Taylor Mac, Bilal, the Klezmatics, and Flor de Toloache Feature Among Star-Studded Performer Lineup
Celebratory Season of Free, Diverse Programming in Battery Park City’s New, Resilient Wagner Park throughout Summer & Fall
New Wagner Park Provides Coastal Flood Protection as part of New York City’s Lower Manhattan Coastal Resiliency Project
The Battery Park City Authority (BPCA) today released its Wagner Park Opening Season Program & Event Guide, detailing a range of free public programming to celebrate the reopening of Robert F. Wagner, Jr. Park after a temporary closure for coastal resiliency project construction. Wagner Park reopens to the public on Tuesday, July 29 with an intimate performance by MacArthur Fellow and Pulitzer Prize finalist, genre-defying artist Taylor Mac as part of the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council’s annual River to River Festival. A series of free events follow through October with a host of BPCA partners including NY Laughs, The Moth, Alvin Ailey, Battery Dance, the Museum of Jewish Heritage, Skyscraper Museum, Poets House, and more.
Available on BPCA’s website, hard copies of the Program & Event Guide will begin arriving to all mailing list subscribers next week and will also be available in New York State’s 12 most common non-English languages. Interested individuals can subscribe to the mailing list online at bpca.ny.gov/events, by phone at (212) 267-9700, or at any BPCA program or event.
“The Battery Park City Authority is thrilled to deliver Wagner Park back to the public replete with great programming for residents and visitors of all ages,” said BPCA Chairman Don Capoccia. “I applaud Raju Mann, BPCA’s Design & Construction, Parks Operations, Parks Programming teams, and a range of other Authority staff and partners for the diligent work and impressive results.”
“It’s not every day we get to open a new park, and in doing so we look forward to kicking off a series of events – visual and performing arts, music, comedy, architecture and design, and more – that capture the celebratory spirit of a renewed and resilient downtown,” said BPCA President & CEO Raju Mann. “We hope you all find something to enjoy here this summer and fall as we introduce what we hope will become New York City’s next great public space. We’ll see you down in Wagner Park.”
“From Wagner Park to the new Gotham Park, Lower Manhattan is experiencing a resurgence of new resilient open space that both protects the community and is a great place to spend time with your friends and family,” said Elijah Hutchinson, Executive Director, Mayor’s office of Climate & Environmental Justice. “These new open spaces help make our city a sponge, block storms, and provide refuge during hot days — something we’ll continue to do across the city with our infrastructure investments. This free programming provides a little something for everyone, while also keeping the community connected, something that’s imperative for our public health.”
“The reopening of Wagner Park represents the City’s commitment to both environmental resilience and vibrant public spaces that bring our communities together,” said Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine. “I’m thrilled that residents and visitors will be able to enjoy this beautiful waterfront park once again.”
“Wagner Park has long been a sanctuary in our community—a place where people come to breathe, reflect, and reconnect with one another. Its reopening is a major milestone, not just because of the new protections it offers against climate threats, but because of what it represents: resilience, community, and shared joy,” said Assemblyman Charles D. Fall. “That spirit is captured beautifully in the season of free events planned for the park—world-class performances, diverse voices, and interactive experiences that remind us why public space matters. Community is shaped not just by the spaces we create, but by the life we bring into them—through art, shared stories, and the moments that connect us.”
“We’re excited that Wagner Park is once again open to the public, offering not just open space but an incredible lineup of free programming for residents and visitors alike,” said Council Member Christopher Marte. “This is a major win for Lower Manhattan—bringing back a vital piece of our waterfront and making it even more accessible, resilient, and welcoming through arts, culture, and community events all season long.”
“LMCC is thrilled to celebrate the reopening of Wagner Park with our longtime partners at Battery Park City Authority,” said Moe Yousuf, President & CEO, Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC). “This moment reflects the strength of a shared commitment to public space, climate resilience, and cultural life in Lower Manhattan. It’s a privilege for LMCC to present work that embraces experimentation, sustainability, and bold artistic expression in such an iconic setting. This is a powerful example of what public-private partnership can make possible.”
“Battery Dance is thrilled to be part of the reopening of Wagner Park, a space that embodies resilience and creative community,” said Emad Salem, Executive Director, Battery Dance. “As a longtime cultural partner of the Battery Park City Authority, we’re proud to contribute to a season of free public programming that brings people together through the power of the arts.”
“Poets House is thrilled to join in celebrating Wagner Park and all it represents—a poetic example of science, engineering, design, and horticulture coming together to serve the public good!” said Rob Arnold, Executive Director, Poets House.
“We are proud to support this vibrant series of free public events in Battery Park’s newly reopened Wagner Park,” said Jack Kliger, President and CEO, and Bruce Ratner, Board Chair, of the Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust. “We’re especially thrilled that the park—right at the Museum’s doorstep—will reopen next month, bringing more New Yorkers and visitors to the area. At the Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust, we believe in the power of arts, culture, and community to bring people together, foster understanding, and honor the diverse histories that shape our city. We look forward to welcoming everyone to experience the dynamic spirit of downtown and to join us in building a more inclusive and inspired community.”
“We commend the BPCA for its visionary efforts in revitalizing this iconic waterfront space with a strong commitment to environmental sustainability,” said Jessica Lappin, President of the Alliance for Downtown New York. “The reopening of Wagner Park arrives at the perfect time for residents and visitors of Lower Manhattan to enjoy the summer season. We look forward to celebrating its renewal with a vibrant lineup of cultural events.”
“We at The Battery Conservancy are pleased that our neighbors in Battery Park City will be able to enjoy Wagner Park next month and look forward to reopening the northern portion of The Battery later this year,” said Warrie Price, Founder and President, The Battery Conservancy. “Congratulations to the Battery Park City Authority and their engineering and construction teams for getting these vital and newly resilient open spaces back to the public with speed and quality.”
“Wagner Park is one of the crown jewels of our neighborhood, and its reopening is a celebration of what makes Lower Manhattan so special: lush public parkland that brings people together,” said Tammy Meltzer, Chair of Manhattan Community Board 1. “We thank the Battery Park City Authority for completing this project in time for summer, and we look forward to enjoying the new landscape with its flowers, trees, and grassy areas for years to come in a park that connects to Pier A and helps protect Lower Manhattan from rising tides and flooding.”
All events below take place in Wagner Park unless otherwise noted. Highlights of the Wagner Park Opening Season Program & Event Guide include—
TUESDAY, JULY 29 – TAYLOR MAC: IN CONCERT – 7PM
Enjoy an eccentric and electric one-night-only intimate performance by MacArthur Fellow and Pulitzer Prize finalist, genre-defying artist Taylor Mac. Presented by Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC) as part of the 2025 River to River Festival in partnership with BPCA. RSVP requested. For additional information and RSVP link, please visit: https://lmcc.net/events/taylor-mac-in-concert/.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 2 – OPENING CELEBRATION: MAISON MILLEFLEURS & SILENT DISCO – 7PM
Experience Rhonda Weppler and Trevor Mahovsky’s Maison Millefleurs, an installation of life-sized handmade flowers illuminated by LED lights. New Yorkers helped create the paper flower lanterns that will bloom to life in a special greenhouse on display through September 21. Here, participate in a flower-making workshop creating wearable, illuminated artworks. Show off your creations and take in sunset views dancing to the hottest beats by Quiet Events. Maison Millefleurs is presented by LMCC as part of the 2025 River to River Festival and in partnership with Battery Park City Authority. RSVP for the workshop requested. For additional information and RSVP link, please visit: https://lmcc.net/events/outdoor-installation-maison-millefleurs/.
– 7PM: Workshop
– 8PM: Silent Disco
THURSDAY, AUGUST 7 & FRIDAY, AUGUST 15 – WALKING TOUR: WAGNER PARK REOPENING AND BPC SOUTH NEIGHBORHOOD – 4PM @ 39 BATTERY PLACE
Walk through the new Wagner Park with founder, director, and curator of The Skyscraper Museum, Carol Willis. Learn how the park’s innovative resiliency strategies are used to protect Battery Park City.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 7 – BILAL: IN CONCERT – 7PM DOORS, 8PM SHOW
The acclaimed Grammy winning artist Bilal is a neo-soul revolutionary. On his latest release, Adjust Brightness, he takes his songwriting and dynamic vocal ability in a bold new direction, creating an immersive sonic experience.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 8 – SUMMER NIGHTS: PRESENTED BY POETS HOUSE – 7PM
Enjoy a summer evening with poetry and music by m.s. RedCherries, Danez Smith, and Speedy Ortiz. This event is presented in partnership with Poets House, home to over 80,000 poetry books and related materials in Battery Park City, all freely accessible to poets, readers, researchers, and the broader poetry community.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 9 – DANCE @ THE NEW WAGNER PARK – 7-8:30PM
Battery Dance Company performs in this celebratory night of dance alongside Marie Poncé, The Limón Dance Company, and tap dancer John Manzari & Band. (Rain date Sunday, August 10.)
FRIDAY, AUGUST 22 & SATURDAY, AUGUST 23 – COMEDY UNDER THE STARS FESTIVAL
Join us for stand-up comedy with NY Laughs. This unique non-profit seeks to enrich lives, build community, and inspire audiences through the power of laughter.
– August 22 @ 8PM: NY Laughs Mainstage
– August 23 @ 6:30PM: NY Laughs New Voices Showcase
– August 23 @ 8PM: NY Laughs Mainstage – Hari Kondabolu
Some content may not be appropriate for young children. Recommended for teens and adults.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 – THE MOTH: COMMUNITY STORYSLAM – 7:30PM
The Moth Community StorySLAM is a noncompetitive, open-mic storytelling event in which anyone can put their name in a hat to share a five-minute personal story on the night’s theme live without notes!
Prior to the slam, Moth instructors will host workshops offering guidance, techniques, and practice on the craft of storytelling.
– September 2 @ 4:30-6PM & 6-7:30PM
– September 3 @ 10:30AM-12PM
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 – BROADWAY IN BATTERY PARK CITY – 7:30PM
Broadway stars Ana Gasteyer, Darlesia Cearcy, Richard Kind, Ethan Slater, Tamkia Lawrence, Mary Louise Parker, and more bring the bright lights of Broadway to Battery Park City with a one-night-only concert featuring showtunes that celebrate the Big Apple.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 – AILEY II PERFORMANCE & WORKSHOP – 7PM
Ailey II dancers bring their technical mastery and emotional depth to works by the most daring established and emerging choreographers, forging a new path for modern dance – one that’s inclusive, experimental, and transformative. An Ailey Arts In Education instructor will lead a movement workshop for all ages following the performance.
– 7PM: Performance
– 7:30PM: Movement Workshop
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 – THE KLEZMATICS: IN CONCERT – 4PM
The Klezmatics are Grammy-winning klezmer superstars who revolutionized Yiddish music. Infusing Eastern European Jewish roots with bold contemporary themes like human rights, their eclectic sound blends Latin stomps, jazz riffs, and rhythms from the Balkans, Middle East, Africa, and America. Presented in partnership with the Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 – FLOR DE TOLOACHE: IN CONCERT – 7PM
Experience the enchanting sounds of Flor de Toloache, the Latin Grammy-winning and Grammy-nominated all-female mariachi band that is breaking boundaries with their innovative blend of traditional and contemporary Latin American music.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25-SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 – ILLUMINATION LIGHT ART FESTIVAL – 7PM
Immerse yourself in a one-of-a-kind outdoor light festival with Illumination.nyc. Interact with light-based creations and dance to DJs under the stars. The festival closes on 9/27 with a silent disco with QuietEvents.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2 – ALICI: IN CONCERT – 6PM
Brazilian-American artist Alici melds the serene sounds of her birth country’s Bossa Nova with the New York-influenced grit of Trip Hop, creating a uniquely timeless style that’s all her own.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4 – GO FISH! – BATTERY PARK CITY’S CELEBRATION OF LIFE IN THE HUDSON ESTUARY – 10:30AM–1PM
Join experienced anglers for catch-and-release fishing and learn about life in the Hudson River. Help identify the fish we catch and share valuable data with research groups who monitor the health of our local waters. Enjoy an art project and a nature walk. Plus: Don’t miss a performance from DJ Willy Wow.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9 – VICTOR V. GURBO: IN CONCERT – 6PM
Roots revivalist Victor V. Gurbo and his band create original folk ballads infused with an Americana spirit. This award-winning group pays homage to the canon of American song and poetry with a raw, bluesy, foot-stomping sound.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15 – TRIBECA JAZZ INSTITUTE – 6PM
Enjoy a sunset performance by emerging artists from the one-of-a-kind jazz program at Church Street School of Music & Art.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18 – BROOKLYN CONTRA – 5PM
Contra is a community-oriented mash-up of swing and square dancing performed in lines. Brooklyn Contra teaches a style of community folk dance featuring great live music, dancing, and joy. Each dance starts with a lesson from the caller and a breakdown of the simple moves.
These events are in addition to the new Wagner Park’s weekly recurring art and nature programming, “Wagner Workouts” fitness events throughout the fall, and join BPCA’s 2025 Seasonal Program & Event Guide detailing free public events in other parks across Battery Park City.
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