LGBTQ+ Picnic On Georges Island
This annual QHB affair returns — and we’re back on the boat!
Join Queer History Boston for an afternoon of queer joy, community connection, and a little bit of gay history at the rambling fort on Georges 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.
🗓️ Schedule of Events
11:30 AM — Meet at Long Wharf (North) Gate 5 to check in
1200 PM — Ferry departs for George's 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 fort and walking paths
Play LGBTQ+ history games
Lounge with a craft or a book
3:00 or 5:00 PM — Return ferries available (your choice!)
🧺 Lunch is BYOP: bring your own picnic! Water and light snacks provided.
☀️ Also, bring your own sunscreen, blanket, bug spray, 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.
Tickets & RSVP
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.
♿ Accessibility Info
Georges Island is a beautiful location, but has some physical limitations. While the Boston Harbor Islands Partnership strives to create a public space that is welcoming and accessible to all, most islands do not currently meet ADA accessibility standards. The park is working to rectify this.
Georges Island features wide paved pathways around the exterior of Fort Warren and throughout island picnic areas. Inside the fort, a mix of paved and stone pathways provide access to much of the structure. The interior of this historic fort includes some narrow passageways, doorway thresholds and steep stone staircases.
Visitor Center, exhibits, and multi-stall restrooms are at ground level with no steps, as are single-stall Clivus (composting toilet) units in island picnic areas.
All piers, docks and gangways are ADA compliant, though gangways may be steep at low tide. Park ferries are generally accessible; contact Boston Harbor Cruises at 617-227-4321 for detailed vessel information.
🗺️ Learn more and view a map here: Georges 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 www.bostonharborislands.org/innovation-islands/
