Manhattanhenge Celebration Returns To Sutton Park Monday

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — An outdoor celebration born out of the pandemic returns to Sutton Park this Monday with the return of Manhattanhenge, organizers announced this week.

The beautiful sunset — not to mention a picnic party, live music and dancing — is expected to draw hundreds to Sutton Place South and 57th Street between 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., according to the nonprofit Sutton Place Parks Conservancy.

Maureen Berman, the nonprofit's event coordinator, says this will be the second annual party that began last year with unexpected success.

“The pandemic was dying down and we wanted something for the community where people can all come out," Berman said. "We knew Manhattanhenge was coming up and that 57th Street was a prime viewing spot … We expected 100, but we got 300 people.”

The Sutton Place Parks Conservancy — a group that manages, restores and beautifies green spaces along the East River — has also invited the group With a Taste of Latin Trio to perform, Berman said.

The band features pianist and composer Hector Martignon, percussionist and band leader David Silliman and bass and vocals from the Rainbow Room's Mario Rodriguez.

“He has accompanied a variety of artists," Berman told Patch about Silliman, "including Mariah Carey."

Michelle Collier of the jazz club Swing 46 will provide Latin dance lessons and those who want to capture pics of the dazzling sunset can expect extra help, added Berman.

“Photo tips are being provided by PhotoUno,” said Berman for people interested in photographing the sunset. “They are rated in the top 10 as a photography teaching school in the city.”

Visitors won’t have to worry about going hungry because they can preorder special picnic boxes with food from Louie’s Chicken, which will deliver food to the park, said the event coordinator.

“People can also pick them up at the store too,” added Berman about the rotisserie chicken place, which is located at 1026 2 Ave. between 54th and 55th streets.

If onlookers are seeking something less savory, an a la mode ice cream truck will be on site, said Berman.

“Their claim to fame is that its products are peanut free and they also have dairy-free offerings,” Berman said.

Other future Sutton Park events include a kids Halloween costume parade, a winter singalong and an Earth Day celebration at the park.

“We have young kids in strollers, kids who come by after school, we have seniors and people who come to enjoy a lunch break,” Berman said about Sutton Park. “We really want to make it a place where people can really come and enjoy it.”

The rain date for the event is Tuesday.