addressed the crowd.
"We're hoping over the next eight years really to focus on the events that happened here in Boston where the revolution began," said Bob Allison, Chair of the Colonial Society of Massachusetts and Suffolk University professor of history. "We trace the origins of the American republic to events that happened here in the streets of Boston 250 years ago."
As drums banged and fifes shrilled, the Redcoats continued on to tea with Roche Bros., the official provision purveyor to the British Army and the Colonial citizens. While drinking tea and enjoying seasonal refreshments, tourists, modern Downtown Boston residents, students and more took
photos with soldiers and colonists.
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Harriet Cross, British Consul General to New England, gave a stirring speech,
revving up the Redcoats! |
The celebration continued later that night at Democracy Brewing (35 Temple Place), where the Sons of Liberty were "accosted" by soldiers, and Sheriff Greenleaf came to read the Riot Act. After having enough rebel rousing, the Redcoats retired to their encampment for the night on the Boston Common.
"I applaud and salute all of the 50 organizations involved in the planning process for today's activities and those who work at the historic sites -- the Old State House, The Freedom Trail Foundation, the Granary Burying Ground -- and many more for the caring and preservation of these precious treasures and educating thousands of people all yearlong," said BID President & CEO Rosemarie Sansone. "On behalf of Downtown Boston we would especially like to thank all of our participating businesses, Roche Bros., Hyatt Regency Boston, Post Office Square Garage, Uno Due Go, Back Deck and Democracy Brewing."
Other speakers included Chris Cook, Chief of Environment, Energy, and Open Space for the City of Boston; Catherine Allgor. President of the Massachusetts Historical Society; and Pat Moscaritolo, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Boston Occupied was sponsored by the Downtown Boston BID, Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau, Conventures, Pfizer, Roche Bros. and the Massachusetts Historical Society.
All photos by Michael J. Clarke Photography
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Better Sorts Social Club Now Open Above Nine Zero Hotel
With lush velvet chairs and tufted leather booths, the
Better Sorts Social Club
opened on Thursday above the
Nine Kimpton Zero Hotel (90 Tremont St.)
, offering reimagined classics and seasonally-rotating specialty bites.
"Our team has worked tirelessly to deliver a food and beverage program at Better Sorts Social Club that is thoughtful, intriguing and inspiring," said Eric Santiago, Director of Restaurant Operations for Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants. "We're so excited to showcase Better Sorts to everyone in Boston and beyond."
Head Bartender Naomi Levy, one of Boston's most renowned cocktail experts, is leading the beverage program, and bringing a "hyper-seasonal, playfully refined cocktail program."
The new restaurant is also serving up breakfast, providing Downtown Boston with another early morning option. Also, the restaurant's Gardner Room is available for intimate private dining for up to eight people.
The Better Sorts Social Club is open for breakfast on Monday through Friday from 6:30 am to 10 am and 7 am to 10:30 am on the weekends. Dinner and cocktail service is available Tuesday and Wednesday from 5 pm to midnight, and 5 pm to 2 am on Thursday through Saturday.
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New Artist Installation on
Washington Street Brings
ILLUMINUS Light Festival Closer
A new artist installation at
349 Washington Street
recently debuted, bringing the free nighttime
ILLUMINUS Light Festival (Nov. 2nd and 3rd, starting at 6 pm)
closer.
Artist Pamela Hersch's "Ventana" video art was specifically created for the storefront of 349 Washington St. "Ventana" is the Spanish word for "window."
"This piece invites the viewer to look through the window panels to find another window. The wooden molding frames the space where video footage of the present alternates with footage that represents the future, drawing a comparison between both images," said Hersch.
The videos change every second and simultaneously zoom out to the distance until they disappear, forming a 'time tunnel'."
"I intend to bring at least the consideration -- and hopefully, full awareness -- of how our surroundings might look in a not-very-distant future, and the role we play in the climate changing. What part can each of us play in stemming this change?" said Hersch.
The exhibit will be on display through Oct. 25th, leading up to the ILLUMINUS festival.
"We are excited about the ILLUMINUS Light Festival returning to Downtown Boston. We have rotating installations highlighting local artists leading up to the festival on November 2nd and 3rd," said Anita Lauricella, BID Public Realm Senior Planner.
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Red Sox Images Projected Onto
Old State House to Highlight Historic Season
The Old State House looked very different on the night of October 2nd, as images of Boston Red Sox were projected onto the historic building.
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| Photo from twitter.com/RedSox |
The "wallscape" was part of a five-night installation highlighting the Red Sox's best regular season ever. The projections showed players and moments from the Sox's season onto buildings and in public spaces throughout Boston and Cambridge.
The series of projections included Mookie Betts' reaction to his grand slam on July 12th, many postgame moments, such as Brock Holt celebrating with Andrew Benintendi following the left fielder's walk-off home run on August 6th against the New York Yankees.
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Downtown Boston Residents'
Association Meeting Oct. 15th
The Downtown Boston Residents' Association (DBRA) will host its next monthly meeting on Monday, Oct. 15th at the Suffolk University Modern Theatre at 7 pm.
Representatives of the Boston Police Department will lead a discussion about public safety. There will also be three local restaurants spotlighted: Democracy Brewing, Boston Chops and Taste Wine Bar & Kitchen. This is a public meeting. |
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Suffolk University Inauguration to Celebrate Presidency of Marisa Kelly Oct. 12th
The Suffolk University community will celebrate President Marisa Kelly during inauguration ceremonies on Friday, Oct. 12th, at Converse Hall (88 Tremont St.).
Among the scheduled dignitaries speaking at the inauguration include
Mayor Martin Walsh,
U.S.Sen. Edward Markey, Massachusetts House Speaker and Suffolk University Law School alumnus Robert DeLeo and
Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Justice Elspeth Cypher,
a Suffolk Law alumna.
Kelly is Suffolk University's 11th president, and
has led Suffolk University since 2016, initially as acting president. She was named permanent president in March 2018.
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Calling All Downtown Boston Residents:
Volunteers Wanted for DBRA Committees
The Downtown Boston Residents' Association (DBRA) is in the process of rounding out its committees and is looking for residents who are interested in volunteering their time and talents.
Also, the DBRA recently remade its website. Learn more about the organization, committees and check out the new website at downtownra.org. Click here to signup to volunteer for committees. |
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Jewelry, Woodwork and More:
Downtown Boston
Arts Market
on Summer Street
The Downtown Boston Arts Market is on Summer Street between Macy's, Primark and Roche Bros. from 11 am to 6 pm on Thursdays and Fridays.
The market is a great place to get a gift for yourself or a loved one. Handmade jewelry, antique maps, artisanal food, soaps and candles are just some of the items being sold at the market this year. This week's vendors are: Intaglio Antique Prints & Maps, Fridgedoor, Karol Peralta Jewelry, Speakeasy Travel Supply, Recycled Glass, Oiseaux, EPOCA, Charged Glassworks, Fiber and Water, Marcart, Aribella Design, Tanzania School Foundation, Wyllo, Storyteller Jewelry, Stash Jewelry, McCrea's Candies and Urban Kitchen Handmade.
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BID Little Free Libraries at
Readers Park and 175 Federal St.
The Downtown Boston BID's very popular Little Free Library at Readers Park (School and Washington streets) is for anyone to take a book and leave a book. The Readers Park Little Free Library was so popular that a second one was added to the district at 175 Federal St. (Summer Street side).
The general public is invited to donate free books to the BID's Little Free Libraries by dropping off books at the libraries or by contacting Kristen Flanagan at kflanagan@bostonbid.org to organize a pickup in the downtown area.
The BID's Little Free Libraries are officially registered with the
Little Free Library non-profit organization. There are actually more than 50,000 registered little free libraries across the country and world!
The BID's Little Free Libraries are
open daily from 10 am to 6 pm
(closed during inclement weather).
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Boston Area Spanish Exchange Offering Discount for Fall Courses
Boston Area Spanish Exchange's (101 Arch St., 8th Floor) next course period begins the week of Nov. 5th. Boston BID newsletter readers are being offered a 5% tuition waiver when using the coupon code BOSTONBID5.
The registration deadline is Oct. 26th. Click here to register for classes.
BASE also offers free Spanish conversation opportunities at 6 pm on Tuesdays in October. |
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Café Marliave Introduces Vietnamese Coffee
Café Marliave (51 Province St.) recently introduced a newcomer to its menu: Vietnamese coffee. It features Robusta beans and chicory brewed with a traditional phin, then sweetened with condensed milk.
This new offering is available as hot or iced coffee. You can also make it a New Orleans special with one of the house beignets. |
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Request a Quote from
Metro Meeting Centers and
Receive a Free Starbucks Gift Card
Metro Meeting Centers (101 Federal St., 4th Floor) is offering a free Starbucks gift card if you request a quote for an upcoming meeting.
This offer is completely free. You can request your quote by visiting www.metromeetingcenters.com. Use promo code STARBUCKS. This offer ends Oct. 31st. |
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Take Your Shot at These
Special 'Hamilton' Deals
Local businesses are very excited about "Hamilton" being in Boston and are offering special menus, drinks, parking discounts and more.
Artisan Bistro (10 Avery St.) is serving three "Hamilton" inspired cocktails:
Eliza, A Despicable Opinion, and The Price of Truth. Each cocktail is $15.
Back Deck (2 West St.) is offering a "Hamilton" inspired menu with a Hamilton Old-Fashioned, Monticello White Bean Soup, Cider-Braised Beef Brisket Pot-Roast, Indian Pudding and a Rattle Skull (Goslings dark rum, Blacklash Molasses Stout, lime and nutmeg). Click here for the full menu and descriptions.
Hyatt Regency Boston (One Avenue de Lafayette) is offering two tickets to the Nov. 2nd "Hamilton" show when you reserve a semi-private dining experience. This offer is valid for dinner receptions with a $5,000 food and beverage minimum by October 31st.
The Marliave (10 Bosworth St.) is offering 10% off entrees with a ticket from that day's performance.
The Merchant (60 Franklin St.) is offering 10% off food only with a ticket from that day's performance. Also, the restaurant is offering $6 validated parking at the 33 Arch Street Garage after 3:30 pm during the week and all day on the weekend. The restaurant will validate your parking ticket.
PABU (3 Franklin St., 2nd Floor) is offering
complimentary chicken karaage or edamame for anyone who presents their theater ticket for that date's performance. |
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BID Ambassadors Provide Clean & Hospitality Services
in Downtown
The
Downtown Boston BID Ambassadors
provide clean and hospitality services seven days a week, nearly 24 hours a day. Ambassadors create a friendly, welcoming Downtown presence by helping visitors with directions, notifying fire and police personnel of incidents and more.
B
ID Ambassadors
provide walking escorts when needed and
they'll even tote an umbrella if it's raining! Please call 617-261-0066 if you want to contact our BID ambassador services program. You can also email help@bostonbid.org.
- Ambassadors remove litter and graffiti
- Ambassadors clear crosswalks, handicapped ramps and storm drain openings
- Ambassadors shovel in Downtown Boston during winter
- Ambassadors maintain the BID's landscaping
- Masonry Ambassadors fix sidewalks and more
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Additional BID Services & Info
- Communication and Business Networking
- Meetings with individual BID members to discuss neighborhood issues
- Entertainment programming
- Member Advocacy
- Capital/Public Improvements
- Wayfinding
- Please click here for the Downtown Boston BID's Welcome Guide that provides a look at many of the BID's accomplishments in leading the transformation of Downtown Crossing
- For additional details and information on the complete range of BID services please contact Doug Meyer, Membership Services & Database Manager, at dmeyer@bostonbid.org.
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