Boston Harbor Now Celebrates 10 Years of Impact, Recognizes Leaders at Annual Spectacle on Boston Harbor

Boston Harbor Now Celebrates 10 Years of Impact, Recognizes Leaders at Annual Spectacle on Boston Harbor

Pembroke honored for climate resiliency at Commonwealth Pier; East Boston community recognized for a decade of transformative neighborhood engagement via Eastie Week 

June 9 at 6 p.m. at the Tall Ship East Boston 

BOSTON (June 4, 2026) – Boston Harbor Now will celebrate ten years of advancing a more vibrant, accessible, and resilient harbor at its annual Spectacle on Boston Harbor celebration on Tuesday, June 9 at the Tall Ship Boston in East Boston, bringing together civic, business, nonprofit, and community leaders for an evening honoring the partnerships and people helping shape the future of Boston Harbor.

This year’s honorees reflect Boston Harbor Now’s longstanding commitment to climate resilience, community engagement, and waterfront access. Pembroke will be recognized for its leadership on the climate-resilient redevelopment and revitalization of Commonwealth Pier in the Seaport, while the East Boston community will be honored for hosting ten years of Eastie Week and its lasting impact on neighborhood activation, cultural celebration, and community development.

Since its founding in 2016 through the merger of the Boston Harbor Association and the Boston Harbor Islands Alliance, Boston Harbor Now is focused on the whole harbor – connecting communities, waterfront, and islands to advance a shared vision, safer from rising seas, more welcoming to everyone, and a driver of the region’s health, economy, and quality of life. Over the past decade, the organization has helped bring millions of residents and visitors to the waterfront while building partnerships that are preparing the region for a changing climate.

“While we’re proud to celebrate Boston Harbor Now’s 10th anniversary, what excites me most is looking ahead,” said Kathy Abbott, President and CEO of Boston Harbor Now. “The opportunities before us are extraordinary. From expanding access to the harbor and islands to advancing climate resilience and strengthening connections between people and the waterfront, the next decade starts now.”

“Boston Harbor has always been one of the region’s greatest shared assets, and its success has depended on a spirit of partnership among communities, public agencies, businesses, and nonprofit organizations,” said Kishore Varanasi, Chair of the Boston Harbor Now Board of Trustees. As we look ahead, the waterfront, harbor and the islands are vital for the image, resilience and quality of life of Boston. Boston Harbor Now is well positioned to help lead the next chapter of investment, stewardship, and innovation.”

The evening will be emceed by WCVB Channel 5 Chief Meteorologist Cindy Fitzgibbon, with WCVB Channel 5 serving as a media sponsor. The event will also showcase East Boston’s vibrant culture, businesses, and waterfront identity through locally inspired programming and entertainment.

Event Information

WHO: Kathy Abbott, Boston Harbor Now

Pembroke and the East Boston community

Cindy Fitzgibbon, Chief Meteorologist, WCVB Channel 5

Expected attendees include Representative Adrian Madaro, Senator Lydia Edwards, and Representatives of City Councilor Coletta Zapata

WHAT: Spectacle on Boston Harbor, Boston Harbor Now’s annual signature waterfront celebration and fundraising event

WHEN: June 9, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

WHERE: Tall Ship Boston, East Boston, Massachusetts