This annual, free community celebration transforms the streets of the Bronx into a vibrant hub for live music, dance, sports, art, and social connection. Boogie on the Boulevard is a family-friendly festival designed to strengthen the community, encourage active lifestyles, and revitalize public spaces. Read on to learn more about its origins and how it’s held on bronxski.com.
The Genesis of an Idea
New York City’s streets are its largest public spaces, yet they’re often dominated by cars. What could be vibrant spots for gathering, recreation, or creativity are too often relegated solely to transportation. Boogie on the Boulevard aims to change that, reimagining the street as an open, accessible space for people. For this event, the Grand Concourse, the Bronx’s main thoroughfare, transforms into a lively urban stage where the sounds of music, art, movement, and lively conversation replace the roar of engines.
The roots of this idea stretch back to 1909, with the opening of the Grand Concourse. This grand boulevard, designed by architect Louis Risse, was modeled after the Champs-Élysées in Paris. Risse envisioned it connecting elegant Manhattan with the then-rural green spaces of the Bronx. However, over time, the street became more of a transportation artery than a place for leisure.
Change began in 1991 when then-Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer launched the “Car-Free Sundays” program. Every Sunday from May to November, the boulevard’s central lanes were closed to traffic, turning the Grand Concourse into a true paved park. People rode bikes, strolled, danced, sat on folding chairs, and got to know their neighbors—it was as if the entire Bronx shared one big front porch.
This initiative proved so popular it was extended through mid-November. Today, Boogie on the Boulevard revives that spirit of shared space. The street becomes a place of joy, creativity, family activities, and public life. The event is organized by the Bronx Museum in partnership with BronxWorks, Transportation Alternatives, and local artists.
The Ban and the Revival of a Tradition
In 1996, New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani effectively halted “Car-Free Sundays,” a beloved event for Bronx residents. While organizers were formally invited to submit permit applications, none were approved. Observers quickly pointed to political motives. Giuliani likely used administrative levers to weaken the influence of Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer, who was seen as a potential rival in the mayoral race.
However, many Bronx residents didn’t accept this ban as final. The grassroots initiative “Citizens for Car-Free Sundays” launched a campaign, sending hundreds of postcards to the Mayor’s office. They urged Giuliani to see the event not as a political maneuver, but as a vital initiative that improved residents’ quality of life, united the community, and transformed streets into spaces for people, not just cars.
Ten years after its cancellation, there was an attempt to revive the initiative. Transportation Alternatives, along with local residents, organized a pilot version of “Car-Free Sundays.” This was a significant step towards returning public space to the area’s residents.
In 2012, a new campaign called “Street Films” began on the Grand Concourse, also aimed at bringing back “Car-Free Sundays.” These open-air film screenings drew attention to the street’s potential as a cultural and community space.
The struggle to revive these traditions culminated in 2014, when the Boogie on the Boulevard festival was held for the first time. The event brought back the “Car-Free Sundays” concept in a modern format. For three Sundays in August, the Grand Concourse once again became a space for life, not just traffic. Over 2500 people joined the celebration, enjoying music, art, sports, and community.
The Biking Community Joins In
In 2012, artists Elizabeth Hamby and Hatuey Ramos-Fermín launched Boogie Down Rides—a unique project at the intersection of bike culture, urbanism, and art. The idea emerged after the This Side of Paradiseexhibition, organized by the No Longer Empty initiative, and soon evolved into a distinct movement with a clear public mission.
Boogie Down Rides became a true celebration of cycling in the Bronx. The project combined group rides, workshops on the visual representation of urban space, educational events, and community dialogues. Its goal was not just to popularize cycling but to create a platform for strengthening communities and developing public space.
The project was based on the conviction that a bicycle is more than just a means of transport. It’s a tool for wellness, social interaction, access to the city, and reclaiming people’s right to the street. Boogie Down Rides not only promoted physical activity but also expanded residents’ opportunities. This movement brought together a broad coalition of activists, artists, urban planners, and everyday residents.
The Most Ambitious Boogie on the Boulevard Festival
In 2016, the Boogie on the Boulevard festival reached a new level, becoming the largest “open streets” event in the Bronx. For three Sundays in August, the central lanes of the Grand Concourse were closed to cars and open for celebration. From 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, the space transformed into a pedestrian zone where people could not only bike and rollerblade but also dance, exercise, relax, and create.
One of the movement’s founders curated that year’s Boogie on the Boulevard, bringing together 88 organizations—artistic, cultural, community, and medical groups, as well as independent artists and creative collectives. In 2016, Boogie on the Boulevard was held for the first time on the last Sunday of each month from May to August, allowing it to reach even more residents.
Each last Sunday had its own musical vibe, thanks to the “Mobile Mondays” series:
- May 29: Disco and ’80s (DJ Misbehavior and Joey Carvello)
- June 26: House and ’90s dance (DJ Joey Carvello and Johnny D)
- July 31: Vinyl classics (DJ Misbehavior)
- August 28: Funk, soul, and disco (DJ Woof)
The festival also debuted The Great Lawn, created with support from Montefiore Medical Center. It was a true park right in the middle of the street—500 square feet of grass for picnics, yoga, and barefoot relaxation.
The Boogie art block became a platform for local artists. The Bronx Museum of Art opened its doors for visitors and offered exhibition tours, while BXArts Factory and Andrew Freedman Home presented performances, open studios, visual art, and spoken word poetry.
The program included an open mic, a walking tour of the Grand Concourse, dance performances by Bombazo Dance Company, and other entertainment.
The festival also promoted healthy living. Mullally Bike Park offered a Strider Bike kids’ zone. BronxWorks and Bronx Health REACH hosted a fitness block, with free classes in yoga, Zumba, stretching, and body conditioning.
Boogie on the Boulevard in 2016 not only broke attendance records but also firmly established itself as an annual celebration of urban life in the Bronx.
The Modern Format
In 2017 and 2018, Boogie on the Boulevard was held in a more modest format. But in 2019, a large celebration returned. On September 15th, the festival gathered thousands of Bronx residents on the central lanes of the Grand Concourse. The program featured art and fitness, free wellness sessions, dance, music, lectures, and family activities. Institutions like Bronx Health REACH and Montefiore gave significant attention to the event. In 2020, due to COVID-19, the festival went virtual throughout July and August. Organizers offered online versions focusing on art, activity, and healthy living. Then there was a two-year hiatus. But in July 2023, the festival returned to its familiar in-person format near the Bronx Museum of the Arts, featuring music, art, and fitness programs for all ages.
In 2024, the Boogie on the Boulevard festival became part of the Boulevard Street Festival program. Events for 2025 are also planned, with a focus on combining culture, health, arts, and community spirit.
Boogie on the Boulevard has transformed from a local community celebration into a powerful platform for health, art, culture, and the activation of urban space. It has adapted to new challenges but has always remained open and inclusive.