The annual celebration, reintroduced
Eastie Social.
Our annual celebration of East Boston, the people who help it thrive, and the families that gather here. Formerly known as Joy:us.
When all give, all gain.
i. The Day
One evening,
two ways to socialize.
For five years you've known our annual celebration as Joy:us. This year we're evolving the format and the name. Same spirit, expanded welcome. The whole neighborhood and our closest supporters, together on the East Boston waterfront. One day, in two acts.
The Family Celebration
Free and open to all of East Boston, drawing 500+ neighbors. No ticket needed, but registration is recommended so we can plan. Showcases from our programs, local music, snacks, and family activities along the harbor. The day the Social Centers come outdoors.
Free · Register here
The Reception & Honors
An intimate gathering of 200+ EBSC leadership, board, sponsors, and honored guests, where we recognize the leaders whose stewardship helps East Boston thrive, and where the year's most meaningful conversations happen.
Tickets & sponsor seatsii. The Why
Work worth celebrating.
Founded in 1918 to meet the needs of a new immigrant population, East Boston Social Centers is one of the neighborhood's oldest community nonprofits. We serve children, families, and seniors at every stage of life: early learning, out-of-school time, teen leadership, family engagement, and active adult programming.
Our families come from countries around the world. The work happens at four locations and reaches into homes, schools, and the city block. Funds raised at The Eastie Social directly support these programs, and ensure the celebration itself stays free and open to every neighbor.
The Hestia Fund & the Friends of East Boston Circle
For years, the Hestia Fund and the Friends of East Boston, a women's giving circle invested in this neighborhood, have quietly shaped East Boston. They direct thoughtful, sustained philanthropy to the organizations that serve East Boston's children, families, and residents: BPS Region 1 schools, YMCA East Boston, Zumix, East Boston Social Centers, and many others.
This year, The Eastie Social recognizes their stewardship, and the belief that when we invest in this neighborhood together, all gain.
An evening on the East Boston waterfront.
Sponsors
In good company.
With gratitude to the 2026 sponsors standing with East Boston. There's still time to add your name alongside them.
Joy in Connection
Joy in Giving
Joy in Receiving
Joy in Friendship
In kind
iii. Six ways to give
Sponsorship opportunities.
Sponsors are recognized in front of 500+ neighbors at the Family Celebration, 200+ civic leaders and supporters at the Reception & Honors, and through the year in EBSC's communications. Sponsorship seats are for the Reception & Honors in the tent; the Family Celebration on the dock is open to all.
Joy in Community
Lead Sponsor recognition on all event materials and press release, plus all benefits below. Logo on event invitation, social platforms, EBSC website (one year), post-event newsletter, and annual report listing.
Joy in Generosity
Featured recognition at event, plus all benefits below. Logo on event invitation, social platforms, EBSC website (one year), post-event newsletter, and annual report listing.
Joy in Connection
Special recognition at event. Logo on event invitation, social platforms, EBSC website (one year), post-event newsletter, and annual report listing.
Joy in Giving
Special recognition at event. Logo on event invitation, social platforms, EBSC website (one year), post-event newsletter, and annual report listing.
Joy in Receiving
Name listed on social platforms, EBSC website (one year), post-event newsletter, and annual report listing.
Joy in Friendship
Name listed in post-event newsletter and annual report.
Become a sponsor.
Reserve a level above, request a custom package, or ask a question. We'd love to talk. We're grateful for support at every level.
With thanks
Our Host Committee.
A group of neighbors and civic leaders lending their names and networks to make The Eastie Social possible.
- Fernando Rosas
- Will Austin
- Dave Bruce Ochoa
- Pasquale Capogreco
- Donna Hardwick
- Donna Cowan
- Lisa Krakoff
- Josh Kraft
iv. Plan your visit
Getting there & good to know.
⚑ The venue
The Tall Ship Boston
1 East Pier Drive
East Boston, MA 02128
On the East Boston waterfront. Thursday, October 1, 2026, 4:30–7:30 PM.
Previously Sunday, September 27, 11 AM–2 PM.
⏹ Getting here
Parking near the venue is limited, so plan ahead. Public transportation is the easiest way in, and a rideshare or a carpool with neighbors works well too.
New date. With heavy weather and coastal flooding forecast for September 27, we moved the celebration to Thursday, October 1. Same place, same two parts, new evening.
☸ What to wear
Think festive. Come dressed for a celebration, in whatever makes you feel your best. If you would like to wear something that reflects your culture or heritage, we would love to see it.
New date · Thursday, October 1, 2026 · 4:30–7:30 PM
Reserve your place at the table.
Buy your tickets, become a sponsor, or simply join us on the dock. The whole neighborhood is invited.
When all give, all gain.