Marathon Fan Fest moves to City Hall Plaza

The Boston Marathon Fan Fest will take place at City Hall Plaza this weekend, instead of its usual Copley Square location, because of ongoing construction near the finish line hub.

Athletes, fans, and locals can enjoy the free fest and its new, expanded location from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday, with all-day events continuing from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Traditionally held the weekend before Marathon Monday for fans to “soak in the race-week atmosphere” and for athletes to gear up for race day, the fest will feature Marathon-themed activities for all ages, including live music, pop-up shops, carnival games, meet-and-greets with notable names, and a Sam Adams Run Pub, said Katie Hawkes, a spokesperson for the Boston Athletic Association, the Marathon’s host organization.

“We’re taking advantage of Copley Square’s closure to extend our footprint in the city,” Hawkes said. “City Hall is really just the perfect spot for us.”

City Hall Plaza offers more space than Copley Square,

Hawkes said, and allows fans to explore other parts of the city.

How to get there

If you were planning on taking the MBTA’s Green Line, get off at Government Center, a short walk from City Hall Plaza. The Blue Line also connects to Government Center, if you’re commuting from East Boston and beyond.

If you’re taking the Orange Line, get off at State for a short walk to the plaza. If you’re driving, there are various parking garages around the area, with rates around $30 an hour. Some garages, including the Center Plaza and 60 State Street garages, have weekend specials for $20 all-day parking.

Also on tap

The weekend will also feature yoga classes and group runs for athletes to prep for race day. Local bands headlining the live music schedule include The Femmes, Legends of Summer, and Beach Nights.

Festivities conclude with a post-race party from 5 to 9 p.m.

Monday, also at City Hall Plaza. It will feature a live set from Dalton & the Sheriffs and is hosted by Olympic runners and Boston Marathoners Desiree Linden and Kara Goucher. Tickets are $15 and $5 for Marathon athletes.

Impact on the race?

Despite the construction at Copley Square, part of a 16month renovation to the square’s park, Hawkes said not much will deviate from the norm for athletes on race day. Although the square has previously been used as a pathway for athletes in the elite division to exit the finish line area, Hawkes said the BAA has devised new pathways for athletes to make their way to recovery tents.

“The 30,000 runners shouldn’t see any changes,” Hawkes said. “It really doesn’t affect their finish line experience, at all.”

Fans who typically fill the square on Marathon Monday will have to find other areas around the finish line to hang out during and after the race.