Governors Island is closed for the 2009 season and will reopen in June of 2010. For a list of 2009 activities and events, please see below.

May - October

A list of activities and events is as follows. Please check back for additional programs that may be added.

Friday Morning Summer Programs on Governors Island with the National Park Service, programs run continually beginning at 10:15 with the final program ending at 1 PM. 

Children have the opportunity to meet with a National Park Ranger, Union Soldier, Confederate Prisoner or a middle class lady from 1863 in Fort Jay and Castle Williams every Friday.

Every weekend: Children's Museum of the Arts (CMA) Free Arts Island Outpost. Experience free arts programs on Governors Island, presented by CMA. Programs run from 11 AM to 3 PM May 30 to October 4.

OCTOBER

October 4, Sunday, Michael Arenella and the Dreamland Orchestra present the Jazz Age Dance Party, 11 AM to 6 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. Admission is $5.

October 10 – 11, Saturday and Sunday, Open House New York Weekend
Governors Island again takes part in Open House New York weekend and will open several additional buildings to the public.
 

SEPTEMBER

Every weekend: 4 Heads Art Fair on Governors Island
The 4heads Collective is a New York-based group dedicated to cultivating interest in the arts through community involvement and interaction. More than 150 artists present their work in historic Building 12 on Governors Island. For more information, visit www.4heads.org.

September 10-13, Thursday – Sunday  and September 17 – 20 Thursday – Sunday New Island Festival, all day
The best of what outdoor theatre festivals in the Netherlands has to offer! Governors Island will be the stage for site specific performances and art. For more information visit www.newislandfestival.com.

September 10-13, Thursday – Sunday and September 17 – 20 Thursday – Sunday Pioneers of Change, 10 AM – 6:15 PM
A festival of Dutch design, fashion and architecture celebrating the 400 years of a Dutch-American friendship . This event was conceived and curated by Renny Ramakers, co-founder and director of the Dutch conceptual design company, Droog.
Over the course of two long weekends, discover on-going creative projects, which are forming new collaborations between Dutch and New York parties. For more information, visit www.pioneersofchange.org.

September 10 – October 11, Archeological Dig, 10 AM to 6:15 PM
Touch the history on Governors Island. An archeological dig open to the public.

September 12, Saturday, Armin van Buuren plays at Water Taxi Beach, 1 PM
World famous DJ Armin van Buuren plays at an afternoon dance party at Water Taxi Beach. Reserved boat tickets are $10. Admission to the event requires the purchase of a $10 round trip ticket on Water Taxi and travel to Governors Island on these reserved boats. Boats leave from Pier 11, Wall St. For more information and to purchase a ticket, please click here

September 12th, Saturday: Video Summer Screening III “Ars Sublimis” Curated by Juanli Carrión, 11AM to 6PM
Can we still speak about Aesthetics of the Sublime? Or, on the contrary, have categories like Sublime or Postsublime faded in their own denomination? This series of videos represent an attempt to arise the subject diving through the Schopenhaueresques’ phases, from the simple feeling of beauty to the fullest feeling of Sublime.
Part of the Angle Orensanz Summer Museum located in Nolan Park

September 13, Sunday, Harbor Day, all day
Celebrate Harbor Day, the culmination of NY 400 week (please have this link to http://www.ny400.org/events/ny400-week-2), with events at six major waterfront sites across New York City. For more information, visit http://www.nycgo.com/harborday.

September 13 and 20, Sunday, Henry Hudson Quadricentennial Scavenger Hunt, 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
What did Henry Hudson and his crew see 400 years ago when they sailed into what is now New York Harbor? Get a glimpse with a scavenger hunt on Governors Island. As you explore the Island to find answers to your clues, you will discover the fascinating stories behind the history and environmental change of the lands and waters of New York Harbor. Scavenger hunts are FREE and open to adults and accompanied children. Orientations start the hunt and they are offered every half hour from 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM. The Scavenger hunts are self-guided and should take about 90 minutes to complete. This event is presented by Cornell University Cooperative Extension – NYC and NY Harbor School as part of the Henry Hudson Quadricentennial Celebrations, with support from Hudson River Foundation and National Park Service. For more information, please contact (212) 340-2962 or sjc265@cornell.edu.

September 19 – 27, National Parks of New York Harbor Week
The National Park Service on Governors Island will offer special programs as a part of National Parks of New York Harbor Week. For more information, click here.

September 23 and 24, Wednesday and Thursday, Guided Walking Tours with the National Park Service, 10 AM and 1:15 PM
As a part of National Parks of New York Harbor Week, the National Park Service will offer hour and a half walking tours of Governors Island. Tours do not require tickets. Ferries leave at 10 AM and 1:15 PM for these tours. If visitors take the 10 AM tour, they will return to Manhattan on the noon ferry. If visitors take the 1:15 PM tour, they will return to Manhattan at 3 PM.

September 26, Saturday, RECESS presents Bocce on Colonels Row, 12 PM – 5 PM
Colonels Row turns into a sea of bocce courts as 32 diverse teams from the likes of MTV, ART DIRECTORS CLUB, THOMPSON HOTELS, SAATCHI & SAATCHI, COOL HUNTING and many more face off for the chance to be crowned RECESS bocce champion 2009 season. There will be additional courts for the public to test their skills at the game, as well as an opportunity to learn about the game if you're a beginner.

September 27, Sunday, Michael Arenella and the Dreamland Orchestra present the Jazz Age Dance Party, 11 AM to 6 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.

September 27, Sunday: Enviromedia Mobile, "CELEBRATE THE 400TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HUDSON RIVER," 11 AM to 5 PM
The Enviromedia Mobile is a traveling urban nature center and micro-maritime museum on wheels. Explore environmental education through recreation, arts, nature, stewardship, culture and maritime learning. The ‘Mobile’ is brought to you by The Urban Divers Estuary Conservancy. The activities feature the 9th Annual Submerge Art and Environment Festival Exhibition, with artists Rick Davis, Mara Haseltine, Charles Denson, Walter Marti and the High Bridge Children’s Arts Show. Exhibitions will include the Diving Heritage Museum’s live underwater video exploration and close encounters with the birds and fish of the urban estuary. This program Highlights "Urban Wings Over Water"- an urban birds of prey demonstration and education program from 1pm- 2pm. For more information go to www.urbandivers.org  or email enviromediamobile.udec@gmail.com.

September 27, Sunday, 4heads presents the "Governors Island Art Fair 09" closing reception. More than 100 solo exhibitions of real Art work in Building 12. For more information, visit www.4heads.org.
 

AUGUST

August 8, Saturday: African Film Festival, Family Day Celebration, 12:00 PM to 5:00PM
The sights and sounds of Africa are just a three-minute ferry ride away! Please join African Film Festival, Inc. and the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation for this exceptional all day celebration on Governors Island. This event will feature FREE dance classes with world-renowned artists from Brazil, Senegal, and Guinea. There will also be FREE storytelling, double-dutch and quilting demonstrations and workshops. Short African films by emerging directors will be shown continually throughout the day. African food vendors will be on site.

August 8 & 9, Saturday and Sunday: Civil War Weekend
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 and Confederates imprisoned on the Island.

August 22nd, Saturday: RECESS Table Tennis, Noon to 5PM
RECESS is back this Saturday August 22nd at Colonels Row, this time with a sandpaper paddle table tennis challenge. The game itself is currently going through a renaissance but for the RECESS showdown, we've decided to put a little twist on the game, a sandpaper version that will even the playing field and co-ed friendly. As usual, 32 teams from the creative community will be battling their way to the finals, but there will also be open public tables to test your skill at the sport, paddles provided. LeGamin and Van Leeuwen Ice Cream food truck, as well as Function Drinks are back again for food and refreshments to keep everyone hydrated and well fed. While you're out on the island, take a spin on the highly coveted series of PUMA Biomega bikes and test ride them, we promise its going to change the way you feel about urban transportation!

August 29th to 30th, Saturday and Sunday: Performance Workshop, 2PM to 6PM
Come to the Angel Orensanz Summer Museum for the Game of Dialogue.
Part of the Angle Orensanz Summer Museum located in Nolan Park

August 30, Sunday: Gastopolis, 1:00 PM
'Gastropolis' is a collection of essays that explore New York City's vast gastronomic culture and history. From the avant-garde food scene, hunger, "la Vida Sabrosa", the city's natural ecology, its sustainable practices, its appetizing and fusion cuisine, its compelling food voices and more, this volume examines what is delicious and diverse about New York City food culture. Several contributing authors will join co-editors Annie Hauck-Lawson and Jonathan Deutsch for a panel presentation and book signing.

August 30, Sunday: Enviromedia Mobile, 11 AM to 5 PM
The Enviromedia Mobile is a traveling urban nature center and micro-maritime museum on wheels. Explore environmental education through recreation, arts, nature, stewardship, culture and maritime learning. The ‘Mobile’ is brought to you by the Urban Divers. The activities feature the 9th Annual Submerge Art and Environment Festival Exhibition, with artists Rick Davis, Mara Haseltine, Charles Denson, Walter Marti and the High Bridge Children’s Arts Show. Exhibitions will include the Diving Heritage Museum’s live underwater video exploration and close encounters with the birds and fish of the urban estuary. For more information go to www.urbandivers.org  or email enviromediamobile.udec@gmail.com.
 

JULY

July 11, Saturday: RECESS: Badminton with TRETORN, from 12pm - 5pm
While 32 teams from the creative community compete to be the SUPER LAWN SERIES shuttlecock champion, there will also be a few public courts for anyone interested in just hitting around. LeGamin and Van Leeuwen food and ice cream trucks have been mobilized, while Vita Coco has kindly agreed to provide a free sampling of their selection of coconut water. Kronan bikes will also be available for anyone interested in cruising the Island. And if you think that's all, the crew from No Ordinary Monkey will be on the decks curating the afternoon soundtrack.

July 18th, Saturday: City of Water Day, all day. Thousands from the Tri-State region will float, ferry, paddle, row, splash, canoe, and kayak their way to beautiful Governors Island for the 2nd Annual City of Water Day Festival. A FREE day of entertainment, education, adventure for the whole family celebrating the potential of our waterfront, this one-of-a-kind festival is presented by the Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance, Parks, and others. Festival highlights include: over a dozen fun and free boat tours—including bird-watching eco tours and tours of the working harbor; special children’s activities, like fishing, arts and crafts, rides, and a kids race; an exciting line-up of local bands, and more! Please visit www.cityofwaterday.org for all of the exciting details.

July 18, Saturday; August 30, Sunday; September 27, Sunday: Enviromedia Mobile, 11 AM to 5 PM
The Enviromedia Mobile is a traveling urban nature center and micro-maritime museum on wheels. Explore environmental education through recreation, arts, nature, stewardship, culture and maritime learning. The ‘Mobile’ is brought to you by the Urban Divers. The activities feature the 9th Annual Submerge Art and Environment Festival Exhibition, with artists Rick Davis, Mara Haseltine, Charles Denson, Walter Marti and the High Bridge Children’s Arts Show. Exhibitions will include the Diving Heritage Museum’s live underwater video exploration and close encounters with the birds and fish of the urban estuary. For more information go to www.urbandivers.org  or email enviromediamobile.udec@gmail.com.

July 26, Sunday: Folks on the Island with Judy Collins Presented by Trinity Wall Street, 2:00 PM
For forty years, folk music legend Judy Collins has created music of hope and healing that speaks to the heart and inspires the world. www.folksontheisland.com.

JUNE

June 6, 7 & 13: White by Zvi Dance
Zvi Gotheiner collaborates with composer Scott Killian using the Fort's eerie sense of abandonment to reflect on our attempts to feel secure by arming our borders.

June 6th & 7th,  Saturday and Sunday, all day: Michael Arenella and the Dreamland Orchestra Presents the Jazz Age Lawn Party
All weekend long, 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. Admission is $5 each day (free for children under 5).

June 12 - June 14th, Friday through Sunday: FIGMENT*, all day
FIGMENT is an explosion of creative energy on Governors Island. It’s a free, annual celebration of participatory art and culture where everything is possible. For one weekend each summer, it transforms Governors Island into a large-scale collaborative artwork… and then it’s gone. For more information visit www.figmentnyc.org.

June 20th, Saturday: Celebrate Army Heritage Day with the National Park Service, 11 AM to 4 PM
Join NPS staff for special programs and tours highlighting the military history on Governors Island.

June 21, Sunday: Gastropolis: Food and New York City, 1 PM
Gastropolis: Food and New York City (Columbia University Press, 2009) editors Annie Hauck-Lawson and Jonathan Deutsch and contributors Anne Mendelson, Cara De Silva, Annie Lanzillotto and Mark Russ Federman read from and discuss their appetizing, historic and food voice perspectives on food and New York City. A book signing follows the panel.

June 21, Sunday: Make Music New York presents Punk Island, 11 AM to 5 PM
MMNY presents a "one-day experiment that transforms the stately island into a punk rockers’ paradise" (NY Times). With Reagan Youth, Blanks 77, and dozens more.
 

MAY

May 30th, Saturday: Opening Day Family Festival, 12:00 PM
Join us for arts and crafts, musical and theatrical performances for kids and MORE! Sponsored by the Governors Island Alliance.

May 30th, Saturday: Veuve Clicquot Manhattan Polo Classic, 2:30 PM
The Manhattan Polo Classic returns to Governors Island for the second consecutive year. The polo match is open to Governors Island visitors free of charge.

May 31, June 6, 7 & 13: White by Zvi Dance
Zvi Gotheiner collaborates with composer Scott Killian using the Fort's eerie sense of abandonment to reflect on our attempts to feel secure by arming our borders.
 

Signature exhibits open on Governors Island

Creative Time presents Plot 09: This World and Nearer Ones
Creative Time commissions projects by over 20 major international artists, which will be installed across Governors Island this summer. Free and open to the public on June 27. For more information, visit www.creativetime.org

City of Dreams – Interactive Sculpture Garden, June 12 - October 11
In the City of Dreams, come explore 17 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.FIGMENTnyc.org

May 30th to October 4th: The Sculptors Guild presents “Formative Lines: Working in Drawing and Sculpture”
An exhibition featuring drawings and sculptures from 25 members of the SCULPTORS GUILD, juried by curators Rachel Liebowitz and Joanna Kleinberg of the Drawing Center. To learn more, please visit http://www.sculptorsguild.org.

Every weekend: Painting Governors Island
In historic "Building 408," eight painters exhibit their watercolors and oil paintings made on- site, on Governors Island.

Every weekend in September: “Governors Island Art Fair” by 4 Heads
More than 100 incredible Artists in historic Building 12. Opening September 5. For more information visit www.4heads.org.
 

National Park Service Summer Lecture Series

• June 27, Saturday, at 2:30 p.m. in Pershing Hall
  Edwin Burrows
  “Forgotten Patriots: The Untold Story of American Prisoners During the Revolutionary War”
   
• July 12, Sunday, at 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Pershing Hall
  
  The Long Island Writers' Guild Returns to Governors Island 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. Ian open mic will be available for the public to read original submissions. All work needs to be appropriate for a family audience.
   
• July 18, Saturday, at 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. – Location: To Be Announced.
  
  Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum Presents Apple Pressing and Arts/Crafts for Children.
  Join members of the Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum to learn how to press apples. Children will also have the opportunity to create "delft" tiles, a Dutch craft.
  
  This lecture is a part of the Hudson Heritage Event Series, a partnership between the Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum and the National Park Service Lecture Series to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Hudson’s exploration of New York Harbor.
   
• July 19, Sunday, at 1:30 p.m. in Pershing Hall
  Dr. Sean Sawyer, Columbia University
  Lecture exploring the history of the Wyckoff family, one of the first Dutch settlers in Brooklyn and the Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum.
  
  This lecture is a part of the Hudson Heritage Event Series, a partnership between the Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum and the National Park Service Lecture Series to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Hudson’s exploration of New York Harbor.
   
• July 19, Sunday, at 2:30 p.m. in Pershing Hall
  Jessica Kratz, the Greenbelt Nature Center Coordinator for New York City Parks and Recreation
  “Big Apple Aviation”
  Ms. Kratz will present the story New York City in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Hudson – Fulton Celebration. Afterwards, join a National Park Ranger for a walking tour discussing the historic Wright Brothers flight from Governors Island during the Hudson-Fulton Celebration of 1909.
   
• July 25, Saturday, at 2:30 p.m. in the Commanding Officers House
  Linda Russell, Historical Balladeer
  Join Linda Russell for an exploration of the Hudson River through song.
  
  This lecture is a part of the Hudson Heritage Event Series, a partnership between the Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum and the National Park Service Lecture Series to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Hudson’s exploration of New York Harbor.
   
• July 26, Sunday, at 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. – Location: Fort Jay
  Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum Presents Apple Pressing and Arts/Crafts for Children.
  Join members of the Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum to learn how to press apples. Children will also have the opportunity to create "delft" tiles, a Dutch craft.
  
  This lecture is a part of the Hudson Heritage Event Series, a partnership between the Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum and the National Park Service Lecture Series to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Hudson’s exploration of New York Harbor.
   
• August 8, Saturday, at 12:30 p.m. Commanding Officers House
  Ann Buttenwieser reads from her book “Governors Island: The Jewel of New York Harbor”
   
• August 8, Saturday, at 2:30 p.m. in the Commanding Officers House
  Ron Soodalter, accomplished author and historian
  “The Quality of Mercy: Abraham Lincoln and the Power to Pardon.” A Civil War Weekend Special Lecture
  Explore the fate of Confederate John Yates Beall who was imprisoned on Governors Island.
   
• September 19, Saturday, at 2:30 p.m. in Pershing Hall
  Eric Sanderson, author
  Mannahatta: A Natural History of New York City
  Join Eric Sanderson for a view of New York Harbor prior to European contact.

CUNY Institute for Sustainable Cities Summer Lecture Series

• June 27, Saturday, at 12:30 p.m. in Pershing Hall
  Projjal Dutta, Director of MTA Sustainability
  “How Transit Riders Are Saving The Earth”
  Learn what we’re doing right in New York City and how we can make mass transit work better for cities nationwide.
   
• July 11, Saturday, at 12:30 p.m. in Pershing Hall
  Carey Pulverman, LES Ecology Center
  “Composting in the City? Yes We Can!”
  New Yorkers discard more than a million tons of organic material a year. Learn how to curb waste and compost—it’s easy, and you can even do it in your apartment!
   
• July 18, Saturday, at 12:30 p.m. in Pershing Hall
  Dylan Gauthier, Mare Liberum & TheFreeSeas.org
  “How To Build a Boat from Recycled Materials in a Day”
  Join us as we build a true water-ready 15-foot boat from scratch in an afternoon—made from discarded plywood!—and learn how you can build one yourself.
   
• July 25,  Saturday, at 12:30 p.m. in Pershing Hall
  Andy Padian, Community Preservation Corp.
  “How To Curb Catastrophic Waste in Your Home or Condo”
  Learn 10 things that you can do in your apartment, building, and office to dramatically reduce energy waste and make your cash flow increase. Money is the real green!
   
• August 1, Saturday, at 12:30 p.m. in Pershing Hall
  Dan Miner, Chair of Sierra Club NYC
  “Easy Ways To Green Your Workplace”
  Toss aside the hype and learn which workplace greening steps provide solid cash savings and help save our environment at the same time.
   
• August 8, Saturday, at 12:30 p.m. in Pershing Hall
  Sarah Pidgeon & Colin Weatherby, Solar One
  “Renewable Energy in NYC!”
  New York City is on the cusp of a renewable energy revolution! Learn about the latest developments and what’s possible for our city’s future.
   
• August 15, Saturday, at 12:30 p.m. in Pershing Hall
  Bilen Berhanu, Green Thumb NYC
  “A Garden in the City? Of Course! Window Box and Container Gardening 101”
  Want to eat from your own garden? Learn how to do it yourself—it’s cheap and fun!—no matter where you live.
   
• August 22, Saturday, at 12:30 p.m. in Pershing Hall
  Chris Brunson, Recycle a Bicycle
  “Urban Biking in New York City”
  Learn why NYC is one of the best cities in America for biking—we have more than 600 miles of bike trails!—and learn how to keep yourself safe.
   
• August 29, Saturday, at 12:30 p.m. in Pershing Hall
  Jeremy Friedman, NYU Sustainability Task Force
  “Green NYU, Green City, Green World”
  Learn how NYU is greening their campus and office spaces. The exciting changes happening at NYU can be made everywhere!
   
• September 5, Saturday,  at 12:30 p.m. in Pershing Hall
  Prof. Bill Solecki, Hunter College
  “Putting Sustainability Into Practice”
  Explore personal experiences with integrating sustainability into our everyday lives in an open, interactive audience format.