gov island

10th Annual NYC Unicycle Festival on Governors Island

August 31, 2019 by Teresa Wang

Bindlestiff Family Cirkus brings the 10th Annual NYC Unicycle Festival to Governors Island! This festival has something for everyone, from long-time unicycle enthusiasts to first-time thrill-seekers, from extreme sports adventurers to circus fans, from avid bicyclists to families looking for the best way to spend a summer’s day in the Big Apple. Activities include races, competitions, exhibitions, and a variety of unicycle sports including basketball, hockey and sumo. For fans of extreme riding, the Hell on Wheel trials course challenges riders throughout the day. World-famous riders display their skills, and members of the public have the opportunity to try one-wheel riding in the Learn-to-ride area. DJ Sky King, famous for DJing New York’s disco roller skaters, lays down the uni groove.

Date: Saturday, August 31st and Sunday, September 1st

Time: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Location: Governors Island @ Castle William

Age(s): All ages welcome

Cost: Free

For more information, please visit their website HERE

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Bon Odori Festival Presented by Japan Performing Arts, Inc. on Governors Island

August 30, 2019 by Denise Courter

Japan Performing Arts, Inc. is bringing the Japanese summer experience of Bon Odori dances to Governors Island. During the Obon summer holiday every August, people dance Bon Odori at festivals all over Japan. This Governors Island event is notable for bringing Japan’s Big Three Bon Odori dances into one venue, including Nishimonai Bon Odori from Akita, Gujo Odori from Gifu, and Awa Odori from Tokushima. Governors Island visitors will have hands-on Bon Odori dance sessions and more Japanese summer festival experiences here in New York.

Sample Japanese specialties from vendors including:
T-Swirl Crepe (Crepes)
Fuji Yakisoba X Otafuku Foods (Fried Noodles &Okonomiyaki – “Japanese Pizza”)
VartexEducation (Shaved Ice)
Wasan Brookyn (Ramen)
Karlsballs (Takoyaki)

Festival Schedule – Saturday 8/31

Nolan Park
12:00 pm   Festival Starts – Greetings and Announcement
12:20 pm   Bon Odori – Awa Odori / Gujo Odori
12:30 pm Wanage Contest Registration at JPA Booth (Two contests, one for children up to 12 years old and one for 13 years old and above)
1:30 pm Wanage Contest
2:00 pm     Bon Odori – Nishimonai Bon Odori / Gujo Odori
2:40 pm     Watermelon Splitting Contest
3:00 pm     Sumo Match Registration at JPA Booth (13 years old or above only)
4:00 pm     Sumo Match
4:45 pm     Bon Odori – Nishimonai Bon Odori / Gujo Odori
5:15 pm     Watermelon Splitting Contest
*5:30 pm     Registration for free tickets to performance on Outlook Hill

7:30 pm – 9:00 pm Bon Odori on Outlook Hill

Date: Saturday, August 31st

Time: 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Location: Nolan Park from noon to *8:00 pm

For more information, please visit the website HERE.

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The New York City Poetry Festival on Governors Island

July 27, 2019 by Denise Courter

Have you had a chance to visit Governors Island this Summer? If not, we have a great family-friendly event to attend, with the Poetry Society of New York. The festival features poets from over 75 poetry organizations on its three main stages; a Vendor’s Village where local booksellers, artists and craft makers sell their wares; healthy and delicious food options; a beer garden sponsored by Brooklyn Brewery, poetry-inspired installation art throughout; the Ring of Daisies open mic; and other poetic festivities. One major highlight of the festival each year is its Youth Poetry Festival, which offers children and young adults the opportunity to participate in interactive writing games, to generate new work, and to perform their work on stage alongside some of the greatest living writers. This year the festival is honored to welcome two-time poetry laureate Robert Pinsky to the island, along with over 250 other writers of all shapes and sizes. By uniting the largest community of poets in the country and offering a unique setting for literary activity, the New York City Poetry Festival electrifies arts and literature and brings poetry to new light in the public eye.

Date(s): July 27 & July 28

Time: 11 am – 5 pm

Location: Colonels Row on Governors Island

Age(s): All ages welcome

Cost: Free to attend

To learn more, find out out the ferry schedule and other events on the Gov Island, visit their website HERE.

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Secrets of Governor’s Island Scavenger Hunt Family Adventure

September 14, 2017 by Denise Courter

Spend the afternoon exploring one of the most incredible spots in all of NYC – Governor’s Island. The former Coast Guard base spans over 172 acres and is just a quick 5 minute ferry ride from Lower Manhattan.

Learn the secrets that lie within the famous island, such as Fort Jay and Castle Williams, explore the newest section – The Hills with their mile high slides, take a quick break in one of the many hammocks and discover what animals reside on the urban farm. Solve clues, riddles and answer trivia about the history of Governors Island and compete with other teams in some fun, wacky family obstacles and photo challenges to see who can race to the finish line first. FiDi Insider Info: Wear comfortable shoes!

Medals awarded at the end for the top 3 teams.

Location: Governor’s Island-meeting spot (directly on top of the hill when you first exit the Ferry look for Pogo Events Staff)

Date: Sunday, October 8th

Time: 12:30pm – 2:30pm (catch the free Governor’s Island Ferry up until 11:30am or take the 12pm for $2)

Price: $45 /Ticket (Includes 1 Adult/1 Child) each additional child $20 or $30 for an individual adult ticket. Children 2 and under free

FiDi Families Insiders: PROMO CODE – Use FIDIFAMILIES for 20% off all tickets! Register Here

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New Orleans Crawfish Festival

June 19, 2015 by Deirdre McAndrew

New Orleans Crawfish Festival! Enjoy New Orlean’s funk music, and crawfish! Rebirth Brass Band, Bonerama, DJ Logic, High & Mighty Brass Band Concert. Crawfish will be served by Shaggy, the famous NOLA crawfish king! Come for fun, food, and music all day long!

Don’t miss out on Happy Hour Drink Specials from 1p – 3p, a DJ, and the New Orleans style marching bands! Crawfish with be served starting at 2p!

Date: Saturday, June 20th

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