Lowell, MA – September 24, 2025 – From pop-up parklets to cultural celebrations, DIY Lowell has spent the past decade proving that small ideas can spark big change in Lowell. Now, the grassroots group is inviting the community to celebrate ten years of people-powered projects at its Tenth Anniversary Sunset Gala, a celebration of a decade of building community one project at a time, on Friday, October 10, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Koto, 76 Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA.
“There aren’t many cities that have a group like DIY Lowell, that directly empower residents in shaping community space” said co-founder Christopher Glenn Hayes. “It’s even rarer for those groups to be around ten years later. Lowell is special.”
What began in 2015 as two newcomers simply seeking to get involved in the community blossomed into an institution, bringing neighbors together to dream and deliver more than 25 community projects—including the Points of Light Cultural Celebration, the Black Joy sculpture, and Centralville River Path pop-up improvements. Along the way, over 100 residents have stepped into leadership roles, leaving a lasting impact on Lowell’s neighborhoods and cultural life.
“DIY Lowell’s impact is measured not just in projects, but in people,” said Executive Director Gabby Davis. “This Gala is a moment to honor our shared legacy and raise a glass to what’s next.”
The event will include a special program including a preview of DIY Lowell’s bold initiatives for developing new leaders in 2026 and remarks by State Representative Vanna Howard.
Event Highlights:
- Appetizers and a drink ticket included with every admission
- Live music from Jared Holaday, saxophonist, with Miguel Landestoy accompanying
- Speakers from DIY Lowell’s past and present, including State Representative Vanna Howard
- Community stories, celebrations, and sneak peeks at future plans
Ticket Options:
$60 – Individual Ticket
$200 – Half Table (Four Tickets)
$350 – Full Table (Eight Tickets)
Tickets available now at: https://diylowell.org/gala
All proceeds benefit DIY Lowell’s programs and operational costs via its fiscal sponsor, Coalition for a Better Acre. All donations and sponsorships are tax-deductible and count toward CBA’s Community Investment Tax Credit Program.
About DIY Lowell
We are a grassroots group dedicated to helping community members make small-scale projects and events happen together. We connect people with ideas to funding, technical assistance, and most importantly to one another.
DIY Lowell empowers residents to dream, plan, and create positive change in their neighborhoods through creative placemaking, community-led planning, and inclusive events.
Learn more at https://www.diylowell.org.
