Planning on spending the weekend outdoors? Save yourself some cash and try out some of these Saturday events free of charge. Whether it’s fishing, touring, poetry, or theatre, there’s sure to be something for you out there.
1. Health and Race Walking
Central Park
9:30 a.m.
Enjoy views of the Park’s landscapes as you get fit. Coach Lon Wilson of the New York Walkers Club leads walks at a moderate to brisk pace over mostly flat surfaces. Wear comfortable walking shoes! Ages 18+.
Location: 90th Street and 5th Avenue, Central Park
Contact: (718) 588-0441
2. Catch & Release Fishing
Central Park10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Borrow a pole and try your luck catching any of the many species of fish that live in the Harlem Meer! Free for families and individuals, but groups larger than five must make reservations at least two weeks in advance. Adults must accompany all children, and all fish must be released after capture.
Location: Charles A. Dana Discovery Center
Contact: (212) 860-1370
3. New York City Poetry Festival
Governor’s Island
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The Poetry Society of New York invites New Yorkers for this two day festival. Over 50 poetry organizations and 200 poets on its three stages will be participating. A $10 donation is suggested.
Location: Governors Island, Colonel’s Row
Contact: [email protected]
4. Fête Paradiso, Festival of Vintage French Carnival Rides and Carousels
Location: Governor’s Island
10:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
The festival of vintage French carnival rides and carousels Fête Paradiso makes its American debut this summer. It includes carousels, flying swings and a pipe organ. The 19th and early 20th century collection will be available for the public to ride and enjoy. Entrance is free, but rides and games are $3 each. For a schedule of the free ferry to to Governor’s Island vitsit: http://www.govisland.com/
Location: Governor’s Island
Contact: http://www.feteparadiso.com/
5. - 8th Street & St. Marks Place Tour
11:30 a.m.
Go on a walking tour highlighting Greenwich Village, the old bohemian capital and artist’s haven. The tour is led by a licensed guide who focuses on the social, architectural, and historic aspects of the neighborhood. The event lasts an hour and a half.
Location: Northwest corner of 2nd Avenue & St Marks Place
Contact: (212) 777-2173
6. See the Park in Progress with a Behind-the-Scenes Hard Hat Tour
Governor’s Island
11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
This free tour takes visitors through the island’s 30-acre Park and Public Space Master Plan construction site. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first served basis. Closed-toe footwear is required; hard hats and vests will be provided. Children over age 7 are welcome.
Location: Liggett Arch, Governor’s Island
7. Kayaking in the Park
Brooklyn Bridge Park
10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Row in a kayak on the East River on a Thursday or a Saturday. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
Location: Pier 2 Dock
8. Vintage Baseball
Governors Island
12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
See baseball played as it was in the early 1900s! Go to the Parade Ground to enjoy America’s pastime the old-fashioned way.
Location: Governors Island National Monument
9. Brecht in the Park: 3 Rarely Performed Works
Central Park
4:00 p.m.– 5:00 p.m.
See short plays by the German playwright Bertolt Brecht performed at Central Park: The Elephant Calf (1926), In Search of Justice (1938) and The Exception and the Rule (1929). They are translated by Eric Bentley and presented by Elephant Run District.
Location: Southeast corner of the Great Hill in Central Park
