By Tiffany Williams –
BOSTON — Michelle Wu and the City of Boston’s Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement announced that free tickets are now available for the 2026 Mayor’s Youth Summit, an annual citywide celebration highlighting the contributions of young people to Boston’s culture.
The 2026 Summit will take place Saturday, Feb. 21, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Artists For Humanity EpiCenter in South Boston. Organizers expect approximately 600 attendees, with free tickets offered to youth ages 14 to 19 and youth-serving community partners.
“Boston’s youth shape the culture and energy of our city, and the Mayor’s Youth Summit is an opportunity to celebrate all they contribute,” Wu said. “This year’s summit will offer opportunities for our young people to showcase talents, connect with City leaders and have fun with peers. Join us in celebrating young Bostonians and the partnerships that make this summit such a special citywide event!”
The Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement said it hosted a series of feedback sessions with youth programs across the city in preparation for the event. Organizers gathered input on timing, design, performances and food in an effort to center youth voices and reflect the interests of Boston teens.
“The Mayor’s Youth Summit is a powerful celebration of the creativity, leadership, and voice of young people across Boston,” said Pedro Cruz, Executive Director of the Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement. “This event gives young people a stage to perform and share their art while building meaningful connections with peers from every neighborhood. We are proud to create a space where youth are seen, heard, and empowered to shape the cultural and civic life of our city.”
The 2025 summit marked the second time the event was held since it was re-established as an annual occurrence in 2024 following a 20-year hiatus. Nearly 500 attendees participated last year.
This year’s summit will feature live performances from youth involved with Beat the Odds, Boston Music Project, Teen Empowerment and Community Music Center of Boston. The newly named Youth Poet Laureate will deliver spoken word. Wu will serve as keynote speaker. Amanda Shea will return as host and music will be provided by DJ WhySham.
“Young people contribute so much to the culture and civic life of our City,” said José F. Massó, Chief of Human Services. “I am grateful to be part of a team that creates this space to celebrate the incredible talent, skills and brilliance of Boston’s youth and look forward to another fun, exciting Youth Summit.”
The city will present the Youth Leader Award and Youth Organization Award during the event. The Youth Leader Award will honor two Boston residents between 14 and 19 years old who demonstrate high levels of leadership among peers or a commitment to civic engagement. The Youth Organization Award will recognize an organization dedicated to empowering and supporting Boston’s youth.
Boston Children’s Hospital is supporting the event along with other local youth-serving organizations.
“Boston Children’s Hospital is proud to collaborate with the City and invest in our young people,” said Shari Nethersole, MD, Vice President for Community Health and Engagement at Boston Children’s Hospital. “We support the Mayor’s Youth Summit because it puts youth at the center of its platform, which encourages civic engagement and creates opportunities for youth to thrive in Boston.”
Attendees will receive branded tote bags, stickers and sweatshirts, and will have opportunities to win backpacks from Sprayground and tickets to see the Boston Red Sox. Youth participants can also receive airbrush tattoos, contribute to a collaborative mural and submit ideas for the Youth Lead the Change participatory budgeting program.
Free tickets and additional information are available at boston.gov/youth-summit.