Fall
Charlesbank Campus Opening Festival
Nov 14, 2026 · Sat · 11:00 AM–4:00 PM
The new front door to the Esplanade opens. Ribbon-cutting, performances, family activities, and first looks inside the Pavilion.
What's On
There's always something on the river.
More than 100 free programs a year — concerts at the Hatch Shell, sunrise yoga, family walks, tours, and volunteer mornings. We've pulled what used to live across scattered tools into one place, so you can find your next afternoon on the Esplanade in a single scroll.
Around the bend
What's coming next season.
A first look at the programs just over the horizon — including the opening of the new Charlesbank Campus.
- Winter
Lantern Walk on the River
Dec 19, 2026 · Sat · 4:30 PM
A glowing solstice procession along the river path. Build a lantern, then walk the dusk-lit Esplanade together.
All programs
Find your afternoon on the Esplanade.
Filter by type, season, or cost. Every program — free or ticketed — lives here together.
8 programs
- Fitness & wellnessFree
Sunrise Yoga on the Oval
Jun 13, 2026 · Sat · 7:30–8:30 AMThe Oval at the Hatch Shell
All-levels flow on the grass as the city wakes up. Mats provided while they last; bring your own to be sure.
- #wellness
- #all ages
- #drop-in
- Music & performanceFree
Reel on the River — Friday Film Nights
Jul 10, 2026 · Fri · Dusk (~8:30 PM)The Oval at the Hatch Shell
Outdoor films on a four-story screen with the skyline as a backdrop. Bring a blanket and a picnic.
- #film
- #family
- #food trucks
- Music & performanceFree
Twilight Concert: Boston Landmarks Orchestra
Jul 22, 2026 · Wed · 7:00 PMDCR Hatch Memorial Shell
Free orchestral concerts under the stars at the iconic Hatch Shell, in partnership with the DCR.
- #music
- #DCR partnership
- #all ages
- Family & kidsFree
Family Nature Discovery Walk
May 30, 2026 · Sat · 10:00 AMMeet at the Charlesbank Playground
A naturalist-led ramble for kids and grown-ups — pond life, songbirds, and the park's oldest trees.
- #kids
- #nature
- #accessible route
- Tours & talksDonation
Walking Tour: A Century on the River
Sep 19, 2026 · Sat · 11:00 AMMeet at the Fiedler Footbridge
From the 1910 Boston Embankment to the Charlesbank Campus — how a mudflat became a beloved park.
- #history
- #guided
- #archives
- Community & volunteerFree
Volunteer Morning: Riverbank Planting
Jun 6, 2026 · Sat · 9:00 AM–12:00 PMMeet at the Maintenance Yard, Mugar lot
Plant native shrubs along the riverbank with our horticulture team. Gloves and tools provided.
- #volunteer
- #stewardship
- #groups welcome
- Community & volunteerFree
Charlesbank Campus Opening Festival
Nov 14, 2026 · Sat · 11:00 AM–4:00 PMSmith Family Pavilion & Charlesbank Campus
The new front door to the Esplanade opens. Ribbon-cutting, performances, family activities, and first looks inside the Pavilion.
- #opening
- #festival
- #family
- Family & kidsTicketed
Lantern Walk on the River
Dec 19, 2026 · Sat · 4:30 PMBegins at the Charlesbank Campus stage
A glowing solstice procession along the river path. Build a lantern, then walk the dusk-lit Esplanade together.
- #winter
- #family
- #ticketed