Pathways to the Past: Enslaved African Legacy Tour

Join VCPA's Arts Integration Strategist, Ashley Hart Adams, on a guided walk that will enlighten participants on the true history that shaped Van Cortlandt Park. For approximately 200 years, the Van Cortlandt family plantation relied upon the labor of enslaved people, as did many plantations and farms in the north. Enslaved Africans, their descendants, and...

Caribeando Music and Dance Workshops with Juan Usera and the Sambuco Tribe

This community interactive workshop series featuring Juan Usera and the Sambuco Tribe introduces the traditional genres of Bomba and Plena.  Participants will learn Bomba and Plena dances, drum patterns, piquetes (dance improvisation), and songs. Workshops will be held on Saturdays, September 7 and 21st from 1 to 3pm  next to the Enslaved African & Kingsbridge Burial Ground...

Event Series Monday Afternoon Clean Ups

Monday Afternoon Clean Ups

Nice weekends bring lots of visitors to the park. Lots of visitors make a mess! Volunteers are needed to help park staff tidy up. Help Van Cortlandt Park staff clean up after weekend picnicking. We provide gloves and materials to help keep this park in tip-top shape. You provide can-do spirit and sturdy shoes for...

Event Series Woodlawn Restoration Wednesdays

Woodlawn Restoration Wednesdays

Join us in the Northeast Woods to combat invasive species and prepare for fall planting. Meet us at Woodlawn Playground by the handball courts at 9 AM for a rewarding morning of ecological restoration. Event Highlights: Date: Every Wednesday in August and September. Time: 9 AM - 12 PM Meeting Location: Woodlawn Playground by the...

Tree Planting for Climate Week

🌳 What: Tree Planting for Climate Week in the Northwest Forest 📅 When: Saturday, September 28th ⏰ Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM 📍 Where: Van Cortlandt Park - Garden & Compost Site Description: Join us for a planting event in the Northwest Forest. These activities are crucial in preserving the health and biodiversity of...

Rising NYRR at the Cross Country Course #1

Kids of all ages and abilities can experience the joys of cross country running in Van Cortlandt Park! Registration for this event is FREE and open to participants ages 2 to 18 of all abilities. Every finisher will receive a New Balance souvenir. Hosted by VCPA supporter, New York Road Runners.

Rising NYRR at the Cross Country Course #2

Kids of all ages and abilities can experience the joys of cross country running in Van Cortlandt Park! Registration for this event is FREE and open to participants ages 2 to 18 of all abilities. Every finisher will receive a New Balance souvenir. Hosted by VCPA supporter, New York Road Runners.  

Caribeando: Caribbean Folk and Traditional Music and Dance Performance

This interactive performance with Juan Usera and the Sambuco Tribe will feature Bomba, Plena, Nengón, and Changuí. Participants will learn stories, songs, dance steps, rhythmic movements, improvisations, and drum rhythm patterns. Caribeando is part of the Caribbean Folk Songs for Kids of All Ages (CFSKAA) Project, a multidisciplinary performance series, workshop series, and exhibition featuring...

Hike-toberfest 2024

Support the Park! Hike-then-sip at VCPA’s Annual Hike-toberfest! Hike in the park followed by a classic Oktoberfest celebration, complete with local beer, German food, live music, lawn games, and more. Tickets on Sale! For more information, visit our Hike-toberfest page.

Event Series Summer Garden Tune-Up Tuesdays

Garden Tune-Up Tuesdays

Turnip to volunteer! At the VCPA Educational Garden & Compost Site, we are open and enjoying our rebuilt space while maintaining our plants and produce. Volunteers will learn how to care for the garden, maintain compost bins, weed, water, and harvest produce. No gardening experience needed. 18 and older. Groups of 5+ must register as...

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