Randall's Island Park Alliance Releases 2025 Public Programming Schedule
NEW YORK, March 17, 2025 – The Randall’s Island Park Alliance (RIPA) today announced its public programming schedule for 2025. With a wide array of free events, there is something for every member of the family to enjoy. From annual visitor favorites such as the Earth Day and Harvest Festivals, to volunteer opportunities with Team River, Randall’s Island offers engaging and free programming throughout the year.
RIPA’s public programming calendar features more than 300 free events that range from large scale festivals like its annual Harvest Festival to cooking workshops with local chefs, dance and yoga classes, as well as volunteer projects such as shoreline cleanups and much more.
“With spring right around the corner, I am thrilled to welcome patrons both old and new to Randall’s Island Park in the coming weeks,” said Deborah Maher, President of the Randall’s Island Park Alliance. “From our Earth Day Festival in April to our Harvest Festival in September, there is never a better time to rediscover Randall’s Island. Our diverse programming slate has something for everyone and I’m looking forward to seeing our Park vibrant and bustling!”
“We are extremely excited to share what we have in store for our parkgoers in 2025, especially for the local communities we cherish in the South Bronx, East Harlem, and Queens,” said Anna Kemeny, RIPA’s Public Programs Manager. “Last year was one of the busiest here on Randall’s Island Park for our public programs with a tremendous influx of participants. With a 2025 schedule filled with both existing programs and exciting new events, we will continue to have a positive impact on both our local communities and the greater New York City area.”
For a full calendar of events on Randall’s Island this year visit https://randallsisland.org/events.
Some of the headline events on the 2025 calendar are RIPA’s annual festivals:
Earth Day Festival – Saturday, April 26 at the Urban Farm and Fields 62/63
RIPA’s Earth Day Festival celebrates the park’s spring beauty! A day of family-friendly and interactive fun, Earth Day invites the spring weather and celebrates the spirit of sustainability and our connection to each other and to the planet that we share.
Waterfront Festival – Saturday, July 19 at the East River Picnic Area
At the peak of summer, we’re bringing you a family-friendly, interactive day of fun centering water as a natural and refreshing resource. Experience the joy of summer, the excitement of science, and the connection of community.
Harvest Festival – Sunday, September 28 at the Urban Farm and Fields 62/63
At the onset of the cooler months, we’re bringing you a family-friendly day of fun focusing on the end of the growing season and outdoor recreation. Decorate and bring home your very own pumpkin from our immersive patch, participate in a cooking demonstration with seasonal vegetables, and more!
“We all live together and we need to cherish life every day and authentically collaborate to work towards a better future and RIPA is helping move towards that future with their inclusive, free programming,” said Rosa Diaz, Manhattan Community Board 11 Committee Chair, Environment Open Space & Parks.
Throughout the spring, parkgoers will have the chance to enjoy family friendly activities, including Bird Bonanza (May 10), a day dedicated to our feathered friends with engaging activities and games suitable for all ages, Big Truck Day (May 17), where visitors can get a get a close-up view of the big trucks that keep New York City clean and safe, and World Oceans Day (June 7), which celebrates unique organisms that call the greater NYC Harbor Estuary home.
June’s action-packed schedule also includes Park after Dark: Pride Night (June 14), a full night of fun celebrating PRIDE at the Urban Farm that includes cocktails and a movie, as well as Pollinator Palooza (June 21), a pollinator-themed afternoon of art, games, and exploration.
For further details and a full calendar of RIPA events, please visit: https://randallsisland.org/events.
RIPA also hosts a full slate of recurring events throughout the spring and summer seasons, including the ones listed below:
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. If you are only able to volunteer on a limited basis, you are still very much welcome! This event takes place every Wednesday each month at the East Entrance of Icahn Stadium from 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM. Registration is required here.
Volunteer at our one-acre Urban Farm to help upkeep and manage one of the most unique sites in New York City. Registration is not required but we ask that you commit at least two hours of volunteering. Groups larger than five people must first contact us at volunteers@randallsisland.org. This event takes place every Sunday at the Urban Farm from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
JESSE OWENS TRACK & FIELD YOUTH PROGRAM
RIPA, in partnership with City Parks Foundation, continues to offer the Jesse Owens Track and Field Youth Program! This free, weekly track & field youth program at Thomas Jefferson Park in Harlem is available to youth ages 8-16 and enables participants to learn the fundamentals of the sport and stay active! This event takes place on Saturday mornings from 10:00AM – 12:00 PM.
Our free outdoor yoga classes headline our health & wellness programming and provide a serene atmosphere to stretch, breathe and find your inner peace. This event takes place every Tuesday beginning May 6 at the East River Picnic Area across from the orange public restroom from 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM, and Saturdays from June 28 to August 30 from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM at the same location.
For inquiries regarding RIPA’s 2025 programming calendar, please email publicprograms@randallsisland.org.
For more information regarding volunteer opportunities at Randall’s Island Park, please email volunteers@randallsisland.org.