Lower Manhattan Park Announces Summer Event Schedule: Check It Out

WEST VILLAGE, NY — Hudson River Park announced Friday its lineup of spring and summer activities, including many in the West Village and surrounding area.

The events will include the Blues BBQ Festival, salsa lessons at sunset, tide deck tours, fitness classes, and more.

All 260 events over the course of May through November will be free.

“Whether your favorite part of summer is geeking out on STEM while learning about our local habitat; putting on your dance shoes and busting out some new moves; or getting your sweat on during a free outdoor workout session, Hudson River Park’s magical waterfront setting is where you will find it all,” said Noreen Doyle, President and CEO of the Hudson River Park Trust, in a news release.

Hudson River Park stretches four miles along the west side of Manhattan from Battery Park City in Tribeca to West 59th Street.

Many of this summer's events will be at Pier 40, which is located in the West Village near West Houston Street.

Here are some of the bigger activities surrounding learning more about the Hudson River to keep a lookout for within the Lower Manhattan park.

Meet the Fishes

June 2 | 4:00 - 7:00 PM | Pier 40 Wetlab at W Houston St.

Join us for the annual opening of the Wetlab, the Park’s seasonal research aquarium that is free and open to the public. See some of the Wetlab’s first marine residents of the season collected by the Park’s River Project as part of its ongoing Fish Ecology Survey. Uniquely, the Wetlab is representative of the species currently inhabiting the Hudson River and as water conditions change, new species rotate into the tanks as others are released back into the river.

Wetlab Look-ins

Tuesdays & Thursdays, June 7 - October 25* | 3:00 - 6:00 PM | Pier 40 Wetlab at W Houston St.

Sundays, July 10 - September 25 | 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM | Pier 40 Wetlab at W Houston St.

Come face-to-face with Hudson River wildlife at the Wetlab and view a fascinating seasonal exhibit of local fish and invertebrates collected from the Hudson River. No two trips to the Wetlab are the same as the animals are regularly released back into the River throughout the season to ensure their behaviors are minimally impacted.

*No programs September 4 & October 13

Park Tours: Pier 26 Tide Deck

Sundays, July 10 - September 25* | 3:00 - 4:30 PM | Pier 26 at N Moore St.

Wednesdays, July 6, July 20, August 3, August 17, August 31, September 14 & September 28 | 5:30 – 7:00 PM | Pier 26 at N Moore St.

Join the Park’s River Project for a tour of the Tide Deck at Pier 26. The pier features a series of ecological communities representative of Manhattan’s natural shoreline, from a woodland forest to a rocky tidal marsh and the Hudson River itself. The Tide Deck is located on the western end of the Pier and the rocky tidal marsh is designed to ebb and flood with the River’s daily tidal cycle.

*No program September 4

Check hudsonriverpark.org for a listing of all Park Tours offered this season.

Big City Fishing

Sundays, July 10 - August 28 | 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM | Pier 26 at N Moore St

Wednesdays, July 6 - September 24 | 5:00 & 7:00 PM | Pier 26 at N Moore St

Drop in a line with the Park’s River Project and go catch and release fishing at the water’s edge. All the necessary equipment and instruction is provided for beginner and anglers alike to participate in this relaxing and educational program.

Ask A Scientist

July 26, August 16 & September 20 | 7:00 PM | Pier 40 Wetlab at W Houston St.

Laugh and learn from local STEM experts during Ask a Scientist. Join in to explore fascinating science topics with guest experts sharing humorous yet informative talks followed by a live Q&A.

STEM on Little Island

Thursdays, September 8 - 29 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Pier 55 at W 13 St.

Visit Hudson River Park’s River Project at the Art Cart on Little Island for a series of creative workshops and STEM demonstrations inspired by our local waterways.

SUBMERGE Marine Science Festival

October 14 - 15 | Pier 84 at W 44 St.

Celebrate all things marine science during two fun-filled days of SUBMERGE and learn about New York City’s coastal waters. SUBMERGE brings marine science to life with hands-on activities led by local STEM experts, awesome experiments, kid-approved entertainment and more! Supported by Hudson River Park Friends.

You can check out the full list of activities, which includes those for family, music, dancing, and more, on the park's website.