Strand Theatre

Planning an Evening at the Strand in Uphams Corner

The Strand sits at the heart of Uphams Corner, one of Dorchester's busiest commercial crossroads, where Columbia Road meets Dudley Street. The neighborhood around the theater is a mix of long-running family businesses, Cape Verdean, Caribbean and Vietnamese eateries, and community organizations, so arriving a little early gives you time to grab a bite and soak in a part of Boston that many visitors never see. Programming at the Strand has ranged over the years from concerts and dance recitals to film screenings, school productions and civic gatherings, so the crowd on any given night can be anything from dressed-up to relaxed. Check the city's official listings or the event organizer for current dates, door times and ticketing before you go.

Getting there

The theater is a short walk from the Uphams Corner stop on the Fairmount commuter rail line, and several MBTA bus routes run along Columbia Road and Dudley Street. Street parking can fill quickly on show nights, so allow extra time or consider a rideshare, especially if you have just had a fresh style done and would rather not walk far in wind or rain.

Keeping your hair show-ready

Historic theaters can run warm once a full house settles in, and Boston evenings swing between humid summers and cold, damp winters. A few habits help a style last from the chair to the final bow:

• Silk presses: carry a satin scarf or bonnet for the trip over, and skip heavy oils right before you leave, since they can weigh hair down under warm house lights.
• Curls and twist-outs: a light hold product and a pineapple on the ride keep definition from flattening against a coat collar.
• Braids and protective styles: these travel best of all, making them a smart pick for a long night that includes dinner before and a stop after.
• Weather: a compact umbrella is worth more than any finishing spray on a drizzly Dorchester night.

If you are making a full evening of it, our neighborhood guides cover more spots across Dorchester and Roxbury, and you can browse our services to choose the style that suits the occasion.