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Governors Island serves as a refuge in New York City. While the former private military base turned garden sanctuary is open year-round, it truly comes alive during the warmer months. Celebrating its 20th anniversary of being open to the public, the trust for the island just announced its list of summertime programming, just in time for Memorial Day weekend.
RECOMMENDED: The best things to do on Governors Island
Yesterday, the public park dropped its current lineup of programming, showcasing a range of cultural offerings, immersive public art installations, open-air concerts and food festivals. It all starts this weekend as Governors Island’s summer hours will return beginning May 23 through September 14.
If you missed the spring blooms this year, the lavender field on Governors Island is here for all those flower feels. On June 7 and June 8, the island will be hosting the NYC Lavender Festival. Put on by Earth Matter, the two-day, family-friendly festival will include demonstrations and workshops suitable for ages 12 and up. The festival will also include hands-on harvesting lessons so you can take home your very own bouquet. If you can’t make it in June, worry not, the garden is always free to visit.
One of the largest draws to the island is the annual Jazz Age Lawn Party. This year you have two chances to catch this 1920s-themed soiree: on June 14 and 15 and August 9 and 10. The afternoon party will include live music from Michael Arenella and his Dreamland Orchestra, fizzy G&T’s and spritzes for sipping and tons of food vendors to tickle your tastebuds.
New to the park this year is the Great Nosh Festival. Held on June 22, the picnic will feature a breadth of Jewish eateries alongside other heavy hitters in the scene (Atoboy and Apollo’s Bagels collaboration, anyone?). The five-hour brunch will also feature Grandma’s Tent, where you can witness culinary demos hosted by Gail Simmons and chef Pati Jinich, plus a wine bar put on by The Four Horsemen.
Naturally, food and drink are a part of the equation. Popular eateries and bars will be making their return to the island, including Threes Brewing, La Newyorkina, Makina Café and more. Award-winning chef Missy Robbins will be taking over the island for a fifth season in a row for her pop-up: Misipasta x Governors Island. And following a successful eight-year run, Island Oyster will be returning for its last season. So we implore you to shuck and slurp accordingly.
Looking to plan your summer season? Here is the full lineup of events with more to come.
- May 30: Governors Island Nature Insect Walk
- May 31-October 26: Lower Manhattan Cultural Council’s River to River Festival
- June 7-8: Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix
- June 7-8: NYC Lavender Festival
- June 14-15: August 9-10: Jazz Age Lawn Party
- June 21: Porch Stomp folk music festival
- June 21-22, July 19-20 and August 16-17: FAD Market Governors Island pop-ups
- June 22: The Great Nosh NYC Picnic Festival
Restaurants and Bars
- Brigs Sweet Shop
- Carreau Club
- Fauzia’s Heavenly Delights
- Island Oyster
- Joe Coffee Company in the Battery Maritime Building ferry terminal
- Joe Coffee Company at Liggett Terrace
- La Newyorkina
- Little Eva’s
- Makina Café
- On Tea Road
- Pizzeria Fantastica, formerly Pizza Yard
- Sea Biscuit
- Taco Vista
- Three Peaks Lodge at Collective Retreats
- Threes Brewing
- Tokyo Drumstick
- The Foodie Spot
Starting May 23 to September 14, additional ferry service to Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 6 and Red Hook’s Atlantic Basin will be available. So this summer, hop on a ferry to visit one of New York’s greatest retreats.