Summer Fun – In New York City Has Never Been Better!

by | Jun 1, 2018 | Coming Up, Downtown Living, Downtown News, Events, Exercise, Family, Featured, Lifestyle, Movies, Music, Theater

MARK YOUR CALENDARS and let the SUMMER FUN begin June 2, 2018!

Living in a big city has many pitfalls and stressful moments, but living in a big city also has the BEST perks. Think about it, you can go from uptown to downtown in 15-20 minutes, east to west in a flash and hop on a ferry and your in another state!

So shake off the winter blues because Summer Fun in the City has never been better.

Hudson River Park’s 20th Anniversary Summer of Fun Season Lineup Offers Free Films, Dance, Music, Food, Fitness and yes there is MORE!

Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Hudson River Park and Experience a Summer of Wonder and Magic Along the Shores of New York’s Park for Play, the Nation’s Longest Riverfront Park

Premiere Events & All-time Favorites Include the Healthy on the Hudson Fitness Series, Shell-ebrate Oysters, Sunset Salsa Dancing, 19th Annual Blues BBQ Festival, Hudson RiverFlicks Sing-Alongs, and wait there is more!!

So shake off the winter blues because Summer Fun in the City has never been better.

Hudson River Park, an urban oasis for New Yorkers and visitors from every corner of the world, is proud to announce its 2018 lineup of free cultural, recreational, entertainment, environmental and educational events and attractions for New Yorkers, families and visitors to the Big Apple. The Park’s 20th Anniversary Summer of Fun season officially swings into action on Wednesday, May 23rd, kicking off more than 400 events and outdoor programs scheduled across Hudson River Park’s 550 acres of lush parkland and estuarine sanctuary all summer long, and throughout the month of October.

Over the past 20 years, Hudson River Park has transformed Manhattan’s Westside waterfront into a celebrated urban treasure which serves as both a hot-spot destination and beloved community backyard. To celebrate the Park’s “20 Years of Piers,” a full day of free, celebratory events and activities have been planned for Saturday, June 2nd on Hudson River Park’s Pier 45 in Greenwich Village, presented by Citi.

There’s fun for the whole family, starting with a Healthy on the Hudson workout, followed by catch-and-release fishing, and other environmentally-themed activities hosted by the Park’s Estuary Lab educators.  Kids and adults alike will be amazed and entertained by Mad Science’s water science show.

Grab lunch and join magician Kid Ace for a mesmerizing riverside magic show. End the evening by moonlight with Mitch Frohman & the Bronx Horns, Sunset Salsa with Talia Castro-Pozo, and the RiverFlicks blockbuster 20th Anniversary screening of The Wedding Singer.

Visit www.HudsonRiverPark.org for times and additional details.

Hudson River Park Friends Playground Committee Backyard BBQ– Give Back in Your Own Backyard – May 31.   


“During the last two decades, Hudson River Park has grown to become such a vital and extraordinary part of the New York City landscape,” said Madelyn Wils, CEO, and President of Hudson River Park Trust. “We’re so proud and excited to welcome all of our friends, families, and visitors to the Park this summer to explore and discover the many wonders that the Hudson River waterfront has to offer. From premier cultural entertainment to the myriad recreational and environmental experiences that keep people coming back to our shores from all over the world, Hudson River Park’s20th Anniversary Summer of Fun season is sure to be the best yet.”

One of Hudson River Park’s most unique and prized features is its 400-acre estuarine sanctuary – an ecologically significant environment supporting an abundance of fish and other wildlife.  Each year the Park’s Estuary Lab offers hundreds of hands-on education programs and interactive research projects that engage park patrons in discovering, exploring, and even restoring this precious natural resource. From Big City Fishing to Shell-ebrate Oysters, the Park’s Estuary Lab hosts programs throughout the Park’s four-mile footprint that excite and inspire audiences of all ages.  Participants can even work alongside Estuary Lab staff to support the health and habitat of the Park’s urban waters through community research projects such as oyster monitoring and marine debris analysis.


A headline event on the bill this summer is the Hudson River Dance Festival, which brings world-renowned modern dance companies and artists to the river’s edge at sundown for a spectacular sampling of the hottest modern dance programs—all for free. This year’s Hudson River Dance Festival will feature Jason Samuels Smith & Igmar Thomas, American Ballet Theatre Studio Company, Limón Dance Company, Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, and The Chase Brock Experience.

The 19th Annual Blues BBQ Festival, as well as Big City Fishing, Hudson RiverFlicks movie series, Sunset on the Hudson concerts, and Salsa Dancing with Talia Castro-Pozo also return!

The Healthy on the Hudson fitness series, one of the Park’s most popular summer offerings, has expanded to offer more variety of fitness activities for New Yorkers of all ages, from outrigger sessions to rejuvenating yoga and tai chi. Free sing-along movie nights featuring audience favorites Frozen and Chicago will liven up the lawn at Clinton Cove, and legendary artists curated by the Jazz Foundation of America will bring their sultry sounds to Hudson River Park’s Pier 84 on select Thursday evenings from May through September.

 

Enjoy delicious barbeque and picnic fare, cocktails and live music in your own backyard along the river’s edge!


You won’t want to miss one of NYC’s most glamorous—and family-friendly—fundraising soirees of the summer, the 2ndannual Hudson River Park Friends Playground Committee Backyard BBQ. This evening of summertime celebration on the Chelsea Lawn Bowl at Hudson River Park’s Pier 62 is a great way to welcome the season and give back to help support free programs for families and children in New York’s Park for Play. Enjoy delicious barbeque and picnic fare, cocktails and live music in your own backyard along the river’s edge. Activities include offerings from Big City Fishing, Brooklyn Robot Foundry, Bubble Dad, Chess at Three, Curated Care, Craft Studio, Melinda’s Children Parties, Strong Heart Fun, Super Soccer Stars, Taste Buds, Tesla, a Photo Booth—and more!

A detailed listing of this year’s 20th Anniversary Summer of Fun events—from movies to music, to magic and much, much more—can be found below. For updates and more information, please visit www.hudsonriverpark.org/events throughout the summer. Follow us @HudsonRiverPark on FacebookTwitter & Instagram to share your Summer of Fun!

Hudson River Park’s 20th Anniversary Summer of Fun  Events Calendar 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION EVENT June 2nd, Pier 45 – FREE

9:00 am – 10:30 am: Healthy on the Hudson workout
10:00 am – 10:45 am: Eco walk
10:45 am – 11:45 am: Healthy on the Hudson workout
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Estuary Lab Science Saturdays programming include Big City Fishing & Shell-ebrate Oyster
1:00pm – 1:30pm: Mad Science Show
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm: RiverKids: magic with Kid Ace=
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Sunset on the Hudson musical performance
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Sunset Salsa dancing with Talia Castro-Pozo, accompanied by Mitch Frohman and the Bronx Horns
8:00 pm – 10:00 pm: RiverFlicks: 20th Anniversary screening of the 1998 blockbuster The Wedding Singer

 

 

 

DANCE, DANCE, DANCE

Hudson River Dance Festival – FREE

Presented by SHS Foundation in association with The Joyce Theater

Hudson River Park is proud to bring you the fourth annual Hudson River Dance Festival. This celebration of dance will feature the rare treat of some of New York’s (and the world’s) favorite dance companies appearing in one evening, on one stage, for two nights only –  don’t miss these renowned dance companies in motion!

2018 Hudson River Dance Festival Dance Companies:
Jason Samuels Smith and Igmar Thomas performing MOST LIKE LEE
American Ballet Theatre Studio Company performing LE JEUNE by Lauren Lovette
Limón Dance Company performing CORVIDAE by Colin Connor
Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo performing TARANTELLA
The Chase Brock Experience performing SPLENDOR WE ONLY PARTIALLY IMAGINED by Chase Brock

Event Location, Date and Time: • Hudson River Park’s Pier 63 Lawn, located at West 23rd St. in Chelsea
Thursday, June 7 and Friday, June 8 7:00pm

GET YOUR Dancing shoes ON!
Sunset Salsa – FREE

Things heat up when the sun goes down in Hudson River Park with Sunset Salsa! Join us on Tuesday nights in July & August for salsa dancing led by Talia Castro-Pozo and friends.
Beginner Salsa dance lessons from 6:30 pm – 7:15 pm; DJs start the party at 7:15 pm.

Event Location, Dates and Time: • Hudson River Park’s Pier 45, located at Christopher St. in Greenwich Village
Every Tuesday from July 10 – August 28 6:30 pm

 

FAMILY, Children get your parents out of the house!

Hudson River Park Friends Playground Committee Backyard BBQ– Give Back in Your Own Backyard – May 31st   

Presented by Hudson River Park Friends                        

The Hudson River Park Friends Playground Committee Background BBQ is the perfect way to welcome summer in New York City! Parents and their children can enjoy summer fun with delicious barbeque, cocktails and live music in your own riverfront backyard while giving back to help support free programs for families and children in Hudson River Park. Activities include offerings from Big City Fishing, Brooklyn Robot Foundry, Bubble Dad, Chess at Three, Curated Care, Craft Studio, Melinda’s Children Parties, Strong Heart Fun, Super Soccer Stars, Taste Buds, Tesla, a Photo Booth—and more! CLICK HERE for sponsorship opportunities.

Event Location, Date and Time: • Chelsea Lawn and Hudson River Park’s Pier 62, located at 23rd Street in Chelsea
Thursday, May 31, 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Cost: Tickets start at $125 for individual kid tickets; visit www.hudsonriverpark.org/backyardbbq for more information

Hudson RiverKids – FREE

Hudson River Park brings out all of your favorite New York City family performers each week, proudly supported by Manhattan Youth! From music to magic to interactive storytelling, Hudson RiverKids will keep your family entertained all summer fun long. The Hudson RiverKids season will run from June 4th through September 13th, and these fantastic programs will be offered twice per week at two locations, Pier 25 in Tribeca AND Pier 62 in Chelsea. Please note: show times (below) will change at the start and end of the season, with events prior to June 18th and after August 20th starting at 4:00 pm, while the remainder of the programs will begin at 6:30 pm.

2018 Hudson RiverKids Performers: • 6/4 and 9/6: Kid Ace

  • 6/11 and 6/14: City Stomp
  • 6/18 and 6/21: Alex & The Kaleidoscope Band
  • 6/25 and 6/28: Tim Kubart Trio
  • 7/9: Mister G
  • 7/12: Story Time with Nick Bruel
  • 7/16 and 7/19: Story Pirates
  • 7/23 and 7/26: Ramblin’ Dan and the Freewheelin’ Band
  • 7/30 and 8/2: The Pop-Ups
  • 8/6 and 8/9: Suzi Shelton
  • 8/13 and 8/16; Joanie Leeds
  • 8/20 and 8/23: Mike Messer (of the Dirty Sock Funtime Band)
  • 8/27 and 8/30: Penny Jones Puppets
  • 9/10 and 9/13: Bilingual Birdies Band

Event Location, Dates and Time: • Mondays at Hudson River Park’s Pier 25, in Tribeca
Thursdays at Hudson River Park’s Pier 62, in Chelsea
Times vary; please visit www.hudsonriverpark.org

ESTUARY LAB
Hudson River Park’s Estuary Lab programming lets participants discover, explore and even restore the Park’s 400-acre estuarine sanctuary 

Big City Fishing – FREE

Adults and kids ages 5 and up learn how to fish while engaging with trained environmental educators about river science topics.
Event Location, Dates and Times:
Every Sunday from July 1 – August 26
Hudson River Park’s Pier 84, located at West 44th St. in Midtown11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Every Sunday from  July 1 – September 30 Hudson River Park’s Pier 25, located at N. Moore St. in Tribeca No program on September 23rd 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Every Monday from July 2 – August 20
2 locations: Hudson River Park’s Pier 25, located at N. Moore St. in Tribeca  and Hudson River Park’s Pier 46, located at Charles St. (just north of Christopher St.) in Greenwich Village 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Science Saturdays – FREE (New Event) Dive into science this summer at Hudson River Park! The whole family can enjoy hands-on activities including larger than life experiments, microscopic investigations, nature-inspired crafts and more.

Event Location, Dates and Times: • Locations vary; please visit www.hudsonriverpark.org
Saturdays: June 2, July 14 and August 11 – 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Pre-registration recommended at  www.hudsonriverpark.eventbrite.com

Roving River – FREE
This summer, keep an eye out for Hudson River Park’s Roving River Tricycle – a unique display of live Hudson River wildlife on wheels. Observe river animals up close and interact with smaller critters in a kid-friendly touch tank for this year’s Summer Fun.

Location, Dates and Times: • Travels between Pier 40, located at W. Houston Street, and Pier 25, located at N. Moore Street
Every Sunday from July 1 – September 30 No program on September 23rd • 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @HudsonRiverPark to find out where it’s headed next.

Pop Up Maker Space – FREE
Sponsored by Google
Calling all Makers! Tinker, test, and LEARN at Hudson River Park’s outdoor summer fun Maker Space for weekly workshops where participants get hands-on experience designing and constructing innovative solutions to marine-focused challenges.

Event Location, Dates and Times: • Every Sunday from July 1 – August 26 Hudson River Park’s Pier 84, located at West 44th St. in Midtown
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Pre-registration recommended at www.hudsonriverpark.eventbrite.com

 

 

 

Shell-ebrate Oysters – FREE 

There’s more to do with oysters besides shucking them! They filter water, engineer reefs, and stabilize our shorelines. Help us keep them happy and healthy in the Hudson by working alongside Park staff to restore oyster beds and learn how these bivalves benefit the health of the River.

Event Location, Dates and Times: • Hudson River Park’s Pier 25, located at N. Moore St. in Tribeca
Every Sunday from July 1 – September 30 No program on September 23rd 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Pre-registration recommended at  www.hudsonriverpark.eventbrite.com

Hudson Nature Walk – FREE
Learn about Hudson River Park’s wildlife by joining knowledgeable naturalists on guided nature summer fun walks along the Park’s esplanade. Don’t forget to take photos!

Event Location, Dates and Times: • Every Sunday from June 3 – September 30
9:00 am – 10:00 am
Meet at the Christopher St. Fountain, Christopher Street, in Greenwich Village
Pre-registration required at www.hudsonriverpark.eventbrite.com

Community EcoPaddle Partnering with Manhattan Kayak Company
*This event has a nominal fee
Join Hudson River Park and Manhattan Kayak Company for an evening of summer fun kayaking and oyster restoration. Community EcoPaddle allows participants to explore local aquatic wildlife and learn to paddle in the River.

Event Location, Dates and Times: • Monthly tours offered from June through September
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at various locations
Cost: $20 (includes all necessary equipment)

Hudson History Walk Partnering with Brooklyn Brainery
*This event has a nominal fee
Discover NYC’s dynamic waterfront history through a guided walking tour led by local historians.

Event Location, Dates and Times:
Monthly tours offered from June through September
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm at various locations
Cost: $15
Visit www.hudsonriverpark.org for tour themes and tickets

SUBMERGE – FREE
Hudson River Park’s NYC Marine Science Festival 

Hudson River Park’s SUBMERGE festival celebrates NYC’s coastal waters while bringing marine science to life.  Enjoy free hands-on activities, kid-approved science entertainment, presentations by noted scientists, citizen science, kayaking, fishing and more!

If you are looking for superb fishing reels, visit Dreamguides.

Event Location, Dates and Times: • Hudson River Park’s Pier 84, located at West 44th St. in Midtown
Saturday, September 22
Rain Date: Sunday, September 23 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

 

 

MOVIES & Popcorn FREE

Hudson RiverFlicks: Big Hit Wednesdays 

From blockbusters to instant classics and Oscar winners, Hudson RiverFlicks: Big Hit Wednesdays summer fun has all of your favorite movies from the last year. Hudson River Park gives you the chance to see your favorite movies on the big screen.

2018 Hudson RiverFlicks: Big Hit Wednesdays Titles:

7/11: Get Out – Rated “R”
7/18: The Big Sick – Rated “R”
7/25: Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle – Rated “PG-13”
8/1: Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri – Rated “R”
8/8: Wonder Woman – Rated “PG-13”
8/15: Lady Bird – Rated “R”
8/22: Blade Runner 2049 – Rated “R”

Event Location, Dates and Times: • Hudson River Park’s Pier 63 Lawn, at West 23rd St. in Chelsea
Every Wednesday from July 11 – August 22
Movies begin at dusk (generally around 8:30 pm)

Hudson RiverFlicks: Family Fridays – FREE

There’s something for everyone in the family on Friday nights in Hudson River Park! Hudson RiverFlicks: Family Fridays returns to Hudson River Park’s Pier 46 this summer fun and features recent favorites as well as classic movies for the whole family to enjoy.
Free Popcorn
2018 Hudson RiverFlicks: Family Fridays Titles: • 7/13: Moana – Rated “PG”
7/20: Wonder – Rated “PG”
7/27: Jumanji (1995) – Rated “PG”
8/3: Paddington 2  – Rated “PG”
8/10: Spice World – Rated “PG”
8/17: The Karate Kid (1984) – Rated “PG”
8/24: Coco – Rated “PG”

Event Location, Dates and Times: • Hudson River Park’s Pier 46, located at Charles St. (just north of Christopher St.) in Greenwich Village
Every Friday from July 13 – August 24
Movies begin at dusk (generally around 8:30 pm)

Hudson RiverFlicks: Sing-Along Special (in Clinton Cove) – FREE

Join us in Hudson River Park’s Clinton Cove (just off 55th Street) to celebrate all-time-favorite summer fun musical movies! Sing along to show-stoppers with Chicago, and Let It Go with the family favorite, Frozen. Join us in the Park to relax, enjoy the show, and sing your heart out!

Free Popcorn

2018 Hudson RiverFlicks: Sing-Along Special Titles:
7/26: Chicago – Rated “PG-13”
8/23Frozen – Rated “PG”

Event Location, Dates and Times: • Hudson River Park’s Clinton Cove, at West 55th St. in Clinton
Thursday, July 26 and Thursday, August 23
The summer fun movie begins at dusk (generally around 8:30 pm)

 

 

 

MUSIC

Jazz @ Pier 84: Featuring the Jazz Foundation of America – FREE 

Presented in association with the Jazz Foundation of America

Hudson River Park’s Pier 84 comes alive on sultry summer fun Thursdays from May through September with fantastic musicians from the Jazz Foundation of America! For almost 30 years, JFA has provided help to jazz and blues musicians with both direct assistance and opportunities to play sizzling hot shows, just like this one!

Jazz @ Pier 84 Bands:
5/31: Ray Mantilla
6/21: Alvin Flythe Quartet
7/19: Sylvia Cuenca Organ Quartet
8/16: Michael Marcus
9/13: George Braith

Event Location, Dates and Time:
Hudson River Park’s Pier 84, at West 44th Street
Thursdays: May 31, June 21, July 19, August 16 and September 13 7:00 pm

Sunset on the Hudson – FREE
Friday nights equal great local music!
Join us every Friday night at Hudson River Park’s Pier 45 at 7:00 pm for summer fun, music to hear some of NYC’s best local artists!

Sunset on the Hudson Bands:
6/29 and 8/10: High & Mighty Brass Band
7/6 and 8/24: Manhattan Samba
7/13 and 8/17: Baby Soda
7/20: Jenna Kyle
7/27 and 8/3: The Chuck Braman Jazz Band

Event Location, Dates and Time: • Hudson River Park’s Pier 45, located at Christopher St. in Greenwich Village
Fridays from June 22 – August 24
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Hudson River Park’s 19th Annual Blues BBQ – FREE Admission 

The 19th annual Blues BBQ returns to Pier 97 for an amazing day summer fun filled with food, friends, and great blues music. Pairing America’s best Blues and Roots musicians with New York City’s favorite BBQ restaurants makes for an unforgettable summer day on the Hudson River!

 2018 Blues BBQ line up*:
2:00 pm: The Slam Allen Band
3:15 pm: Danielle Nicole
4:30 pm: Welch-Ledbetter Connection
6:00 pm: Dawn Tyler Watson
7:30 pm: Vieux Farka Touré

  2018 Blues BBQ Restaurants include: • Pig Beach

  • Mighty Quinn’s
  • Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

 Event Location, Date and Time: • Hudson River Park’s Pier 97, located at West 59th St. in Clinton
Saturday, August 18
2:00 pm – 9:00 pm *Program and artists subject to change

 

FITNESS

Healthy on the Hudson – FREE

Working out in New York City has never been better! This FREE exercise series will take place every Monday, Wednesday & Thursday all summer long! A wide range of classes are offered; space is limited to 75 people per class and participation requires RSVP for this Summer fun activity.

Mondays • Presented in partnership with the New York School of T’ai Chi Chuan, classes will take place on Pier 84 in June and July.
Wednesdays • Lululemon partners with Hudson River Park every Wednesday to bring you a summer of fitness and fun! Workouts vary – check our website for details.
Thursdays • Presented in partnership with Shape Up NYC, take your yoga practice to the west side waterfront on Pier 46. Bring your own mat!

BECOME ONE OF HUDSON RIVER PARK’s ‘FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS’ TODAY! 

Hudson River Park receives no government funds for its operation or maintenance. You can support the Park by becoming A FRIEND at hudsonriverpark.org/friends. Friends’ Membership starts at only $50 and helps ensure that free and low-cost programs will continue to thrive in New York’s Park for Play. Benefits also include member perks at local community partner locations and invitations to Friends events throughout the year.

About Hudson River Park

Hudson River Park, which extends from Chambers Street to 59th Street along Manhattan’s west side, is the longest riverfront park in the United States. This free, urban recreational oasis is home to award-winning skate parks, playgrounds, sports fields, gardens and nature exhibits, boating and maritime activities, art installations, and myriad year-round events that celebrate the diverse cultures and neighborhoods along its shores. The Park plays a critical role in protecting the Hudson River ecosystem, and though it receives no public operating funds from the city, state or federal government, its development has transformed four miles of decaying piers and parking lots into a premier New York City destination for local residents and visitors alike. The non-profit,  Hudson River Park Friends helps to ensure ongoing sustainability by serving as the Park’s primary source of fundraising, advocacy and support, working in concert with the Hudson River Park Trust, the city-state entity that oversees the design, construction and operation of the Park. For more information, please visit www.hudsonriverpark.org.  Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @HudsonRiverPark, and LIKE us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/HudsonRiverPark.

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