Before the Bruins take on the Hurricanes tonight in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals, fans can take to Canal Street to participate in festivities and join a watch party as part of the team’s “Playoffs Fan Fest.”

The event, presented by Beth Israel Lahey Health, begins at 5:30 p.m. and includes activities, games, prizes, music and a chance to win tickets to tonight’s game. Admission is free and fans who don’t have tickets can stay and join others in watching the game on a big screen at the same location.

NESN broadcasters Jack Edwards and Andy Brickley will be live from the event for the network’s one-hour pregame show, Bruins Face-Off Live presented by EchoStor Technologies, which begins at 7 p.m. Puck drop for Game 1 is scheduled for 8 p.m.

Boston police, meanwhile, warned fans to watch out for counterfeit tickets if they’re trying to get into the game.

“Fans who purchase tickets from a second or third party source are taking a chance,” police said. “We encourage fans to only buy tickets from authorized ticket agencies. Purchasing from other sources, like online and social media sites such as Craigslist and Reddit, is done at the buyer’s own risk.”