New York's Hudson River Park Kicks Off 20th Anniversary With 2018 Summer of Fun Lineup

Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Hudson River Park and  Experience  a Summer  of Wonder and Magic Along the Shores of New York’s Park for  Play,  the Nation’s  Longest Riverfront Park Premiere Events & All-time Favorites Include the Healthy on the Hudson  Fitness Series,  Shell-ebrate Oysters, Sunset Salsa Dancing, 19th Annual Blues BBQ Festival, Hudson  RiverFlicks  Sing-Alongs, and More!

Hudson River Park, an urban oasis for New Yorkers and visitors from every  corner of the  world, is proud to announce its 2018 lineup of free cultural, recreational, entertainment, environmental and educational events and attractions for New Yorkers, families and visitors to the Big Apple. The Park’s 20th Anniversary Summer of Fun season officially swings into action on Wednesday, May 23rd, kicking off more than 400 events and outdoor programs scheduled across Hudson River Park’s 550 acres of lush parkland and estuarine sanctuary all summer long, and throughout the month of October. Visit www.HudsonRiverPark.org for a complete listing of fun-filled activities and experiences available in the water, on the courts and green spaces, across four miles of public piers, and under the sun and stars this year. Discover for yourself what makes Hudson River Park New York’s Park for Play! This year the Park proudly celebrates its 20th Anniversary. Over the past 20 years, Hudson River Park has transformed Manhattan’s Westside waterfront into a celebrated urban treasure which serves as both a hot-spot destination and beloved community backyard. To celebrate the Park’s “20 Years of Piers,” a full day of free, celebratory events and activities has been planned for Saturday, June 2nd on Hudson River Park’s Pier 45 in Greenwich Village, presented byCiti. There’s fun for the whole family, starting with a Healthy on the Hudson workout, followed by catch-and-release fishing, and other environmentally-themed activities hosted by the Park’s Estuary Lab educators.  Kids and adults alike will be amazed and entertained by Mad Science’s water science show.  Grab lunch and join magician Kid Ace for a mesmerizing riverside magic show. End the evening by moonlight with Mitch Frohman & the Bronx Horns, Sunset Salsawith Talia Castro-Pozo, and the RiverFlicks blockbuster 20th Anniversary screening of The Wedding Singer. Visitwww.HudsonRiverPark.org for times and additional details. “During the last two decades, Hudson River Park has grown to become such a vital and extraordinary part of the New York City landscape,” said Madelyn Wils, CEO and President of Hudson River Park Trust. “We’re so proud and excited to welcome all of our friends, families and visitors to the Park this summer to explore and discover the many wonders that the Hudson River waterfront has to offer. From premier cultural entertainment to the myriad recreational and environmental experiences that keep people coming back to our shores from all over the world, Hudson River Park’s20th Anniversary Summer of Fun season is sure to be the best yet.” One of Hudson River Park’s most unique and prized features is its 400-acre estuarine sanctuary - an ecologically significant environment supporting an abundance of fish and other wildlife.  Each year the Park’s Estuary Lab offers hundreds of hands-on education programs and interactive research projects that engage park patrons in discovering, exploring, and even restoring this precious natural resource. From Big City Fishing to Shell-ebrate Oysters, the Park’s Estuary Lab hosts programs throughout the Park’s four-mile footprint that excite and inspire audiences of all ages.  Participants can even work alongside Estuary Lab staff to support the health and habitat of the Park’s urban waters through community research projects such as oyster monitoring and marine debris analysis.  A headline event on the bill this summer is the Hudson River Dance Festival, which brings world-renowned modern dance companies and artists to the river’s edge at sundown for a spectacular sampling of the hottest modern dance programs—all for free. This year’s Hudson River Dance Festival will feature: Jason Samuels Smith & Igmar Thomas, American Ballet Theatre Studio Company, Limón Dance Company, Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, and The Chase Brock Experience. The 19th Annual Blues BBQ Festival, as well as Big City Fishing, Hudson RiverFlicks movie series, Sunset on the Hudson concerts, and Salsa Dancing with Talia Castro-Pozo also return! The Healthy on the Hudson fitness series, one of the Park’s most popular summer offerings, has expanded to offer more variety of fitness activities for New Yorkers of all ages, from outrigger sessions to rejuvenating yoga and tai chi. Free sing-along movie nights featuring audience favorites Frozen and Chicago will liven up the lawn at Clinton Cove, and legendary artists curated by the Jazz Foundation of America will bring their sultry sounds to Hudson River Park’s Pier 84 on select Thursday evenings from May through September.  You won’t want to miss one of NYC’s most glamorous—and family-friendly—fundraising soirees of the summer, the 2ndannual Hudson River Park Friends Playground Committee Backyard BBQ. This evening of summertime celebration on the Chelsea Lawn Bowl at Hudson River Park’s Pier 62 is a great way to welcome the season and give back to help support free programs for families and children in New York’s Park for Play. Enjoy delicious barbeque and picnic fare, cocktails and live music in your own backyard along the river’s edge. Activities include offerings from Big City Fishing, Brooklyn Robot Foundry, Bubble Dad, Chess at Three, Curated Care, Craft Studio, Melinda’s Children Parties, Strong Heart Fun, Super Soccer Stars, Taste Buds, Tesla, a Photo Booth—and more! A detailed listing of this year’s 20th Anniversary Summer of Fun events—from movies, to music, to magic and much, much more—can be found below. For updates and more information, please visit www.hudsonriverpark.org/events throughout the summer. Follow us @HudsonRiverPark on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram to share your Summer of Fun! Hudson River Park’s 20th Anniversary Summer of Fun  Events Calendar 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION EVENT June 2nd, Pier 45 – FREE 9:00am – 10:30am: Healthy on the Hudson workout 10:00am – 10:45am: Eco walk 10:45am – 11:45am: Healthy on the Hudson workout 12:00pm – 3:00pm: Estuary Lab Science Saturdays programming include Big City Fishing & Shell-ebrate Oysters 1:00pm – 1:30pm: Mad Science Show 3:00pm – 4:00pm: RiverKids: magic with Kid Ace 4:00pm – 6:00pm: Sunset on the Hudson musical performance 6:00pm – 8:00pm: Sunset Salsa dancing with Talia Castro-Pozo, accompanied by Mitch Frohman and the Bronx Horns 8:00pm – 10:00pm: RiverFlicks: 20th Anniversary screening of the 1998 blockbuster The Wedding Singer DANCE Hudson River Dance Festival – FREE Presented by SHS Foundation in association with The Joyce Theater Hudson River Park is proud to bring you the fourth annual Hudson River Dance Festival. This celebration of dance will feature the rare treat of some of New York’s (and the world’s) favorite dance companies appearing in one evening, on one stage, for two nights only –  don't miss these renowned dance companies in motion! 2018 Hudson River Dance Festival Dance Companies: Jason Samuels Smith and Igmar Thomas performing MOST LIKE LEE American Ballet Theatre Studio Company performing LE JEUNE by Lauren Lovette Limón Dance Company performing CORVIDAE by Colin Connor Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo performing TARANTELLA The Chase Brock Experience performing SPLENDOR WE ONLY PARTIALLY IMAGINED by Chase Brock      Event Location, Date and Time: Hudson River Park’s Pier 63 Lawn, located at West 23rd St. in Chelsea Thursday, June 7 and Friday, June 8 7:00pm Sunset Salsa - FREE Things heat up when the sun goes down in Hudson River Park with Sunset Salsa! Join us on Tuesday nights in July & August for salsa dancing led by Talia Castro-Pozo and friends. Beginner Salsa dance lessons from 6:30pm – 7:15pm; DJs start the party at 7:15pm.                   Event Location, Dates and Time: Hudson River Park’s Pier 45, located at Christopher St. in Greenwich Village Every Tuesday from July 10 – August 28 6:30pm   FAMILY Hudson River Park Friends Playground Committee Backyard BBQ– Give Back in Your Own Backyard – May 31st    Presented by Hudson River Park Friends                         The Hudson River Park Friends Playground Committee Background BBQ is the perfect way to welcome summer in New York City! Parents and their children can enjoy delicious barbeque, cocktails and live music in your own riverfront backyard while giving back to help support free programs for families and children in Hudson River Park. Activities include offerings from Big City Fishing, Brooklyn Robot Foundry, Bubble Dad, Chess at Three, Curated Care, Craft Studio, Melinda’s Children Parties, Strong Heart Fun, Super Soccer Stars, Taste Buds, Tesla, a Photo Booth—and more! CLICK HERE for sponsorship opportunities.                    Event Location, Date and Time: Chelsea Lawn and Hudson River Park’s Pier 62, located at 23rd Street in Chelsea Thursday, May 31 5:00pm – 8:00pm Cost: Tickets start at $125 for individual kid tickets; visit www.hudsonriverpark.org/backyardbbq for more information Hudson RiverKids – FREE Hudson River Park brings out all of your favorite New York City family performers each week, proudly supported by Manhattan Youth! From music to magic to interactive storytelling, Hudson RiverKids will keep your family entertained all summer long. The Hudson RiverKids season will run from June 4th through September 13th, and these fantastic programs will be offered twice per week at two locations, Pier 25 in Tribeca AND Pier 62 in Chelsea. Please note: show times (below) will change at the start and end of the season, with events prior to June 18th and after August 20th starting at 4:00pm, while the remainder of the programs will begin at 6:30pm.                   2018 Hudson RiverKids Performers: 6/4 and 9/6: Kid Ace 6/11 and 6/14: City Stomp 6/18 and 6/21: Alex & The Kaleidoscope Band 6/25 and 6/28: Tim Kubart Trio 7/9: Mister G 7/12: Story Time with Nick Bruel 7/16 and 7/19: Story Pirates 7/23 and 7/26: Ramblin’ Dan and the Freewheelin’ Band 7/30 and 8/2: The Pop-Ups 8/6 and 8/9: Suzi Shelton 8/13 and 8/16; Joanie Leeds 8/20 and 8/23: Mike Messer (of the Dirty Sock Funtime Band) 8/27 and 8/30: Penny Jones Puppets 9/10 and 9/13: Bilingual Birdies Band Event Location, Dates and Time: Mondays at Hudson River Park’s Pier 25, in Tribeca Thursdays at Hudson River Park’s Pier 62, in Chelsea Times vary; please visit www.hudsonriverpark.org ESTUARY LAB Hudson River Park’s Estuary Lab programming lets participants discover, explore and even restore the Park’s 400-acre estuarine sanctuary  Big City Fishing – FREE Adults and kids ages 5 and up learn how to fish while engaging with trained environmental educators about river science topics. Event Location, Dates and Times:                                                                                                             Every Sunday from July 1 – August 26 Hudson River Park’s Pier 84, located at West 44th St. in Midtown 11:00am – 3:00pm Every Sunday from  July 1 – September 30 Hudson River Park’s Pier 25, located at N. Moore St. in Tribeca No program on September 23rd 11:00am – 3:00pm Every Monday from July 2 – August 20 2 locations: Hudson River Park’s Pier 25, located at N. Moore St. in Tribeca  and Hudson River Park’s Pier 46, located at Charles St. (just north of Christopher St.) in Greenwich Village 5:00pm – 7:30pm Science Saturdays – FREE (New Event) Dive into science this summer at Hudson River Park! The whole family can enjoy hands-on activities including larger than life experiments, microscopic investigations, nature-inspired crafts and more. Event Location, Dates and Times: Locations vary; please visit www.hudsonriverpark.org Saturdays: June 2, July 14 and August 11 12:00pm – 4:00pm  Pre-registration recommended at  www.hudsonriverpark.eventbrite.com Roving River – FREE This summer, keep an eye out for Hudson River Park’s Roving River Tricycle – a unique display of live Hudson River wildlife on wheels. Observe river animals up close and interact with smaller critters in a kid-friendly touch tank. Location, Dates and Times: Travels between Pier 40, located at W. Houston Street, and Pier 25, located at N. Moore Street Every Sunday from July 1 – September 30 No program on September 23rd 11:00am – 3:00pm Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @HudsonRiverPark to find out where it’s headed next. Pop Up Maker Space – FREE Sponsored by Google Calling all Makers! Tinker, test, and LEARN at Hudson River Park’s outdoor Maker Space for weekly workshops where participants get hands-on experience designing and constructing innovative solutions to marine-focused challenges. Event Location, Dates and Times: Every Sunday from July 1 – August 26 Hudson River Park’s Pier 84, located at West 44th St. in Midtown 4:00pm – 5:30pm Pre-registration recommended at www.hudsonriverpark.eventbrite.com Shell-ebrate Oysters – FREE  There’s more to do with oysters besides shucking them! They filter water, engineer reefs, and stabilize our shorelines. Help us keep them happy and healthy in the Hudson by working alongside Park staff to restore oyster beds and learn how these bivalves benefit the health of the River. Event Location, Dates and Times: Hudson River Park’s Pier 25, located at N. Moore St. in Tribeca Every Sunday from July 1 – September 30 No program on September 23rd 4:00pm – 5:30pm Pre-registration recommended at  www.hudsonriverpark.eventbrite.com Hudson Nature Walk – FREE Learn about Hudson River Park’s wildlife by joining knowledgeable naturalists on guided nature walks along the Park’s esplanade. Don’t forget to take photos! Event Location, Dates and Times: Every Sunday from June 3 – September 30 9:00am – 10:00am Meet at the Christopher St. Fountain, Christopher St in Greenwich Village Pre-registration required at www.hudsonriverpark.eventbrite.com       Community EcoPaddle Partnering with Manhattan Kayak Company  *This event has a nominal fee Join Hudson River Park and Manhattan Kayak Company for an evening of kayaking and oyster restoration. Community EcoPaddle allows participants to explore local aquatic wildlife and learn to paddle in the River. Event Location, Dates and Times: Monthly tours offered from June through September 6:00pm – 8:00pm at various locations Cost: $20 (includes all necessary equipment) Visit www.hudsonriverpark.org for dates, times and locations   Hudson History Walk Partnering with Brooklyn Brainery  *This event has a nominal fee Discover NYC’s dynamic waterfront history through a guided walking tour led by local historians. Event Location, Dates and Times: Monthly tours offered from June through September 6:30pm – 7:30pm at various locations Cost: $15 Visit www.hudsonriverpark.org for tour themes and tickets  SUBMERGE – FREE Hudson River Park’s NYC Marine Science Festival  Hudson River Park’s SUBMERGE festival celebrates NYC’s coastal waters while bringing marine science to life.  Enjoy free hands-on activities, kid-approved science entertainment, presentations by noted scientists, citizen science, kayaking, fishing and more! More festival information can be found at www.hudsonriverpark.org.  Event Location, Dates and Times: Hudson River Park’s Pier 84, located at West 44th St. in Midtown Saturday, September 22 Rain Date: Sunday, September 23 11:00am – 4:00pm   MOVIES   Hudson RiverFlicks: Big Hit Wednesdays – FREE From blockbusters to instant classics and Oscar winners, Hudson RiverFlicks: Big Hit Wednesdays has all of your favorite movies from the last year. Hudson River Park gives you the chance to see your favorite movies on the big screen, FOR FREE! Free Popcorn.  More information can be found at www.hudsonriverpark.org.                 2018 Hudson RiverFlicks: Big Hit Wednesdays Titles: 7/11: Get Out – Rated “R” 7/18: The Big Sick – Rated “R” 7/25: Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle – Rated “PG-13” 8/1: Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri – Rated “R” 8/8: Wonder Woman – Rated “PG-13” 8/15: Lady Bird – Rated “R” 8/22: Blade Runner 2049 – Rated “R”       Event Location, Dates and Times: Hudson River Park’s Pier 63 Lawn, at West 23rd St. in Chelsea Every Wednesday from July 11 – August 22 Movies begin at dusk (generally around 8:30pm) Hudson RiverFlicks: Family Fridays – FREE There’s something for everyone in the family on Friday nights in Hudson River Park! Hudson RiverFlicks: Family Fridays returns to Hudson River Park’s Pier 46 this summer and features recent favorites as well as classic movies for the whole family to enjoy. Free Popcorn.  More information can be found at www.hudsonriverpark.org.                 2018 Hudson RiverFlicks: Family Fridays Titles: 7/13: Moana – Rated “PG”  7/20: Wonder – Rated “PG” 7/27: Jumanji (1995) – Rated “PG” 8/3: Paddington 2  – Rated “PG” 8/10: Spice World – Rated “PG” 8/17: The Karate Kid (1984) – Rated “PG” 8/24: Coco – Rated “PG” Event Location, Dates and Times: Hudson River Park’s Pier 46, located at Charles St. (just north of Christopher St.) in Greenwich Village Every Friday from July 13 – August 24  Movies begin at dusk (generally around 8:30pm) Hudson RiverFlicks: Sing-Along Special (in Clinton Cove) – FREE Join us in Hudson River Park’s Clinton Cove (just off 55th Street) to celebrate all-time-favorite musical movies! Sing along to show-stoppers with Chicago, and Let It Go with family favorite, Frozen. Join us in the Park to relax, enjoy the show, and sing your heart out! Free Popcorn.  More information at www.hudsonriverpark.org.                 2018 Hudson RiverFlicks: Sing-Along Special Titles: 7/26: Chicago – Rated “PG-13” 8/23: Frozen – Rated “PG” Event Location, Dates and Times: Hudson River Park’s Clinton Cove, at West 55th St. in Clinton Thursday, July 26 and Thursday, August 23 Movie begins at dusk (generally around 8:30pm)   MUSIC   Jazz @ Pier 84: Featuring the Jazz Foundation of America – FREE  Presented in association with the Jazz Foundation of America Hudson River Park’s Pier 84 comes alive on sultry summer Thursdays from May through September with fantastic musicians from the Jazz Foundation of America! For almost 30 years, JFA has provided help to jazz and blues musicians with both direct assistance and opportunities to play sizzling hot shows, just like this one!               Jazz @ Pier 84 Bands: 5/31: Ray Mantilla 6/21: Alvin Flythe Quartet 7/19: Sylvia Cuenca Organ Quartet 8/16: Michael Marcus 9/13: George Braith Event Location, Dates and Time: Hudson River Park’s Pier 84, at West 44th Street Thursdays: May 31, June 21, July 19, August 16 and September 13 7:00pm Sunset on the Hudson - FREE Friday nights equal great local music! Join us every Friday night at Hudson River Park’s Pier 45 at 7:00pm to hear some of NYC’s best local artists!                 Sunset on the Hudson Bands: 6/29 and 8/10: High & Mighty Brass Band 7/6 and 8/24: Manhattan Samba 7/13 and 8/17: Baby Soda 7/20: Jenna Kyle 7/27 and 8/3: The Chuck Braman Jazz Band                  Event Location, Dates and Time: Hudson River Park’s Pier 45, located at Christopher St. in Greenwich Village Fridays from June 22 – August 24 7:00pm – 9:00pm Hudson River Park’s 19th Annual Blues BBQ – FREE Admission  The 19th annual Blues BBQ returns to Pier 97 for an amazing day filled with food, friends and great blues music. Pairing America’s best Blues and Roots musicians with New York City’s favorite BBQ restaurants makes for an unforgettable summer day on the Hudson River!                 2018 Blues BBQ line up*: 2:00pm: The Slam Allen Band 3:15pm: Danielle Nicole 4:30pm: Welch-Ledbetter Connection 6:00pm: Dawn Tyler Watson 7:30pm: Vieux Farka Touré                 2018 Blues BBQ Restaurants include: Pig Beach Mighty Quinn’s Dinosaur Bar-B-Que                 Event Location, Date and Time: Hudson River Park’s Pier 97, located at West 59th St. in Clinton Saturday, August 18 2:00pm – 9:00pm *Program and artists subject to change   FITNESS Healthy on the Hudson – FREE Working out in New York City has never been better! This FREE exercise series will take place every Monday, Wednesday & Thursday all summer long! A wide range of classes are offered; space is limited to 75 people per class and participation requires RSVP. For times, locations, information on class styles, and to RSVP, please visit: www.hudsonriverpark.eventbrite.com. Mondays Presented in partnership with the New York School of T’ai Chi Chuan, classes will take place on Pier 84 in June and July. Wednesdays lululemon partners with Hudson River Park every Wednesday to bring you a summer of fitness and fun! Workouts vary – check our website for details. Thursdays Presented in partnership with Shape Up NYC, take your yoga practice to the west side waterfront on Pier 46. Bring your own mat! BECOME ONE OF HUDSON RIVER PARK’s ‘FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS’ TODAY!  Hudson River Park receives no government funds for its operation or maintenance. You can support the Park byBECOMING A FRIEND at hudsonriverpark.org/friends. Friends’ Membership starts at only $50 and helps ensure that free and low-cost programs will continue to thrive in New York’s Park for Play. Benefits also include member perks at local community partner locations and invitations to Friends events throughout the year.                                                       GETTING THERE Hudson River Park’s Pier 25 & 26 N. Moore Street  – Tribeca Take the 1 to Franklin Street or the A, C, E to Canal Street and walk west OR take the M8 bus to Harrison Street and West Street. Landmarks and Conveniences:  Just north of Battery Park City & Stuyvesant High School, restrooms and snack bar Hudson River Park’s Piers 45 & 46 Christopher Street – Greenwich Village Take the 1 or PATH to Christopher Street or the A, C, E, B, D, F or M to W. 4th Street and walk west OR take the M8 bus to Christopher Street and West Street. Landmarks and Conveniences:  Christopher Street fountain, restrooms and snack bar Hudson River Park’s 14th Street Park 14th Street Park, 10th Ave and 14th Street – Meatpacking District Take the A, C, E, to 14th Street, or take the M14 bus to Tenth Ave and 15th Street.  Landmarks and Conveniences:  Located just west of Chelsea Market Hudson River Park’s Pier 40 353 West Street, at Houston St – West Village Take the 1 to Houston Street, or take the M8 to West St & Christopher St or the M21 bus to Washington St & W Houston St. Landmarks and Conveniences:  Pier 40 is a large Blue and brick building with the Trapeze School located on the roof of the building. Hudson River Park’s Pier 62 & Pier 63 Lawn Bowl 23rd Street – Chelsea Take the 1, C or E to 23rd Street and walk west OR take the M23 bus to Twelfth Avenue and 24th Street.   Cross West Street at 22nd, 23rd or 24th Streets Landmarks and Conveniences:  Immediately north of the Chelsea Piers complex Hudson River Park’s Pier 66A 26th Street Take the 1, C or E to 23rd Street and walk west OR take the M23 bus to Twelfth Avenue and 24th Street.   Cross West Street at 22nd, 23rd or 24th Streets Landmarks and Conveniences:  North of the Chelsea Piers complex Hudson River Park’s Pier 84 44th Street – Midtown Take the A, C or E to 42nd Street and walk west OR take the M42 bus to the Hudson River. Landmarks and Conveniences: a restaurant, boathouse, bike rental shop, park store and fountain (Located between Circle Line Cruises 42nd St. and the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum) Hudson River Park’s Clinton Cove 55th Street – Midtown Take the C, E or 1 to 50th Street –OR take the M31 or M57 bus and walk west.  Landmarks and Conveniences: a shade structure, boathouse, and large Bottle sculpture. Cross at W. 55th St. Hudson River Park’s Pier 97 59th Street – Midtown Take the A, B, C, D or 1 to 59th Street – Columbus Circle OR take the M31 or M57 bus and walk west.  Landmarks and Conveniences:  Immediately north of the Clinton Cove section of Hudson River Park. Enter underneath the Westside Highway/9A overpass at West 59th Street. ### About Hudson River Park  Hudson River Park, which extends from Chambers Street to 59th Street along Manhattan’s west side, is the longest riverfront park in the United States. This free, urban recreational oasis is home to award-winning skate parks, playgrounds, sports fields, gardens and nature exhibits, boating and maritime activities, art installations, and myriad year-round events that celebrate the diverse cultures and neighborhoods along its shores. The Park plays a critical role in protecting the Hudson River ecosystem, and though it receives no public operating funds from city, state or federal government, its development has transformed four miles of decaying piers and parking lots into a premier New York City destination for local residents and visitors alike. The non-profit,  Hudson River Park Friends helps to ensure ongoing sustainability by serving as the Park’s primary source of fundraising, advocacy and support, working in concert with the Hudson River Park Trust, the city-state entity that oversees the design, construction and operation of the Park. For more information, please visit www.hudsonriverpark.org.  Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @HudsonRiverPark, and LIKE us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/HudsonRiverPark.