The ‘No Pants Subway Ride’ Returns

Photo by Olga Khvan from the 2015 No Pants Subway Ride

On Sunday, January 10, a swarm of pantsless commuters will take over the MBTA.

Should you inquire about their exposed thighs, they’ll tell you that they were in a rush, that they forgot their pants at home, that it’s too hot—despite the winter weather.

In truth, it’s all part of an annual public prank—and you can take part.

Organized locally by BostonSOS (short for Society of Shenanigans), the “No Pants Subway Ride” originated in New York City in 2002 and now takes place in more than 50 cities around the world.

The upcoming Boston edition will kick off on Sunday afternoon at Pemberton Square, where participants—fully clothed at this point—will be divided up into groups and assigned specific route instructions.

Once on the train, participants will proceed to strip off their pants, never acknowledging the true nature of the organized event. Over the course of about an hour, the MBTA will fill up with pantsless riders, and folks that didn’t even know about the event may join in on the fun along the way—it’s been known to happen before.

An after-party (still sans-pants) will follow at McGreevy’s on Boylston Street.

Looking for costume inspiration? Check out photos from last year’s shenanigans. For specific instructions to this year’s event, watch the video below.