September and October programming includes Soulful Bliss, BIPOC Birding, Pride in the Park and community cruises
Summer may be winding down, but the season on Boston Harbor is far from over. Boston Harbor Now and its partners, the National Park Service, Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, and Boston Harbor City Cruises, are extending programming into fall with a lineup of events and experiences designed to bring people from across Greater Boston onto the Harbor and Boston Harbor Islands throughout September and October.
From a sunset celebration on Spectacle Island and birding on the water to neighborhood-focused cruises and Pride in the Park, the fall lineup offers new reasons to experience the harbor after the traditional summer season ends. The programming continues Boston Harbor Now’s work to make the Harbor, waterfront and Islands more welcoming and accessible to communities across the region.
“Fall is one of the best times to experience Boston Harbor, and we want people to know that there are still plenty of opportunities to get out on the water and explore the Islands after summer ends,” said Rebecca Smerling of Boston Harbor Now. “These events offer something for a wide range of interests and communities, whether you’re a regular visitor or looking for a reason to experience the Harbor for the first time..”
Boston Harbor Now’s fall programming includes:
Soulful Bliss: Sunset Island Vibes
September 19
Boston Harbor Now and AfroDesiaCity will bring Soulful Bliss: Sunset Island Vibes to Spectacle Island on Saturday, September 19, for an afternoon and evening celebrating Black culture, music, creativity and community. The event features live music and performances, food, games and after-hours access to the Island, capped by sunset views of Boston Harbor and the city skyline.
Waterfront For All Summit
September 22
For five years, a coalition of community groups, public agencies, and advocates has worked to make the waterfront open to everyone. The Waterfront for All Summit marks that milestone and sets the course for what comes next.
Coalition for a Resilient and Inclusive Waterfront and Boston Harbor Now will co-host a free, one-day gathering at Boston Children’s Museum. This summit is an opportunity to join other broad cross-section of partners, practitioners, and stakeholders around a shared mission: advancing a waterfront that is more accessible, welcoming, and equitable for all.
Basin Loop Harborwalk Community Gathering
September 24
Boston Harbor Now invites you to join the South Boston elected officials, Massport and city officials for our second hybrid community gathering as we begin planning to complete the Harborwalk loop around the Reserved Channel in South Boston! Our goals are to ensure that community interests and desires are prioritized in the design process for expanding this area of the Harborwalk, and that future amenities and improvements to public spaces along this waterfront respond to local needs.
BIPOC Birding Cruise
September 26
Boston Harbor Now, Mass Audubon, and the National Park Service will welcome fall migration with a BIPOC Birding Cruise on Saturday, September 26. The two-hour narrated cruise gives BIPOC birders, along with friends and family, an opportunity to spot wildlife and learn about the birds and ecosystems of Boston Harbor.
Reel Fun Fishing Day at Deer Island
September 26
Come to Deer Island for a day of fishing, food, and fun! Learn to fish, meet National Park Service Rangers, play games, meet real crabs, bring a picnic, and explore the trails of Deer Island!
Moakley Park Cleanup
September 26
Join Boston Harbor Now, the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, and Boston Cares at Moakley Park to give back to your community and enjoy the beauty of the city’s biggest waterfront park!
Charlestown Community Cruise
September 27
Boston Harbor Now will host the Charlestown Community Cruise on Sunday, September 27, giving Charlestown residents an opportunity to get out on the water and experience their neighborhood and Boston Harbor from a different perspective. For more information email access@bostonharbornow.org.
Pride in the Park
October 3
Boston Harbor Now and the Boston Harbor Islands National & State Park will celebrate Greater Boston’s LGBTQIA2S+ community with Pride in the Park on Saturday, October 3. The afternoon on Spectacle Island will feature drag performances hosted by Mizery McRae, a DJ set by DJ Lady Ly, games, crafts and health resources, along with after-hours access to the Island and sunset views of the Harbor.
$5 Ferry Weekend
October 10-12
Boston Harbor Now will close out the public ferry season in October with $5 Ferry Weekend, offering one final affordable opportunity to get out and explore the Boston Harbor Islands.
Veterans Cruise
November 14
Honor veterans and active service members with a special cruise and excursion to Georges Island! More information to come.
New Year’s Eve Ice Sculpture Stroll
December 31
Our signature Waterfront Ice Sculpture Stroll will return again in 2026, bringing the magic of the season to life! On New Year’s Eve, explore a sparkling trail of dozens of intricate ice sculptures hosted by businesses and cultural landmarks along Boston’s waterfront. More information to come.
For more information about Boston Harbor Now and upcoming events, visit www.bostonharbornow.org.
About Boston Harbor Now
Boston Harbor Now works in partnership with public agencies, communities, and private and nonprofit partners to ensure a vibrant, accessible, and resilient Boston Harbor, waterfront, and islands. From ferries and festivals to climate planning and park access, Boston Harbor Now connects people to the Harbor and works to protect it for future generations.
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