There’s a special kind of magic that blooms along the Hudson River’s edge when the days grow long and city life moves outside. Hudson River Park’s lineup of free events invites you to embrace the enchantment and experience a season filled with music, play, learning and wonder.
Dance at sunset, take workout classes, enjoy waterfront concerts, explore nature in your backyard, dig deeper into scientific topics that fascinate you and more, all across the Park’s four miles.
There’s no place quite like these four waterfront miles for summer in NYC, and Hudson River Park’s outstanding lineup of free events is a big part of what makes this time of year so special.
Explore highlights below, check out our full events calendar, and get ready to find plenty of reasons to get outside and stay awhile along the water this summer.
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Summer Nights of Star Performances
One of the Park’s newest summer series, Broadway by the Boardwalk, transforms the riverfront into an open-air stage with intimate, unforgettable performances from some of theater’s biggest stars. Set against sweeping sunset views of the Hudson, these free evenings of music and show-stopping performances bring Broadway outdoors for audiences of all ages.
Move, Stretch & Sweat It Out
Healthy on the Hudson returns for another season of free, community workouts. NYC’s best trainers and coaches from Chelsea Piers Fitness, obé Fitness and PureGym deliver outdoor classes suitable for all fitness levels, offering everything from yoga and Pilates to conditioning and interval training.
Evenings of Science & Surprises
Explore the hidden science of Hudson River Park with monthly Science After Dark events in the Park’s Wetlab aquarium – perfect for a one-of-a-kind date night. Get ready to laugh and learn during Ask a Scientist featuring interactive sessions with local experts or dive into a hands-on workshop like Fascinating Fish or Crab Lab, inspired by some of the Hudson River’s most curious critters.
Feel the Beat on the Waterfront
When the sun goes down, the Park lights up with performances and dancing at multiple locations. Make memories as part of a community of music and dance lovers during sizzling Sunset Salsa sessions and Dance Is Life’s Latin hustle nights. Prefer to sit back and listen? Jazz at Pier 84 and the newer Boardwalk Blues series deliver sultry sounds perfect for picnic-ready evenings by the water.
Discover the River’s Wild Side
Also making a splash this season, the Park’s Pier 40 Wetlab research aquarium is open for free tours during Wetlab Look-ins and is the perfect place to meet local wildlife face-to-face. Another way to connect with the Hudson River is by dropping a line at Big City Fishing where anglers can learn the basics of catch and release fishing with all equipment provided.
Love Free Programs? Become a Bestie with Benefits to keep them thriving!
The entire season of free events is supported by Hudson River Park Friends, dedicated to the completion, care and enhancement of Hudson River Park.
Monthly giving is one of the most impactful ways to support the green and blue space that brings hundreds of free events to New Yorkers and helps care for these 550 acres all year long. Learn more and join us!