FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Hopefully we have anticipated many of your questions. If you still have a question, please email info@dorchesterbeachfestival.com and we will provide an answer as soon as we can.
Q: When is the event?
A: Saturday, August 16th, from 11am-4pm
Q: Where is the event?
A: Malibu Beach, Morrissey Boulevard, Dorchester, MA.
Please refer to our DIRECTIONS page for details.
Q: Is the site accessible via public transportation?
A: Yes, Dorchester Beach Festival is a 5 minute walk from the Savin Hill MBTA Station on the Red Line. Please refer to our DIRECTIONS page for details.
Q: How much is admission?
A: The Dorchester Beach Festival is a FREE one-day event.
Food will be available for sale.
Q: What ages are events geared towards?
A: Everyone from a small child to a senior can find activities, displays and demonstrations that will interest them.
Q: Are restrooms available?
A: We have arranged to extend the hours at the DCR bathhouse and hope to have porta johns available as well.
Q: Who is sponsoring the event?
A: The Friends of Savin Hill Shores and the Beautification Committee of the Columbia Savin Hill Civic Association.
Q: How is event funded?
A: The committee was awarded a grant from Save the Harbor Save the Bay with funding from the Boston Foundation and National Grid; the Department of Conservation and Recreation has donated many in-kind services. Please see our ‘ABOUT’ page for details. We also have received fiscal sponsorships to underwrite activities, volunteers to run events and in-kind donations from several businesses, elected officials, organizations, etc. Please see our ‘HELP US’ page for details.
Q: What are the activities? When are they scheduled?
A: Please consult our ‘ACTIVITIES’ page for all the details. Check back regularly as we are regularly adding new activities.
Q: How can I help?
A: We need volunteers and sponsors so please visit our ‘HELP US’ page to learn about these opportunities. Thanks for your interest.
Q: I am handicapped, is the site accessible?
A: Handicapped parking (with proper HP credentials) will be available in the Morrissey Boulevard parking lot. See ‘DIRECTIONS’ page for details. Malibu Beach boardwalk, sidewalk and beach house are HP-accessible. Many events will be held on beach and grassy areas.
Q: What happens if it rains?
A: The Dorchester Beach Festival is a rain or shine event. We have enlisted volunteers, vendors and rented equipment for this one day and trust Mother Nature will cooperate as we are celebrating one of her treasured locations.
Q: Will food be available?
A: A couple of vendors have tasting samples (limited supplies). The Committee plans to sell very nominally priced water, soda and juice. City Council President Maureen Feeney is sponsoring an ice cream truck that arrives at 1pm. Au Soleil, Boston Magazine’s ‘Best of Boston 2008 Best Caterer’ will sell very nominally priced food (hot dogs @ $3; hamburgers/cheeseburgers @ $4 each and pork confit sandwiches – slow-cooked, fall off the bone pulled pork served on a roasted potato roll with choice of a garlic/herb aioli or a barbeque sauce for only $6
Q: Will there be first aid stations?
A: There will be first-aid trained DCR rangers as well as life-guards on-site. First aid kits will be on-site. Consult site-map at event for locations of beach house and beach festival HQ.
Q: Can I bring my dog to Dorchester Beach Festival?
A: According to DCR regulations dogs are not allowed on public beaches during the summer. We anticipate a large attendance which may not be conducive to pets. Remember, DBF is August 16th, during the ‘dog days of summer’. For your pet’s safety and so you can enjoy all our activities without worrying about your dog, it is best to leave him/her at home.
Q: Will there be live entertainment?
A: A key goal is to provide a band. Currently we are actively seeking sponsorship to cover this expense. Check www.dorchesterbeachfestival again for update.
