Sorghum Saturday: A Sweet Day on the Urban Farm
2024-10-05 13:00 - 15:00 UTC | Urban Farm
Join us for a sweet experience as we discover the art of sorghum pressing and learn all about this amazing plant grown right here on our Urban Farm! During this hands-on experience, you will juice sorghum with a hand cranked press, taste fresh sorghum juice, sample boiled-down sorghum syrup, and snack on popped sorghum grain, which resembles popcorn.
Location: Urban Farm
For inquiries about accessibility, to request an accommodation or for event information, please email publicprograms@randallsisland.org.

Waterfront Wellness
2024-10-19 13:00 - 14:00 | East River Picnic Area
Join us for a free outdoor fitness class along the waterfront, where wellness meets nature! This all-ages, all-abilities class is led by Benswic trainers who will guide you through a fun and effective bodyweight workout. Bring a water bottle and a smile—everyone is welcome!
Registration encouraged, but not required here.
Location: East River Picnic Area
For inquiries about accessibility, to request an accommodation, or for event information, please email publicprograms@randallsisland.org.

From Canopy to Canvas: Appreciating Our Forest Through Art on City of Forest Day
2024-10-26 10:00 - 12:30 | White Garden
Join us for a tour to see stunning fall foliage and learn about the many benefits Randall’s Island Park’s Urban Forest provides. Following the tour, attendees are invited to a relaxing watercolor landscape painting session within the shaded canopy of the White Garden along the banks of the East River. The day will be a great way to unwind and gain a deeper appreciation for the serenity and important ecosystem services our urban forest provides. Light seasonal refreshments will be provided during the painting.
Registration is required here.
Location: White Garden
For inquiries about accessibility, to request an accommodation, or for event information, please email publicprograms@randallsisland.org.

Halloween Boo Bash
2024-10-26 12:00 - 15:00 | White Garden
Join us for an afternoon of Halloween Fun! Come out to Randall’s Island Park for Halloween-themed activities, treats, music, and more. Costumes are welcome!
Location: White Garden by Field 74
For inquiries about accessibility, to request an accommodation or for event information, please email publicprograms@randallsisland.org.

Fall Cleanup
2024-11-02 09:30 - 12:00 | Bronx Shore Public Bathroom
Join the Randall’s Island Park Alliance and our Natural Areas team for one last push to cleanup the park while the weather is still agreeable! Volunteers will not only help with picking up litter and debris but also remove invasive species, clean walking trail paths and other duties to put us on a good path for the winter months. This event is open to the general public.
Registration is required here.
Location: Bronx Shore Public Bathroom near Field 3
If you are having difficulty finding us, or you need to cancel the same day, please feel free to reach Lyall at 617-686-0342.
All participants must sign a Waiver of Liability. Teens aged 16 and 17 years old may volunteer without adult supervision but they must bring the attached waiver signed by a parent or guardian. Minors under 16 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian or adult and bring the attached waiver signed by a parent or guardian. This waiver should be given to those at the registration table.
For inquiries about accessibility, to request an accommodation, or for event information, please email publicprograms@randallsisland.org.

CANCELLED Fungus Walk with The New York Mycological Society
2024-11-02 10:00 - 14:00 | Icahn Stadium
This event has been cancelled due to lack of rain.

Join us as we partner with The New York Mycological Society to hunt for fungi in all its many forms. Learn how to find and identify fungi as well as their essential role in the ecosystem. Bring paper bags for collecting specimens, a hand lens, a knife, a tackle box (optional), water and a lunch.
We highly recommend using the iNaturalist app (IOS, Android) to document the fungi you find. Find out how to use it here.
If you’ve never been on a mushroom walk with us before, here is what to expect. We look forward to seeing you there!
Location: Icahn Stadium
For inquiries about accessibility, to request an accommodation, or for event information, please email publicprograms@randallsisland.org.

Team RIVER Saturday
2024-11-09 09:30 - 12:30 | Icahn Stadium
Volunteer with Team RIVER (Randall’s Island Volunteer Ecological Restorers) and help keep Randall’s Island Park beautiful! Team RIVER Volunteers regularly work with the Natural Areas team twice a month to take care of and restore our natural spaces on the island. With our Horticulture team, volunteers care for the many gardens, green streets and meadows here at the park, every second Wednesday of each month. We also work with volunteers to help with park maintenance and public events. If you are only able to volunteer on a limited basis, you are still very much welcome!
Volunteers must be at least 11 years old. Anyone under the age of 18 must have a waiver signed by their legal guardian before starting any work. Children under 16 must also have an adult with them while volunteering (please contact volunteers@randallsisland.org for a copy of the waiver).
Registration is required here.
Location: East Entrance of Icahn Stadium
For inquiries about accessibility, to request an accommodation, or for event information, please email publicprograms@randallsisland.org.

Wild Oyster Survey with the Billion Oyster Project
2024-11-16 13:30 - 15:30 | North side of the Little Hell Gate Salt Marsh
Join Billion Oyster Project and Randall’s Island Park Alliance at Little Hell Gate Salt Marsh on Randall’s Island for a wild oyster survey along the Harlem River shoreline. Wild oyster surveys are an opportunity to explore your local waterfront and build collective knowledge about where oysters live in NYC.
Learn to count and measure wild oysters along the coast while collecting data to help understand current wild oyster survey populations in New York Harbor. Participants, ages 16+, will learn about how oysters grow, and get up close and personal with the local oyster population while collecting and recording data.
Registration is required to attend this event.
Location: north side of the Little Hell Gate Salt Marsh
Before the event, please watch this video about Wild Oyster Surveys and how to do one, skim through this Protocol Handout explaining what you will do in the field, and send in your digital waiver.
ALL Participants are required to complete this digital waiver in order to participate in this Wild Oyster Survey event. Signed waivers can be submitted electronically via the link provided.
Please wear weather appropriate clothing (water-proof gear in rain, hat when it’s sunny, etc.) and sturdy shoes that you don’t mind getting wet or muddy. Closed toed shoes are required, we suggest rubber boots.
Sunscreen, bug spray, light snacks, and water bottles will be provided, but we encourage you to bring a personal water bottle and sunscreen, especially on sunnier days. Our team will provide all other field supplies including clipboards, data sheets, etc.
Accessibility information
This outdoor event will require walking, bending down, and squatting, on uneven, slippery, rocky, muddy, and sandy ground. Stools will be available nearby as needed, though participants should expect to be standing and/or squatting for up to 2 hours. There are no bathrooms near by the survey site, though there are bathrooms in the park. Parking is available on site. Please reach out with specific questions about accessibility.
Inclement Weather
All outdoor events are subject to cancellation/rescheduling in the case of inclement weather (e.g. extreme heat, heavy rain, lightning etc). If there is light rain, the event will still take place. In the case that this training needs to be canceled or rescheduled, you will receive an email additional with more information.
Wild Oyster Surveys are made possible through a grant from the Dr. Scholl Foundation. This program is part of Billion Oyster Project’s
Please reach out to wildoyster@billionoysterproject.org with any questions, or to be placed on the waitlist in the event RSVPs are full.
What’s included
Participants ages 16+ will learn to count and measure wild oysters along the Randall’s Island shoreline.

Christmas Bird Count
2024-12-15 09:00 - 14:00 | Icahn Stadium
The 125th annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count—the nation’s longest-running Community-Science bird project—will soon be underway nationwide, and in all five boroughs of New York City – including here at Randall’s Island Park!
Anyone can participate, even beginner birders! The data collected over the past century by volunteer observers, ranging from experienced ornithologists to casual nature enthusiasts, allow researchers to study the long-term health and status of bird populations across North America.
This family-friendly activity is a great way to explore our City’s natural areas while contributing to valuable scientific research, and we encourage all to participate!
Registration is required here.
Location: Icahn Stadium
For inquiries about accessibility, to request an accommodation, or for event information, please email publicprograms@randallsisland.org.

Winter Composting hosted by Big Reuse
2025-01-11 10:00 - 13:00 | Urban Farm
Join the NYC Compost Project hosted by Big Reuse as we manage the 3-bin compost system at Randall’s Island Urban Farm!
We will be processing food scraps, yard waste, turning piles, and sifting finished compost.
Your volunteer work with us helps divert food scraps and organic waste away from landfills, which decreases greenhouse gas emissions and creates a soil amendment that goes back into parks, gardens, and public green spaces. Help us work towards a more ecologically sustainable community!
Registration is required here.
Location: Urban Farm
For inquiries about accessibility, to request an accommodation, or for event information, please email publicprograms@randallsisland.org.

MLK Day of Service - Morning
2025-01-18 09:30 - 11:30 | Icahn Stadium
Volunteers will assist our Urban Farm team to create these seed packets by placing seeds into packages and clearly labelling each. Seed-saving has a long and rich history, and we’re proud to take a small part in this tradition and pass on our seeds to others in the community to grow. Hot chocolate and light snacks will be provided.
Each growing season, the Urban Farm gives away hundreds of seed packets at its welcome table during the farm’s weekend Open Hours. Seed packets are extremely popular with our visitors — so much so that it is hard to keep the table stocked.
We maintain a wide range of seeds for giveaway! At any given time, you might find rice, lotus, carrot, or lettuce seeds in our library. Some of the seeds we share with the public are extra seeds that we purchased and no longer use. Others are seeds that we save ourselves from the plants growing on the Urban Farm.
Registration is required here. Please arrive early to sign in.
Location: East Entrance of Icahn Stadium
For inquiries about accessibility, to request an accommodation, or for event information, please email publicprograms@randallsisland.org.

MLK Day of Service - Afternoon
2025-01-18 12:30 - 14:30 | Icahn Stadium

Celebrating Black History Month
2025-02-20 15:00 - 17:00 | East Harlem Neighborhood Health Action Center, 158 E 115th Street, New York, NY, 10029, United States
Join RIPA in this celebration of Black History Month as we uplift the stories and work of our local Black community. We’ll gather at the East Harlem Neighborhood Health Action Center for some nature and community-based activities and an Afro-Brazilian Samba class. Enjoy music, games, and snacks! This program is free and accessible to all ages—geared toward families with opportunities for engagement for all.
Location: East Harlem Neighborhood Health Action Center
For inquiries about accessibility, to request an accommodation, or for event information, please email publicprograms@randallsisland.org.

Volunteer Enrichment: Controlling Emerging Invasives through Education and Eradication (RESCHEDULED to MARCH 1)
2025-03-01 09:30 - 12:30 | Icahn Stadium
Our Natural Areas Manager, Doug Kenney, will present an informative workshop on four invasive species RIPA is targeting for removal as part of a DEC-awarded grant, followed by a hands-on activity removing one of the species (Italian Arum) in the Water’s Edge Garden/Forest Pathway area.
We will gather in Icahn Stadium for the presentation, enjoy some snacks, and hot cocoa. Following the presentation attendees will go in the field and directly identify and remove some of these and these potential future invasive plants.
Due to weather conditions, this event will now be held on Saturday, March 1!
Registration is required here.
Location: Icahn Stadium
For inquiries about accessibility, to request an accommodation, or for event information, please email publicprograms@randallsisland.org.

Volunteer Enrichment: Bridges of Randall's Island Bike Tour
2025-03-08 09:30 - 12:30 | Icahn Stadium
Join us to examine the bridges that surround Randall’s Island Park! This tour will start with a presentation of the history behind and specifics of the bridges on Randall’s Island. We will look at:

Important people behind these bridges
Bridge design
Bridges on the island

After, we will take a ride around the island, examining the bridges and their distinctive features.
Registration is required here.
Citi bikes will be available for those who need them. To reserve a Citi Bike please send an email to Volunteers@RandallsIslandPark.org.
Location: Icahn Stadium
For inquiries about accessibility, to request an accommodation, or for event information, please email publicprograms@randallsisland.org.

Wake Up the Farm Volunteer Day
2025-03-16 10:00 - 13:00 | Urban Farm
At this special volunteer event, you will help us clear the straw-covered garden beds to prepare for planting!
Let’s celebrate a new season and welcome back our farm volunteers. Volunteers will work for two hours and then we will get together to celebrate a new season with:

Hot cocoa
A fire pit
Live Lyall karaoke/sing alongs, and more

Registration is required here.
Rain Date: Sunday, March 23
Location: Urban Farm
For inquiries about accessibility, to request an accommodation, or for event information, please email publicprograms@randallsisland.org.

Team RIVER Volunteers
2025-03-19 09:30 - 12:30
Volunteer with Team RIVER (Randall’s Island Volunteer Ecological Restorers) and help keep Randall’s Island Park beautiful! Team RIVER Volunteers regularly work with the Natural Areas team twice a month to take care of and restore our natural spaces on the island. With our Horticulture team, volunteers care for the many gardens, green streets and meadows, every second Wednesday of each month. Team RIVER also works with our Sports Field and Operations teams, keeping our park clean and maintained. If you are only able to volunteer on a limited basis, you are still very much welcome!
This volunteer opportunity is open to individuals from the community. Groups of more than 5 people must contact: Volunteers@RandallsIsland.org
Volunteers must be at least 11 years old. Anyone under the age of 18 must have a waiver signed by their legal guardian before starting any work. Children under 16 must also have an adult with them while volunteering. A downloadable volunteer waiver can be found at this link: General Volunteer – Randall’s Island
Registration is required here.
Location: Volunteers will be notified after registration.
For inquiries about accessibility, to request an accommodation, or for event information, please email publicprograms@randallsisland.org.

Urban Farm Volunteers
2025-03-23 10:00 - 13:00 | Urban Farm
Volunteer with our team to manage our one-acre Urban Farm!
Whether you are new to our farm or have been a tried-and-true weekly volunteer, come and join us! Volunteers must be at least 10 years old. Individuals under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult who volunteers with them. Individuals ages 16 & 17 can volunteer if a parent or guardian has signed a waiver. Please find a downloadable waiver here: Waiver for unaccompanied 16 & 17 year olds
Registration is not required but we ask that you commit at least two hours of volunteering.
This volunteer event is for individuals from the community and not open to groups larger than 5 people. If you wish to bring more than 5 people, you must first contact us at volunteers@randallsisland.org.
Location: Urban Farm
For inquiries about accessibility, to request accommodation, or for event information, please email publicprograms@randallsisland.org.

Waterfront Data: Bridging Science & Community on Randall’s Island
2025-03-27 15:00 - 16:00 | Icahn Stadium
Join Randall’s Island Park Alliance and New York Sea Grant for a discussion on data sharing in the environmental field. Olivia Smith, Park-as-Lab Coordinator, will present on ongoing environmental monitoring projects on Randall’s Island, focusing on waterfront stewardship. The Park-as-lab website will be used as a model for sharing long-term datasets. Catherine Prunella, Water Quality Extension Specialist, will highlight community datasets on flooding and marine debris through the New York Sea Grant interactive dashboard. The event emphasizes the importance of community engagement in collecting environmental data and fostering collaboration among community members, non-profits, and academics.
After the discussion, join a brief guided tour of the Little Hell Gate Salt Marsh to see a restored ecosystem and participate in a microplastic sampling demo. All those interested in environmental science, community data collection, and ecological restoration are welcome!
Registration is required here.
Location: Icahn Stadium
For inquiries about accessibility, to request accommodation, or for event information, please email publicprograms@randallsisland.org.

Let’s Go Birding Together (LGBT) with NYC Bird Alliance
2025-03-29 10:00 - 11:30
Join an experienced bird guide from NYC Bird Alliance for a free tour of Randall’s Island Park in search of fleeting, feathered friends at the beginning of spring! Let’s Go Birding Together tours are for anyone who loves birds, likes birds, is vaguely interested in birds, or just wants something fun and different to do outdoors.
We welcome those who identify as LGBTQIA+, allies, families, and anyone who wants to enjoy an outdoor experience that is inclusive and informative. Participants can borrow binoculars!
RSVP through NYC Bird Alliance here!
Location: Icahn Stadium, East Entrance
For inquiries about accessibility, to request an accommodation or for event information, please email publicprograms@randallsisland.org.

2025 Metropolitan Championship (Outdoor)
2025-04-04 11:00 - 19:00 | Icahn Stadium
Spend April 4th here at Icahn Stadium at the 2025 Metropolitan Championship (Outdoor) where some of the region’s best collegiate track & field programs square off for titles and bragging rights!
You can find last year’s results here, and we’re looking forward to another day at the track filled with competition and sportsmanship!
Location: Icahn Stadium

2025 USATF New York Youth Challenge Series
2025-04-06 10:00 - 16:00 | Icahn Stadium
US Track & Field New York returns its Youth Challenge Series to Randall’s Island Park and Icahn Stadium!
Learn more about USTF New York from their website and come and cheer the next generation of track & field stars!
Location: Icahn Stadium

The New York Relays - High School - Friday Events Postponed to Saturday
2025-04-11 15:30 - 22:00 | Icahn Stadium
Watch some of the top high-school talent that New York has to offer at this year’s New York Relays at Icahn Stadium.
Friday’s events have been postponed due to inclement weather. The event will resume on Saturday and Sunday.
Results for 2024 are here!
Location: Icahn Stadium

CANCELLED Spotted Lanternfly Egg Hunt
2025-04-12 13:00 - 15:00 | Freshwater Wildflower Meadow, 1 Central Road, New York City, NY, 10035, United States
This event has been CANCELLED due to weather.
It’s almost Spotted Lanternfly season at Randall’s Island Park which means that it’s time to learn about these insects and how to manage their populations at this free program! Learn how to identify and remove egg masses and help us squash as many eggs as possible both in the park and beyond. In between squash sessions, participants can keep warm with hot beverages and a bonfire, roast marshmallows, and explore Spotted Lanternfly fun facts with our Educators.
Location: Freshwater Wildflower Meadow
For inquiries about accessibility, to request an accommodation, or for event information, please email publicprograms@randallsisland.org.

Earth Day 5K by We Act for Environmental Justice
2025-04-19 07:00 - 12:00 | Icahn Stadium
Come join We Act for Environmental Justice for an Earth Day 5K as part of our Earth Day celebrations!
Founded in 1988, WE ACT’s mission is to build healthy communities by ensuring that people of color and/or low income residents participate meaningfully in the creation of sound and fair environmental health and protection policies and practices.
To learn more about WE ACT, visit their website!
Location: Icahn Stadium

New York Road Runners Spring Jamboree
2025-04-19 10:00 - 15:00 | Icahn Stadium
Take the kids to Icahn Stadium on Randall’s Island for a fun day of track and field events! Kids can choose from age-appropriate activities they’d like to try, including sprints, a longer distance run, relays on the track, shot put, long jump, obstacle courses, and more! Icahn Stadium is a world-class track and field facility, and this event is a perfect way to introduce kids to the sport.
Registration for this event is FREE and open to participants ages 2 to 18 of all abilities. Every finisher will receive a New Balance lunchbox. Please note that souvenirs are subject to availability.
Learn more about registration here!
Location: Icahn Stadium

Pressed Botanicals Workshop with the Horticulture Team
2025-04-19 13:00 - 15:00 | Icahn Stadium
Join us for a relaxing, creative, and free workshop where you’ll learn how to press and arrange flowers and leaves to create beautiful works of art hosted by RIPA’s Horticulture Team! Whether you’re an experienced botanist, or someone who appreciates the beauty of a flower, this workshop is for you. We’ll provide all the materials you need, including a selection of plants harvested from the gardens around the park, and guide you through the process of making your own unique piece of botanical art to take home.
Registration is required here.
Location: Icahn Stadium
For inquiries about accessibility, to request an accommodation, or for event information, please email publicprograms@randallsisland.org.

CANCELLED Bike Ride to Earth Day Festival
2025-04-26 11:30 - 13:00 | Citi Bike: E 114th Street and 1st Ave
Ride to Earth Day Festival with El Barrio Bikes has been CANCELLED due to expected inclement weather.
El Barrio Bikes will be hosting riding events at our Waterfront and Harvest festival later this year, so please kickoff those events with a beautiful bike ride to Randall’s Island Park!
For inquiries about accessibility, to request an accommodation, or for event information, please email publicprograms@randallsisland.org.

Modified Earth Day Festival (Weather Permitting)
2025-04-26 12:00 - 15:00 | Urban Farm
We’re planning a modified Earth Day Festival – but there’s still plenty to enjoy!
Join us tomorrow at the Urban Farm (barring thunderstorms) for:

Farm and Cherry Blossom Signs of Spring Tour
Cherry Blossoms
Ocean Acidification and Biofacts
Seedling and Compost Giveaway
Lawn Games
Free kite kit craft giveaway
Seedballs
Tree care and more!

Please note: Performances and face painting will be cancelled.
Let’s welcome spring and celebrate the planet together!
Location: Urban Farm
For inquiries about accessibility, to request an accommodation, or for event information, please email publicprograms@randallsisland.org.

Discus Thrower Day
2025-04-28 14:30 - 16:30 | Icahn Plaza, Icahn Stadium, New York, NY, 10035, United States
Join us for Discus Thrower Day at Randall’s Island Park—a celebration of art, history, and athletic spirit! Discover the fascinating story behind the iconic Discus Thrower, originally sculpted by Konstantino Dimitriadis and even awarded a gold medal at the 1924 Paris Summer Olympics when art was part of the Games.
Enjoy an afternoon full of engaging activities:

Meet & Greet Pinky Keehner: Don’t miss this chance to hear behind-the-scenes insights, ask questions, and learn the history of the Discus Thrower on Randall’s Island Park by the author of The Discus Thrower Meets Peter Pan!

Art Class: Unleash your creativity by learning to draw the legendary discus thrower with local artist Sarah Noda.

Learn to Throw: Get hands-on instruction from our RIPA staff and master the art of the discus.

Cheer On: Stay and support local athletes at an exciting track meet.

Plus, the first 50 attendees to arrive will receive an autographed copy of Discus Thrower Meets Peter Pan by Pinky Keehner!
Mark your calendar and be part of this unique celebration at Randall’s Island Park. We can’t wait to see you there!
Please register for the event here!
Location: Icahn Stadium Plaza by Field 10
For inquiries about accessibility, to request an accommodation or for event information, please email publicprograms@randallsisland.org.
