Block Party

On Saturday, September 12, 2026, Summer Street Plaza in Downtown Crossing will come alive with rhythm, color and community as legendary salsa orchestra El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico headlines the third annual Embrace Massó ¡Con Salsa! Ritmo y Sonido Block Party. Known internationally as “La Universidad de la Salsa,” the Puerto Rican orchestra is making its first outdoor Boston performance in decades. This year's Block Party Edition also marks the debut of Embrace's new home in Downtown Crossing, and the festival continues to honor the 50-year legacy of José Massó III, the beloved voice behind WBUR’s ¡Con Salsa! Named in honor of Massó, a community activist, leader, and host of Boston’s bilingual Afro-Latin music program for five decades, the festival pays tribute to his lifelong dedication to cultural exchange, social justice, and the unifying power of music. The block party also features DJ ArmandoTheTruth and Johnny Giraldo of Salsa y Control, bringing generations of Latin music and dance to Downtown Crossing. Free and open to the public, the celebration kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month with a day of music, dance and community programming. Program Highlights: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | DJ set by DJ ArmandoTheTruth 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Performance and salsa lesson by Salsa Y Control 5:00 p.m. – 5:25 p.m. | Event remarks by Imari Paris Jeffries, elected officials, José C. Massó III 5:25 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Presentation of Mr. Massó Drum Major for Justice Award 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico (Headliner)