Boston and Dedham Will “Make Their Mark” with International Dot Day Celebrations

DEDHAM, Mass. — Greater Boston will become a hub of creativity this September as museums, families, educators, and community organizations come together to celebrate International Dot Day—the global movement inspired by Peter H. Reynolds’ beloved picture book The Dot.

Celebrated annually on September 15-ish, International Dot Day encourages people of all ages to embrace their creativity, summon the courage to begin, and use their talents to make a positive mark on the world. The movement has now reached more than 35 million participants in over 190 countries.

This year’s Boston-area celebrations include:

• Sunday, September 6, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. — ICA Boston: The museum’s “Play Date” Dot Day celebration will feature screenings of animated films from Reynolds’ Creatrilogy, staff read-alouds, a dot-making workshop, and an appearance and book signing by Reynolds.
• Saturday, September 12, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. — Museum of Fine Arts, Boston: Families can enjoy drop-in artmaking, a screening of the animated film The Dot, a book signing with Reynolds, and a special appearance by School of HONK!, Boston’s all-ages community brass band.
• Saturday and Sunday, September 12–13 — Blue Bunny Books in Dedham: The independent bookstore will host a weekend-long Dot Day Fest, including art activities, sidewalk chalk dot-making, the second annual Indie BookFest, and a special Sunday appearance and book signing with Reynolds.
• Monday, September 14 — TLC Studios in Dedham: Reynolds will launch Dot Day around the planet with virtual welcome messages from his nonprofit Reynolds Center for Teaching, Learning & Creativity. Beginning at 4 p.m. Boston time, he will greet the first countries entering September 15—including Kiribati, Samoa, Tonga, Tokelau, and New Zealand.

“I do pinch myself when I think about how Dot Day began with one teacher, one book, and one small mark—and it’s now grown into a global invitation to create bravely with millions celebrating,” said Reynolds. “I’ll be doing a national book tour for the new delux, gift edition of The Dot - including Washington, DC, NYC and Los Angeles, but I’m especially excited to celebrate here at home with families across Boston and Dedham.”

International Dot Day began in 2009 when Iowa educator Terry Shay introduced his students to The Dot. The celebration is now coordinated by the Dedham-based nonprofit Reynolds Center for Teaching, Learning & Creativity with headquarters in Dedham Square at the new TLC Studios & Media Lab.

For event details and the complete international schedule, visit InternationalDotDay.org/2026-signature-events.