Governors Island Blog

Visitors to Governors Island enjoy one of our concerts on Colonels Row

Governors Island is currently closed for the 2011 season and will re-open in May of 2012.

The Island hosted a diverse array of arts, cultural and recreational programs this past season. A full list is below. Next season’s schedule will be released in the spring of 2012.

ONGOING EXHIBITS AND EVENTS

Mark di Suvero on Governors Island: presented by the Storm King art Center, May 27- September 25

The exhibition is the largest outdoor presentation of Mark di Suvero’s sculptures to be shown in New York City since the 1970s and includes loans from public and private collections, including a number of sculptures from Storm King’s own celebrated installation of the artist’s work. The exhibition is free and located throughout the island’s vibrant public spaces.

Intersections: An Exhibition Organized by the Sculptors Guild: May 27 – September 25
Curated by Karen Wilkin and featuring work from members of the Guild and invited guest artists.  For more information, including a schedule of hands-on free workshops and events visit sculptorsguild.org.

FIGMENT 2011 Minigolf Course: May 27-September 25

This summer, FIGMENT is giving its own participatory, free and inspired twist to the unknown and fascinating world of bugs with a return of the celebrated FIGMENT Minigolf Course, themed this year around “Bugs and Features”. In the Liggett Hall courtyard, man and bug can putt away in harmony. The FIGMENT Minigolf Course is open and free for the public to play. For more information visit www.figmentproject.org/minigolf.

FIGMENT 2011 Burble Bup Pavilion: May 27- September 25

Come together in the Burble Bup pavilion, winner of the second annual City of Dreams pavilion competition. Burble Bup invites people to lounge and mingle in its soft and magical interior, upon plush soil tubes. The City of Dreams pavilion competition is sponsored by FIGMENT, ENYA, and SEAoNY. For more information visit www.figmentproject.org/pavilion.

Empire Historic Arts Fund presents Designs for Living 1795 – 2011

A three part exhibit that offers historic couture fashion and accessories from 1795 – 2011 including such icons as Worth, Balenciaga and Dior; 18th and 19th century wallpapers anchored to the architecture found on Governors Island as well as contemporary tonalist landscape paintings.

FIGMENT 2011 Sculpture Garden: May 27 – September 25

The FIGMENT summer long sculpture garden is back! Engage with amazingly creative, interactive, and sustainable sculpture projects in the Liggett Hall courtyard. The FIGMENT Terrace Sculpture Garden is free. For more information visit www.figmentproject.org/sculpturegarden.

Harvestworks presents “NY Electronic Arts Festival”: May 27-September 25

An electronic arts festival featuring sound installations and digital media including “Blue Morph” by Victoria Vesna and Jim Gimzewski and “WaterWall” by John Morton and Jacqueline Shatz.

Collage Logic presented by Harvestworks: May 27-September 15

Collage Logic is a dynamic exhibition featuring the works of several artists who take a hybrid approach in emerging media, painting and sculpture. Head over to Building 10 in Nolan Park for this unique exhibit.

Governors Island: Photographs by Lisa Kereszi & Andrew Moore:  A Public Art Fund Project, May 27 – September 25, Commanding Officer’s House
See photos by Lisa Kereszi and Andrew Moore of places around the Island.

Lower Manhattan Cultural Council Artist Studios

Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC) presents gallery exhibitions, open studio events and performances all summer long. Building 110, a historic Army warehouse next to the Soissons Dock, now houses LMCC’s multi-use arts facility—including 20 visual-artist studios, two rehearsal studios and an exhibition space—for the development and presentation of new work in the performing and visual arts.

Children’s Museum of the Arts Free Art Island Outpost Program: May 27-September 25, 11 am to 3 pm
Join the Children’s Museum of the Arts Teaching Artists for new themes and projects each weekend, including everything from painting and drawing to large-scale sculpture.

Earth Matter Compost Learning Center: May 27- September 25, 12 pm to 4 pm

Earth Matter Compost Learning Center, located at Picnic Point, is a place to discover composting, the art and science of turning food and yard waste into a healthy soil amendment, rich in the nutrients that plants need to grow. Come for a fun and free hands on experience and unravel the mysteries of “black gold” and pet our newest compost workers – 35 adorable chicks!

Bike Governors Island: May 27-September 25
Bring your own bike or rent one from Bike and Roll™ to enjoy five miles of car-free biking.

Bike and Roll’s™ Free Bike Fridays: Fridays, May 27- September 23
Borrow a bike for free for up to one hour.

Added Value Farm: May 27-September 25

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.

Big Apple Circus Family Fun Fest: Saturdays and Sundays, May 27-September 25

In partnership with Trapeze School New York, Big Apple Circus brings circus skills workshops to the Parade Ground, teaching kids and families how to juggle, clown around and other circus tricks.

Trapeze School of New York: Saturdays and Sundays, May 27-September 25

Trapeze School New York (TSNY), in collaboration with the Big Apple Circus, is offering Flying Trapeze Lessons on Parade Ground on Governors Island. Call 212-242-8769 or visit TSNY’s Class Schedule & Prices page (look for the words “Governors Island” in the class title) at www.newyork.trapezeschool.com/classes/schedule.php for more information.

Special Guided Tours with the National Park Service: Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10 AM and 1 PM

On Wednesdays and Thursdays, get exclusive access to Governors Island with special guided tours with the National Park Service. Learn more.

Weekend Park Ranger Programs with the National Park Service: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout the day

Every weekend, National Park Rangers offer programs throughout the day.  Please visit www.nps.gov/gois or call 212-825-3045 Wednesday – Sunday for more information.

Orientation to the History of Governors Island with the National Park Service: May 27-August 28, 11:25 am, 1:25 pm, and 3:25 pm
Join a National Park Ranger for this 45- to 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.

Friday Morning Summer Programs for Kids with the National Park Service: Fridays from June 3 to  September 30, at 10:15am, 11:15am  and 12:15pm

National Park Rangers present a thematic living history experience where children of all ages, with their chaperons, are invited to learn about the historic role of the people of Governors Island.  Children will meet with an array of “guests” from the past such as soldiers, from the Civil War, Confederate Prisoners, civilians or a member from the Women’s Army Corps. Reservations are not required.

Governors Island Alliance and Governors Island National Monument Harbor Map, May 27-September 25 10 AM -4 PM
The Governors Island Alliance, in coordination with the Governors Island National Monument and the Urban Assembly New York Harbor School, is conducting a weekend outdoor classroom on Governors Island at the Harbor Map on Parking Lot 49 between Yankee Pier and Pier 101.  The Harbor Map serves as an educational destination for those interested in learning about the complex ecology, geography, and history of the Harbor from the viewpoint of its center on Governors Island.  Weekend programs include talks by National Park Service Rangers, interactive games, quizzes and challenges, and hands-on-fun water quality testing.

MULTIPLE WEEKENDS

LMCC Building Tours: May 27- September 25, 2PM & 4PM

The Lower Manhattan Cultural Council will host tours of its Art Center on the island.  Sights include the gallery, visual arts studios, and performing arts studios.  Catch either the 2PM tour or the 4PM tour.

The Investigation, Constitution, and Formation of Flock House Gallery Exhibition: July 15- August 14, 12PM to 5PM
Come out to the island and enjoy this wonderful art gallery with the work of Mary Mattingly. Open throughout the weekends (Friday-Sunday) within the dates listed above.  Don’t miss the special opening reception on Saturday July 16, from 3PM to 5PM.

Cause Collective & MoCADA present The Truth is I am You Gallery Exhibition: August 26- September 25, 12PM to 5PM
Check out this fantastic art exhibit by Cause Collective, in partnership with the Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Art (MoCADA).  Open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays throughout the dates above. An opening reception will take place on Saturday August 27 from 3PM to 5PM.

Better Than Jam: Summer Pop Up Shop:  May 27-September 5

Handcrafted items are featured in a pop up shop in one of the Island’s historic buildings.

Painting Governors Island: May 27-September 11

An exhibition of en-plein-air watercolor and oil paintings made on Governors Island.

Bodies, Borders and Crossings presented by the Finnish Cultural Institute of New York: June 24-July 31

An exhibition on contemporary Finnish photography and video art presented through artworks by 11 artists.

Transient Landscape presented by galleryELL: July 22 – September 25

This group exhibition interprets the changing face of Governors Island and New York City. The exhibition also includes an artist in residence program called “Visualizing  Governors Island” which gives the public an inside look at the artists work.

4 Heads Art Fair: All September weekends, 11 AM to 6 PM

The Governors Island Art Fair enters its 4th 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.

The Urban Assembly New York Harbor School: July 15-August 27, Friday and Saturday, 11 AM, 12 PM, 1 PM and 2 PM. 
New York Harbor School is a small public high school on Governors Island, using New York City’s waterways to instill stewardship skills and ethics in its students. With everything from vessel operations and ocean engineering to oyster spawning and SCUBA diving, the school combines New York’s maritime experience with a college-prep curriculum to make a hands-on learning environment. For more information, visit www.newyorkharborschool.org or emailinfo@newyorkharborschool.org.

SPECIAL EVENTS

MAY

Saturday, May 28: Governors Island Alliance presents the Family Festival, 12 PM – 4 PM

Join us for arts and crafts, storytelling, 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.

Sunday, May 29 and Monday, May 30: Brewer’s Pic-NYC, Noon

The Governors Island season kicks off with the city’s ultimate picnic. Event includes food vendors from tacos to ice cream to lobster rolls and other street food, beer, and live entertainment like ukulele and bluegrass musicians. Kids 12 and under are free with parents. Tickets are available at www.brewerspicnyc.com

JUNE

 Saturday, June 4: World Science Festival, 10 AM – 6 PM

The Festival is a mix of free, public activities and ticketed events for young scientists. This year’s family programs are anchored by this all-day “Science On Site” event. Join scientists and experts from a wide variety of scientific disciplines for a day of exploration. For more information visit www.worldsciencefestival.com.

Sunday, June 5: Fourth Annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic, 12 PM
Featuring an afternoon of polo as well as champagne lounges and concessions by Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group. Free and open to the public. For more information visit www.vcseason.com

Friday, June 10-Sunday June 12: FIGMENT, all day

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 18: RECESS outdoor Badminton, noon

A day of outdoor badminton team challenge featuring top creative organizations in NYC, as well as courts for public play on Colonels Row, plus free Bowery Lane Bicycles test rides. Who will put the bad in badminton? Bring your blankets and check out RECESS 2011. Special guest deejay. For more information visit www.recessnewyork.com.

Saturday, June 18:  Army Heritage Day, 10 AM – 4 PM

Discover 150 years of Army history on Governors Island.  Featuring family friendly programs, historic weapons demonstrations and music.  For more information, visit www.nps.gov/gois or call 212-825-3045 Wednesday – Sunday.

Saturday, June 18: Governor’s Ball Music Festival

A music festival featuring Girl Talk, Empire of the Sun, Outkast’s Big Boi, People Under the Stairs and more. Tickets are required. For more information visit www.governorsballmusicfestival.com.

 Sunday, June 19: 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.

Saturday and Sunday June 25-26: 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. They are $7 in advance or $10 on Governors Island.

JULY

Saturday, July 2: Rite of Summer Classical Music Festival, 1 PM and 3 PM

The first ever classical/contemporary music festival to be held on Governors Island kicks off its inaugural season with a series of outdoor concerts. Curated by Artistic Directors/NYC-based pianists Blair McMillen and Pam Goldberg, Rite of Spring launches with a performance of Terry Riley’s “In C” led by keyboardist/conductor/musical impresario Jed Distler, featuring nearly 40 of New York’s top freelance musicians, including members of the American Modern Ensemble, Newspeak, the Momenta Quartet, The Asphalt Orchestra and others.  For more information visit www.riteofsummer.com

Sunday, July 10: Cook Out NYC, Noon

NYC’s most original country fair! Chefs and bbq’ers will grill outdoors. Burger cook off and kimchi eating contest as well as my other attractions. Custom beers by local craft breweries to celebrate “NYC July Good Beer Month”  as well. Kids 12 and under are free with parents. Tickets are available at www.cookoutnyc.com.

Sunday, July 10: The Long Island Writers’ Guild Returns to Governors Island, 1:30 – 4:30 PM

Spend an afternoon with members of the Long Island Writers’ Guild and the National Park Service for a public reading of original works. Topics will explore the relationship between Long Island and New York City.  Visitors are invited to read family-friendly original works.

Saturday, July 16:  Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance and Friends present The City of Water Day Festival, 10am-4pm

A day of entertainment, education and adventure celebrating our waterfront. Enjoy free boat tours, children’s activities, fishing, the Waterfront Activity Fair, and more! For more information, visit www.cityofwaterday.org.

Saturday, July 23: Serious Eats All-Star Sandwich Festival , 12pm-4pm

Join Serious Eats for the ultimate summer picnic as we celebrate our favorite sandwiches in New York City and induct them into the Serious Eats Hall of Fame. Is there any better way to spend a summer afternoon than Serious Eats-selected sandwiches, beer and dessert on Governors Island? Tickets are available at http://seriouseatssandwich​fest.eventbrite.com/.

Saturday, July 23: Go Fly a Kite! 11 AM

The Governors Island Alliance will provide free kites to visitors to fly on the Parade Ground. For more information visit www.governorsislandalliance.org.

AUGUST

Saturday, August 13: Rite of Summer Classical Music Festival, 1 PM and 3 PM

The first ever classical/contemporary music festival to be held on Governors Island kicks off its inaugural season with a series of exhilarating, fun outdoor concerts on Colonel’s Row.  ROS is curated by Artistic Directors/NYC-based pianists Blair McMillen and Pam Goldberg. This second concert features the genre-bending rock/electronica-inspired string quartet ETHEL.  For more information  visit www.riteofsummer.org. 

Saturday and Sunday August 13- 14 :  Civil War Weekend,  10 AM  – 4 PM

Honor the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War by joining the National Park Service and living historians who will provide family friendly activities, historic weapons demonstrations, music and other programs.  Meet the Civil War soldiers and women of Governors Island from the summer of 1863.  For more information, visit www.nps.gov/gois or call 212-825-3045 Wednesday – Sunday

Saturday August 13: NYC Volkswagen Traffic Jam, 10 AM – 4 PM

A hundred vintage Volkswagens will be bumper-to-bumper at picturesque Picnic Point on Governors Island for a colorful car show and picnic that is open to all. Meet classic beetles, buses, Karmann Ghias, dune buggies, and other beloved VDubs circa 1954–1979 from NYC and beyond. “People’s choice” wins this car show…and spectators attend free! For details visit www.volkswagentrafficjam.com.

Saturday and Sunday August 20-21: 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. They are $7 in advance or $10 on Governors Island.

Friday, August 26 – Sunday, August 28: Dave Matthews Band Caravan

The Dave Matthews Band headlines this three day festival that features a great lineup including Dispatch, The Roots and Moe. Tickets are required. For more information visit www.dmbcaravan.com.

Saturday, August 27: RECESS outdoor Bocce, noon

A day of outdoor bocce team challenge featuring top creative organizations in NYC, as well as courts for public play on Colonels Row, plus free LINUS Bicycle test rides. Itchy for bocce anyone? Come get your fill at RECESS 2011. Special guest deejay. For more information visit www.recessnewyork.com.

SEPTEMBER

Saturday, September 3: 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.

Sunday September 4: Rite of Summer Classical Music Festival, 1 PM and 3 PM

The final installment in this new series features co-directors McMillen and Goldberg collaborating with two stalwart NYC-based violinists, Miranda Cuckson and Nurit Pacht, and will include rollicking violin/piano duos by John Adams, George Gershwin and others.  www.riteofsummer.com

Sunday, September 4: Free Bike Day sponsored by Pepsi, 10 AM – 5:30 PM
Explore the Island with a free bike rental, courtesy of Pepsi. Bikes will be free for up to one hour and will be rented from both Bike and Roll™ locations, at Pershing Hall and Colonels Row. Celebrate Labor Day weekend with a free bike ride! The last free bike can be borrowed at 5:30 PM.

Monday, September 5: Pepsi Playground on the Parade Ground, 11 AM -4 PM
Stop by the Pepsi Playground for an action-packed day of old school fun and games. Stay, play and celebrate Labor Day with amazing prizes, limited edition giveaways, music and summertime fun.

Saturday, September 10: 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.

Saturday, September 10: Pig Island II, 11:30 AM – 4 PM

Once again Governors Island becomes a major food destination: Pig Island is a celebration of local pork, seasonal foods and craft beer. Co hosted by PBS Channel 13′s food show’s Michael Colameco.  Tickets are available at www.pigisland.com.

Saturday, September 24: Vendy Awards, Noon-5PM

Join hundreds of street food enthusiasts and a team of celebrity judges at the Seventh 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/vendys.

Saturday and Sunday, September 24-25: Visual Arts Studios, 12PM to 5PM

Come explore Governors Islands’ art studios. On this weekend, the visual artists-in-residence open their studios for public viewing.

Sunday, September 25: African Film Festival’s Family Day Celebration, 12 PM – 5 PM
The culture and vitality of the African continent will be on display as African Film Festival’s “Family Day Celebration” returns with entertainment and cultural activities for visitors of all ages. The family friendly eventoffers free short films showcasing talent of the African Diaspora with fun activities like African dance classes and Double Dutch, storytelling and affordable African cuisine. Learn more.