Governors Island
will open for visitors with a Family Festival on June 2, 2007
and will remain open until September 2nd, 2007. Visitors are
invited to take self-guided tours on Saturdays and Sundays
from 10 AM - 5 PM, or guided tours through the National Historic
Landmark District with the National Parks Service on Wednesday,
Thursday and Friday. The ferry and all events on Governors
Island are FREE. Travel and Ferry information
2007 Festival Schedule
Saturday, June 2nd: Opening Day Family Festival, 12:30 pm
Join us for arts and crafts, musical and theatrical performances for kids and MORE! Sponsored by the Governors Island Alliance.
Saturday, June 9th: Michael Arenella and the Dreamland Orchestra/ Jazz Age, 1:30 pm
Celebrate the beginning of summer with a free Great-Gatsby-inspired afternoon of picnicking, dancing, and sizzling hot jazz, performed by in vintage style by one of the East Coast's most beloved 1920s bands.
Saturday, June 16th: Prisoners of 2nd Avenue (formerly Steaks and Chops), 1:30 pm
Deep cuts classic rock and blues in the spirit of the music heard at and associated with Bill Graham's Fillmore East (Cream, Blind Faith, The Band). Come rock out with New York's own Jimmy Vivino, Rich Pagano and John Conte.
Saturday, June 23rd and Sunday June 24th: Army Heritage Weekend
Join Park staff for special programs and tours highlighting the military history of Governors Island
Saturday, June 30: Dance China NY - The Professional Dance Company of the New York Chinese Cultural Center, noon
Watch as this accomplished troupe performs six traditional dances including the Ribbon Dance and take part in a 15-minute interactive dance workshop where select audience members dance on stage.
Saturdays in July: Concert series presented by Trinity Church and the Governors Island Alliance. Four outdoor concerts on the island featuring classic folk artists. Pack a picnic lunch and be sure to bring the kids!
July 7th: Odetta,1:30 pm
Odetta is one of the most influential artists of the 20th Century. Her 1950s and 60s classic recordings of "He's Got The Whole World In His Hands," "Kumbaya," "Goodnight Irene," "Amazing Grace" and "This Little Light of Mine," became folk and spiritual classics throughout the world and inspired an entire generation.
July 14th: Harry Chapin: A Celebration in Song,1:30 pm
The famous musical Chapin Family comes together to celebrate and bring alive the music of the late Harry Chapin. Songs like "Taxi," "Cats In The Cradle," "Mr. Tanner," and "Circle" are sung by those who know them best--Harry's original band and his amazing family.
July 21st: Richie Havens,1:30 pm
Richie Havens first emerged from New York City's Greenwich Village folk scene in the early 60's, and in 1969 inspired and electrified an audience of over half a million with his legendary three hour opening performance at Woodstock. Four decades later Richie Havens remains one of the most recognizable voices and universal lyricists in popular music.
July 28th: Ribbon of Highway/Endless Skyway: A Tribute in the Spirit of Woody Guthrie,1:30 pm
This is a show specifically designed to showcase Woody's songs, words and spirit. The show, originated by singer-songwriter Jimmy Lafave, focuses on the entire scope of Guthrie's career so that all of his music, known and unknown, recorded and unrecorded, can be experienced by the audience.
Saturday August 11th and Sunday August 12th: Civil War Living History Weekend
Experience a re-creation of a day in the life of a Civil War soldier through special programs and living history demonstrations.
Saturdays in August: Saturdays in August: "In the Pocket: Music
Lands on Governors Island," four outdoor concerts presented
by Lower Manhattan Cultural Council featuring "new world music"
artists. Visit www.lmcc.net for more
info.
August 4th: Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra w/Ogans,1:30 pm
Brooklyn's Antibalas expand the musical language of Afrobeat developed by Fela Anikulapo-Kuti in late-'60s Lagos, Nigeria, adding Latin, jazz, and classical elements to their funky mix. Ogans incorporate capoeira into their Afro-Brazilian mix of music and dance.
August 11th: Sweet Micky,1:30 pm
A musical marvel born in Port-au-Prince, Sweet Micky has brought incredible energy, passion and sensitivity to the world of Haitian compas music, layering satire and sharp commentary over pulsating, infectious beats.
August 18th: Si*Se w/Toubab Krewe,1:30 pm
With New York City's diverse cultural mix as their model, singer/DJ Carol C. and programmer U.F. Low seamlessly work soul and Latin influences into their stylish dance grooves. Asheville, North Carolina, quintet Toubab Krewe bridge rock and West African influences.
August 25th: DJ Rekha,1:30 pm
DJ Rekha's long-running Basement Bhangra parties define South Asian dance music, combining bhangra, Bollywood, and big bass. Her skills as a DJ are unmatched, and on her dancefloor you don't need a bindi to shake your booty!
Every Saturday: Educational Lectures by the City University of New York on climate change, ecology, weather and marine life in New York Harbor.
Complete
Schedule
Visitor Information
Access to the ferries is on a first-come, first-served basis. On Saturdays and Sundays, ferries are limited to 400 persons per trip; tours on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays are limited to 40 people per tour.
Visitors should arrive at the Battery Maritime Building, slip 6 in Lower Manhattan at least 15 minutes prior to the departure time. Boats depart promptly at scheduled times.
Activities
Biking is allowed on Governors Island in the Summer of 2007.
Bicycling shall be permitted on certain designated areas of the Island only. All bicyclists shall bicycle at their sole risk, shall obtain a copy of the permitted bicycle route map, and shall comply with all of GIPEC's bicycle rules.
Cooking, Fishing and Swimming in the Harbor are prohibited on the Governors Island.
Pets, Cars, Alcohol, Controlled Substances, Weapons, or Explosives are not permitted on Governors Island.
Please respect the Island. Don't enter fenced off areas, feed the wildlife, litter, or destroy or abuse trees, plants & flowers.
Visitors in poor health enter Governors Island at their own risk; medical emergency services are limited on the Island.
Please watch your footing at all times.
Security
All visitors and their packages are subject to search and seizure.
Children 14 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
GIPEC and its agents reserve the right to deny access to the Island at their discretion.
The ethereal Tribute in Light memorial was designed to help lessen the aching loss felt across the country since 9/11. It is a profound symbol of strength, hope and resiliency.
The New Yankee Stadium
New Yankee Stadium is the working title for a new stadium for the New York Yankees, currently under construction. It will open in 2009, replacing the third-oldest stadium in the Major Leagues.
The Bronx
In popular culture 'The Bronx' has often symbolized violence, decay, and urban ruin. In fact, there are guidebooks that say you must never go to the Bronx! Sheer ignorance, that is all we have to say! Interactive Bronx map
for more
info. 
Interactive Bronx map
