Duckling Day returns to the Boston Common this Mother’s Day, May 10. Duckling Day is designed to move at your family’s pace – wander and play, make it your own, rain or shine. At 10 am the family fun, games, and activities begin at the Parkman Bandstand, and the Family Parade, led by the Duckling Mascot and Junior Park Champions, begins at noon. This is a free event, open to all, and every registered child receives a goody bag, because the best days should come with a little extra. Register today at https://friendsofthepublicgarden.org/events/ducklingday/
The Friends of the Public Garden will hold its 56th Annual Meeting on April 14 at 6 pm at the UMass Club of Boston, One Beacon Street. Members, supporters, partners, and park neighbors are invited to attend the Friends Annual Meeting. The evening features the President’s summary of the last year, an annual financial report, and the presentation of the Parks Champion Award, followed by a reception with light hors d’oeuvre. We will also recognize the 2026 Henry Lee Fund for Boston Parks grant awardees, with the opportunity for attendees to learn about their projects. All are welcome to attend.Please note this is a rescheduled date, in consideration of the observation of Passover. Register at https://friendsofthepublicgarden.org/events/annual-meeting/
The Friends of the Public Garden will celebrate 30 years of the Green & White on Friday, May 1 at the Four Seasons Hotel Boston. The Green & White is the Friends of the Public Garden’s signature spring gala and one of Boston’s most anticipated events of the season. For nearly 30 years, hundreds of civic leaders, philanthropists, and community advocates come together in support of our city’s treasured greenspaces: the Boston Common, Public Garden, and Commonwealth Avenue Mall. For more information and sponsorship opportunities visit https://friendsofthepublicgarden.org/events/green-white/
The Friends of the Public Garden invites you to the lighting of the trees on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall on December 4. One of Boston’s most iconic holiday sights, Holiday Lights on the Mall is community spirit and goodwill brought to life during the darkest months, This winter, Friends of the Public Garden will once again invest $250,000 to bring the wintertime magic of the lights along the Mall, and this is only possible with your support. Neighbors and friends have given generously to uphold this beloved tradition since 2000. Your charitable gift of any size will bring light and help care for the park all year long. You can donate by credit card or electronic fund transfer at friendsofthepublicgarden.org/givelight or by telephone at 617-723-8144 x 203.
Join The Friends of the Public Garden on November 14 for an unforgettable first Friendsgiving celebration! The Young Friends of the Public Garden invite you to experience a fresh, exciting twist on the classic Winter Party—hosted in a new space at 8 Park Street that sets the mood for giving, connection, and merrymaking. Enjoy a cocktail and mocktail crafted just for the evening, along with seasonal hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, Turkey Trivia (with prizes!), and other delights.
Whether you’re raising a glass, trotting out your trivia skills, or bidding for a good cause, Friendsgiving is all about celebrating community and the greenspaces we love. Tickets available at bit.ly/fopgfriendsgiving
Join the Friends of the Public Garden, with event partners Sofar, City Awake, Liteitup! and the Hummus Shop on Thursday, October 9 from 5 – 9 at the Parkman Bandstand on the Boston Common. SoFar Sounds will feature Boston-based musicians for an evening of free music, bites, and outdoor fun. Free!
Are you passionate about your local park and community greenspaces? Ready to start a park project, or have an existing park project that just needs that little push to completion? Launched by The Friends of the Public Garden in June 2024, the Henry Lee Fund provides grants to help seed local neighborhood groups and organizations to make impactful enhancements in our beloved parks and greenspaces. The application period is open now. Grant applications are due by Monday, November 3 at 5 pm. Grant awardees will be announced in January, 2026. Register for the Zoom September 10 information session HERE.
Join the Friends of the Public Garden for a Summer Celebration on Brewer Plaza on Thursday, July 10, from 12 – 2. Enjoy complimentary sandwiches, frozen treats, and live music from the Good Trouble Brass Band. Embrace the summertime vibes – no registration required.
Leslie Singleton Adam, Board Chair of The Friends of the Public Garden, has announced that after a competitive executive search, The Friends are excited to announce the appointment of Liza Meyer as President of Friends of the Public Garden. Liza joins us as the third leader of the organization, following in the footsteps of founder Henry Lee and former President Liz Vizza. She will officially assume her role as President on May 1.
Liza’s deep connection to the Boston Common, Public Garden, and Commonwealth Avenue Mall comes from 16 years of experience working with the Boston Parks & Recreation Department, serving as Chief Landscape Architect beginning in 2011, and, most recently, Interim Parks Commissioner. Her expertise in prioritizing and driving meaningful progress through thoughtful stewardship and civic leadership, and her methodical approach, will be critical to making our parks healthier and more inviting to all.
In her new role, Liza will continue to advance the mission to renew, care, and advocate for the Common, the Garden, and the Mall. She will also play a key role in strengthening a longstanding partnership with the City of Boston, spearheading initiatives like the implementation of the Boston Common Master Plan, advancing the Friends’ advocacy agenda as the City’s built and natural environments grow together, supporting park capital improvements, leading strategic initiatives like the Henry Lee Fund for Boston Parks, and enhancing community programming.
“We are thrilled to welcome Liza as we begin this exciting new chapter for our organization and our downtown parks. Liza will join us at The Green & White on April 11 and the Annual Meeting on April 17, where we look forward to introducing her to you, our community.”
Duckling Dayis a celebration of the children’s classic book Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey, held annually on Mother’s Day. The day begins at 10:00 a.m. with check-in and a goody bag full of Duckling Day-themed items for every child. Playtime on the Common features a wide range of activities including activity booths, lawn games, magic, and live music that take place on the grass at Parkman Bandstand. The area is filled with children, parents, and caregivers who come together to enjoy games and other outdoor activities.
Duckling Day is a family-friendly celebration held each year on Boston Common. Duckling Day features activity booths, lawn games, magic, and live music. The event ends with a parade retracing Mrs. Mallard’s steps to the Make Way for Ducklings sculpture in the Public Garden.
Registration for Duckling Day 2025 is open! Click the button below to register for this year’s event.
