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View of New York Harbor

Special Programs & Events

Summer 2012

For water & walking tours, see the Gateway to America Tours Page.

ARTS & CULTURE

Governors Island Exhibits & Events

2012 Governors Island Calendar

This summer, Governors Island is hosting a wide variety of public arts programming. Be sure not to miss the opportunity to see Tattered and Torn (On The Road To Deaccession), an exhibit of 19th century costumes from the upper echelons of the museum world. Also visit the newly reopened Castle Williams for a view of the skyline from the roof.

Historic Aircraft Restoration Project [HARP]

A dedicated group of individuals, part of NPS' Volunteers-In-Parks program work on Gateway National Recreation Area's collection of historic aircraft at Floyd Bennett Field. The goal is to return the aircrafts to nearly original condition, although volunteers are also building a full scale model of Wiley Post's Lockheed Vega, "The Winnie Mae" from scratch!

TOURS: Daily, 2pm-3pm

Learn about the aircraft collection on a guided tour led by volunteers and park rangers.

PUBLIC OBSERVATION DAYS: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, 9am-4pm, Hangar B

Wander in and watch the volunteers at work as they go about restoring the collection. To learn about volunteer opportunities or to schedule a group tour, call 718-338-3799.

Rockaway Artists Alliance Programs

2012 Rockaway Artists Alliance Calendar

The Rockaway Artists Alliance hosts painting classes and live music at a weekly open mic night throughout the summer.

Rockaway Theatre Company Shows

2012 Rockaway Theatre Schedule

Shows include Bye Bye Birdie and Blithe Spirit. Performances take place in the Post Theater at Fort Tilden. For reservations call the RTC Hotline 718-374-6400 or order online.

Sandy Hook Beach Concerts

2012 Sandy Hook Beach Concert Schedule

The Sandy Hook Foundation presents the popular and free summer concert series at Beach Area E every Wednesday at 6 p.m. throughout the summer, weather permitting.

Tenement Talks

2012 Tenement Talks Schedule

Tenement Talks is a series of free readings, discussions, performances and screenings about New York's history, people and culture produced by the Tenement Museum. Talks are held at the Museum Shop at 103 Orchard unless otherwise noted. RSVP to events@tenement.org.

BOATING

Canoeing - Sandy Hook

Mondays & Fridays, June 18-August 17, 9:30am–12pm, Sandy Hook Visitor Center

Take a two-mile morning paddle to explore Sandy Hook bay from an ideal vantage point—the water itself. Rangers guide you on a two and a half hour tour of the bayside waters and Skeleton Hill Island. Free, call 732-872-5970 to make reservations.

Kayaking - Great Kills

Thursday, June 28 and Sundays, July 8, 15 & 29, 10:30am–1:30pm

Join park rangers for a paddle. Beginners and intermediate levels ages 13 and up are welcome. Kayaks and other equipment will be provided, or you can bring your own. Dress appropriately for the program. Call (718) 351-6970 for more information.

Kayaking - Jamaica Bay

Private kayaks can be launched at Canarsie Pier, Plumb Beach, North Channel Bridge and Floyd Bennett Field (the seaplane ramp or Mill Basin), provided you have an annual permit (available for a small fee at the Floyd Bennett Field visitor center - call 718-338-3799 for information). Take our Jamaica Bay Kayak Map with you when you go.

CAMP GROUP PADDLES: Fridays, June 29-August 31, 10am-12pm & 1pm-2pm, Canarsie Pier

Free camp group kayaking sessions. Space is limited. For reservations, call 718-338-3799.

DEADHORSE BAY PADDLE: Wednesdays, July 2, 9, 23 & 30, August 2, 6, 13, 20 & 27, September 3, Times Vary, Gateway Marina

Plumb Beach Cove is the destination for this introductory 2-mile trip. Kids between 6 and 12 must be accompanied by adult in tandem kayak. Space is limited. For reservations, call 718-338-3799.

KAYAK SKILLS WORKSHOPS: Fridays, June 29-August 31, 10am-4pm and Mondays July 2-September 3, 1:30pm-3:30pm, Riis Landing

Receive instruction and practice a different set of kayak strokes and skills each week. Children over 11 and adults are welcome. No reservations required.

WALK-UP AND KAYAK: Saturdays & Sundays, June 30-September 2, 10am-3pm, Canarsie Pier and Riis Landing

Kayak test area for those who have never done it before. Wear clothing and shoes that can get wet, do not bring electronics. Open to the public, no reservations required.

CANARSIE POL KAYAK EXCURSION: July 18 & 31 and August 22, Times Vary Based on Tides, Canarsie Pier

Circumnavigate Canarsie Pol on this 4.5 mile paddle that begins at the pier. Call 718-338-3799 for more information.

PUMPKIN PATCH KAYAK EXCURSION: July 4, 17 & 19 and August 14, 21 & 28, Times Vary Based on Tides, North Channel Bridge - West Side Parking Lot

A scenic 2.5 mile trip into the heart of the wildlife refuge. Call 718-338-3799 for more information.

RIIS LANDING TO ROCKAWAY COVE KAYAK EXCURSION: July 10 & 26 and August 9, 16 & 30, Times Vary Based on Tides, Riis Landing

A 2 mile trip to Rockaway Point and back. Follows the scenic bay shore of Rockaway peninsula along the cove toward Rockaway Point. Call 718-338-3799 for more information.

RUFFLE BAR KAYAK EXCURSION: July 3 & 25 and August 1, 8 & 15, Times Vary Based on Tides, Floyd Bennett Field - Seaplane Ramp

Paddle around this large island in Jamaica Bay on a 4 mile trip to learn about its history and the plants and animals that inhabit it. Call 718-338-3799 for more information.

Sailing - Jamaica Bay

FAMILY SAILING: Fridays, July 13-August 24, 9am-11am, Gateway Marina

Families will enjoy sailing and the environment of Dead Horse Bay. Program is free, reservations required. Space is limited. For reservations, call 718-338-3799.

SAILING INSTRUCTION: Thursdays, June 28-August 30, 6pm-8pm, Gateway Marina

Each class consists of three consecutive sessions where participants will learn the basic skills of sailing. There is a $50 fee for the program and reservations are required. For reservations, call 718-338-3799.

YOUTH GROUP SAILING: Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays, July 10-August 30, 9am-11am, Gateway Marina

Groups will learn about sailing and the environment of Dead Horse Bay. Program is free, reservations required. Space is limited. For reservations, call 718-338-3799.





Ranger Caroline on the roof of Castle Williams at Governors Island explaining the fortifications protecting New York in the early 1800's.
Kayaking on Jamaica Bay
Beach concert at Sandy Hook
HARP Tour, Floyd Bennett Field
Sailing
Other Activities
Check our Calendar and Activities Guide for more to do at New York Harbor Parks.