LGBTQ+ Picnic On Spectacle Island

🌈 LGBTQ+ Picnic on Spectacle Island

Sunday, August 24, 2025

🕛 12:00–4:00 PM ET

📍 Spectacle Island, Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park

🚢 Ferry departs from Long Wharf

Join The History Project for an afternoon of queer joy, community connection, and a little bit of gay history on the sparkling shores of Spectacle Island! Inspired by the spirit of historic gay liberation “be-ins,” our summer picnic invites folks to gather, be visible, and celebrate our shared past — with a scenic ferry ride thrown in.

12:00 PM — Meet at Long Wharf (North) Gate 5 to check in

12:30 PM — Ferry departs for Spectacle Island

1:00 PM — Arrival + picnic set-up begins

1:30 PM — Historic reenactments: speeches, manifestos, poems, and more!

2:00–3:00 PM — Free time to:

• Explore trails and walking paths
• Play LGBTQ+ history games
• Take a dip in the harbor 🌊
• Lounge with a craft or a book

3:30 or 5:30 PM — Return ferries available (your choice!)

🧺 Lunch is BYOP: bring your own picnic! Water and light snacks provided.

☀️ Also, bring your own sunscreen, blanket, and a water bottle!

📚 Want to bring a zine to trade? A book to read? A queer little craft project? Yes please!

🚮 As a National and State Park, Spectacle Island has a “leave no trace” policy. Please be mindful of waste — whatever you carry in, you must also carry out.

This event is free and open to the public, thanks to the generous support of Boston Harbor Islands. ✨ We have a limited number of ferry tickets, so please only RSVP if you’re sure you can join us.

Spectacle Island is a beautiful location, but has some physical limitations:

• The path from the ferry dock to the picnic area includes a moderately steep incline on an umpaved dirt path.
• The ferry ramp at Spectacle Island is quite steep not ADA accessible.
• We’re happy to assist with walking support, but unfortunately this event may not be suitable for wheelchair users or those with significant mobility needs.

🗺️ Learn more and view a map here: Spectacle Island Accessibility Info

This event was made possible in part by the Innovation Islands Grant Program, which aims to empower and invest in local groups and organizations by supporting events and programs on the Boston Harbor Islands. To learn more, visit

Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in Boston.