Special Events

Butterfly Release
This annual event is co-hosted with the San Diego Floral Association and takes place in mid-March on the park-wide Family Science Day. We purchase butterflies and ladybugs for the live releases throughout the day. Volunteers can assist with setting up the live butterflies in their release boxes the day prior; and with staffing our booth at the event the day of to pass out brochures, live ladybugs, and give information about the butterfly garden. San Diego Floral Association volunteers assist with butterfly arts and crafts for the kids in the garden.

Arbor Day
This annual spring event is celebrated either in early March to celebrate California Arbor week; or at the end of April to coincide with National Arbor Day. Schoolchildren and volunteers are invited to the event to help plant trees and take part in the short program featuring guest speakers and dignitaries. Volunteers are needed to help with all aspects of the event, including recruitment, invitations, program, photographs, refreshments (set-up and serving), and the actual tree planting on the day of the event.

Annual Awards Luncheon
Our Annual Awards Luncheon, now in its 12th year, salutes volunteers and dedicated park leaders. The luncheon is attended by 350-400 park enthusiasts and takes place on a Tuesday, later in October. The event is also a fundraiser on behalf of the Friends. Volunteers are needed on our luncheon committee to assist with all aspects of the event including fundraising, raffle coordination, invitations, program, awards, proclamations, and day of event help: greeting, setup, check-in, selling raffle tickets, etc.

 
Kate Sessions Birthday
This event is co-hosted together with Save Our Heritage Organization (SOHO) and San Diego Floral Association (SDFA). The event commemorates Kate Sessions’ birthday and takes place at the Marston House in Balboa Park, on a Saturday in mid-November. Event volunteers are needed to help plan the event to include light refreshments and other handouts for attendees. Volunteers day of are needed to staff our information booth, pass out information, and assist with other event details as needed – tour coordination, event photographs, booth setup, etc.

December Nights
This annual two day festival takes place the first Friday and Saturday in December, attended by over 100,000 people. Friends of Balboa Park staffs an information booth for the festival, our volunteers give visitors directions and general festival information. A complete manual of event information is given to our volunteers ahead of time to study so they can become the “experts” for the duration of their 2-3 hour shifts inside our booth.

Poinsettia Party
Friends of Balboa Park host an annual party to celebrate the opening of the annual holiday display, usually the 2nd Thursday evening of December. We can use volunteers on our party committee to help plan the holiday food for this 2 hour open-house style event with hot drinks, pastries, and hor d’hoevres.