Community Volunteer Day: Forest Restoration
2022-05-21 10:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx contains 640 acres of forest and freshwater wetlands. Join VCPA in maintaining this important ecosystem. The Northwest Forest in particular is mainly derived of an oak-hickory community in the canopy. Winged euonymus, also known as burning bush, is a non-indigenous and invasive shrub species commonly planted in yards. It threatens the recruitment of oaks and hickories in the understory and limits the biodiversity of the forest and has populated the understory of the Northwest Forest. Volunteers will assist VCPA staff in removing the winged euonymus from the forest.
Meet at VCPA’s Garden & Compost Site. Enter the park at Broadway and Mosholu Avenue.
RSVP Now!

Barefoot Dancing
2022-06-01 18:30 - 20:30 | Van Cortlandt Park Golf House, 115 Van Cortlandt Park West, Bronx, NY, 10471, United States
Featuring Quenia Ribeiro with Live Drumming performing Samba dance from Brazil. This workshop and performance will consist of various forms of Samba from Bahia and Rio De Janeiro – including Samba Reggae, Samba Afro, Samba No Pe, Miudinho, and Samba De Roda.
This cultural enrichment event is free, fun, and for the whole family. All ages are welcome!
Special Thank You to Abada-Capoeira Bronx.
This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the New York City Council.
RSVP Now.

Forest Restoration Fridays
2022-06-03 09:00 - 12:00
Every Friday during June, volunteers can join VCPA staff in maintaining the floodplain forest along Tibbetts Brook in Van Cortlandt Park. Work will entail removal of non-indigenous plant species such as mile-a-minute, mugwort, multiflora rose, and bush honeysuckle.
Volunteers can meet VCPA staff outside the Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course Clubhouse at 9am. We will provide gloves and any tools needed for the project. Make sure to where long pants, closed-toe shoes, and bring along plenty of water. We look forward to seeing you out in the Park!
RSVP Now.
Please be advised as of 12/27/21, a vaccine mandate has been ordered by the City of New York. In order to participate in Van Cortlandt Park Alliance volunteer events, all volunteers must be vaccinated.

Park Clean Up Mondays
2022-06-06 09:00 - 12:00
Join us in tidying up Van Cortlandt Park after the weekend.
Meet our staff in front of the Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course Clubhouse at 9am. We will provide gloves, grabbers, and trash bags. Bring along water.
RSVP Now.
Please be advised as of 12/27/21, a vaccine mandate has been ordered by the City of New York. In order to participate in Van Cortlandt Park Alliance volunteer events, all volunteers must be vaccinated.

Water Chestnut Wednesdays
2022-06-08 09:00 - 12:00, 2022-07-06 09:00 - 12:00
Water chestnut (Trapa natans) is a non-indigenous, aquatic plant that harms the ecological, and recreational value of waterways here in the Northeast. VCPA leads the effort in removing the harmful plant species. Come join us and learn more about freshwater ecology, put on a pair of waders, or hop in a canoe, all the while helping improve the health of the pond.
VCPA will provide gloves and any tools needed. Please wear long pants, and bring along plenty of water and an extra pair of socks (just in case!)
RSVP Now.
Please be advised as of 12/27/21, a vaccine mandate has been ordered by the City of New York. In order to participate in Van Cortlandt Park Alliance volunteer events, all volunteers must be vaccinated.

NY Philharmonic Concert in VCP
2022-06-14 20:00 - 22:00
THE PHIL IS BACK!!! And, as always, it is FREE for all to enjoy.
Pack a picnic, BYOB (bring your own blanket), and get ready for a lovely evening on the Parade Ground.
We look forward to seeing you all:
Tuesday, June 14 at 8 pm
Fireworks will follow the concert!
Folks have been asking if we will offer VIP seating this year, as has been the practice in years past.
Yes! If you become a Van Cortlandt Park Alliance Member at the $100 level, 1 ticket is included as a benefit of membership. You can also purchase one additional ticket at a discount.
Become a Member
Already a member?
Email events@vancortlandt.org to receive a discount code in the amount of your current membership level.
Your membership provides vital support to Van Cortlandt Park Alliance’s work in the park.
Our programming includes environmental education for kids; research; restoration of natural areas, athletic fields, and trails; paid internships for Bronx teens; work with thousands of volunteers; daylighting advocacy; and bringing to light the legacy of the enslaved Africans who lived and worked in the park.
Your support is essential to everything we do.
Philharmonic program information is available here.

Family Fun Hike: Happy Father's Day
2022-06-18 10:00 - 12:00
Family Fun Hikes in Van Cortlandt Park. For 2 to 6 year olds and their adult(s). Led by a Van Cortlandt Park Alliance educator!

Happy Father’s Day!

Leaves for ears, curly grass blades for hair, pebbles for eyes….how will you create a portrait of dad using items found in nature? Let’s find out!

Join us for our final Family Hike for the season as we celebrate dad by creating fun and unique portraits using items found on our walk through the woods.
Read Aloud Story: I Love You to the Moon and Back by Tim Warnes

Program will start at the southern end of the Van Cortlandt Golf House at 10am. Enter the park at Van Cortlandt Park South and Bailey Avenue.
– Easy hike include a hands-on activity and goody bags for all participants (even parents!).
– Tickets must be purchased for everyone participating.
– Please select the appropriate ticket so we can prepare your goody bags!
– Space is limited, so register soon.
RSVP Now!
VCPA will hold Family Fun Hike Rain or Shine! In the event of heavy downpours or thunderstorms, we will cancel and refund tickets. Tickets canceled with less than 48 hour notice will not be refunded.

Mile-a-Minute Pull
2022-06-18 10:00 - 13:00
Join us in removing mile-a-minute from the floodplain forest. Mile-a-minute (Persicaria perfoliata) is a non-indigenous vine species that threatens the biodiversity within Van Cortlandt Park. It is easy to pull and we think a highly entertaining activity.
Meet VCPA staff in front of the Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course Clubhouse. We will provide gloves. Bring along water, and wear long pants, and closed-toe shoes.
RSVP Now.
Please be advised as of 12/27/21, a vaccine mandate has been ordered by the City of New York. In order to participate in Van Cortlandt Park Alliance volunteer events, all volunteers must be vaccinated.

Woodlawn Basketball Courts Groundbreaking Ceremony
2022-06-20 11:00 - 12:00
Van Cortlandt Park Alliance
Courts of Dreams
NYC Parks
Invite you to a groundbreaking event.
This summer, Woodlawn Basketball Courts will undergo a facelift!
Asphalt will be repaired, new paint will be applied, and new backboards will be installed.
Join us as we officially break ground on the project!
Former NY Knicks player John Wallace will be joining us at the event!
RSVP Now!

Juneteenth Celebration
2022-06-20 18:00 - 19:30
Van Cortlandt Park Alliance and Bronx Arts Ensemble invite you to an evening celebration of Juneteenth.
The program will begin on the back deck of the Van Cortlandt Golf House with performances, including music and spoken word. Then join us for a procession with drums to the Enslaved African Burial Ground for a libation ceremony, honoring the memory of the enslaved people.
Featuring: Master percussionist Baba Don Babatunde, West African Drummer Yahaya Kamate, Baritone Courtney Carey, and Choreographer/Director Tony M. Williams II.
RSVP required, as space is limited.

Forest Restoration Fridays
2022-07-01 09:00 - 12:00
Every Friday during July 2022, volunteers can join VCPA staff in maintaining the floodplain forest along Tibbetts Brook in Van Cortlandt Park. Work will entail removal of non-indigenous plant species such as mile-a-minute, mugwort, multiflora rose, and bush honeysuckle.
Volunteers can meet VCPA staff outside the Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course Clubhouse at 9am. We will provide gloves and any tools needed for the project. Make sure to where long pants, closed-toe shoes, and bring along plenty of water. We look forward to seeing you out in the Park!
RSVP Now.
Please be advised as of 12/27/21, a vaccine mandate has been ordered by the City of New York. In order to participate in Van Cortlandt Park Alliance volunteer events, all volunteers must be vaccinated.

Park Clean Up Mondays
2022-07-05 09:00 - 12:00
Join us in tidying up Van Cortlandt Park after the weekend.
Special Clean Up after July 4th on Tuesday July 5!
Meet our staff in front of the Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course Clubhouse at 9am. We will provide gloves, grabbers, and trash bags. Bring along water.
RSVP Now.
Please be advised as of 12/27/21, a vaccine mandate has been ordered by the City of New York. In order to participate in Van Cortlandt Park Alliance volunteer events, all volunteers must be vaccinated.

Starlight Cinema
2022-07-14 19:30 - 22:30
Council Member Eric Dinowitz, NYC Parks, and Van Cortlandt Park Alliance Present:
Starlight Cinema: NATURE’S REVENGE!
Thursday Nights
Van Cortlandt Park Parade Ground
Movies begin at last light of day (~8:30-9:00 pm)
July 14 Little Shop of Horrors (1986)
July 28 Them! (1954) – please note change in movie
Aug 4 The Birds (1963)
Aug 11 THE MEG (2018)
Arrive early! From 7:30pm on…

Groove to the hits of 1954, 1963, 1986, 2018
Movie Theme Crafts
VCPA Nature Nerds – Meet Plants & More!

RSVP Encouraged.
*Movies subject to change based on availability.
Jurassic Park was not available. We apologize for any inconvenience or disappointment.

Sponsored by Optimum

Forest Invasive Species Training & Removal
2022-07-16 10:00 - 13:00
Join VCPA staff who have been working this summer monitoring habitat of the Northwest Forest in a training of invasive species within the region, and take part in a removal effort. The event will begin with an introduction to the Northwest forest, followed by a training on common non-indigenous invasive plants in the region and a removal effort.
Meet at the Riverdale Stables parking lot at 10am and we will walk into the Northwest forest from there. Wear long pants, and closed-toe shoes, preferably boots. There are thorns in the woods and we will be off trail, so the sturdier your pants and shoes, the better. Also, bring along plenty of water! We will provide gloves and tools for the event.
RSVP Now.

Garden Volunteer Days
2022-07-26 10:00 - 13:00
The VCPA Garden & Compost Site needs you this summer! Our newly expanded garden needs lots of help to weed, water, and harvest veggies for donation to the Friendly Fridge BX and to use for cooking demos at our market. On three Tuesday mornings this summer come out and lend a hand to help shape the new space.
Tuesdays July 26 and August 9 from 10am to 1pm.
RSVP Now.

Please be advised as of 12/27/21, a vaccine mandate has been ordered by the City of New York. In order to participate in Van Cortlandt Park Alliance volunteer events, all volunteers must be vaccinated.

Forest Restoration Fridays
2022-08-05 09:00 - 12:00
Van Cortlandt Park boasts 640 acres of forest and wetlands right here in the Bronx. Help staff maintain the forest every Friday!
Every Friday during August 2022, volunteers can join VCPA staff in maintaining the Northwest Forest of Van Cortlandt Park. Work will entail removal of non-indigenous plant species such as winged euonymus, multiflora rose, and Norway maple.
Volunteers can meet VCPA staff outside the Educational Garden and Compost Site, located nearby the Riverdale Stables parking lot. We will provide gloves and any tools needed for the project. Make sure to where long pants, closed-toe shoes, and bring along plenty of water. We look forward to seeing you out in the Park!
RSVP Now.
Please be advised as of 12/27/21, a vaccine mandate has been ordered by the City of New York. In order to participate in Van Cortlandt Park Alliance volunteer events, all volunteers must be vaccinated.

Saturday Forest Volunteer Event
2022-08-13 09:00 - 12:00
Van Cortlandt Park contains 640 acres of forest and wetlands. You can make a difference and help maintain this important ecosystem.
Volunteers will help VCPA staff remove angelica tree (Aralia elata) from the Northeast forest of Van Cortlandt Park. This non-indigenous invasive plant harms the biodiversity of the forest, and its spines are not nice to walk into while walking on the trails. Learn more about the plant, invasive removal techniques, and ecology of the park while out with VCPA staff.
We will meet in front of the Woodlawn Playground at 9am and walk to the worksite from there. VCPA will provide gloves and tools. Please wear long pants, closed-toe sturdy shoes (preferably boots), and bring plenty of water.
RSVP Now.
Please be advised as of 12/27/21, a vaccine mandate has been ordered by the City of New York. In order to participate in Van Cortlandt Park Alliance volunteer events, all volunteers must be vaccinated.

Compost Distribution & Fun
2022-08-16 15:00 - 18:00
Come grab compost and have some fun!
Residents can take up to three (3) 40-lb bags per person! Registration Required.
While you’re here take a tour of our new garden space, dig for some decomposers, do a craft, and tell us what you want to see in the space. VCPA high school interns have spent all spring and summer rebuilding our site and they are excited to show off their work. Activities are suitable for the whole family and community input into future programs, activities and crops is much needed.
VCPA Compost Site and Garden, enter the park at Broadway and Mosholu Ave.

Post Labor Day Park Clean Up
2022-09-06 09:00 - 12:00
Join the Van Cortlandt Park staff in cleaning up the Park after the Labor Day holiday occurs.
Help Van Cortlandt Park staff clean up trash after the Labor Day holiday this year. Meeting at 9am in front of the Van Cortlandt Golf Course Clubhouse.
We will provide gloves and materials to help keep this park in tip-top shape.
Meet at Van Cortlandt Golf Course Clubhouse- enter the park at Van Cortlandt Park South and Bailey Avenue.
RSVP Now.

Trail Work Wednesdays
2022-09-07 09:00 - 12:00
Miles of trails traverse the natural areas of Van Cortlandt Park, and they are in need of some regular maintenance.
Volunteers will assist staff on maintenance of the cross country course, and other trails throughout the park. This work includes water bar and check step maintenance, corridor clearing, raking, etc. No prior experience is needed. Bring along a water bottle and wear sturdy closed-toed shoes and long pants.
We will meet in front of the Educational Garden and Compost Site, located right nearby the Riverdale Stables parking lot. Enter the park at Mosholu Avenue and Broadway intersection, and the garden is on the left prior to reaching the Stables parking lot.
RSVP Now.

Forest Restoration Fridays in Woodlawn
2022-09-09 09:00 - 12:00
With 640 acres of forest and wetlands, Van Cortlandt Park could use your help!

Non-indigenous plant species such as angelica tree (Aralia elata), bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus), and alder buckthorn (Frangula alnus) threaten the health of the forest in the Northeastern section of Van Cortlandt Park. Come learn out why, and help VCPA staff remove these species to prepare for a planting event in October.

We will meet in front of the Woodlawn Playground at 9am, and promptly walk into the woods from there. The walk in to the worksite is approximately 5 minutes long. VCPA will provide gloves and tools. Please wear long pants and closed toe shoes, and bring plenty of water.

Meet at Woodlawn Playground- just south of Van Cortlandt Park East and Kepler Avenue.

RSVP Now.

Woodlawn Family Fun Day
2022-09-10 13:00 - 16:00
Join Van Cortlandt Park Alliance and the Women of Woodlawn for family fun activities as we celebrate the opening of Indian Field.
Activities will include:

Barefoot Dancing with Edwin M. Ferreras with Sergio Sanchez & Andrea Ude (Bachata and Merengue)
NYC DOT Helmet Giveaway*
Bronx Bound Books – Free Books!
Woodland Family Walks
Nature Crafts
Storytime
The Chipper Truck
Sports Team Exhibitions from Westchester South FC Soccer Club and Woodlean Baseball
And much more!

Indian Field is located at E. 233rd Street and Van Cortlandt Park East.
Special thank you to our partners:

Bronx Bound Books
Council Member Eric Dinowitz
NYC DOT
NYC Parks
Women of Woodlawn

RSVP Encouraged.
The Barefoot Dancing portion of this event is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by the Bronx Council on the Arts.
Thank you to Art for AID for their support towards bringing Bronx Bound Books to the event.
*NYC DOT Helmet Fittings & Giveaways
NYC has provided over 260,000 free bicycle helmets to New Yorkers.
NYC DOT’s Office of Safety Education and Outreach partners with organizations and NYC Council Members to host free helmet fitting events across the city.
Helmet fittings and giveaways follow special protocols:

The person receiving the helmet will need to be present at the event;
Waivers must be completed on-site;
Participants will view a training video to learn how to properly fit a helmet;
Participants will be given disposable tape measures to measure their head’s circumference to select a helmet that is right for them.

Forest Restoration Volunteer Event
2022-09-17 09:00 - 12:00
Join VCPA staff in maintaining a biodiverse forest through the removal of non-indigenous plant species while learning about forest ecology.
Non-indigenous plants such as winged euonymus (Euonymus alatus), bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus), and Norway maple (Acer platanoides), threaten the health of the mature deciduous forests within the Northwest Woods of Van Cortlandt Park. Join VCPA staff as we aim to remove these species.
Meeting location is in the Riverdale Stables Parking Lot at 9am. Please be punctual as the worksite is a ten minute walk into the park. VCPA will provide gloves and tools needed for the work. Please bring along water, and wear long pants and closed toe shoes.
Meet at Riverdale Stables Parking Lot- enter the park at Broadway and Mosholu Avenue.
RSVP Now.

Barefoot Dancing
2022-09-17 14:00 - 16:00
Kick off your shoes and dance on the lawn of the Van Cortlandt House Museum with West African Drumming and Dance with Yahaya Kamate and Kamate Traders. Yahaya Kamate is a teaching artist with the Bronx Arts Ensemble.
This cultural enrichment event is fun for the whole family- parents and kids of all ages welcome.
Enter the park at Broadway and W. 246th Street.
RSVP Now.
This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by the Bronx Council on
the Arts.
Special thank you to Bronx Arts Ensemble and Van Cortlandt House Museum.

Garden Crew Volunteer Days
2022-09-27 10:00 - 13:00
Please Note: November 22nd has been canceled.
We are launching a new Garden Crew! Come join VCPA staff in rebuilding and maintaining our Educational Garden and Compost Site. In addition to weeding, watering and harvesting produce, garden crew members will learn how to care for the garden, maintain compost bins and help prep our site for winter. No gardening experience needed. 18 and older.
VCPA Garden and Educational Garden is located next to the Riverdale Stables. Enter the park at Broadway and Mosholu Ave.
RSVP Now.

Birdwalks with NYC Audubon
2022-10-04 09:00 - 10:30
Explore Van Cortlandt Park’s ecologically diverse grounds and celebrate a long tradition of birding in the park. We will look for various species of resident and migratory birds and discuss a wide range of avian topics. Each walk will be led by a New York City Audubon guide.
Advance registration is required. You must register separately for each date you would like to attend.
Fall Bird Walks Offered in Memory of Henry Samol, a lifelong bird lover.
RSVP Required.
Please note October 1st has been canceled due to severe weather forecast.

Trail Work Wednesdays
2022-10-05 09:00 - 12:00
Join the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance in maintaining and repairing our vast network of trails!
Meet us at the VCPA Compost and Garden site (right across from Riverdale Stables) and we will walk to our worksite in the park together.
We are working mostly on the Cross Country Trail this October. Make sure to wear long pants, sturdy closed-toe shoes, and bring lots of water! All other tools will be provided. No prior experience needed.
RSVP Now.

Forest Restoration Fridays
2022-10-07 09:00 - 12:00
With 640 acres of forest and wetlands, Van Cortlandt Park could use your help!
Meet us at the VCPA Compost and Garden site (right across from Riverdale Stables) and we will walk to our worksite in the park together.
We are focusing on removing invasive species this October. Make sure to wear long pants, sturdy closed-toe shoes, and bring lots of water! All other tools will be provided. No prior experience needed.
RSVP Now.

Hike-toberfest 2022
2022-10-15 13:30 - 18:30
See why Van Cortlandt Park is where NYC hikes when you join Van Cortlandt Park Alliance for Hike-toberfest on Saturday October 15!

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!
Click here to purchase tickets.
Sponsorships Available!
Click here for more information on sponsorships.
For more information, visit our Hike-toberfest 2022 page.
