West Roxbury Main Streets is creating a series of months-long events to celebrate West Roxbury’s 175th founding in 1851 as an independent municipality. Lindsey Chase, executive director of West Roxbury Mains Streets (WRMS) hosted the initial planning meeting on Thursday, Jan. 22, with 25 community members and business owners in attendance providing ideas for the festivities to come.

Already on the drawing board is a “save-the date” for what will be a fundraising and entertainment gala on May 16, 2026, at the Irish Social Club. Chase talked about some of the goals for the celebration.

“This year, West Roxbury turns 175. So, there will be scattered events… the approach to this event will be nostalgic, fun, light, sort of like a reunion, a celebration of the past and the present.”

She emphasized that all the celebrations would encourage visits to West Roxbury to patronize the small businesses and commemorate “those who came before us and those who are here now.”

May 16 will be a ticketed event and offer entertainment, photos, memorabilia, hors d'oeuvres and a silent auction. “All Roads Lead to West Roxbury” is the suggested theme. Chase said the longer-term objectives include raising funds for WRMS to continue a similar event every year and create sustainable items like photos for later use within the district. “I encourage you to think about anything, let me know any ideas that come to mind. We want it to be a fun and welcoming event for everybody… no idea is crazy,” she said.

The group’s reaction was enthusiastic. “You nailed it,” said Myles Duffy, supporting the idea that whatever is created could be used to celebrate all year round. “Wouldn’t it be a shame for so much planning for one night only?”

Photography projects are already in process, said Chase, with the idea of placing these in local businesses. “Are you thinking about a taste of West Roxbury or diverse things?” asked West Roxbury Neighborhood Council member Steven Smith. Chase said a focus on businesses within the district is a priority. Smith offered to follow up on a lead for a comedian or other entertainment.

Non-profits were also encouraged to participate. Sandy Serkess of The West Roxbury Historical Society has already scheduled events.

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“West Roxbury is so different than the rest of Boston,” she said. Tours are already planned of buildings and home locations. “All the families who made West Roxbury, we’re talking about them. Who they were, where they lived and what they did … if they needed anything they had to do it themselves. They had only themselves to depend on.”

A tour of the Westerly Burial Grounds, on Centre Street, where many of West Roxbury’s early families are buried, is planned for the summer. Kelly Thomas from Boston Parks and Recreation will be leading the tour.

The question of the 600-person limit at the Irish Social Club and how best to sell tickets was raised. “We’re just starting this conversation …we would have to figure out what is the event, are we’re having a D.J and a band, so people get value for their ticket,” said Chase.

Another topic was about how best to sell tickets, identify sponsors for tables, gift baskets, and raffles. Offering a silent auction was discussed. Hors d’oeuvres would be served to encourage people to move about and participate more than a sit-down dinner. “People want to see old friends and talk to them,” said one person.

For monthly events, plenty of ideas emerged. Mark Cohen, representing District 6 City Councilor Ben Weber, suggested including the schools. “We value our schools. We have some of the best private and public schools in the system, so when we design an event, it would be really nice to have one that focuses on the kids. That’s the future of West Roxbury.” Tying a children’s event to a Little League baseball event was also suggested.

More details and meetings will be forthcoming. “This is just the first planning meeting. I need to have input and feedback from everyone in the community,” said Chase. To suggest other activities, email Lindsey Chase at director@wrms.org.