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If your weekend plans don’t already include a brass band, flower-making and hand-rolled ice cream—all under the glow of a Hudson River sunset—Wave Hill is about to change that.
From Thursday, June 5 through Sunday, June 8, the Bronx’s beloved public garden is throwing itself a 60th anniversary bash that’s anything but stuffy. Over four packed days, the 28-acre estate will be abloom with live music, interactive workshops, storytelling, open-air cocktails and the kind of family programming that makes kids and grown-ups equally giddy.
The historic garden, perched high above the Hudson, has long been a haven for artists, nature lovers and anyone needing a moment of serenity (Mark Twain and the Roosevelts were early fans). But this celebratory weekend goes big by channeling Wave Hill’s roots in creativity and community with an immersive lineup of art, ecology and pure summer joy.
Kicking things off are hands-on nature walks, tree planting, a coloring book station for kids and the rare chance to “Meet the Gardeners” behind the blooming masterpieces. As day slips into golden hour, garden-inspired cocktails and twilight jazz take over. Saturday night hits a high note with a performance by Brass Queens, Brooklyn’s all-female brass band bringing NOLA energy to the Bronx.
Families can expect giant paper flower-making and pollinator rambles, while foodies can snag complimentary scoops from OnlyRareNYC, the city’s first Black-owned hand-rolled ice cream biz. And yes, it tastes even better with sweeping views and a side of sunshine.
The anniversary also marks the debut of four contemporary art exhibitions that weave together flora and feeling. Trees, we breathe explores our bond with the arboreal world through sculpture and sound. Bronx artist Sonja John fills the Sunroom with Floral Larceny, a luminous ode to diasporic plants. Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya transforms the Sun Porch with a suspended silk-and-brocade spirit-house, while outdoors, You’re Soaking in It! invites dreamy communal rest amid the greenery.
All the aforementioned activities are free with admission unless noted on the Wave Hill website. Admission to the garden is free on Thursdays, and you can get discounted tickets to attend the 60th anniversary celebrations on Saturday and Sunday by purchasing by June 6. (As always, admission is free for Wave Hill members.)
In a city that often forgets to slow down, Wave Hill’s anniversary is a reminder: Beauty blooms best when you take time to notice it.