Details free events for all across Battery Park City from May through August
Access the Summer 2023 Program & Event Guide in New York State’s most common non-English languages as follows: Arabic, Bengali, Chinese (traditional), French, Haitian Creole, Italian, Korean, Polish, Russian, Spanish, Urdu, Yiddish
The Battery Park City Authority (BPCA) today released its Summer 2023 Program & Event Guide, detailing a broad range of free programming – including outdoor concerts, music, art, nature, walking tours, fitness, and more – across Battery Park City from May through August. The Guide features illustrated program offerings organized by monthly event highlights and by those of interest to adults and seniors, school-aged children, and preschoolers, as well as information about community spaces at 200 Rector Place, 6 River Terrace, the BPC Ball Fields, and discounted membership rates at Battery Park City’s Community Center at Stuyvesant High School.
Available on BPCA’s website, hard copies of the Guide will be 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.
“There’s no time like summertime in Battery Park City, and I can’t wait for these great programs to begin!” said BPCA President & Chief Executive Officer B.J. Jones. “We hope everyone enjoys this new season of free programming that celebrates creativity, diversity, and environmental responsibility throughout our vibrant public parks.”
“Summer is nearly here and on top of some great weather, New Yorkers also have an incredible slate of free events across Battery Park City to look forward to, said Congressman Dan Goldman. “I’m excited to see my neighbors out and about and enjoying all that Battery Park City has to offer.”
“Summer here we come! The Lower Manhattan Community looks forward to this fun slate of free events across Battery Park City,” said Manhattan Community Board 1 Chair Tammy Meltzer. “We are delighted that the BPCA is able to continue their expansive programming in Belvedere Plaza and Rockefeller Park this summer. The connection to the natural environment and the Hudson River of the parks in Battery Park City draw workers, tourists, students and New Yorkers from all over to this unique downtown location to experience art, fishing, blooming gardens and great festivals in some downtown’s finest public spaces.”
Highlights of BPCA’s Summer 2023 Program & Event Guide include—
MAY
Tuesday, May 2-Saturday, May 6, 7:30PM @ Belvedere Plaza
Illumination Spring Showcase. Immerse yourself in a one-of-a-kind outdoor light festival with Illumination.nyc. For five nights see Battery Park City in a whole new light, interact with light-based creations, dance to DJs under the stars, and catch a surprise performance or two. The show closes on May 6 with a silent disco with QuietEvents. Headphones are free; ID is required. RSVP here.
“Illumination NYC Is thrilled to showcase stunning light installations crafted by visionary local artists in Battery Park City this May that will inspire the community’s imagination and delight visitors of all ages!” said Ron Fisher, Executive Director & Founder, Illumination NYC.
Saturday, May 20, 10AM-1PM @ Belvedere Plaza
Go Fish! Battery Park City’s Celebration of Life in the Hudson Estuary. Join experienced anglers for catch-and-release fishing and learn about life in the Hudson River. Help observe and identify the fish we catch, enabling us to share valuable data with research groups who monitor the health of our local waters. The day also includes an art project and a nature walk. Plus – don’t miss a live performance from carnaval troupe Bloco from the Block.
Thursday, May 25, 6:30PM @ Belvedere Plaza
Strings-on-Hudson: ARKAI. In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, BPCA presents ARKAI, an award-winning electroacoustic duo that has inspired audiences around the world through their genre-defying string music.
JUNE
Saturday, June 3, 11AM @ Rockefeller Park House
Saturday Family Workshop: Drag Story Hour. In celebration of Pride month, BPCA presents Drag Story Hour NYC, a fun and fabulous educational experience that celebrates gender diversity and all forms of difference to build empathy and give kids the confidence to express themselves however they feel comfortable.
“Drag Story Hour NYC provides age-appropriate programming to all communities we serve, and we are grateful for the outpouring of support that we have received in the wake of heightened national backlash and media attention,” said the Drag Story Hour NYC community. “This support – from parents, teachers, libraries, city officials, and local community organizations – has enabled us to not only continue our programming as usual, but to expand our outreach, bringing our mission of celebrating creativity, empathy, and joyful self-expression to the communities that need it most.”
Saturday, June 10, 6:30PM @ Esplanade Plaza
Community Dance: Mambo. In celebration of Caribbean-American Heritage Month, all are invited to experience the dynamic and creative energy of the Franck Muhel & His Mambo Dancers, accompanied by the Mitch Frohman Latin Jazz Quartet. Learn the traditional steps of the mambo with an instructor-led movement workshop, and then hit the dance floor during a live performance.
Thursday, June 15, 7-10PM @ Esplanade Plaza
Silent Disco Pride Party. Celebrate Pride Month with a silent disco dance party featuring Gotham Cheer and queer DJ’s from QuietEvents. Breathtaking sunset views and Lady Liberty will serve as our backdrop as we dance to the hottest beats pumped through light-up headphones. Headphones are free; ID is required.
Friday, June 23, 5-8PM @ Rockefeller Park
Swedish Midsummer Festival. Enjoy this nostalgic celebration of the summer solstice. Join in a lively dance around the Midsummer pole and make wreaths from beautiful flowers representing those in bloom on the solstice in Sweden. Enjoy a parade, children’s games, and Swedish delicacies. Traditional music by Paul Dahlin and fiddlers from the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis. Dances led by Ross Sutter, a Scandinavian folklorist.
JULY
Thursdays in July – 6PM @ Rockefeller Park
River & Blues Concert Series. Experience world-class, blues inspired music at its new location in Rockefeller Park!
o July 6: The Dip
o July 13: Lee Fields
o July 20: Tamikrest
o July 27: Allison Russell
Wednesday, July 12, 12M-6PM @ 6 River Terrace
Summer Blood Drive. Help replenish dwindling supplies in the tri-state area. The whole process takes less than an hour and one donation can save multiple lives! Sign up today.
Saturday, July 15, 11AM @ Rector Gate
Saturday Family Workshop: City of Water Day.City of Water Day is a free harbor-wide celebration organized by the Waterfront Alliance and its partners to get people to, on, and in the water. Join us at this ideal Hudson-side setting to celebrate and learn about environmental stewardship and take part in an art project.
AUGUST
Saturday, August 5, 7PM @ Esplanade Plaza
Dance Party NYC. On a single day, at partner sites across all five boroughs, thousands of New Yorkers will be dancing in a moment of mass joy and celebration. A DJ will spin all your summertime favorites while we learn dance moves from across the ages. Come out to BPC’s ultimate outdoor dance party – and let’s all dance together!
Thursday, August 10, 6:30PM @ Belvedere Plaza
Interludes: Brass Queens. Brass Queens is an 8-piece brass band whose music is deeply inspired by the New Orleans tradition, which influences their genre-spanning sound. Hailing from Brooklyn, the Brass Queens features an all-female horn section that strives to expand the space for women in a male-dominated industry.
Saturday, August 12-Friday, August 18, 7PM @ Rockefeller Park
42nd Battery Dance Festival. The Battery Dance Festival is New York City’s longest-running free public dance festival. Now in its 42nd year, the Festival will once again bring together dance artists from all over the world in lower Manhattan, showcasing a variety of styles, from classical to modern, in celebration of the universal. For more information visit: batterydance.org.
COMMUNITY CENTER AT STUYVESANT HIGH SCHOOL
The Community Center at Stuyvesant High School (CCSHS), located at 345 Chambers Street, is a community resource for recreation, sports, swimming, and fitness operated by BPCA seven days a week when school is not in session. Deeply discounted annual membership rates are available for Battery Park City residents, youth, seniors, and military personnel. Day passes are also available to all New Yorkers.
May 1-June 30
Monday-Friday, 7-10PM
Saturday & Sunday, 1-9PM
July 1-August 31
Monday-Friday, 3-9PM
Saturday & Sunday, 10AM-6PM
For more information please contact (646) 210-4292, (212) 267-9700, or email: communitycenter@bpca.ny.gov.
These highlighted events are in addition to BPCA’s year-round, weekly recurring programs for all ages.
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