For More Information, please call The Trust for Governors Island at 212-440-2200, unless otherwise noted.
Bike Governors Island: June 5 - October 10
Experience the Governors Island portion of the New York City Greenway. Bike and Roll™ has bicycle rentals for all sizes and abilities, including kids’ bikes, kids’ trailers and four seater quadcycles. For more information visit bikeandroll.com or call 1-866-RENT-A-BIKE.
Bike and Roll’s™ Free Bike Fridays: Fridays, June 11 - October 8
Borrow a bike for free for up to one hour.
Converse Presents "Gone To Governors" Free Music Series at Water Taxi Beach: June 5 – August 15
Enjoy free live music on the water. Water Taxi Beach will remain open to the public and free ferries run continuously until the end of the night. For more information about bands, dates and times, visit www.thebeachconcerts.com.
The Art of Craftsmanship Revisited: Saturdays and Sundays, June 5 - June 27, 11 AM - 5 PM
This exhibition will feature the work of local artisans, garments and videos created by students from Parsons and inspired by these artisans, along with multi-part displays showcasing the heritage of the LVMH brands. Housed in Historic Nolan Park and presented by LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton and Parsons The New School For Design.
FIGMENT Interactive Sculpture Garden & MiniGolf Course: June 11 - October 10
Throughout the summer, explore and enjoy fantastical pieces of all shapes, sizes and materials. In the spirit of FIGMENT, these works are participatory and interactive, inviting you to think, act, and respond. www.figmentproject.org.
Living Pavilion: June 6 - October 3
Living Pavilion designed by Ann Ha and Behrang Behin, is the result of an international design competition sponsored by FIGMENT, The Emerging New York Architects Committee of the American Institute of Architects New York Chapter (ENYA), and the Structural Engineers Association of New York (SEAoNY). Living Pavilion is a low-tech, zero-impact installation that employs reclaimed milk crates as the framework for growing a planted surface similar to a green wall, which will be installed as a temporary central gathering and assembly point for arts activity on the island.
Encounters: An Exhibition organized by the Sculptors Guild: June 5 - October 10
This island-wide sculpture exhibition features the members of the Sculptors Guild and invited artists. www.sculptorsguild.org
Nature Rules! An outdoor sculpture show by the Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition: June 5 – October 10
Discover sculpture around Governors Island. For more information visit http://www.bwac.org.
No Longer Empty presents “The Sixth Borough”: June 5 - October 10
Visitors discover an alternate reality in this exhibit: an experience of the sensations and fascinating history of this unique place. For more information visit www.nolongerempty.org.
Children’s Museum of the Arts Free Island Outpost Program: June 5 - October 3, 11 AM to 3 PM
Join CMA Teaching Artists for new themes and projects each weekend, including everything from painting and drawing to large scale sculpture. More information on themes and projects available at www.cmany.org. Free Art Island Outpost is supported, in part, by 77Kids by American Eagle, Bloomingdale’s, Con Edison, and by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.
Lower Manhattan Cultural Council Artist Studios
Lower Manhattan Cultural Council opens the doors to Building 110, the Governors Island Artist Studios, throughout the 2010 public access season. With gallery exhibitions, open studio events, and open rehearsals, LMCC showcases the work of the visual and performing artists-in-residence working on Governors Island. For more information, visit www.lmcc.net.
Added Value Farm
Come to Picnic Point to take a tour and see the workings of Added Value’s three acre organic fruit and vegetable farm. Beginning in July, visit their Farm Stand where you’ll find locally grown produce, cut flowers and more. For more information, visit www.added-value.org.
Pier 101 Open for Kayakers: June 5 – October 10
Pier 101 is open for kayakers to land every public access day, Fridays – Sundays from June 5 – October 10.
Orientation to the History of Governors Island: Saturday, June 5 - Sunday, October 10, 11:25 AM, 1:25 PM and 3:25 PM
Join a National Park Ranger for this 45-60 minute walking experience to discover how the role of Governors Island evolved to meet the changing needs of New York City and the nation. Please call 212-825-3045 Wed. - Sun. for more information.
The New New Presents a Treasure Chest of Handmade Gifts: Saturday, June 5 - Sunday, September 26
Visitors can go to Building 6B in Nolan Park to shop for original artwork, jewelry, glass, ceramics and textiles and other handmade items. For more information, visit thenewnewny.com.
The National Park Service Presents Friday Morning Summer Programs for Kids: Friday, June 11 - Friday, August 13, 10:15 AM, 11:15 AM and 12:15 PM
Join National Park Service Rangers for a thematic Living History program where children of all ages and their chaperons are invited to learn about the historic role of the people of Governors Island. Children will have the opportunity to meet with National Park Rangers and an array of "guests" from the past such as soldiers from the Mexican and Civil Wars, a Confederate Prisoner, a middle class lady from 1863, or a member of the Women's Army Corps. Please call 212-825-3045 Wed. - Sun. for more information.
A Hike Through the National Historic Landmark District: Wednesday, June 9 - Thursday, August 26, 10 AM and 1 PM
Behind the façade of the island’s military structures, lie hidden courtyards and stately grounds resounding with echoes from the past. Join a National Park Ranger for this 1.5 hour, 1.5 mile walking experience and discover how the role of Governors Island evolved to meet the changing needs of New York City and the Nation. For more information on how to obtain your free tickets, visit www.nps.gov/gois or call 212-825-3045 Wed. - Sun.
WATER TAXI BEACH
Water Taxi Beach
Throw some sand into your weekend. Great music, fun, food and drink all summer long at The Beach, New York’s premier live outdoor entertainment venue, the Beach Grill and Backstage Café. For more information, visit www.watertaxibeach.com. See you at the Beach!
The Beach @ Governors Island
For information about The Beach’s live concerts, show times, transportation, and ticketing, please visit www.TheBeachConcerts.com.
Water Taxi Beach is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from June 5 through October 10 (10 AM to 5 PM on Friday, 10 AM to 7 PM on Saturday and Sunday). The Beach is also open for both free and ticketed concerts on select weekday and weekend evenings when the Island is otherwise closed to the public.
For evening shows on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from June 5 through October 10, visitors can take the free Governors Island ferry during public hours, and then go to Water Taxi Beach to await the concert. After the free public ferry service has ended, a concert ferry service starts and runs continuously throughout the evening between Governors Island and The Battery Maritime Building in Manhattan. Transportation to and from these shows is free for free shows or is included in the ticket price.
For weekday evening shows, ferry transportation is included in the ticket price and provided via private Water Taxis that run between Governors Island and the Battery Maritime Building in Lower Manhattan.
For more information about Water Taxi Beach concerts, visit www.thebeachconcerts.com.
SPECIAL EVENTS
JUNE
Saturday, June 5: Opening Day Family Festival, Noon
Join us for arts and crafts, story telling, as well as musical and theatrical performances and harbor education activities for kids. Sponsored by the Governors Island Alliance. For more information, visit www.governorsislandalliance.org.
Saturday, June 5: Metropolitan Odyssey Scavenger Hunt, 10 AM to 5 PM
Sign up in advance at www.metrometroland.com.
Saturday, June 5 and Saturday, July 24 and more dates TBA: Harbor Discovery Area
Come out to the Harbor Discovery Area at Parking Lot 49 to learn about ecology and geography using a giant-scale map of New York Harbor. Take part in fun, educational programs for all ages, or stop by the map during a National Park Ranger tour. Events at the Harbor Map will take place Saturday, June 5, Saturday, July 24, and on other dates TBA. Check www.governorsislandalliance.org for updates.
Saturday, June 5: Yeasayer, Keepaway, and Delicate Steve. Free show. Doors open at 6:00 PM, show at 8:00 PM
Converse Presents "Gone To Governors" Live Music Series at Water Taxi Beach on Governors Island. Water Taxi Beach will remain open to the public and free ferries run continuously until the end of the night. For more information and to find out about other shows, visit www.thebeachconcerts.com.
Friday, June 11-Sunday, June 13: FIGMENT, all weekend
FIGMENT is an explosion of creative energy. It’s a free, annual celebration of participatory art and culture, where everything is possible. For information, visit www.figmentproject.org.
Saturday, June 19: NY Brewfest, 3:30 PM – 8 PM
The festival is a celebration of craft beer and will showcase samplings from New York State's outstanding breweries. Tickets are required and can be purchased at www.nybrewfest.com.
Saturday, June 19: Army Heritage Day, 10 AM - 4 PM
Spend June 19th at Governors Island National Monument and enjoy a day of
history and song at our annual Army Heritage Day Celebration. Join National Park Service Rangers, the 319th US Army Band, living historians, the West Point Army Mule Team and The Melissa Kate Project for a day of family friendly programming and a tribute to the US Army.
The Melissa Kate Project, an international sultry cabaret blues band, performs classic Motown, R&B, popular hits, and original material for servicemen and women stationed across the globe. Backed by a roster of superior musical talent, Melissa Kate’s soulful music has something for everyone. For more information, please visit www.MelissaKate.net
or call 212-825-3045 Wed. - Sun.
Saturday, June 19: Morning Benders, Freelance Whales. Free show. Doors open at 6:00 PM, show at 8:00 PM
Converse Presents "Gone To Governors" Live Music Series at Water Taxi Beach on Governors Island. Water Taxi Beach will remain open to the public and free ferries run continuously until the end of the night. For more information and to find out about other shows, visit www.thebeachconcerts.com.
Sunday, June 20th: Make Music New York’s PUNK ISLAND, 11 AM-5 PM
Make Music New York transforms Governors Island into Punk Island with dozens of performances throughout the day. For more information visit www.makemusicny.org.
Friday, June 25 & Saturday, June 26: Making Our Presence Known: The Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian at Governors Island, 11 AM to 4 PM
Visit the NMAI "Making Our Presence Known" interactive program located near Pier 101 next to the Brooklyn Ferry. See a teepee, hear storytelling and flute songs and participate in interactive dancing while enjoying the great outdoors! For visitor information and the free transportation schedule, visit www.govisland.com.
Saturday, June 26: Matinee NYC Pride 2010. Ticketed event. 6:00 PM
Celebrate Gay Pride with Ibiza’s biggest party crew at Water Taxi Beach. For more information and tickets, visit www.thebeachconcerts.com.
Sunday, June 27: Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic, Noon to 5 PM
Featuring an afternoon of exciting sport to benefit the charity American Friends of Sentebale. For more information, visit www.vcseason.com.
JULY
Saturday, July 03: Portugal the Man. Free show. Doors open at 6:00 PM, show at 8:00 PM
Converse Presents "Gone To Governors" Live Music Series at Water Taxi Beach on Governors Island. Water Taxi Beach will remain open to the public and free ferries run continuously until the end of the night. For more information and to find out about other shows, visit www.thebeachconcerts.com
Sunday, July 4: Trinity Wall Street presents singer/songwriter Rosanne Cash, 2 PM
The daughter of country music singer Johnny Cash and a local New Yorker, Rosanne Cash’s music draws on many genres including country, folk, pop, rock and blues. Trinity, which has historic ties to Governors Island where it maintains a chapel, is committed to presenting music and arts in lower Manhattan and has hosted free concerts on the Island every summer since 2007.
Sunday, July 04: She and Him. Free show. Doors open at 4:00 PM
Converse Presents "Gone To Governors" Live Music Series at Water Taxi Beach on Governors Island. Water Taxi Beach will remain open to the public and free ferries run continuously until the end of the night. For more information and to find out about other shows, visit www.thebeachconcerts.com.
Sunday, July 04: Victor Calderone. Ticketed event. 6:30 PM – 2:00 AM
Victor Calderone presents a special holiday edition of Evolve at Water Taxi Beach. For more information and tickets, visit www.watertaxibeach.com .
Monday, July 05: Benny Benassi and Friends. Ticketed event. 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM
DJ music by Benny Benassi plus Congorock & Bart B More at Water Taxi Beach. For more information and tickets, visit www.watertaxibeach.com.
Saturday, July 10: Lucero. Free show. Doors open at 6:00 PM, show at 8:00 PM
Converse Presents "Gone To Governors" Live Music Series at Water Taxi Beach on Governors Island. Water Taxi Beach will remain open to the public and free ferries run continuously until the end of the night. For more information and to find out about other shows, visit www.thebeachconcerts.com.
Sunday, July 11: Meatopia: BBQ NYC, 11:30 AM – 4:30 PM
The inaugural Meatopia event, hosted by famed food writer and Time columnist, Josh Ozersky along with Taste of Tribeca Co-Chair and Good Beer Month Founder, Jimmy Carbone and master pitmaster Robbie Richter of Fatty 'Cue, will showcase 30+ top chefs and BBQ teams from New York City BBQ’ing local and sustainable meats for one unforgettable summer day. Meatopia: BBQ NYC is a food festival focusing and supporting the local community with walk-around tastings, beer, bourbon and live entertainment. For more information, visit www.meatopia.org
Sunday, July 11: The Long Island Writers' Guild Returns to Governors Island, 1 PM - 4 PM
Spend an afternoon with members of the Long Island Writers’ Guild for a public reading of original works. Topics will explore the relationship between Long Island and New York City. Some of these works are found in the Guild’s anthology - 2001: A Long Island Odyssey. If you would like to read your original work we will have an open mic on a time available basis. All work needs to be appropriate for a family audience. For more information, please visit www.nps.gov/gois or call 212-825-3045 Wed. - Sun.
Friday, July 16: Caribou and Phantogram. Free show. Doors open at 6:00 PM, show at 8:00 PM
Converse Presents "Gone To Governors" Live Music Series at Water Taxi Beach on Governors Island. Water Taxi Beach will remain open to the public and free ferries run continuously until the end of the night. For more information and to find out about other shows, visit www.thebeachconcerts.com.
Saturday, July 17: Governors Island Alliance presents Let’s Fly a Kite! Noon
Kite giveaway for children! Volunteers will distribute kites and help children assemble and fly. For more information visit www.governorsislandalliance.org.
Saturday and Sunday, July 17-18: Michael Arenella and the Dreamland Orchestra present the Jazz Age Dance Party, 11 AM to 5 PM
Michael Arenella and His Dreamland Orchestra will cast a magical spell of hot jazz and open-air merriment that will delight the whole family. This Jazz-Age Lawn party brings you back in time to the 1920s for a rollicking and delightful afternoon rendezvous of live music and dance, instruction in period dances, picnicking, and games. Tickets are required and can be purchased on Governors Island for $10.
Saturday, July 17: Dr. Dog. Free show. Doors open at 6:00 PM, show at 8:00 PM
Converse Presents "Gone To Governors" Live Music Series at Water Taxi Beach on Governors Island. Water Taxi Beach will remain open to the public and free ferries run continuously until the end of the night. For more information and to find out about other shows, visit www.thebeachconcerts.com.
Wednesday, July 21: Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. Ticketed event. 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
For more information and tickets, visit www.thebeachconcerts.com.
Saturday, July 24: Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance and Friends present City of Water Day, Noon
A day of entertainment, education, and adventure celebrating our waterfront. Enjoy free boat tours, children's activities, fishing, rides and more! For more information visit www.cityofwaterday.org.
Saturday, July 31: NYC Pro Swim, 9:30 AM
Come to the western side of Governors Island to watch Olympic medalists, world champions, and other professional swimmers race a 10K circuit course in front of the Statue of Liberty. Drafting, feeding zones, currents, and chop are all part of the tactics at this exciting marathon swim. Learn more at www.nycproswim.com.
Saturday, July 31: RECESS, Noon
A day of outdoor badminton and bocce at Colonels Row. Bring your A game to RECESS 2010.
AUGUST
Sunday, August 1: Governors Island Swim, 8:30 AM
Cheer on swimmers—or sign up ahead of time at www.nycswim.org to join them—as they jump off a ferry boat and swim a challenging two-mile race around Governors Island. The course allows great views of Lower Manhattan, Jersey City, Staten Island, Brooklyn, and, of course, Governors Island itself, from the unique, water-level perspective.
Friday, August 06: Corrine Bailey Rae, Ticketed event. 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
For more information and tickets, visit www.thebeachconcerts.com.
Saturday, August 7 & Sunday, August 8: Civil War Weekend, 10 AM – 5 PM on Saturday, 10 AM – 4 PM on Sunday
Experience the summer of 1863! The National Park Service, 119th New York Volunteers, The GawdAwful Mess and Battery G of the First Pennsylvania Light Artillery will provide family friendly activities, living history demonstrations, music and other programs designed to introduce you to the men and women of the Governors Island Garrison including Confederates imprisoned on the Island. For more information, please visit www.nps.gov/gois or call 212-825-3045 Wed. - Sun.
Saturday, August 07: Local Natives. Ticketed event. Doors open at 6:00 PM, show at 8:00 PM
For more information and tickets, visit www.thebeachconcerts.com.
Sunday, August 8: Fred van Lente presents The Amazing Spider-Man, 1:30 PM
Van Lente, writer of The Amazing Spider-Man comic books, will talk about setting two issues of this iconic series on Governors Island, and take your questions about Spidey, how comics are made, and anything you might want to ask!
Sunday, August 08: Josh Ritter. Free show. Doors open at 6:00 PM, show at 8:00 PM
Converse Presents "Gone To Governors" Live Music Series at Water Taxi Beach on Governors Island. Water Taxi Beach will remain open to the public and free ferries run continuously until the end of the night. For more information and to find out about other shows, visit www.thebeachconcerts.com.
Friday, August 13: Grizzly Bear with The Walkmen and Gang Gang Dance. Ticketed event. Doors open at 6:00 PM, show at 8:00 PM
For more information and tickets, visit www.thebeachconcerts.com.
Saturday, August 14: Neon Indian Free show. Doors open at 6:00 PM, show at 8:00 PM
Converse Presents "Gone To Governors" Live Music Series at Water Taxi Beach on Governors Island. Water Taxi Beach will remain open to the public and free ferries run continuously until the end of the night. For more information and to find out about other shows, visit www.thebeachconcerts.com.
Saturday, August 22nd: 10 AM – NYC Volkswagen Traffic Jam, 10 AM to 4 PM
A bumper-to-bumper crop of vintage Volkswagens will be rolling onto Governors Island for a colorful car show and picnic that is open to all. Meet beetles, buses, Karmann Ghias, dune buggies, and other classic VDubs from the ‘50s – ‘70s and the drivers who love them. “People’s choice" wins this car show…and spectators attend free! So come pick your favorites and picnic with us for a day of cool rides, food, drink, music, events, and more. For details visit www.volkswagentrafficjam.com.
Saturday and Sunday, August 28-29: Michael Arenella and the Dreamland Orchestra present the Jazz Age Dance Party, 11 AM to 5 PM
Michael Arenella and His Dreamland Orchestra will cast a magical spell of hot jazz and open-air merriment that will delight the whole family. This Jazz-Age Lawn party brings you back in time to the 1920s for a rollicking and delightful afternoon rendezvous of live music and dance, instruction in period dances, picnicking, and games. This event requires tickets that can be purchased on Governors Island for $10.
SEPTEMBER
Every Saturday and Sunday, September 4 – September 26: 4 Heads Art Fair 11 AM to 6 PM
The Governors Island Art Fair enters its 3rd year this fall as the 4heads rally an exciting and diverse selection of artists from around the world. Over 100 independent artists are selected entirely on the merit of their work and, once chosen, each is given a room and set loose to create an environment of their own design. For more information visit www.4heads.org.
Saturday, September 4: NYC Unicycle Festival, Noon
A day of unicycle races, games, shows, and the largest group of one-wheeled enthusiasts to gather in the five boroughs. Visit http://NYCUNIFEST.COM for more information.
Sunday, September 5: World Trade Center Run to Remember, 10 AM
The 2nd Annual World Trade Center Run to Remember offers a great opportunity for all people who were affected by the events of 9-11 to come together to remember each victim, while running, or walking, around beautiful Governors Island, in the heart of New York Harbor. For more information, visit www.wtcruntoremember.com
Saturday, September 11: RECESS, Noon
A day of outdoor badminton and bocce at Colonels Row. Bring your A game to RECESS 2010.
Saturday, September 25: Vendy Awards, Noon-5 PM
Join hundreds of street food enthusiasts and a team of celebrity judges at the Sixth Annual Vendy Awards, the annual competition for the title of New York City's Best Street Food Vendor, and a fundraiser for Urban Justice Center's Street Vendor project. Tickets get you all-you-can eat access to the city's finest vendors as they battle to take home the Vendy Cup. For tickets, information, or to nominate your favorite vendor, go to www.streetvendor.org.
OCTOBER
Saturday, October 2: Pig Island, 11:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Once again Governors Island becomes a major food destination: Pig Island, a celebration of local pork, seasonal foods and craft beer will feature 60 local pigs prepared by 20 chefs from some of NYC's finest venues. Live bluegrass music will enhance this spectacular finale to the outdoor eating season. The event is also a fundraiser for Food Systems Network NYC. For tickets and more information, visit www.ilikepig.com.
Sunday, October 3: Get Outside on Governors Island 10K Race, 8:30 am
North Face sponsors this 10 K race on Governors Island as participants race for the Pagganck Ax Head Award. A kids Scramble run begins at 10 AM.
Learn more
Saturday, October 9: Oktoberfest, 12 PM - 5 PM at Picnic Point
Brought to you by the producers of Parked, the event features Oktoberfest inspired food and beer which is available for purchase. The Greenpoint Food Market will also be at the event. Activities at the festival include a root beer garden for kids, face painting, a live brass band, and a farm stand with local produce.
Saturday, October 9 and Sunday October 10: Open House New York
Governors Island again opens its doors for Open House New York. A series of events and programs for the day will be announced later this season.
