On Saturday, August 1, the National Center for Race Amity hosted the 5th Annual Boston Race Amity Arts and Music Festival at Rowes Wharf Plaza on Boston’s Rose Kennedy Greenway, bringing together musicians, dancers, emerging artists, families, and community members for an afternoon celebrating creativity, friendship, and unity.

From late morning through early evening, two stages offered nearly continuous live entertainment. The Main Stage opened with the National Anthem performed by Taylor Sweeney, followed by the Suffolk Ramifications A Cappella Group and a diverse lineup that included the Sofia Marietta Band, Vashean Blues Band, Floor Lords Dance Crew, The Femmes, Zili Misik, and internationally recognized saxophonist Elan Trotman, who closed the festival with an hour-long performance.

The festival’s Emerging Artist Stage provided additional opportunities for young and developing performers to share their talents. The lineup included Youth Singers, Taylor Sweeney, Sofia Marietta, Elan Trotman’s student singers, and Zoe Meyers, giving audiences the opportunity to discover new voices alongside established performers.

At the heart of the festival was the message of race amity—the power of friendship and collaboration across racial and cultural lines to strengthen communities and advance unity. A special Race Amity segment on the Main Stage offered an opportunity to reflect on that purpose amid an afternoon filled with music, dance, food, and celebration.

Festivalgoers also enjoyed food from The Chicken & Rice Guys and free ice cream samples provided by Ben & Jerry’s, adding to the welcoming atmosphere along the waterfront.

Now in its fifth year, the Boston Race Amity Arts and Music Festival demonstrates how the arts can create a natural gathering place for people from many backgrounds. Music and dance provide a common language, while shared experiences open the door to new relationships, conversations, and connections.

The National Center for Race Amity extends its appreciation to the artists, volunteers, sponsors, vendors, production team, community partners, and everyone who joined us at Rowes Wharf Plaza and helped make the 2026 festival possible.