By Tiffany Williams –
Mayor Michelle Wu on Thursday kicked off the fall season of Boston Family Days, giving Boston students and their families free access to live performances at the city’s top arts venues. The program expands on the existing museum partnerships, adding performing arts to the roster with ticketed shows, backstage tours, and family-friendly events.
From October through early January, institutions including the American Repertory Theater, ArtsEmerson, Berklee, Boch Center, Boston Ballet, Boston Lyric Opera, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Huntington Theatre, and Wheelock Family Theatre will offer more than 2,500 free tickets to students and up to two guests. Performances include Boston Pops, Annie, Cirque du Soleil, and dozens more.
“The addition of free performing arts tickets builds on a transformative program for our students and families,” Wu said. “By offering activities to spark curiosity and discovery, we are investing in lifelong learning in our city.”
Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper called it an opportunity for students to “experience the power of live theater,” while arts leaders emphasized accessibility and community impact. Boston Ballet’s Ming Min Hui highlighted the magic of live performance, and the Boch Center celebrated its 100th anniversary with family-centered programming.
Other institutions echoed the message. ArtsEmerson will spotlight SpaceBridge, a story connecting young Russian asylum seekers and American students, while Huntington Theatre, Wheelock Family Theatre, and Berklee stressed inclusion, educational engagement, and exposure to professional performance. Boston Lyric Opera will bring students into theaters for productions like Macbeth and Daughter of the Regiment.
The fall performing arts season follows the program’s successful museum offerings, which have already reached over 65,000 students and their families. Registration is through the City’s platform, with BPS students automatically enrolled. Ticket links and instructions will be sent to families before each event.
Boston Family Days is supported through a public-private partnership, including corporate and philanthropic backers such as Amazon, the Barr Foundation, and individual donors, alongside participating cultural and performing arts institutions. The initiative continues Mayor Wu’s push to remove barriers and expand cultural access citywide.
For the full fall performance calendar and registration details, visit boston.gov/bostonfamilydays.