Fourth Of July Weekend 2026
40 in Focus: Summerstage through the Lens of Photographer Jack Vartogian
Friday, July 3rd, 9am-5pm
From 1987 to 2019, celebrated NYC photographer Jack Vartoogian captured hundreds of SummerStage performances across Manhattan parks, from Central Park to Marcus Garvey Park and Tompkins Square Park. Location: Arsenal in Central Park, 830, Fifth Avenue
For more information visit: https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2026/07/03/40-in-focus-summerstage-through-the-lens-of-photographer-jack-vartoogian
Low-Impact Dance Fitness, Friday July 3rd 10:00-10:30 AM
This fun, free, low-impact dance fitness class is designed to make you feel energized! Here, we focus on cardio and full-body movements to give you a well-rounded workout. Come join us! This event requires registration. Location: Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center, Bronx NY
For more information, visit: https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2026/07/03/low-impact-dance-fitness
Kids In Motion, Friday July 3rd 10am-6pm
Join NYC park staff in free activities in NYC’s playgrounds, including organized sports games, fitness demos, board games, water games, and more!
Samuel Seabury Playground, Manhattan, NY – https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2026/07/03/kids-in-motion-samuel-seabury-playground
Anne Loftus Playground – https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2026/07/03/kids-in-motion-anne-loftus-playground
Bloomingdale Playground – https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2026/07/03/kids-in-motion-bloomingdale-playground
St. Mary’s Park West – https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2026/07/03/kids-in-motion-st-marys-park-west
Spuyten Duyvil Playground –
https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2026/07/03/kids-in-motion-spuyten-duyvil-playground
Hunts Point Playground
https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2026/07/03/kids-in-motion-hunts-point-playground
Loreto Playground:
- Williamsbridge Oval Playground West:
https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2026/07/03/kids-in-motion-williamsbridge-oval-playground-west
Al Quinones Playground:
https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2026/07/03/kids-in-motion-al-quinones-playground
Willis Playground:
https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2026/07/03/kids-in-motion-willis-playground
Summer Sport Experience: Basketball: Skills and Drills
Friday, July 3, 2026
10:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Summer Sports Experience is an instructional youth program that teaches sports skills. Our knowledgeable NYC Parks staff train kids in sports such as basketball, ball hockey, kickball, flag football, pickleball, soccer, team handball, track and field, and volleyball. This program covers basic and more advanced techniques. Summer Sports Experience is a drop-in program recommended for children ages 8-14. Location: Play Area in Brigadier General Charles Young Playground Manhattan
For more information, visit: https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2026/07/03/summer-sport-experience-basketball-skills-and-drills
Indigenous Art Workshop with NAIC-NY
Friday, July 3, 2026
11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Join the the North American Indigenous Center of New York and the Bronx River Alliance for an Indigenous Art Workshop! This family and kid-friendly event will offer participants an opportunity to learn traditional indigenous crafts, and gain exposure to contemporary indigenous cultures. Location: Starlight Park, Bronx NY
For more information, visit: https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2026/07/03/indigenous-art-workshop-with-naicny
Community Paddle at Starlight Park
Friday, July 3, 2026
11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Join the Bronx River Alliance! Come see your neighborhood from the river’s perspective! This event is first come, first served with no pre-registration available. Location: Starlight Park, Bronx NY.
For more information, visit: https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2026/07/03/community-paddle-at-starlight-park
Hudson Classical Theater Company presents: Hamlet
Friday, July 3, 2026
6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
The Hudson Classical Theater Company Presents Hamlet by William Shakespeare, directed by Nicholas Martin-Smith.
Though Hamlet claims that he is “mad in craft,” there’s inevitably going to be a little overlap. Three actors tackle Hamlet’s desperate struggle to ‘hold it all together’ in this imaginative, visceral, and immediate production of Shakespeare’s classic. Location: Soldier’s and Sailor’s Monument in Riverside Park.
For more information, visit: https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2026/07/03/hudson-classical-theater-company-presents-hamlet
Movies Under the Stars: Elio
Friday, July 3, 2026
8:30 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
Grab a blanket and come enjoy a movie in a neighborhood park or playground! This summer, NYC Parks and The Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment will host family-friendly movie showings across the five boroughs. Elio struggles to fit in until he is transported by aliens and becomes the chosen one to be Earth’s galactic ambassador while his mother Olga works on the top-secret project to decode alien messages. Location: Athletic Field in Annunciation Playground, Manhattan.
For more information, visit: https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2026/07/03/movies-under-the-stars-elio
NYRR Open Run: St. Marys Park
Saturday, July 4, 2026
8:45 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
NYRR Open Run brings free, 5K weekly community-led runs, to neighborhood parks across the greater New York City area. The program is free and open to runners and walkers of all ages, abilities, and experience levels. Location: St. Mary’s Park, Bronx NY.
For more information, visit: https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2026/07/04/nyrr-open-run-st-marys-park
Historic New York: Northern Manhattan and the American Revolution
Saturday, July 4, 2026
10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Discover NYC’s storied past with our expert Urban Park Rangers as your guide to historical events, people, and communities that have shaped our city and parks. Northern Manhattan was a significant location during the American Revolution. On America’s 250th anniversary, explore historic sites of Fort Tryon and learn more about battles and events which impacted the American Revolution. Location: Margaret Corbin Circle in Fort Tryon Park Manhattan
For more information, visit: https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2026/07/04/historic-new-york-northern-manhattan-and-the-american-revolution
One Book One Bronx book club
Saturday, July 4, 2026
12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
Come join the garden group at Bronx River Community Garden for a One Book One Bronx event! This is a weekly community space that sparks powerful conversations and celebrates diverse voices. Saturdays, May 23-August 8, registration required. Location: Bronx River Community Garden 1086 East 180th Street
For more information, visit: https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2026/07/04/one-book-one-bronx-book-club
Nature’s Workshop: Natural Dyes Workshop
Saturday, July 4, 2026
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Learn about plants found in the park, your kitchen, and our community gardens that can create a rainbow of colors at this natural dyes workshop. Explore the spectrum of colors provided by nature to paint your own landscape. Materials provided. Location: Crotona Nature Center in Crotona Park, Crotona Park East and Charlotte Street, Bronx
For more information, visit: https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2026/07/04/natures-workshop-natural-dyes-workshop
St. James Joy and Soul Summit for House of Goal
Saturday, July 4th, 2pm-9pm
Part of House of Goal 2026 – the largest soccer festival in NYC. once inside the party, you’ll be able to explore the different House of Goal activities including Pickup Soccer games, the Mundial Market of soccer fashion and streetwear, watch parties, and more. This event is free and located at 571 2nd Ave, Brooklyn, NYC. You must RSVP to attend this event.
For more information visit: www.goal.com/houseofgoal
Breakaway Hoops Fundamental Basketball Trial Class Sunday, July 5th at 1:00 pm
Breakaway Hoops presents a free fundamental basketball trial class at Howard Bennett Playground for kids ages 14-16. You must RSVP to attend this event.
For more information visit: https://www.purplepass.com/events/377043-free-weekend-fundamental-basketball-trial-class-youth-ages-14-16-sunday-jul-5th-2026
Summer Sundays return to Travers Park July 5th
The Jackson Heights Orchestra kicks off the season with a symphonic performance on Sunday, July 5th at 6pm, admission is free.
For more information, visit: https://ma.to/event/jackson-heights-orchestra-05-jul-2026
If you have an event you’d like to add to the Community Calendar, please email your event details to whcrcalendar@gmail.com at least 3 to 4 weeks prior to the event.