Snowboarders Will Shut Down Some Cambridge Streets

Photo by Steve Annear

Vans is bringing a little bit of the Sochi Olympics to Boston’s backyard.

This week, in conjunction with the Middle East and the Central Square Cultural District, House of Vans is hosting a three-day concert series in Cambridge, complete with an on-site, pop-up snowboard demo in the middle of the street as part of the “Snochi Festival.”

For three hours on Wednesday, February 19, some of New England’s best snowboarders will be showing off their moves on a one-of-a-kind, temporary snowboard “park” in front of the Middle East. The snowboard demonstrations will include an appearance from Vans team rider Nick Poohachoff. The park is being built with the help of Snowboy Productions.

The three-day event begins on Tuesday, February 18, with a neighborhood open house at the Middle East, where families are invited to grab hot chocolate, listen to music, and get information about enrichment programs for kids. It will be followed by a free outdoor screening of the Vans’ documentary, “20 Years Off The Wall On The Snow,” at 8 p.m. The documentary will be screened again on February 20, according to event details.

Performances during the three nights of the “Snochi Festival” will include appearances by Earl Sweatshirt (of Odd Future fame), Anamanaguchi, and XXYYXX. Unfortunately, for event-goers, those shows are already sold out.

Due to the amount of activities being held outdoors, including the impromptu snow park, Brookline Street will be closed between Green Street and Mass Ave from 7 a.m. on February 18, to 3 p.m. on February 20, according to organizers of the event. Police officers will be on hand to help reduce delays during the detours.

The event is sponsored by House of Vans, FYF, Snowboy Productions, the Middle East, the Central Square Business Association, the Central Square Cultural District, Cambridge city officials, Cambridge Arts Council, MMMMaven, Danger Awesome! Young People’s Project, and the Cambridge Police Department.

For a complete list of details, and the calendar of events, visit the Central Square Cultural District’s website.