Celebrating the Neighborhood: Dorchester Day Parade
Start & Finish
The parade starts at 1:00 p.m. in Lower Mills at the corner of Washington Street & Dorchester Avenue and travels along Dorchester Avenue to Savin Hill at the corner of Columbia Road and Dorchester Avenue. The parade route is 3.2 miles. The parade is on Sunday, June 7th.
Chief Marshal Richard Dobbyn Sr.
Richard Dobbyn Sr. is the 2026 Chief Marshal for the Dorchester Day Parade. He has been a proud Dorchester resident since 1952. Rich answered the call to serve in the United States Marine Corps, serving in Vietnam in 1968–1970. He then dedicated 29 years to the MBTA. After he retired, he became Commander of St. Mark’s VFW and a devoted advocate for veterans. Each Memorial Day, he honors fellow service members by reading the Roll Call for Dorchester Vietnam Veterans. A special banquet in his honor will be held on Thursday, June 4th, at Florian Hall, with cocktails at 6:30 p.m. and dinner at 7. Also honored at this event, Dorchester Reporter co-founder and publisher emeritus Ed Forry will receive the parade committee’s Legacy Award in addition to the Mayor of Dorchester, Katie Nolan, Ben Driscoll, DOT MVP Jr., Little Miss Dorchester, Teagan Pierce and Young Miss Dorchester Zosia Janicki. Tickets are required ($50). Contact 855-367-3299 or [email protected] to order.
One to Watch – Dorchester Brewing
Be on the lookout for this crowd-pleasing float by Dorchester Brewing Co. They always have a fun and festive theme!
Street Closures
The Dorchester Day Parade starts at Dorchester Avenue at Adams Street in Lower Mills and will travel from Dorchester Avenue to Columbia Road. This portion of Dorchester Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic prior to 10 AM. In addition, temporary “Tow Zone, No Stopping” parking regulations will be in effect as follows:
Dorchester Avenue, from Pierce Square to Columbia Road
Adams Street, from Pierce Square heading south to the Milton Line
Richmond Street, from Morton Street to Adams Street
Butler Street, from Adams Street to Richmond Street.
Run the Dorchester Day 5K
Lace-up your sneakers and participate in the 2025 Dot Day Road Race on Sunday, June 1st! You can register here!
This family-friendly 5K is for all ages and abilities and begins and ends at The Mix restaurant just before the annual Dot Day Parade! Standard Entry Fee (between 5/1/25-5/31/25): Adults $35/Children 11 and under $18. Day of Race Entry Fee: Adult $40/ Children 11 and under $20. Each registration includes a finisher medal! Food will be available for purchase at THE MIX. You can learn more here!
Learn the History of Dot Day
Maureen Dahill is the editor of Caught in Southie and a lifelong resident of South Boston sometimes mistaken for a yuppie. Co-host of Caught Up, storyteller, lover of red wine and binge watching TV series. Mrs. Peter G. Follow her @MaureenCaught.
For folks not in the know (like me) and because Google Maps doesn’t have this location: Pierce Square appears to be the Dorchester Ave/Adams St/Washington St intersection in Lower Mills, Dorchester.