Celebrate Opening Weekend with Polo, the Family Festival, Dance Performances and Exhibitions

Posted on May 26, 2009 by Elizabeth

Four days and counting until Governors Island opens to the public for what promises to be its best season yet. There will be so many things to do here this weekend! The first ferry is at 10 AM on Saturday and Sunday, which leaves plenty of time for you to take a bike ride, picnic, and enjoy an art exhibition by the Sculptors Guild before Saturday’s two special events.

The Family Festival is sponsored by the Governors Island Alliance and will feature live performances, music, clowns jugglers, and much more. The fun kicks off at noon and runs until 4 PM.

At 2:30 PM, the Veuve Clicquot Manhattan Polo Classic will be played on Governors Island. HRH Prince Henry of Wales will play in the match which will benefit his charity, Sentebale. Gates to the polo match will open at 11:30 AM. The public is invited to watch the match free of charge. Bleachers and lawn seating will be available to the public on a first come, first served basis. You are welcome to bring your own food, or you can purchase food once you get here.

On Sunday, May 31, Zvi Dance will present a free dance performance, White, in the Island’s historic Fort Jay. The performance features the work of renowned composer Scott Killian, and is a part of the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council’s Sitelines series. The performance is a part of the River to River Festival.

So there will be something for everyone this weekend. So pack a picnic, bring a bike (or rent one from Bike and Roll when you get here) and kick off the 2009 season on Governors Island!