The City of Northampton, in partnership with Dancenjoy, is proud to announce the return of Salsa in the Plaza, a free weekly outdoor Latin dance series held at the EJ Gare Plaza. Every Monday evening from June 1st through August 31st, the community is invited to experience the vibrant rhythms of Latin and Afro-Caribbean music in the heart of downtown.

Running from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Salsa in the Plaza transforms the space between the Armory Street parking garage and Thornes Marketplace into a high-energy dance floor. Hosted by McCoy, the series features a diverse musical rotation including Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Kizomba, and Cha-Cha.

“This is about more than dancing,” said Brian Foote, Director of Arts & Culture. “It’s about community, joy, culture, and creating a space where people can come together and feel good. Whether you’ve been dancing for years or you’ve never taken a step in your life, you are welcome here.”

The event is designed to be accessible to everyone:

No Experience Required: All skill levels are encouraged to participate.

No Partner Needed: The inclusive atmosphere makes it easy to join in solo or with friends.

Free to the Public: Open to all residents and visitors as part of the city’s summer cultural programming.

Weather Policy: Because the event is held outdoors, dates are weather-dependent. Cancellations or updates will be announced by 10:00 a.m. on the day of the event. Attendees are encouraged to follow @nohoarts on Instagram or check the City of Northampton’s official Facebook and Instagram accounts for real-time updates.

Join us this summer to move, connect, and celebrate culture under the stars. For questions, please contact the City of Northampton Arts and Culture Department at 413-587-1069 or by emailing arts@northamptonma.gov.

About Dancenjoy: Dancenjoy is dedicated to promoting Latin dance and culture through community-focused events and instruction, fostering social connection through movement.