Our trained Urban Park Rangers will lead you on canoe adventures that range from the gentle waters of protected lakes, to the challenging open waters of rivers and bays. On an Urban Park Ranger canoe program, you can go from novice to expert in one just one summer!

Children 8 years old and up are welcome.

This is an intermediate canoeing event, and some experience is preferred.

Start time: 1:00 pm

End time: 4:00 pm

Contact phone: (718) 421-2021

Location: Burnett Street and Avenue U (in Marine Park)

Take a tour of the "Park for All Seasons." Take a walking tour of the Heather and Alpine Gardens of Fort Tryon Park. Discover which plants are in bloom in each of the seasons, even in the dead of winter. Learn about the gardens' history, future, and secrets from a member of Fort Tryon's expert horticulture staff.

These tours are wheelchair accessible but persons with mobility issues may find them challenging because of the park's many steep paths.

Start time: 1:00 pm

End time: 2:00 pm

Contact phone:

Location: Heather Garden (in Fort Tryon Park)

The masters are back with tricks up their sleeves and more amazing feats of magic to boot.

Produced in partnership with Monday Night Magic.

Start time: 1:00 pm

End time: 2:00 pm

Contact phone: (212) 768-4242

Location: Le Carrousel (in Bryant Park)

Laughter in the Park is a free, outdoor comedy series that takes place over the course of nine weeks throughout the summer. Every Sunday, you can catch two hours of standup performed by some of comedy's most innovative and talked about artists. It's all for New Yorkers, and it's all free.

These shows have been covered by the NYTimes, listed in the NYPost as a "Hot Weekend Pick," and named "Best Weekend Entertainment Bet" by Time Out NY/WNBC. Check www.nylaughs.org for details on this week's headliners.

Start time: 2:00 pm

End time: 4:00 pm

Contact phone: (718) 419-5515

Location: Mineral Springs (in Central Park)

SummerStage Kids presented by Disney presents Global Family Day, a day dedicated to engaging children and their families through engaging performances! This family affair will awaken the kid in all of us through interactive performances from around the world and around the corner. Contemporary circus performers, musicians, dancers, and super cool activity stations make for a great afternoon in the park!

The Carpetbag Brigade Physical Theater Company is joining forces with the Colombian performing arts company, Nemcatacoa Teatro to present a cross cultural collaboration built and rehearsed in both countries over the last three years. Specializing in acrobatic stilt walking and street theater spectacle, both companies will be performing works from their diverse repertoires as well as “Dios de la Adrenalina” a groundbreaking, genre bending cross-cultural collaboration between the two international street theater companies that was designed to be shared in open air spaces outside of traditional theatrical venues. Featuring a synthesis of two distinct musical groups, Hojarasca Andina from Colombia playing contemporary music on traditional Andean instruments and Verbo•Bala from Arizona mixing spoken word and electronic music alongside of acrobatic stilts, butoh dance, contact improvisation and physical theater, this will be a visual feast for the eyes.

Elizabeth Mitchell, a GRAMMY nominated recording artist has been recording and performing music for children and families since 1998 when, during her time as an assistant teacher, she found that music was a common language that all her students could share. You Are My Flower, her first album, was recorded in one magical afternoon. Her next album, You Are My Sunshine was released following the birth of her daughter, Storey. In 2006 came You Are My Little Bird which was voted Best Children’s Album that year by the critics of Amazon.com and garnered generous critical praise. Her most recent release is an album called Little Seed: Songs for Children by Woody Guthrie, released as part of the celebration of the 100th birthday of Woody Guthrie in 2012. She records and performs with her extended family band You Are My Flower, which includes her husband Daniel Littleton and their eleven year old daughter, Storey.

Natural Expression Rhythm Band is known as one of the best “Engine Rooms” in the English speaking Caribbean community. The “Engine Room” is the backbone of percussion that sweetens all Steelband and Calypso music and incorporates tire irons, graters, cowbells, triangles, and much more to give it a unique sound. Natural Expression Rhythm Band is comprised of 15 to 25 veteran Caribbean percussionists, who have been playing together since 2007 and have won a myriad awards.

The professional, neo-folklore ASE Dance Theater Collective is a performance group that specializes in dance theater from the African Diaspora which works to conceptualize ideas in the human experience. The Brooklyn based group is comprised of dancers, vocalists, freestyle dancers, spoken word artists and musicians, and dedicates itself to preserving the past, present, and future of the African presence in the “New World.” ASE successfully strives to link modern dance, original vernacular movement, and traditional dance theater.

Since its inception in 1989, Ifetayo Cultural Arts Academy has been dedicated to supporting the creative, educational, and vocational development of youth of African descent in Brooklyn and surrounding communities. The organization’s name comes from the West African Yoruba word “ifetayo" meaning “love is enough for joy" and captures Ifetayo’s approach to empowering youth, studying culture through the arts, and redefining community. The Ifetayo Youth Ensemble (IYE) is an award-winning performance group, recognized for their combination of artistic excellence and exploration of social issues. IYE creates high-caliber original, socially relevant, and interdisciplinary performance works.

Start time: 3:00 pm

End time: 6:00 pm

Contact phone:

Location: Rumsey Playfield (in Central Park)

Vibrantly danceable live music in Riverside Park accompanied by spectacular sunsets along the Hudson River every Sunday in July at 7pm for free. All ages welcome.

July 7: Bella’s Bartok - bohemian dance punk.

Start time: 7:00 pm

End time: 9:00 pm

Contact phone: 311

Location: Pier I (in Riverside Park South)

This hour-long yoga class integrates postures, breathing exercises, relaxation and meditation to stretch, strengthen and condition. All levels are welcome. Limited mats available.

Registration opens 30 minutes prior to class.

A few notes:

• Remember to bring a mat if you have one (a limited number of mats are available first come first served - with valid ID).
• Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
• All participants must sign a waiver before participating.

The Dodge YMCA is a community service organization that promotes positive values through programs that build spirit, mind and body, welcoming all people with a focus on youth.

Start time: 7:30 am

End time:

Contact phone:

Location: Pier 6 (in Brooklyn Bridge Park)

The summer classes will be an introduction to the foundational elements of Yang family Taijiquan, including the first section of the long form. In addition to this, we will be studying the eight Zhan Zhuang Qigong postures of Yiquan to complement our understanding of correct body alignment and connectedness of movement in Taijiquan.

Instructor Joh Morton has been studying Chinese Martial Arts for over 7 years and has competed nationally and internationally in Kung Fu and Tai Chi. He learned Yang family Taijiquan from Master Dug Corpolongo, and has continued to study with him for over six years, receiving certification to teach the long form in 2011. In addition to Taijiquan, he has studied Yiquan, Shuai Jiao, Northern Longfist Kung Fu, Southern White Crane, and Xingyiquan. His focus is on understanding and incorporating traditional theories of Qigong and Chinese martial theory with modern principles of body mechanics and physics.

Start time: 8:30 am

End time: 9:30 am

Contact phone: (212) 569-4112

Location: Indian Road Lawn (in Inwood Hill Park)

The Land Art Generator Initiative: Freshkills Park is an exhibition of the top 25 designs selected out of 250 submissions from around the globe by artists, architects, designers, engineers, landscape architects, and more. LAGI 2012 was an ideas competition to design a site-specific public artwork that, in addition to its conceptual beauty, has the ability to harness energy cleanly from nature and convert it into electricity for the utility grid. At 2,200 acres, Freshkills Park will be almost three times the size of Central Park and the largest park developed in New York City in over 100 years. The transformation of what was formerly the world’s largest landfill into a productive and beautiful cultural destination will make the park a symbol of renewal and an expression of how our society can restore balance to its landscape. The top three submissions not only heighten the beauty of the surrounding park land but also provide a gateway into a greater discussion about the preservation of the environment.

Image Credits: Scene-Sensor // Crossing Social and Ecological Flows, James Murray & Shota Vashakmadze

Start time: 9:00 am

End time: 5:00 pm

Contact phone: (212) 360-8163

Location: Arsenal (in Central Park)

This free six-week instructional soccer clinic is for children ages 7-14. Registration is required, space is limited.

Sponsored by Council Member Erik M. Dilan.

Start time: 9:00 am

End time: 11:00 am

Contact phone: (718) 235-4100

Location: Elton Street and Jamaica Avenue (in Highland Park)

Free six week instructional clinic for ages 7-14. Space is limited. Registration required.

Sponsored by Council Member Eric Ulrich

Please call for more information.

Start time: 10:00 am

End time: 11:30 am

Contact phone: (718) 235-4100 ext 0

Location: Oak Ridge (Forest Park Headquarters) (in Forest Park)

Learn to play pétanque, the popular European game anchored in precision, patience, and camaraderie from members of La Boule New Yorkaise, NYC’s championship-winning club.

Start time: 11:00 am

End time: 6:00 pm

Contact phone: (212) 768-4242

Location: Fountain Terrace (in Bryant Park)

Take a game break with an eclectic selection of favorite tabletop games for free. From scrabble and mancala to dominoes and more.

Start time: 11:00 am

End time: 7:00 pm

Contact phone: (212) 768-4242

Location: 40th Street Plaza (in Bryant Park)

Test your ping pong skills at one of two state-of-the-art tables. Paddles and balls are provided free of charge. Sign up with an attendant in the park to reserve a time slot.

Start time: 11:00 am

End time: 7:00 pm

Contact phone: (212) 768-4242

Location: Ping Pong Court (in Bryant Park)

Reading, writing, and literary happenings related to the written word – under the London Plane trees – in the open-air Reading Room.

Start time: 11:00 am

End time: 7:00 pm

Contact phone: (212) 768-4242

Location: Reading Room (in Bryant Park)

Please note: this event has been cancelled.

Start time: 12:00 pm

End time: 1:00 pm

Contact phone:

Location: Carousel for All Children (in Willowbrook Park)

Test your coordination and dexterity with free juggling lessons. All skill levels are welcome and equipment is provided.

Start time: 12:00 pm

End time: 1:00 pm

Contact phone: (212) 768-4242

Location: Bryant Park

Clap your hands, stamp your feet, and say yeah to weekday performances of ragtime, jazz, boogie-woogie, and stride piano in Bryant Park.

Start time: 12:30 pm

End time: 2:30 pm

Contact phone: (212) 768-4242

Location: Upper Terrace (in Bryant Park)

The New York Public Library will present Making Books Sing’s new touring production My City Park, for children ages 3-10. When Milo finds out that his favorite city park is going to be torn down and replaced with a shopping mall, he seeks out the help of his two best friends, Odessa the Owl and Bucky the Squirrel. This 45-minute educational performance, written by Brooke Boertzel and Melissa Gordon of Making Books Sing’s Education Department, features puppetry, original songs, and audience participation.

Start time: 4:00 pm

End time:

Contact phone: (212) 243-6876

Location: Hudson Park Branch

The nation’s premier outdoor film festival brings classic films to the big screen for the 21st consecutive year.

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory

A poor boy wins the opportunity to tour Willy Wonka's chocolate factory and learn the secrets of Wonka's scrumdiddlyumptious chocolate.

Lawn opens at 5:00pm. Movie begins at sunset.

Start time: 5:00 pm

End time:

Contact phone: (212) 768-4242

Location: Bryant Park Lawn (in Bryant Park)

Join us for ballroom dance lessons. Finale will feature The Nick Russo Latin Jazz Quintet.

Start time: 6:00 pm

End time: 7:30 pm

Contact phone: (718) 235-4100

Location: Wallenberg Square (in Forest Park)

The Nick Russo Latin Jazz Quintet will perform live at the finale of this six week program.

Start time: 6:00 pm

End time: 7:30 pm

Contact phone: (718) 235-4100

Location: Wallenberg Square (in Forest Park)

Brooklyn Strength leads challenging and fun outdoor fitness classes that focus on strength training and aerobic intervals in and around Brooklyn Bridge Park. Meet at Pier 6, but make sure to arrive on time because the class is mobile!

All fitness classes are one hour long. Registration opens 30 minutes prior to class.

Start time: 7:00 pm

End time:

Contact phone:

Location: Pier 6 (in Brooklyn Bridge Park)

Ready…Set…Action...Reel insight into the movie of the week with resident film-buff Scott Adlerberg and guest experts in the crafts of screen-writing and movie-making.

Start time: 7:00 pm

End time: 8:00 pm

Contact phone: (212) 768-4242

Location: Reading Room (in Bryant Park)

Our 2nd annual literature series returns to the Granite Prospect steps featuring 6 evenings curated by local, independent bookstores. Each program will include a reading, Q&A, and book signing with the authors.

Start time: 7:00 pm

End time:

Contact phone:

Location: Pier 1 (in Brooklyn Bridge Park)

Tai Chi and Eternal Spring are instructed by members of the Tai Chi Chuan Center for all ages and experience levels.

Start time: 7:30 am

End time: 8:30 am

Contact phone: 212-768-4242

Location: Fountain Terrace (in Bryant Park)

Come to Fort Tryon Park and try something new. Join us on Saturdays, Tuesday and Thursday mornings for one hour of walking, stretching, and strengthening exercises.

All of our fitness programs are free, led by trained professionals, and suitable for all levels. Wear comfortable clothing and bring water. Rain and weather / air advisory cancels. Fitness programs are cancelled if the weather is lower than 20 degrees.

For a breath of fresh air, take your workouts outdoors. After years of being a gym rat, I've seen the light, so to speak. Parks are becoming a logical alternative environment for those who want to add variety to their work outs, or who just don't like the gym. And, it's an affordable way to increase physical activity opportunities, because there's nothing special to build.

Exercise with a view, in natural sunlight, with green scenery all around bestows health benefits that can’t be found indoors. Scientific studies have shown that the pleasure of being outdoors for example gives your brain, psyche, and immune system an extra boost.

Start time: 7:30 am

End time: 8:30 am

Contact phone: (212) 795-1388

Location: Heather Garden (in Fort Tryon Park)

The Land Art Generator Initiative: Freshkills Park is an exhibition of the top 25 designs selected out of 250 submissions from around the globe by artists, architects, designers, engineers, landscape architects, and more. LAGI 2012 was an ideas competition to design a site-specific public artwork that, in addition to its conceptual beauty, has the ability to harness energy cleanly from nature and convert it into electricity for the utility grid. At 2,200 acres, Freshkills Park will be almost three times the size of Central Park and the largest park developed in New York City in over 100 years. The transformation of what was formerly the world’s largest landfill into a productive and beautiful cultural destination will make the park a symbol of renewal and an expression of how our society can restore balance to its landscape. The top three submissions not only heighten the beauty of the surrounding park land but also provide a gateway into a greater discussion about the preservation of the environment.

Image Credits: Scene-Sensor // Crossing Social and Ecological Flows, James Murray & Shota Vashakmadze

Start time: 9:00 am

End time: 5:00 pm

Contact phone: (212) 360-8163

Location: Arsenal (in Central Park)

Help maintain and beautify Randall’s Island Park. Activities vary depending on needs and resources. Instruction, gloves, & tools provided. Dress appropriate for the weather and working in the soil.

RSVP so that we may effectively prepare for an accurate number of volunteers.

Start time: 9:00 am

End time: 12:00 pm

Contact phone: (212) 860-1899 x316

Location: Icahn Stadium (in Randall's Island Park)

Adults can join us on a free fitness walking program every Tuesday and Thursday morning. This program is terrific for adults of all ages.

Start time: 9:00 am

End time:

Contact phone: (718) 352-4793 ext. 301

Location: Joe Michaels Mile: Western Entrance (in Crocheron Park)

This free six-week skateboarding clinic teaches the basics of skateboarding to kids ages 7-14. Registration is required, as space is limited. Please call for more information.

Sponsored by Council Member Eric Ulrich

Start time: 9:00 am

End time: 11:00 am

Contact phone: (718) 235-4100 ext 0

Location: Forest Park Skate Park (in Forest Park)

Grab a pole and relax on the Harlem Meer while you wait for a bite from one of the many species of fish that live in its diverse aquatic ecosystem! Poles available to borrow; must release fish after catching them. Free for families and individuals; groups larger than 5 must reserve at least 2 weeks in advance.

Start time: 10:00 am

End time: 3:00 pm

Contact phone: (212) 860-1370

Location: Charles A. Dana Discovery Center (in Central Park)

Children of all ages will get watercolor lessons by the gazebo in beautiful Westerleigh Park. Each week there will be a different scene to paint.

NOTE: We will be outdoors, so please remember bug repellent and sunscreen for your child. An adult MUST accompany young children. Beverages will be available. The program will be cancelled if it rains.

Start time: 10:00 am

End time: 12:00 pm

Contact phone:

Location: Westerleigh Park

This free six-week basketball clinic teaches the basics of basketball to kids ages 7-14. Registration is required, as space is limited.

Please call 718-235-4100 ext. 0 for more information.

Start time: 10:00 am

End time: 12:00 pm

Contact phone: 718-235-4100

Location: Dry Harbor Playground (in Forest Park)

This free six-week instructional clinic for kids ages 7-14. Registration is required, space is limited.

Sponsored by Council Member Eric Ulrich.

Please call 718-235-4100 ext 0 for more information.

Start time: 10:00 am

End time: 11:30 am

Contact phone: (718) 235-4100

Location: Oak Ridge (Forest Park Headquarters) (in Forest Park)

Hosted by: Cali Co Cat

Tails, meowsic, and arts & crafts to boot!


In case of rain, Word for Word Storytime will be canceled.

Start time: 10:30 am

End time: 11:30 am

Contact phone: (212) 768-4242

Location: Reading Room (in Bryant Park)

By utilizing performance art and its pedagogy as a tool to transcend language, class, and genetic heritage, The Carpetbag Brigade seeks to create bridges of understanding by sharing its craft both locally and globally in diverse urban and rural settings. By synthesizing acrobatic stiltwalking, butoh dance, contact improvisation, musical composition and physical theater, The Carpetbag Brigade has pioneered a unique aesthetic approach and corresponding technique.

Start time: 10:30 am

End time: 11:30 am

Contact phone:

Location: Columbus Park

NemcatacoaTeatro is an expressive necessity for a group of youth from the working class district of Fontibon in Bogota, Colombia. From the start they focused on physical training and used stilts as an instrument for actors to enrich their expressive potential. By initially identifying their work with their home community in Bogota’s working class suburb of Fontibon and creating a series of community festivals Nemcatacoa was able to become part of a national community theater network.

Start time: 10:30 am

End time: 11:30 am

Contact phone:

Location: Rufus King Park

Mad. Sq. Kids Concerts is a series of outdoor concerts especially for children and their families with energetic beats and engaging lyrics. Come ready to get down and boogie!

Performace Schedule:

June 11 – Steve Songs

June 13 – Audra Rox

June 18 – The Deedle Deedle Dees

June 20 – Matt Wilson’s Family Jazz Band

June 25? – Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band

June 27 – KBC Kids

July 2 – Big Bang Boom

July 9 – Alastair Moock and Friends

July 11 – David Weinstone and the Music for Aardvarks Band

July 16 – Recess Monkey

July 18 – Robbi K & Friends

July 23 – The Rockdoves

July 25 – Songs for Seeds

July 30 – The Dirty Sock Funtime Band

August 1 – Billy Jonas and the Billy Jonas Band

August 6 – The Suzi Shelton Band

August 8 – Shine and the Moonbeams

For more information about the artists visit the Madison Square Park website.

Start time: 10:30 am

End time:

Contact phone: (212) 325-2101

Location: Madison Square Park

Little Red’s Hood is a fresh retelling of the classic “Little Red Riding Hood” tale updated with a modern sensibility that will appeal to kids. The production features a dozen, hand-made marionettes crafted by the expert puppeteers from the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre.

Like many of today’s children, Little Red is a smart, young city slicker who is too focused on her smartphone to notice her surroundings. Wulfric is a misunderstood wolf with a sweet tooth. When Little Red travels from New York City to the country to deliver some cupcakes to her Grandma, she encounters a colorful cast of characters as Wulfric the Wolf tries to head her off at the pass.

Little Red’s Hood is directed by Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre’s Artistic Director Bruce Cannon and written by Liam Hurley.

The CityParks PuppetMobile is the oldest continually operating company of its kind in the country, which presents free performances and puppet-making workshops in neighborhood parks, recreation centers and schools throughout New York City.

Start time: 10:30 am

End time:

Contact phone:

Location: Maria Hernandez Park

Learn to play pétanque, the popular European game anchored in precision, patience, and camaraderie from members of La Boule New Yorkaise, NYC’s championship-winning club.

Start time: 11:00 am

End time: 6:00 pm

Contact phone: (212) 768-4242

Location: Fountain Terrace (in Bryant Park)

Take a game break with an eclectic selection of favorite tabletop games for free. From scrabble and mancala to dominoes and more.

Start time: 11:00 am

End time: 7:00 pm

Contact phone: (212) 768-4242

Location: 40th Street Plaza (in Bryant Park)

Test your ping pong skills at one of two state-of-the-art tables. Paddles and balls are provided free of charge. Sign up with an attendant in the park to reserve a time slot.

Start time: 11:00 am

End time: 7:00 pm

Contact phone: (212) 768-4242

Location: Ping Pong Court (in Bryant Park)

Reading, writing, and literary happenings related to the written word – under the London Plane trees – in the open-air Reading Room.

Start time: 11:00 am

End time: 7:00 pm

Contact phone: (212) 768-4242

Location: Reading Room (in Bryant Park)

Join us for a fun-filled kid's day! There will be water inflatables, bounce houses, cotton candy, popcorn, a smoke house, and giveaways.

Sponsored by Councilman Erich Ulrich.

Start time: 11:00 am

End time: 1:00 pm

Contact phone: (718) 318-4000

Location: Beach 108th Street Hockey Rink (in Rockaway Beach Boardwalk)

Get an up-close visit with exotic birds from Arcadia Bird Sanctuary and Educational Center.

Start time: 11:30 am

End time: 2:00 pm

Contact phone: (212) 768-4242

Location: Le Carrousel (in Bryant Park)

Bonjour! Hola! Konnichiwa! Ciao! Learn a new language or brush up on your skills in these standalone classes. Attend at any time – lessons are not cumulative.

Start time: 11:45 am

End time: 12:30 pm

Contact phone: (212) 768-4242

Location: Upper Terrace (in Bryant Park)

Test your coordination and dexterity with free juggling lessons. All skill levels are welcome and equipment is provided.

Start time: 12:00 pm

End time: 1:00 pm

Contact phone: (212) 768-4242

Location: Bryant Park

Clap your hands, stamp your feet, and say yeah to weekday performances of ragtime, jazz, boogie-woogie, and stride piano in Bryant Park.

Start time: 12:30 pm

End time: 2:30 pm

Contact phone: (212) 768-4242

Location: Upper Terrace (in Bryant Park)

This free six-week instructional basketball clinic is for kids ages 7-14. Registration is required, space is limited.

Sponsored by Council Member Erik M. Dilan.

Please call 718-235-4100 ext 0 for more information.

Start time: 1:00 pm

End time: 3:00 pm

Contact phone: (718) 235-4100

Location: Elton Street and Jamaica Avenue (in Highland Park)

Beginner classes presented by Knitty City. Yarn and needles are provided. Call to pre-register or take a chance and drop by.

Start time: 1:30 pm

End time: 3:00 pm

Contact phone: (212) 787-5896

Location: Upper Terrace (in Bryant Park)

All participants will learn how to purchase yarn, needles & hooks, read directions and make a 4"x4" square to measure tension to be able to finish a pot holder or scarf. Knitters will learn how to cast on and how to knit or purl. Crocheters will learn to chain, single crochet, and double crochet.

Supplies:

Participants should bring a 7oz skein of light colored worsted weight yarn. No multi-colored, nor dark colored yarns. Knitters should purchase #8 needles, crocheters should purchase an "H" hook.

Start time: 1:30 pm

End time: 3:00 pm

Contact phone: (718) 365-5516

Location: Poe Park Visitor Center (in Poe Park)

The New York Public Library will present Making Books Sing’s new touring production My City Park, for children ages 3-10. When Milo finds out that his favorite city park is going to be torn down and replaced with a shopping mall, he seeks out the help of his two best friends, Odessa the Owl and Bucky the Squirrel. This 45-minute educational performance, written by Brooke Boertzel and Melissa Gordon of Making Books Sing’s Education Department, features puppetry, original songs, and audience participation.

Start time: 2:00 pm

End time:

Contact phone: (718) 588-0110

Location: Melrose Library

Learn to double knit. Must be proficient in reading directions. Bring two balls of contrasting colored, worsted weight, cotton yarn and a pair of #6 knitting needles.

Start time: 3:00 pm

End time: 4:30 pm

Contact phone: (718) 365-5516

Location: Poe Park Visitor Center (in Poe Park)

Test your coordination and dexterity with free juggling lessons. All skill levels are welcome and equipment is provided.

Start time: 5:30 pm

End time: 7:30 pm

Contact phone: (212) 768-4242

Location: Bryant Park

Join this dedicated corps of volunteers who beautify the park every week. The Green Team provides essential horticultural care to the park, including planting, mulching, and removing invasive plants. The Green Team is a wonderful opportunity to learn about gardening, enjoy nature, and make the park look its best. No experience necessary.

Start time: 6:00 pm

End time: 8:00 pm

Contact phone:

Location: Main Street (in Brooklyn Bridge Park)

You don’t have to leave New York City to see the stars.

Gaze at the stars, planets, and Moon through the high-powered telescopes of the Amateur Astronomers Association of New York, and chat with the experts about the sights you see. Stargazing at the High Line takes place every Tuesday, beginning at dusk, between Tuesday, April 2 and Tuesday, October 29.

Start time: 6:30 pm

End time: 9:30 pm

Contact phone: (212) 206-9922

Location: 14th Street Passage (in The High Line)

This total body workout is a great way to develop superior core muscle power and tone, all with a beautiful view of the Hudson. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring your own mat.

Start time: 6:30 pm

End time: 7:30 pm

Contact phone: 311

Location: The Plaza at 66th Street (in Riverside Park South)

Hear the story behind New York City’s park in the sky. Tuesday Tours are free hour-long walking tours led by High Line Docents, knowledgeable volunteer guides who offer you an insider’s perspective on the park’s history, design, and landscape.

Tuesday Tours take place weekly between Tuesday, May 7 and Tuesday, September 24.

Space is limited. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to guarantee a spot.

Tuesday Tours are subject to cancellation due to weather. Check back or follow @highlinenyc on Twitter for updates every Tuesday by noon.

Start time: 6:30 pm

End time: 7:30 pm

Contact phone: (212) 206-9922

Location: 14th Street Passage (in The High Line)

This class is appropriate for all ages and abilities. Wear comfortable clothing. Bring your own mat and water. No class in case of rain. Please follow us on Facebook for most up-to-date weather info.

June 25th- Shawna
July 2nd- Joanna
July 9th- Hannah
July 16th- Jennie E.
July 23rd- Rian
July 30th- Nicoli
August 6th- Shawna
August 13th- Jenn L.
August 20th- Rian
August 27th- Nancy

Start time: 6:30 pm

End time: 8:00 pm

Contact phone: (212) 569-4112

Location: Indian Road Lawn (in Inwood Hill Park)

Presenting poets Michael Klein, Angelo Nikolopoulos, Saeed Jones, and Susan Wheeler.

Start time: 7:00 pm

End time:

Contact phone: (212) 768-4242

Location: Reading Room (in Bryant Park)

Shape Up NYC (an NYC Parks program run in partnership with Equinox, NYC Service, and Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield) offers more than 175 free fitness classes every week at locations across the five boroughs to help New Yorkers get and stay fit.

Start time: 7:00 pm

End time: 8:00 pm

Contact phone:

Location: Beach 17th Street and Boardwalk

A Puerto Rican rapper from Brooklyn who built a buzz with his series of rhyme marathons entitled "125 Grams," Joell Ortiz eventually signed with Dr. Dre's Aftermath label. Ortiz earned initial attention with his no-frills attitude and rhyming prowess, being featured in critical polls in magazines like XXL and The Source. While working on his debut for Aftermath, Ortiz released a collection that is centered around his dense, rhyme-based work, The Brick: Bodega Chronicles, to act as a lead-up to his more "official" debut. Ortiz later joined Slaughterhouse, a Hip-Hop group consisting of rappers Crooked I, Joe Budden, and Royce da 5'9".

DJ Raff and Latin Bitman are teaming up for RVSB, the debut collaboration from two of the most creative minds in Latin Electronica, which was released on March 19th of this year. Pushing the boundaries of bass heavy Hip-Hop and high-energy percussive beats, RVSB lives on the cutting edge of electronic dance music, with elements of trap, juke and futuristic house. Both originally from Chile, a hot bed of new Latin American Pop, Latin Bitman and DJ Raff’s critically-acclaimed solo albums have long been crowd favorites, recently debuting at #1 on the World Music Charts at tastemaker station KEXP (Seattle).

Start time: 7:00 pm

End time: 9:00 pm

Contact phone:

Location: Corner of Claremont Parkway and Crotona Avenue

Get in shape with this popular form of exercise with Latin-inspired dance steps. Shape Up NYC offers free fitness classes every week at dozens of locations across the five boroughs. Shape Up NYC classes are taught by expert fitness instructors who know how to make fitness fun.

Queens Connect Care will be on site to hand out FREE health and nutritional pamplets.

Start time: 7:00 pm

End time: 8:00 pm

Contact phone: (718) 318-4000

Location: Beach 17th St.

From our repurposed building materials to our intricate storm-water management system, gain in-depth knowledge about Brooklyn Bridge Park’s sustainable features from the park's Senior Project Manager, Leigh Trucks.

This tour meets at Pier 1.

This tour requires that you RSVP.

Start time: 7:00 pm

End time:

Contact phone:

Location: Pier 1 (in Brooklyn Bridge Park)

The Fitness Guru (aka Michael Feigin) is back in the park for Pilates Mat classes overlooking the New York Harbor. Learn to properly activate the muscles of your abdomen and back to create an incredible amount of stability in your torso. Pilates is designed to restore the natural curvature of the spine while rebalancing the muscles around the joints.

A few notes:

• Registration begins at 6:30 pm each evening.
• Remember to bring a mat if you have one (a limited number of mats are available first come first served - with valid ID).
• Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
• All participants must sign a waiver each night before participating.

Start time: 7:00 pm

End time: 8:00 pm

Contact phone:

Location: Empire Fulton Ferry (in Brooklyn Bridge Park)

Donated by Elkan Naumburg, the Naumburg Bandshell has been home to the Naumburg Orchestral Concerts since 1905. The concert series is now the oldest in the United States to bring free outdoor classical music to the public. Naumburg Orchestral Concerts features the work of new composers and conductors.

Orpheus Chamber Orchestra

Program:

Gioachino Rossini (1792-1868)
Overture to Cambiale di matrimonio, (1810)

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Romance for Violin & Orchestra No. 2, in F major, Op. 50, (1798)

Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)
Symphony No. 44 in E minor, ‘Trauer’, Hob. 1:44, (1770-71)

• Allegro con brio
• Menuetto (Allegretto) & Trio
• Adagio
• Finale: Presto

Intermission

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-93)
Serenade for Strings in C major, Op. 48, (1880)

• Pezzo in forma di sonatina: Andante non troppo—Allegro moderato
• Valse: Moderato — Tempo di valse
• Élégie: Larghetto elegiaco
• Finale (Tema russo): Andante — Allegro con spirito

Start time: 7:30 pm

End time:

Contact phone:

Location: Naumburg Bandshell (in Central Park)

The Washington Square Music Festival, now in its 55th season, offers a variety of musical performances in the heart of Washington Square Park. Seating is on a first come, first serve basis.

Performance Schedule:

July 9 - Baaroque in the Park: The Judgement of Paris, a Baroque opera by John Eccles

July 16 - A Musical Adventure featuring Margaret Leng Tan

July 23 - Mostly VW -- Verdi and Wagner

July 30 - Music of East Africa featuring Nepo Soteri

Start time: 8:00 pm

End time:

Contact phone:

Location: Washington Square Park (in Washington Square Park)

Watch a movie in the great outdoors! Join us for our citywide Summer Movie Series featuring family-friendly films through August. Admission is free! Please feel free to bring your own snacks and comfy chairs or blankets, as a limited number of chairs will be available.

In ParaNorman, a small town comes under siege by zombies. Who can it call? Only misunderstood local boy Norman (Kodi Smit-McPhee), who is able to speak with the dead. In addition to the zombies, he'll have to take on ghosts, witches and, worst, of all, grown-ups, to save his town from a centuries-old curse. But this young ghoul whisperer may find his paranormal activities pushed to their otherworldly limits.

Start time: 8:00 pm

End time:

Contact phone: (718) 965-8935

Location: Elmhurst Park

StoryTime with Cali Co Cat. Tales, meowsic, and arts & crafts to boot.

Start time: 10:30 pm

End time:

Contact phone: (212) 768-4242

Location: Reading Room (in Bryant Park)

Sunrise Tai Chi Classes with Robert Martinez, certified Tai Chi Instructor. All programs are free, led by trained professionals, and suitable for all levels. Wear comfy clothing and bring water. Rain and weather/air advisory cancels.

Start time: 6:30 am

End time: 7:30 am

Contact phone: (212) 795-1388

Location: Linden Terrace (in Fort Tryon Park)

The Land Art Generator Initiative: Freshkills Park is an exhibition of the top 25 designs selected out of 250 submissions from around the globe by artists, architects, designers, engineers, landscape architects, and more. LAGI 2012 was an ideas competition to design a site-specific public artwork that, in addition to its conceptual beauty, has the ability to harness energy cleanly from nature and convert it into electricity for the utility grid. At 2,200 acres, Freshkills Park will be almost three times the size of Central Park and the largest park developed in New York City in over 100 years. The transformation of what was formerly the world’s largest landfill into a productive and beautiful cultural destination will make the park a symbol of renewal and an expression of how our society can restore balance to its landscape. The top three submissions not only heighten the beauty of the surrounding park land but also provide a gateway into a greater discussion about the preservation of the environment.

Image Credits: Scene-Sensor // Crossing Social and Ecological Flows, James Murray & Shota Vashakmadze

Start time: 9:00 am

End time: 5:00 pm

Contact phone: (212) 360-8163

Location: Arsenal (in Central Park)

This free six-week instructional soccer clinic is for children ages 7-14. Registration is required, space is limited.

Sponsored by Council Member Erik M. Dilan.

Start time: 9:00 am

End time: 11:00 am

Contact phone: (718) 235-4100

Location: Elton Street and Jamaica Avenue (in Highland Park)

Grab a pole and relax on the Harlem Meer while you wait for a bite from one of the many species of fish that live in its diverse aquatic ecosystem! Poles available to borrow; must release fish after catching them. Free for families and individuals; groups larger than 5 must reserve at least 2 weeks in advance.

Start time: 10:00 am

End time: 3:00 pm

Contact phone: (212) 860-1370

Location: Charles A. Dana Discovery Center (in Central Park)

Free six week instructional clinic for ages 7-14. Space is limited. Registration required.

Sponsored by Council Member Eric Ulrich

Please call for more information.

Start time: 10:00 am

End time: 11:30 am

Contact phone: (718) 235-4100 ext 0

Location: Oak Ridge (Forest Park Headquarters) (in Forest Park)

Inspired by the natural movements of the human body, Isadora Duncan created a style of dance filled with joyful, rhythmical movements. These skipping, running, and leaping, free, lyrical, and expressive upper body movements make it a great activity for children.

Wear comfortable clothes which are appropriate for the weather. Footwear should be flexible and easy to move in, such as ballet flats or comfortable sandals. This class is for children ages 4-10. Parents are responsible for the supervision of their children during the class.

Morgana Rose is a certified teacher and company member of The Isadora Duncan Dance Company with Artistic Director Lori Belilove.

Start time: 10:00 am

End time: 11:00 am

Contact phone: (212) 795-1388

Location: Anne Loftus Playground (in Fort Tryon Park)

By utilizing performance art and its pedagogy as a tool to transcend language, class, and genetic heritage, The Carpetbag Brigade seeks to create bridges of understanding by sharing its craft both locally and globally in diverse urban and rural settings. By synthesizing acrobatic stiltwalking, butoh dance, contact improvisation, musical composition and physical theater, The Carpetbag Brigade has pioneered a unique aesthetic approach and corresponding technique.

Start time: 10:30 am

End time: 11:30 am

Contact phone:

Location: Mount Hope Playground

Little Red’s Hood is a fresh retelling of the classic “Little Red Riding Hood” tale updated with a modern sensibility that will appeal to kids. The production features a dozen, hand-made marionettes crafted by the expert puppeteers from the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre.

Like many of today’s children, Little Red is a smart, young city slicker who is too focused on her smartphone to notice her surroundings. Wulfric is a misunderstood wolf with a sweet tooth. When Little Red travels from New York City to the country to deliver some cupcakes to her Grandma, she encounters a colorful cast of characters as Wulfric the Wolf tries to head her off at the pass.

Little Red’s Hood is directed by Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre’s Artistic Director Bruce Cannon and written by Liam Hurley.

The CityParks PuppetMobile is the oldest continually operating company of its kind in the country, which presents free performances and puppet-making workshops in neighborhood parks, recreation centers and schools throughout New York City.

Start time: 10:30 am

End time:

Contact phone:

Location: Seward Park

Learn to play pétanque, the popular European game anchored in precision, patience, and camaraderie from members of La Boule New Yorkaise, NYC’s championship-winning club.

Start time: 11:00 am

End time: 6:00 pm

Contact phone: (212) 768-4242

Location: Fountain Terrace (in Bryant Park)

Take a game break with an eclectic selection of favorite tabletop games for free. From scrabble and mancala to dominoes and more.

Start time: 11:00 am

End time: 7:00 pm

Contact phone: (212) 768-4242

Location: 40th Street Plaza (in Bryant Park)

Test your ping pong skills at one of two state-of-the-art tables. Paddles and balls are provided free of charge. Sign up with an attendant in the park to reserve a time slot.

Start time: 11:00 am

End time: 7:00 pm

Contact phone: (212) 768-4242

Location: Ping Pong Court (in Bryant Park)

Reading, writing, and literary happenings related to the written word – under the London Plane trees – in the open-air Reading Room.

Start time: 11:00 am

End time: 7:00 pm

Contact phone: (212) 768-4242

Location: Reading Room (in Bryant Park)

NemcatacoaTeatro is an expressive necessity for a group of youth from the working class district of Fontibon in Bogota, Colombia. From the start they focused on physical training and used stilts as an instrument for actors to enrich their expressive potential. By initially identifying their work with their home community in Bogota’s working class suburb of Fontibon and creating a series of community festivals Nemcatacoa was able to become part of a national community theater network.

Start time: 11:00 am

End time:

Contact phone:

Location: Playground for All Children (in Pelham Bay Park)

Bonjour! Hola! Konnichiwa! Ciao! Learn a new language or brush up on your skills in these standalone classes. Attend at any time – lessons are not cumulative.

Start time: 11:45 am

End time: 12:30 pm

Contact phone: (212) 768-4242

Location: Upper Terrace (in Bryant Park)

Test your coordination and dexterity with free juggling lessons. All skill levels are welcome and equipment is provided.

Start time: 12:00 pm

End time: 1:00 pm

Contact phone: (212) 768-4242

Location: Bryant Park

Author series with Aisha Tyler, Self-Inflicted Wounds: How I Learned to Embrace the Epic Fail

Actress, author, and popular The Talk show host with comic essays appropriately named after her podcast segment Self-Inflicted Wounds.

Start time: 12:30 pm

End time:

Contact phone: (212) 768-4242

Location: Reading Room (in Bryant Park)

Clap your hands, stamp your feet, and say yeah to weekday performances of ragtime, jazz, boogie-woogie, and stride piano in Bryant Park.

Start time: 12:30 pm

End time: 2:30 pm

Contact phone: (212) 768-4242

Location: Upper Terrace (in Bryant Park)

The New York Public Library will present Making Books Sing’s new touring production My City Park, for children ages 3-10. When Milo finds out that his favorite city park is going to be torn down and replaced with a shopping mall, he seeks out the help of his two best friends, Odessa the Owl and Bucky the Squirrel. This 45-minute educational performance, written by Brooke Boertzel and Melissa Gordon of Making Books Sing’s Education Department, features puppetry, original songs, and audience participation.

Start time: 3:30 pm

End time:

Contact phone:

Location: Woodside Branch

Perfectly timed evening performances featuring talented New York area jazz musicians and singer-songwriters.

Performance Schedule:

June 5: Warren Chiasson Trio Jazz
June 12: Rebecca Haviland and Whiskey Heart Singer-songwriter
June 19: Joonsam Lee Quartet Jazz
June 26: Miss Tess & The Talkbacks Singer-songwriter

July 3 Broken Reed Saxophone Quartet Jazz
July 10: Eytan and The Embassy Singer-songwriter
July 17: Chuck Braman Trio Jazz
July 24: Tall Tall Trees Singer-songwriter
July 31: Michael Arenella and his Dreamland Orchestra Jazz

August 7: Zach Berkman Singer-songwriter
August 14: Dan Levinson’s Swing Wing Jazz
August 21: Woody Pines Singer-songwriter
August 28: John Farnsworth Quintet Jazz

Start time: 6:00 pm

End time: 7:00 pm

Contact phone: (212) 768-4242

Location: Fountain Terrace (in Bryant Park)

End your day with relaxing Hatha yoga in a beautiful sunset setting. Suitable for all fitness levels. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring your own mat.

Start time: 6:30 pm

End time: 7:30 pm

Contact phone: 311

Location: The Plaza at 66th Street (in Riverside Park South)

Capoeira is a unique Brazilian art form that has evolved over centuries into an exciting combination of martial arts, dance, music, and acrobatics. Capoeira was developed in Brazil, but its history extends to Africa and tribes from Angola. Slaves living on Brazilian Plantations who weren’t allowed to openly practice traditional forms of self-defense developed an ingenious method of disguising their training by combining it with dance-like movements, singing, and the rhythms of primitive instruments. Some of capoeira’s benefits include strength, flexibility, stamina, overall fitness and confidence. Benefits of capoeira for kids include promoting social interaction and sense of belonging, building confidence, discipline and self esteem, promoting a healthy lifestyle so children become active, and healthy, and develop cultural awareness and tolerance. Wear comfortable clothing.

Start time: 6:30 pm

End time: 7:30 pm

Contact phone: (212) 569-4112

Location: Indian Road Lawn (in Inwood Hill Park)

Brooklyn chess instructor, Zebedee Collins, is back at the Pier 1 Promenade to teach skills and strategies to help take your game to the next level. The class is best for beginning players, but all players are welcome. Boards are limited so come early.

Watch this great clip from NYC Media about Checkmate 101.

*There will be no Checkmate 101 on July 3rd.

Start time: 6:30 pm

End time: 8:00 pm

Contact phone:

Location: Pier 1 (in Brooklyn Bridge Park)

A walking (and boating) history of New York’s 19th century Port Culture. From the busking of black slaves to intercultural mix-ups, to Fred Astaire's uptown tap dancing, New York's intermingled street life has had a formative influence on American high and low culture.

Guides: John Kuo Wei Tchen & Cynthia Copeland, Historians.

This tour will start in Brooklyn Bridge Park and take the East River Ferry leaving guests on the Manhattan side.

Start time: 6:30 pm

End time:

Contact phone:

Location: Pier 1 (in Brooklyn Bridge Park)

Start time: 6:45 pm

End time: 8:00 pm

Contact phone: (212) 795-1388

Location: Abby's Lawn (in Fort Tryon Park)

Enjoy the sounds of Latin music with this popular band.

Sponsored by Council Member Erik M. Dilan

Start time: 7:00 pm

End time:

Contact phone: (718) 235-4100

Location: Elton Street and Jamaica Avenue (in Highland Park)

DJ Kool Herc is considered by many to be the “The Founder of Hip-Hop Culture.” In the early stages of Hip-Hop music, he brought his sound system to block parties in the Bronx and began playing the brief rhythmic sections of records which would become known as “breaks.” Using the two-turntable set-up of the disco DJs, Kool Herc’s style led to the use of two copies of the same record to elongate the break. This breakbeat DJing, using hard Funk, Rock, and records with Latin percussion, formed the basis of Hip-Hop music. DJ Kool Herc’s music along with his announcements to his dancers, called B-Boys and B-Girls, helped pave the way to what everyone now knows as Hip-Hop.

Start time: 7:00 pm

End time: 9:00 pm

Contact phone:

Location: Corner of Claremont Parkway and Crotona Avenue

As one of the best MCs in the world during the past decade, very few MCs have matched Fat Joe's longevity. There are only a handful of rap artists who can claim the commercial success and street credibility of the Terror Squad Don. Throughout his career, Fat Joe has obviously been cut from the cloth of supreme mic holders. He’s held his own on songs with modern day legends such as Big Pun and Big L, the Wu-Tang Clan, Nas, Grand Puba and one of the greatest collection of Masters of Ceremonies to ever assemble, D.I.T.C. Fat Joe has sold over two million albums, discovered some of the best artist in the rap game (Big Pun, Remy Ma, etc.), been nominated for two Grammy awards, and has achieved commercial and critical success.

One of the biggest names in Latin American Hip-Hop, Cuarto Poder built a reputation in Venezuela as leading MCs before releasing their US debut album In Tha House, which features their signature “Criollo Rap" style, fusing street lyrics with folk verses and traditional rhythms. Most recently, Cuarto Poder had the music featured on the MTV series, Washington Heights. Since forming on the gritty streets of the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, they’ve shared the stage with Latin America’s top acts, from Calle 13 to Tego Calderon and Gustavo Cerati to Molotov.

Los Rakas is comprised of cousins Raka Rich & Raka Dun, pioneering Panamanians by way of the Bay Area on the frontier of a new Latin urban sound. Known for their fresh mix of Hip-Hop, Plena, Reggae and Dancehall music with both Spanish and English lyricism, Los Rakas represent the cutting edge of Pan-American flows. Taking their name from the Panamanian word “Rakataka” – a negative slur used to describe someone from the ghetto – Los Rakas have set out to both inspire fellow “Rakas” by empowering them to become successful despite their circumstances, turning the current Latin Hip-Hop world on its head. In 2012, Los Rakas released their EP, Raka Love, touring nationally and internationally. They are set to introduce their next project, a double album, Soy Raka presents Los Rakas: El Negrito Dun Dun & Ricardo, later this year.

Start time: 7:00 pm

End time: 10:00 pm

Contact phone:

Location: Rumsey Playfield (in Central Park)

Rene Marie, the award winning singer whose style incorporates elements of jazz, soul, blues and gospel, has quickly become a heroine to many; a woman of great strength exuding stamina and compassion; often explaining how finding her voice and self through singing gave her the courage to leave an abusive marriage.

Releasing Experiment in Truth in 2007 as a self-produced and self-released album with Kevin Bales (piano), Rodney Jordan (bass), Quentin Baxter (drums) recorded within a recital hall at the College of Charleston, South Carolina. The concept behind the project was to create authentic live sound without stopping or starting countless times, recording 11 songs for the unique album.

Rene Marie has received several awards throughout her career including Best International Jazz Vocal CD (besting Cassandra Wilson and Joni Mitchell) by the Academie Du Jazz (Paris, France). She has graced the Billboard charts multiple times propelling her to headliner status at major festivals in the US & abroad including the prestigious Women In Jazz Festival at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Spoleto Festival in Charleston, SC, the Edinburgh Jazz Festival (Scotland), Shanghai Jazz Festival (China) among many others.

Start time: 7:00 pm

End time: 8:30 pm

Contact phone:

Location: Oval Lawn (in Madison Square Park)

Join Lou Cornacchia, founder of Cobble Hill's Body in Balance Studio, for Sunset Pilates, an intermediate pilates mat class. Lou's teaching remains true to the basic tenets established by Joseph Pilates. Students will learn proper technique, core muscle strength, spinal alignment and shoulder stabilization.

A few notes:

• Students should bring a good thick mat and a Dynaband. These items are not available for rental.
• Classes are open to ages 16 and older.
• Pilates experience is suggested.

About Lou:

Lou Cornacchia is owner of the Pilates studio, Body in Balance, in Cobble Hill. Her creative, energetic and caring approach to teaching Pilates has made her one of the best in her field and earned her a huge following throughout Brooklyn.

Start time: 7:00 pm

End time: 8:00 pm

Contact phone:

Location: Pier 5 (in Brooklyn Bridge Park)

Get in shape with this popular form of exercise and dance which combines Latin and African dance steps.

This event is sponsored by Sweet and Low.

Start time: 7:30 pm

End time: 9:00 pm

Contact phone: (718) 318-4000

Location: Beach 108th Street Hockey Rink (in Rockaway Beach Boardwalk)