Healthy on the Hudson returned for another season of free, accessible fitness classes in scenic green spaces throughout the Park’s four miles. In partnership with IronStrength, Chelsea Piers, 305 Fitness and Tone House, more than 70 classes — from HIIT to yoga to dance cardio — kept over 3,000 New Yorkers active throughout the spring, summer and fall.
Movement and culture also took center stage at our annual Juneteenth Celebration at Pier 45. In collaboration with Ladies of Hip Hop Dance Collaborative & Friends, the evening honored the legacy and evolution of Black American dance, from Lindy Hop, jazz and tap to Hip-Hop and House — celebrating creativity rooted in resilience, resistance and joy. Learn more about this program through our conversation with Michele Byrd-McPhee, Founder and Executive Director of Ladies of Hip Hop.
Hudson River Park has long served as a gathering place during NYC Pride Week, welcoming tens of thousands of people each year to celebrate on Pride Sunday. Last year, we kicked off NYC Pride weekend on Hudson River Park’s historic Pier 45 with a night of music, dance and joy with Papi Juice and guests.
A Milestone Blues BBQ Festival: more than 13,000 music lovers filled Pier 76 for Hudson River Park’s 25th annual Blues BBQ Festival, one of New York State’s longest-running free music festivals. With world-class blues and roots music on two stages, legendary BBQ from top local spots and an all-day waterfront celebration, this milestone edition was truly one for the books — and a summer tradition we can’t wait to repeat.
Friends with Benefits members at the Skipper level and above enjoyed a special VIP section — an annual thank-you for supporting the Park’s hundreds of free programs. Learn more about the free events, park swag and special opportunities you can enjoy for giving back to the Park as a Friends with Benefits member.
Broadway by the Boardwalk returned to Hudson River Park with a show-stopping opening night, as Broadway legend and original Dream Girl, Jennifer Holliday, kicked off a six-week, star-studded summer series. The free Monday evening performances welcomed thousands, transforming Clinton Cove’s sweeping waterfront lawn into an open-air theater, celebrating Broadway and making performances by top talent accessible to all. Check out a highlight reel featuring original Rent stars Anthony Rapp and Adam Pascal.
Dance animated Pier 84 with KEIGWIN + COMPANY’s Sundown Dances, turning the waterfront into a Fall celebration of movement with open public classes, live performances and community dance parties. October also marked the extended fall finales of popular series like Sunset Salsa at Pier 45 and Bollywood & Bhangra with Ajna Dance Company at Pier 46, giving New Yorkers one last chance to dance outdoors along the Hudson.
