When and where is the Walk?
NAMIWalks Massachusetts will take place on Saturday, May 16th, 2026, at Boston Common Parkman Bandstand. The address is 139 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02108.
Where do I check in on Walk Day?
If you plan to Walk, you MUST be registered – but don’t worry, it’s free! Click here to register online. All attendees, including kids, need to be registered, you can register them online. Registration will be open until noon on Friday, May 15th. All participants must check in on Walk Day! Please note if you have downloaded the fundraising4NAMI app and checked in there, you will still need to check in, in person at the event.
How long is the route?
NAMIWalks Massachusetts route is 1-mile long. We also have a low impact route that is a quarter of a mile. Both routes have benches along them, and strollers, wheelchairs, wagons, etc. are welcome!
What are the Walk Day activities?
NAMIWalks Massachusetts will be full of fun activities! We’ll have:
- Refreshments & snacks
- Live music
- Fun Zone, Face Painting, Team Photos
- T-Shirt Design Contest
- Exhibit Fair with local businesses and sponsors
Will there be refreshments available?
We will have water bottles provided at our water station along the route. There are also light snacks available such as bananas, granola bars, chips, and fruit snacks. Additionally, there are a number of places near the Common including Flour Bakery that are available for purchase.
Where do I park on Walk Day?
Parking is available in the Boston Common Garage – Address: 0 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02116 – Find the Elevators that say “Tremont Street” or “Public Garden” which will bring you up closest to the Parkman Bandstand. You can also check for parking using SpotHero or other parking garages in the are
How do I get to the Parkman Bandstand at Boston Common?
From the train: We recommend taking the MBTA Green Line to the Boylston Station stop as it is the easiest to locate the Parkman Bandstand from.
For the Green Line: Get off at the Boylston Station, follow exit signs to the Boston Common, once on ground level, turn right and head towards the Parkman Bandstand.
Alternatively, if you are taking the Red or Orange Lines:
For the Red Line: Get off at Park Street Station, follow exit signs to Boston Common/Tremont Street, once on ground level, turn to face into the Boston Common, notice the fountain straight ahead, walk towards the fountain, once on the other side of the fountain, you should see “NAMIWalks” signs directing you to the Parkman Bandstand.
For the Orange Line: Get off at Chinatown Station, follow the exit signs to Boylston Street, once on ground level, walk up the street toward Tremont Street and Boston Common, turn right to enter the Boston Common at the intersection of Boylston Street and Tremont Street, then follow the “NAMIWalks” signs to the Parkman Bandstand.
You can read about planned MBTA service changes in May here.
From the Masspike (I 90)
- Take Masspike Eastbound
- Take the Prudential Exit
- Stay right for Copley Place
- Continue on Stuart Street and take left on Charles St South which will turn into Charles St after the first traffic light.
From the Southeast Expressway (I 93/RT. 3 North)
- Take exit 20 toward I-90, Airport & South Station
- Take a left toward South Station
- At the light Turn LEFT (West) onto Kneeland St
- Kneeland St becomes Stuart St
- Turn RIGHT (North) onto [Charles St South]-follow it to Charles St [1 block]
From 93 South
- Take exit 26 toward Storrow Drive-North Station
- Follow Storrow Drive Heading Westbound:
- Take the Backbay/Copley Square exit (be sure to stay in the left lane, since it’s a left lane exit)
- Once off the exit, take a left at light
- Take first right onto Arlington Street
- Proceed through set of lights
- At second light, take a left onto Boylston Street
- Go straight through lights
- At second light, take a left onto Charles Street
- Take a right into Boston Common Garage (Below the Boston Common Park)
From Storrow Drive
- Heading Eastbound:
- Take the Downtown Boston exit (right lane exit)
- Follow the direction above from westbound
What do I do with donations on Walk Day?
Drop off money when you check in! Please make all checks payable to NAMI Massachusetts and note the Walker/Team on the check memo line. Other forms of payment accepted include credit card donations, cash, and check.
Are Pets allowed?
We welcome service animals and pets to NAMI Walks as long as they are under control and on leash. Please plan to pick up after them! We will have a number of water bowls available.
What if it rains on Walk Day?
Our event is rain or shine – dress accordingly!
How do I get a NAMIWalks T-shirt?
T-shirts are only for individual fundraisers who raise a minimum of $100. Although we do our best to have many sizes available, we cannot determine the exact needs on Walk Day. All shirts are on a first-come, first-served basis!
Will there be lunch provided?
No, there will be light refreshments and food available for purchase at nearby venues. You are welcome to bring lunches for your group, but please plan to clean up after yourself.
Can I bring a sign or poster?
We welcome and encourage signs, posters, and banners to carry on the Walk. Please make sure they are appropriate and respectful.
