There’s a hectic and eclectic program of events planned in Hudson River Park this summer — from jazz and blues concerts to salsa dancing, marine science to yoga, boot camps to bike rides — there really is something for everyone.
Plenty of the season highlights are happening right here in Hell’s Kitchen, with the highly anticipated grand opening of Pier 97 taking top billing. Although there’s no official date yet, get ready to enjoy a new playground with water spray features, an all-ages slide, an activity field, and a gently sloping lawn for that all-important sunbathing and picnicking.
The season officially kicks off May 18 on Pier 84 with SUBMERGE Marine Science Festival, an annual event that brings marine science to life through hands-on experiments, local wildlife, river-themed performances and more for all ages to enjoy.
Clinton Cove at Pier 96 (W56th Street—remember to subtract 40 from the pier number to know the cross street) will play host in July to Broadway by the Boardwalk, featuring intimate Monday performances. Across the season, the Park has expanded its partnership with NYC’s Jazz Foundation to bring smooth sets to new locations.
At Pier 97, Blues on the Boardwalk will feature Thursday performances by local blues artists, while Jazz at Pier 84 returns this year with Wednesday evening performances by legendary musicians. On Saturday August 10, the Blues BBQ Festival on Pier 76 will bring blues fans from around the country together to hear exceptional artists perform and feast on delicious barbecue from local smokehouses.
In honor of Pride Month, this year’s Sunset on the Hudson lineup on Pier 45 spotlights local queer artists, culminating with Randy Jones the original Village People Cowboy and The Bad Judies on June 28.
The summer continues with an incredible line up of free events like Healthy on the Hudson exercise classes, sunset dance nights and music performances, catch-and-release fishing, guided nature tours and more.
Looking to exercise on two wheels? At Pier 76 on Saturdays and Sundays June-September, Bike New York offers the chance to learn how to bike or improve your skills in a fun and safe environment. Bring your own bike or use one of the training bikes available on-site. Or if you’d prefer to be at one with nature, the Clean and Green volunteer program offers community members an opportunity to nurture their inner green thumbs alongside their neighbors while improving public open space.
“At Hudson River Park, our expansive piers and stunning landscapes give locals and visitors from around the world an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and connect with water, the sky and each other,” said Noreen Doyle, President & CEO of the Hudson River Park Trust. “We love creating and delivering free public programs that take advantage of this setting, and it’s even better watching our guests enjoying them. We’re grateful to Hudson River Park Friends for supporting hundreds of hours of free programming in the park again this year.”
Besides programming by Hudson River Park, be sure to check out the many water recreation opportunities available. Manhattan Community Boathouse will kick off their 2024 season on Saturday, May 25 with free kayaking from 1-6pm at Pier 96.
Also at Pier 96, NY Outrigger offers the chance to experience rowing in an outrigger canoe and stand-up paddle boarding.
Down at Pier 84, Manhattan Kayak Company offers guided tours up and down the Hudson along with training sessions to improve your on-water skills. Looking to be more low-key? Rent a kayak or paddle board and experience the Hudson in their embayment that is right next to the Intrepid Museum.
The full summer 2024 lineup can be found at hudsonriverpark.org/events. Fall and winter programming at the Park will be announced later this year.
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