Summer events in Jamaica Plain: PorchFest, African Festival, and more

This week, a variety of festivals will grace Boston’s neighborhoods, offering a range of cultural celebrations and artistic displays. From Jamaica Plain’s PorchFest to the city’s African Festival and Allston’s Rat City Arts Festival, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Here are five free events and activities happening from August 11-17.

First up is “Music and a Meal” at Moakley Park on Wednesday, featuring a performance by Gaby Cotter & the Timba Messengers, a Latin jazz and salsa band. Attendees can enjoy free dinner courtesy of Fresh Food Generation, known for their Caribbean-inspired dishes. This event, part of the Summer Nights at Moakley Park series, will also include an interactive mural and a scavenger hunt organized by Navigation Games. The final event in this series on August 20 will feature Boston Lyric Opera.

Next, the second annual Youth Fest will showcase talented high school and college-aged performers from Boston Music Project’s Music Workforce Apprenticeship program. Beat The Odds, which provides music education to underserved youth, will also have a presence. Attendees can interact with various instruments at an “instrument petting zoo” and learn from instructors on City Hall Plaza from noon to 6 p.m.

Don’t miss the 10th annual Jamaica Plain PorchFest, where local residents will turn their porches into music venues showcasing a variety of genres. Take a leisurely stroll through the neighborhood to enjoy acts ranging from folk and punk to hip-hop and world music. Special activities at 3 p.m. include trivia, Cuban dance lessons, and a poetry workshop. TrikeHub will provide free rides to all PorchFest venues from 1-4 p.m.

The Rat City Arts Festival, now in its fourth year, aims to raise awareness about Allston’s rat population while celebrating the neighborhood’s artistic talent. The event will feature musical performances and works by local illustrators, painters, and creators in Artist Alley. A guided “Rat Walk” on Wednesday will visit rat hotspots in the neighborhood. Join the festivities at Charles River Speedway in Brighton from 3-10 p.m.

Lastly, head to Boston Common for the African Festival of Boston, a two-day celebration of traditional and fusion music from the diaspora. Explore cultural traditions, culinary delights from Africa and the Caribbean, and participate in family-friendly games and activities. Workshops will be available to learn about African history and customs. The festival takes place on August 16-17 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Make sure to visit the event websites for the latest information on these exciting festivities. Enjoy the diverse cultural experiences and artistic showcases happening around Boston this week.