Moments That Brought People Together in Hudson River Park in 2025
From milestone festivals and seasonal celebrations to majestic moments in nature, 2025 in Hudson River Park was full of laughter, play, wonder, joy and community.
As we gear up for a new year, we’re taking a look back at just a few of the moments that made this one a year to remember in Hudson River Park.
January 13 — Community Conversations Shaping Future Park Spaces
Whenever the Park adds a new green space, one of the first steps is to get the community involved so that we can understand the needs and wants of Park neighbors. We kicked off 2025 with a community workshop about the future of the upland areas between Pier 81 and Pier 84 — a subset of the larger W 29 to W 44th Street design effort — one of the final unfinished pieces of Hudson River Park.
Led by designers from Marvel, the landscape team selected for the project, the community-focused event invited locals to learn about the space and to share their ideas through interactive tabletop discussions and larger group conversations.
January 27 — An Icy Spectacle on the Hudson river
Thanks to a polar vortex, January 2025 became the coldest in a decade. But the frigid temperatures delivered a marvel worth bundling up for: along the Park’s waterfront, massive ice floes formed in striking geometric patterns and drifted with the River’s tides, creating a truly photogenic sight.
February 6 — Zooming in on the Plankton
February kicked off Plankton Month in Hudson River Park’s Discovery Tank — featuring activities themed around these important organisms that form the base of marine food webs and produce over half of the planet’s oxygen. From field trips to hands-on activities, our River Project team offered New Yorkers of all ages a fascinating peek at some of our Estuary’s smallest but most vital organisms.
Our February Ask a Scientist event had a microscopic focus as well, and featured two guest experts: Dr. Joaquim Goes, whose work advances our understanding of global phytoplankton and ocean health; and Dr. Theodore Muth, one of the Park’s CUNY Visiting Scholars, who studies urban microbes and how microplastics influence antibiotic-resistant genes in our waterways.
Why the focus on plankton this time of year? Toward the end of the month, we generally see the start of an annual milestone in the Hudson River — a plankton bloom that marks the start of spring in our Estuarine Sanctuary. This year, our team took a closer look at this phenomenon with the New York Times.
March 7 — Game on at the Playground Committee Luncheon
Hudson River Park Friends hosted its 9th Annual Playground Committee Luncheon, bringing together our dedicated Playground Committee community to champion play and celebrate the joy, movement and discovery Hudson River Park offers kids and families.
Hosts Abby Philip and Laura Jarrett led an energetic afternoon honoring Uzma Dowler, Ali Krieger, and Downtown United Soccer Club, which raised more than $500,000 in support of our west side backyard and all that it provides NYC families.
March 15 — Spring Field Season Begins
As spring arrived, Hudson River Park’s fields and courts once again brought New Yorkers together to enjoy their favorite sports. Throughout the season, fields across the Park hosted leagues at multiple locations, hosting 23,500 hours of play for over 70 local sports organizations. Youth leagues made up a significant part of that activity, offering safe, free and high-quality athletic experiences for thousands of young players.
April 5 — Volunteers Spring into Action
In addition to bringing color back to Park gardens — with daffodils, tulips and other bulbed beauties adding vibrance to our waterfront — April heralds the start of volunteering season in Hudson River Park. With spring in full swing, both corporate volunteer groups and individual community members rolled up their sleeves to keep the Park looking green and gorgeous.
On Saturday, April 5, our first HRPK Green Team of the season welcomed this hardworking group of Saturday volunteers back to the Park to cut back winter overgrowth and ready the Park’s Gansevoort Peninsula plant beds for a beautiful spring, kicking off a season that continued all the way into December.
All told, in 2025 more than 2,500 volunteers helped out throughout Hudson River Park’s four miles in 2025, thanks to the support of our Volunteer Program’s Presenting Sponsor, Citi and our Supporting Sponsors, Colgate-Palmolive and New York Cruise Lines. We put over 5,000 new plants in the ground and sent 230 Motrec truckloads of weeds and other debris to the Community Compost Center. This fall, we focused on planting 18,000 bulbs throughout the Park’s piers and upland plant beds — the very bulbs that will add beauty to our waterfront when we welcome volunteers back to the Park next spring!
May 1 — Boating Safety Month invites us all to stay Safe on the Water
With warmer weather arriving in May, Hudson River Park’s four boathouses come back to life, inviting more New Yorkers to experience the Hudson River by kayak, canoe, stand-up paddleboard and more. The Park’s four miles host a number of highly successful non-motorized boating programs that collectively serve tens of thousands of Park visitors each year. Partner organizations support the Park in making safe, accessible boating by providing free and affordable public access to boathouse docks. Boating Safety Month highlights the education, preparation and shared responsibility that make these on-water experiences possible — ensuring the river remains a safe and welcoming place for all.
May 12 — Getting Healthy on the Hudson
On Monday, May 12 we hosted our first Healthy on the Hudson workout of the year, kicking off a season of free accessible fitness classes led by NYC’s best trainers, in scenic green spaces across the Park’s four miles. Partnering with IronStrength, Chelsea Piers, 305 Fitness and Tone House, we offered more than 70 free classes this season, ranging from HIIT to yoga and dance cardio, keeping over 3,000 New Yorkers active throughout the warmer months.
May 16 + 17 — Diving into SUBMERGE Marine Science Festival
We shell-ebrated local science with over 5,000 science lovers at the SUBMERGE Marine Science Festival — welcoming NYC students for field trips on Friday, May 16 and inviting the public to join in on the fun on Saturday, May 17. This beloved festival focused on our local waterways brings together partners from across the region, creating inspiring opportunities to meet wildlife, enjoy hands-on science experiments and more.
SUBMERGE was just the start of a season of events along HRPK’s four miles that continued well into the fall that brought together over 70,000 New Yorkers and visitors from around the world to enjoy an outstanding array of free cultural, educational and fitness events.
June 10 — Not The West Side Highway
On June 10, we officially launched @NotTheWestSideHighway — a tongue-in-cheek brand awareness campaign born from the increasing misnaming of Hudson River Park as the West Side Highway on social media. The campaign set out to gently (and playfully) correct the record, reclaim the Park’s identity, because knowing Hudson River Park’s name is the first step to discovering the breadth of what the Park offers — four miles of green and blue space, dozens of ways to get active, hundreds of free public events and so much more. And you can’t support this vital open space if you don’t know what it’s called. Love Hudson River Park? Be sure to follow along, and (of course) #callitbyitsname.
June 20 — Joy and Reflection through dance at our Juneteenth Celebration
Movement took center stage at Pier 45 as we gathered with Ladies of Hip Hop Dance Collaborative & Friends for an evening honoring the legacy and evolution of Black American dance. From Lindy Hop, jazz and tap to Hip-Hop, House and beyond, the night traced the rhythms and connections that link generations, celebrating creativity born from resilience, resistance and joy.
Held in recognition of Juneteenth, this celebration invited reflection, joy and collective remembrance through the language of dance. Read more about the vision behind the program in our interview with Michele Byrd-McPhee, Founder and Executive Director of Ladies of Hip Hop.
June 26 — Celebrating Pride
We celebrated Pride on Hudson River Park’s historic Pier 45 with a night of music, dance and joy with Papi Juice and guests, kicking off Pride weekend in the Park. The Park’s West Village piers and esplanades have long been a place of gathering on Pride Sunday, and this year we welcomed thousands who came together to celebrate.
July 7 — Broadway by the Boardwalk Returns
Broadway by the Boardwalk returned to Hudson River Park with a show-stopping opening night, as Broadway legend and original Dream Girl Jennifer Holliday kicked off a six-week, star-studded summer series. The free Monday evening performances welcomed thousands, transforming Clinton Cove’s sweeping waterfront lawn into an open-air theater, celebrating Broadway — and making performances by top talent accessible to all — right in its own backyard.
Check out a highlight reel!
July 21 — Claws up for Crab Week
Crab Week scuttled back into Hudson River Park on July 20, kicking off a weeklong crustacean celebration. From exploring the crabbier side of NYC with Crabigail, our Crab About Town — to clawntent and quizzes designed to get you in touch with your inner crab, the week spotlighted the the species of friendly neighborhood decapods that call Hudson River Park’s Estuarine Sanctuary home, shining a light on local biodiversity and inviting everyone to put their claws up and join the crabstravatanza.
August 6 — Live with Radiolab’s Terrestrials
We took a crabtacular dive into Hudson River wildlife with WNYC during a special episode of Radiolab’s Terrestrials podcast filmed in our Wetlab aquarium. And there was even more fun to have in the Park, as WYNC and Radiolab brought nature-inspired fun to Little Island in Hudson River Park on August 6 and 7 during a hands-on celebration of NYC wildlife. Kids were invited to sing, crawl, buzz and bloom their way through a choose-your-own-adventure-style experience celebrating the land and sea creatures that surround us. From music and movement with host Lulu Miller and “songbud” Alan Goffinski to live specimen encounters led by River Project educators this Wilderness Wonderland invited families to enjoy an exciting morning of discovery.
August 16 — A Milestone Blues BBQ Festival
More than 13,000 music lovers filled Pier 76 for Hudson River Park’s 25th annual Blues BBQ Festival, one of NYC’s longest-running free music festivals. With world-class blues on two stages, legendary BBQ from top local spots and an all-day waterfront celebration, this milestone edition was truly one for the books — and a summer tradition we can’t wait to continue next August.
Friends with Benefits members at the Skipper level and above enjoyed a special VIP section — an annual thank-you for supporting the Park’s hundreds of free programs. Learn more about the free events, swag and special opportunities you can enjoy for giving back to the Park as a Friends with Benefits member.
September 15 — Two New Restaurants Open at Pier 57
Hudson River Park welcomed two exciting new dining destinations at Pier 57 with the opening of Miru and ofCorsica!. Miru opened as a rooftop Japanese listening lounge — pairing curated vinyl, waterfront panoramas and sushi-forward small plates — while o’Corsica! features Mediterranean flavors alongside an extensive Corsican wine list. Together, the openings marked a major new chapter for Pier 57 as a place to dine, gather and savor unbeatable views.
September 13 — Seasonal Celebrations
September was a month of community celebrations all up and down Hudson River Park’s four miles. On Saturday, September 13, we hosted a Pollination Celebration, a day dedicated to monarch butterflies, bees and the pollinators that help our city bloom. As a designated Monarch Waystation, the Park’s Habitat Garden served as the perfect location to learn about some of the Park’s resident pollinators while enjoying family-friendly nature walks, insect-inspired crafts and hands-on activities.
On Saturday, September 20, we joined together with the Chelsea Waterside Park Association to host a community celebration, featuring music, crafts, face painting and fun for all ages! Then, on Saturday, September 27, our Pier 84 Community Celebration invited New Yorkers to enjoy a family day with crafts, music and fun, hosted in partnership with the West 44th Better Block Association and Friends of Pier 84.
September 20 — Cultivating Stewardship with the Blue Team
On September 20, Blue Team volunteers gathered at the Pier 40 Wetlab for an oyster monitoring project with Hudson River Park’s River Project and Volunteer Program. Together, they cleaned, measured and recorded data on local oysters, supporting restoration efforts and learning firsthand how these keystone species strengthen the Hudson River ecosystem.
Our monthly Blue Team events, hosted from May through October, give volunteers an opportunity to participate in both oyster monitoring and shoreline cleanup projects that support our team’s efforts to support our 400-acre Estuarine Sanctuary while joining our growing community of environmental stewards.
October 4 + 5 — Dancing through Fall in the Park
On October 4 and 5, KEIGWIN + COMPANY transformed the waterfront into a two-night celebration of movement with Sundown Dances at Pier 84, featuring open classes, live performances and joyful community dance parties inspired by the Park as a place to gather and connect.
October also marked the final weeks of several beloved dance series — extended farther into the fall than ever before. Sunset Salsa wrapped up its fall season at Pier 45, filling Thursday nights with beginner lessons and open-air dance parties led by Talía Castro-Pozo, while Bollywood & Bhangra with Ajna Dance Company brought high-energy Saturday mornings to Pier 46 through late October — giving New Yorkers one last chance outdoors along the Hudson River.
October 9 — Hudson River Park Gala
Hudson River Park’s Midnight Garden Gala brought together an extraordinary community of supporters to celebrate and sustain this four-mile green-and-blue oasis. The evening honored Bruce Mosler, Chairman of Global Brokerage at Cushman & Wakefield, and Robert K. Steel, former NYC Deputy Mayor and Vice Chair of the Hudson River Park Trust, for their leadership and lasting commitment to the Park and New York City. Thanks to our co-chairs, committees, sponsors and supporters, the night raised nearly $2.7M — critical funds to keep Hudson River Park thriving for millions of New Yorkers and visitors each year.
October 25 and 26 — Celebrating the Erie Canal Bicentennial
In celebration of the Erie Canal’s 200th anniversary, the Seneca Chief — a 73-foot replica of the original canal boat — docked at Pier 26 during its historic voyage from Buffalo to New York City. The visit spotlighted how New York’s waterways, from the Erie Canal to the Hudson River, have long connected communities, commerce and culture across the state.
Over the weekend, visitors took part in hands-on activities including woodworking with the Buffalo Maritime Center and River Project Touch Tank programs, linking the canal’s history to Hudson River Park’s living waterfront today.
(Photo Source: Flickr/Gov. Kathy Hochul)
October 29 — Releasing the Fishes
Hudson River Park’s River Project closed out the season at our Pier 40 Wetlab season with our annual Release of the Fishes, inviting the community to help return this year’s marine ambassadors to the Hudson River. The afternoon celebrated the wildlife that had supported a season of research, education and discovery — and this year, for the first time ever, we introduced a fish slide, offering a new fun and efficient way to return our wildlife ambassadors to their Hudson home. The Wetlab will reopen in the warmer months, but in the meantime you can learn more about the amazing species that thrive in our Estuarine Sanctuary in our Virtual Wetlab.
November 1 — A Smashing Celebration
Post-Halloween pumpkins met their match at Pier 84 during the Park’s annual Pumpkin Smash. With bats, hammers and shovels in hand, participants smashed, squashed and smushed 2,000+ pounds of pumpkins into compost, turning seasonal leftovers into nourishment for next year’s gardens.
A fall Park tradition, Pumpkin Smash gave pumpkins a second life and offered a satisfying send-off to spooky season, all while supporting the Park’s Community Compost Program, which processed over 440,000 pounds in 2025.
November 2 — Team HRPK Runs the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon
Five dedicated runners took on the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon in support of Hudson River Park Friends. Andrew, Molly, Brian, Dane and Victoria carried Team HRPK all the way through the course, helping raise support to keep our four-mile blue-and-green oasis thriving for New Yorkers. You can still help them cross the fundraising finish line — and if you’re interested in joining Team HRPK future, you can fill out our interest form!
November 25 — Adding Seasonal Cheer in the Park
As winter approached, Hudson River Park got a festive glow-up. Our dedicated Park staff added bright pops of seasonal cheer across all four miles — from wreaths and ribbons to twinkling lights welcoming visitors at key entrances. The result, a waterfront that feels just a little more merry and bright, just in time for the shortest days of the year.
December 2 — Supporting Park Biodiversity
Giving Tuesday brought a wave of support for Hudson River Park biodiversity, helping the Park buzz, bloom and boom with life along all four miles. This generosity helps sustain the species that keep the Park’s ecosystem healthy, from the pollinators that keep our gardens thriving to the more than 35 million oysters restored to the Hudson River — with benefits that ripple far beyond the waterfront. You can still show your support throughout this season of giving and Be a Champion of Park Biodiversity.
These are just a handful of the moments that made this year in the Park so special, and we hope you’ve made plenty of memories of your own along these four miles this year. Thank you for another year of making Hudson River Park your riverfront backyard. We can’t wait to see what exciting moments are around the corner in 2026!