Governors Island: Out of town, but still in town
Aerial view of Governors Island in New York Harbor, a popular summer daytrip destination. Credit: Handout
New Yorkers have adopted Governors Island as their new favorite summer place, with its bike paths, views of the skyline and general outdoorsiness. Governors opens this weekend; here are some of our favorite happenings on the island this summer.
1. Opening Day Family Festival
WHAT Arts and crafts, storytelling, harbor education for kids, and more.
WHEN Saturday, noon to 5 p.m.
INFO Free, 212-440-2200, governorsislandalliance.org
2. Free bikes
WHAT Come on over and borrow a free bike for up to an hour. That's right.
WHEN Fridays, June 11 to Oct. 8.
INFO 866-736-8224, govisland.com
3. Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic
WHAT Get your polo on at this match.
WHEN June 27, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
INFO Free to public, $250 for VIP picnic, vcseason.com
4. Roseanne Cash concert
WHAT Independence Day with the daughter of the great Johnny.
WHEN July 4 at 2 p.m.
INFO Free, 212-602-0800, trinitywallstreet.org
5. Meatopia
WHAT Some 30-plus barbecue chefs will be manning the pits. Come all you meat freaks.
WHEN July 11, 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
INFO $25-$150, meatopia.org
6. Governors Island Swim
WHAT Swimmers gather for a 2-mile race around the island. If you're up to the challenge, you can sign up ahead of time; if not, you can cheer on the winners.
WHEN Aug. 1 at 8:30 a.m.
INFO $115 for swimmers, 888-692-7946, nycswim.org
7. Volkswagen Traffic Jam
WHAT Where did all the Beetles go? We don't know, but for sure they're coming back to Governors Island for a vintage car show. Beetles, buses, Karmann Ghias - they'll all be here.
WHEN Aug. 22, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
INFO Free, 718-857-9022, volkswagentrafficjam.com
Getting there
Starting Saturday, Governors Island is open to the public Fridays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., through Oct. 10. Free ferry service departs from the Battery Maritime Building, 10 South St., next to the Staten Island Ferry terminal.
