Here’s Your Summer 2024 Guide to Governors Island

We think of Governors Island as Lower Manhattan’s backyard, which makes it the spot to enjoy the summer. So grab those lawn chairs, because there’ll be plenty to experience in the months to come — in addition to the natural landscapes, historic buildings, food vendors, spa and glamping resort that make for a beautiful day on the island, there are also several exciting events planned for the season. 

New Yorkers can expect art installations, parties, music festivals, workshops and sporting events this summer, just a few minutes by ferry from Lower Manhattan. 

New Waves in Art and Tech 

This group art show happens weekly on Friday, Saturday and Sunday through August 18. The show is presented by Harvestworks and explores themes of privacy, artificial intelligence and climate, among others. The pieces utilize creative technology like audio spa­tial­iza­tion, biotech­nol­o­gy and sim­ple motor­ized devices for immersive artworks that are sure to spark conversation. The show is free to explore and more information can be found here. 

We Belong Here

We Belong Here is a music festival happening on Governors Island over two weekends: May 24-26 and May 31-June 2. House and techno artists including Korolova, Bakermat, A.S.A. and Maz will be performing. Tickets for the 21+ event start at $50 and can be purchased here. 

Jazz Age Lawn Party 

One of the biggest events on Governors Island this summer is the Jazz Age Lawn Party, which happens across two weekends: June 8-9 and August 10-11. Attendees can expect to enjoy live music, retro cocktails and Prohibition-era entertainment. Gatsby-inspired outfits not required, but definitely recommended. Tickets start at $50 and can be purchased here. 

Urban Farm Tour 

The Bee Con­ser­van­cy, Earth Mat­ter NY and GrowNYC are offering public tours of the Urban Farm on Gov­er­nors Island on the first Saturday of each month from 2 to 3:30 p.m. until November 1, 2024. Attendees can expect to learn about bees, composting, organic gardening and the work each organization does to keep the Urban Farm running. If you can’t make it to the tour, the Urban Farm is open every weekend for individual exploration between the hours of 12 and 4 p.m. 

Sunset Soirée

Enjoy cocktails, food, music, incredible views and tram tours around the island at this year’s Sunset Soirée on June 11 at 6 p.m. The social event at Island Oyster benefits the Friends of Governors Island, an independent nonprofit that cares for the island’s green spaces, provides educational opportunities and hosts free public programs. Tickets start at $250 and can be purchased here. 

FAD Market 

Get some shopping done at the monthly FAD Market on Governors Island, which features a rotating lineup of more than 40 creators selling handcrafted jewelry, art, bath and body care items, artisanal food and more. The FAD Market takes place every third weekend until October; upcoming dates are June 15-16, July 20-21 and August 17-18. You can get more information or apply to be a vendor here.

Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix 

Set sail (well, see other people set sail) on June 22-23 at Governors Island. Watch sailors on 50-foot catamarans race around at 60+ miles per hour against the backdrop of the iconic New York City skyline. Attendees at the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix will also enjoy food, drinks and live music from the comfort of the SailGP Race Stadium on Governors Island. Tickets begin at $51.38 and can be purchased here. 

New York City Poetry Festival 

Lie in the grass with a beer and listen to some poetry at the annual New York City Poetry Festival, happening July 13-14. It’s a free weekend of readings, workshops, open mics, writing activities, children’s programming, food and drinks. Headliners for 2024 include Kaz­im Ali, Katie Far­ris, Safia Elhil­lo and Ilya Kamin­sky. The event is put on by the Poetry Society of New York and more information on the event can be found here.

NYCRUNS Ice Cream Social 10K

It’s hard to imagine a race with better views than this one. NYCRUNS is hosting a 10K on Governors Island on August 3. Runners will loop around the island twice, taking in views of Lower Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Statue of Liberty. At the end, runners get to enjoy ice cream and other post-race eats. Registration starts at $22.50 for NYCRUNS members and $40 for non-members, though pricing increases the closer the event gets. Get more information and register for the event here. 

In addition to these highlighted events, you can find out more about what’s happening this summer on Governors Island here.