One Boston Day 2026: How to volunteer, take part across Boston
HE’S NOW BEING CHARGED WITH ARMED ROBBERY. WE’RE COMING UP ON 637 AND WE ARE ALMOST THERE. A WEEK FROM TODAY, THOUSANDS OF RUNNERS WILL TURN ONTO BOYLSTON STREET AND CROSS THE FINISH LINE OF THE BOSTON MARATHON AND BOSTON AND THE BAY ARE KICKING OFF A WHOLE WEEK OF EVENTS BEFORE THE BIG DAY. STARTING WEDNESDAY, THE LINES ARE PAINTED PENDING GOOD WEATHER. THE WORK ON THE STARTING LINE BEGINS THAT DAY IN HOPKINTON. WORK ON THE FINISH LINE IN BACK BAY SHOULD BEGIN ON THURSDAY. SO EXCITING. ON WEDNESDAY IT WILL MARK ONE BOSTON DAY. OF COURSE, THAT’S THE DAY WE HONOR HOW THE CITY CAME TOGETHER IN THE DAYS FOLLOWING THE BOSTON MARATHON BOMBING. YOU ARE ASKED TO SHARE ACTS OF KINDNESS ALL DAY LONG. FINALLY, EVERYTHING MARATHON RELATED COMES TOGETHER ON FRIDAY WITH THE BOSTON MARATHON FAN EXPO. LIKE PREVIOUS YEARS, THAT WILL BE AT THE HYNES CONVENTION CENTER. FOR INFORMATION ON ALL THE EVENTS THIS WEEK, YOU CAN KEEP AN EYE ON WCVB.COM AND OUR MOBILE APP. THAT IS A THRILLING MOMENT WHEN YOU GO TO PICK UP YOUR NUMBER. IT WON’T BE LONG NOW. THE 130TH BOSTON MARATHON ON MONDAY, APRIL 20TH, WCVB.
One Boston Day 2026: How to volunteer, take part across Boston
Updated: 2:17 PM EDT Apr 13, 2026
Editorial Standards
Residents and visitors are encouraged to share acts of kindness marking One Boston Day on Wednesday, honoring how the city came together in the days after the Boston Marathon bombing, 13 years ago. The day will also include the annual memorials along Boylston Street. “I hope everyone will join their neighbors today in honoring those we lost and celebrating the love that makes Boston a home for everyone,” Mayor Michelle Wu wrote in a statement. “As spring arrives in Boston each year, we are reminded of the hope and spirit of our city,” said Bill Richard, who created a foundation in honor of his son, Martin, who was killed in the bombing.How to get involvedThe city of Boston and partner organizations are offering several ways for people to participate in One Boston Day and related events, according to the city:Volunteer projects citywide: City departments will host service opportunities on April 15 and in the days leading up to Marathon Monday.Neighborhood cleanup: A youth and family cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, at 9 a.m. at Franklin Park Playstead, organized by the Mayor’s Office of Civic Organizing. Volunteers are asked to register ahead of time. Free ‘Stop the Bleed’ training: Virtual sessions will be held April 15 at noon and 6 p.m. to teach lifesaving bleeding control techniques, offered by the Stepping Strong Center at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Acts of kindness: Residents are encouraged to perform individual acts of kindness in their neighborhoods throughout the day and week.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to share acts of kindness marking One Boston Day on Wednesday, honoring how the city came together in the days after the Boston Marathon bombing, 13 years ago.
The day will also include the annual memorials along Boylston Street.
“I hope everyone will join their neighbors today in honoring those we lost and celebrating the love that makes Boston a home for everyone,” Mayor Michelle Wu wrote in a statement.
“As spring arrives in Boston each year, we are reminded of the hope and spirit of our city,” said Bill Richard, who created a foundation in honor of his son, Martin, who was killed in the bombing.
How to get involved
The city of Boston and partner organizations are offering several ways for people to participate in One Boston Day and related events, according to the city:
- Volunteer projects citywide: City departments will host service opportunities on April 15 and in the days leading up to Marathon Monday.
- Neighborhood cleanup: A youth and family cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, at 9 a.m. at Franklin Park Playstead, organized by the Mayor’s Office of Civic Organizing. Volunteers are asked to register ahead of time.
- Free ‘Stop the Bleed’ training: Virtual sessions will be held April 15 at noon and 6 p.m. to teach lifesaving bleeding control techniques, offered by the Stepping Strong Center at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
- Acts of kindness: Residents are encouraged to perform individual acts of kindness in their neighborhoods throughout the day and week.

Johnson’s young daughters meet her at the finish line each year. (Courtesy of Jessica Johnson)
Each year, Johnson runs the marathon in honor of her mother, who passed away from brain cancer. (Courtesy of Jessica Johnson)