Here’s What’s Happening on Governors Island This Summer
July 21, 2025
Located just off the shores of Lower Manhattan, Governors Island is the perfect getaway where you can enjoy carefully curated experiences or simply take in beautiful views of the city skyline. As we approach the dead of summer, the island will host a number of exciting events to add to its already breathtaking natural landscapes, historic buildings and wide range of food vendors.
Jazz Age Lawn Party (August 9-10)
This 20-year-old Prohibition era-inspired lawn party attracts thousands of annual visitors interested in returning to the Roaring 1920s. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., attendees can enjoy jazz performances from the likes of Queen Esther and Michael Arenella & His Dreamland Orchestra, in addition to delights from some of the best gourmet food trucks in the city, which will be serving up desserts, ice cream and old-timey snacks. Register here.
Group Show: Rest/Play
Featuring works from artists including Nina Abney, Hank Willis Thomas and Arlene Shechet, “Rest/Play” is a group show with a number of installations visitors can discover throughout the island. The “Rest” designs merge creativity with functionality in bringing artistic seating arrangements to the island that aim to reconnect visitors with nature. The “Play” elements of this installation include works meant to inspire joy and deep reflection, with the goal of creating a “sensory experience that refreshes both body and mind.” Curated by Lauren Hayes, this series of works will remain on the island until November 2.
FAD Market
Returning to Governors Island for its fourth year, the FAD Market takes place on King Avenue every third weekend from June to October. During these select weekends, visitors should expect a rotating lineup of small businesses along with emerging designers and artists specializing in home furnishings, jewelry and clothing. In addition to offering a one-of-a-kind selection of goods, FAD Market weekends are also the perfect opportunity to grab a cocktail or play pétanque while taking in unrivaled views of the Lower Manhattan skyline.
Institute for Public Architecture’s Summer Open [Block] House
On August 9, the Institute for Public Architecture (IPA) will be hosting the last of its Summer Open [Block] House series. One of the island’s year-long tenants, IPA’s library will be open for the public to peruse its vast collection of periodicals on art, architecture and urban planning. Additionally, visitors will be able to have a glimpse at some of the Institute’s works-in-progress while talking to the IPA Fellows who have been living and working on Governors Island for 11 weeks. Click here to learn more.
Monthly Tree Tour
Despite being partially man-made, Governors Island has become home to nearly 3,500 trees. You can participate in one of the island’s free monthly tree tours by registering here. Keep in mind that they only happen on the first Saturday of each month from 11:45 a.m. until 1 p.m., with tours ongoing through October.
NYCRUNS Manhattan Ice Cream Social 10K and 5K
Kick off your August by joining NYCRUNS for its Ice Cream Social. With the 10K and 5K races taking place on August 2 and 3 respectively, participants will have the opportunity to enjoy some of Lower Manhattan’s best views while running amongst historic landmarks scattered throughout the island. Register here to secure your ticket which includes a free round-trip ferry, t-shirt and sweet treats for after the race.
World Building Climate Writing Workshop
On August 10, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Governors Island invites you to stretch your imagination and write a better world into being with the Climate Imaginarium’s interactive exhibition of prompts drafted by the NYC Climate Writers Collective. By the end of the workshop, you’ll be inspired to write flash fiction stories about combatting the climate crisis. If you want to advocate for climate awareness while improving your confidence as a writer, this Governors Island exclusive event is for you! Register here to participate.
