Free Social Fitness Festival on City Hall Plaza Presented by Blue Cross, Blue Shield of Massachusetts

BOSTON - Wednesday, September 7, 2016 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the City of Boston's Office of Tourism, Sports and Entertainment, in partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and in collaboration with the City's Property Management Department, today announced the launch of the inaugural Boston Social Fitness Festival to be held on Saturday, September 17th on City Hall Plaza. The free day-long celebration of getting Boston moving will feature numerous participatory events to encourage Bostonians of all ages to move, cycle, play and dance together.

"Boston is one of the most active cities in the country and this first-ever Social Fitness Festival is an opportunity for our whole community to come together and engage in a wide range of free fun activities," said Mayor Walsh. "I thank Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts for partnering with us on this effort, and encourage all residents to join in on the fun on September 17."

Following is a list of some of the activities currently scheduled:

DAYBREAKER (7:00-10:00 a.m.):  Following an early morning yoga session, DAYBREAKER will kick the day off with a high-energy beat and an 80s throwback aerobics jam. This memorable experience will feature healthy nourishment, live performers, and special surprises for a morning dance party & workout unlike any other. #WakeMeUpBOS

BOSTON SWEAT CRAWL (10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.): Take the ultimate fitness challenge and sweat your way through one of five 60-minute courses, designed by Social Boston Sports to test your stamina through an upbeat set of Yoga, Kickboxing and Cycling exercises. #SweatCrawl

CYCLING SPIN SESSIONS (10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m.): Register in advance for one of three free Open Air Rides on City Hall Plaza, presented by The Handle Bar Indoor Cycling Studios. The Handle Bar features music-driven classes, packed with energy, bumping beats and hard-earned sweat. #TheHandleBar

MAYOR'S CUP PRO CYCLING RACES (11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.): After you've participated in your own sweat session, cheer on the pros as USA Cycling's top road tour returns to Boston for the 8th annual Mayor's Cup Pro Cycling Classic.  This year's races will again feature more than 200 of the world's top amateur and pro riders competing on a tight, high-speed criterium course, zipping past City Hall Plaza, Faneuil Hall, and the Sierra Nevada Beer Garden at the finish line.  #MayorsCupBOS

KIDS' CRIT (1:30 p.m.): The day's cycling action will include participants from pros to pee-wees, as kids (5-15)will also have a chance to race along the closed criterium course in several age brackets of competition. In addition, mascots from several Boston pro sports teams will be on hand to cheer them on, and participate in their own comedic attempts at cycling glory. #KidsCrit

YOGA ON THE PLAZA (3:30 p.m.):  Yoga Around Town, presented by Social Boston Sports, will host an afternoon vinyasa flow practice for all levels. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned yogi, make it a festive and energizing afternoon by joining in this unique outdoor session in the heart of the city. #YogaAroundTown

THE DANCE MILE (6-8 p.m.):  The Dance Mile will conclude the day's festivities with 5,280 feet of pure awesomeness... a chance to grab your crew, don your costumes, and celebrate the city with friends. Led by a mobile DJ on a custom sound truck, this interactive dance parade moves at 1mph down a closed mile loop, cranking tunes along the way. Prepare to sweat, laugh, and high-five your way through the most fun hour of the year, followed by a finish line dance party with performances and contests.#TheDanceMile

The Boston Social Fitness Festival will also feature a large climbing wall on City Hall Plaza, as well as walk-up games and family-friendly activities such as Giant Jenga, Kan-Jam, Cornhole and more. Sponsors of the inaugural festival include the City of Boston, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Sierra Nevada, Larabar, Daybreaker, The Dance Mile, Social Boston Sports, The Handle Bar Indoor Spin Studios, Barry's Boot Camp, Boston Bikes and USA Cycling.

For more information, including the full weekend event schedule and free advance registration, please visit here, or follow along using the hashtag #SocialFitnessFest.