Wetland Wednesdays
2023-03-22 09:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York)
Join the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance and Manhattan College for a community event on Wetland Wednesdays – March 22nd and March 29th – to improve the habitat of Van Cortlandt Park’s wetlands.
We will be working to replace the invasive common reed (phragmites) with vegetation that has improved ecological value.
No experience is necessary, and all equipment will be provided. The first 50 volunteers will receive a Wetland Wednesdays Tee-Shirt!
There will be two work sessions each day, from 9-11am and 12-3pm.
RSVP Now.

March Forest Restoration Fridays
2023-03-24 09:00 - 12:00
PLEASE NOTE MARCH FOREST FRIDAYS WILL MEET AT 9AM.
Join the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance at one of our Forest Restoration Friday events. A weekly program that allows community members to engage with VCP staff in maintaining the forested landscape here in the Bronx.
Attendees assist with seasonal work such as removal of trees and shrubs, preparing planting sites, planting, and a wide assortment of other projects. Forest Restoration Fridays are a great way to learn about forest ecology, and get your hands dirty in protecting this wonderful resource!
RSVP Now.

DIY Beeswax Wraps
2023-03-29 18:00 - 19:30
Beeswax wraps are a sustainable alternative to plastic wrap made out of a natural wax produced by honey bees! Making your own wrap to use yourself or to give to others is a great step to sustainable living.
In this workshop you will make your own beeswax wrap using beeswax and cotton fabric. You are welcome to bring 100% cotton sheets and pillowcases (we find these work best) to upcycle or we can provide fabric for you along with all other materials. We will also taste test honey produced by a beehive belonging to the VCPA Educational Garden & Compost Site and explore a real bee frame!
*No live bees will be at the event.*
We are meeting at 100 Van Cortlandt Park South, Bronx NY 10463 in Community Room 9, which can be found on the side of the building on Gale Place.
Get Your Tickets Now!

April Forest Restoration Fridays
2023-04-07 09:00 - 12:00
Join Van Cortlandt Park Alliance at one of our Forest Restoration Friday events. A weekly program that allows community members to engage with VCP staff in maintaining the forested landscape here in the Bronx.
Attendees assist with seasonal work such as removal of trees and shrubs, preparing planting sites, planting, and a wide assortment of other projects. Forest Restoration Fridays are a great way to learn about forest ecology, and get your hands dirty in protecting this wonderful resource!
RSVP Now.
Please Note: There will be no session on Friday April 14.

East Meets West
2023-04-11 18:00 - 20:00 | Rambling House, 4292 Katonah Ave, Bronx, 10470, United States
Join us for a fun, fundraiser to support programs in the two largest parks in the Bronx at the Rambling House in Woodlawn.
$35 in Advance, $45 at the Door
Includes:

Your first beer/wine
Finger Foods
Giveaways

Get Your Tickets Now!

Spring Garden Community Volunteer Day
2023-04-15 10:00 - 13:00
To care for the garden and prepare for this year’s growing season, volunteers are needed for weeding, building, and maintaining the compost bins!
Make sure to wear comfortable clothing, sturdy closed-toe shoes, and bring lots of water!
All tools will be provided.
No gardening experience is necessary.
RSVP Now.

Earth Day
2023-04-22 14:00 - 17:00
Join us at this FREE event to celebrate Earth Day. Activities include:

Garden Activities
Nature Crafts
Music & Dancing with Edwin Ferreras & Company
NYC Parks’ Urban Park Rangers
Meet the Horses!

Event will be held on the Stables Lawn and inside VCPA’s Garden & Compost Site in Van Cortlandt Park. Enter the park at Broadway and Mosholu Ave.
RSVP Encouraged.

Wetland Wesdnesdays
2023-04-26 09:00 - 12:00
Join us for Wetland Wednesdays, where we volunteer to improve the wetland ecosystems in Van Cortlandt Park.
April is a great time to get out and enjoy the warmer air as the park is waking up from winter. Projects will be focused on invasive removal. Tools and gloves will be provided.
Meeting Location: Van Cortlandt Park Golf Clubhouse.
Please bring plenty of water, a hat, and an extra pair of socks. Wear sunscreen. Wear clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting dirty. The wetland may be… well, a little wet (in places).
RSVP Now.
Please Note: There will be no event on April 19.

Trail Work Wednesdays
2023-05-03 09:00 - 12:00 | Garden & Compost Site, Enter the Park at Broadway and Mosholu, Bronx, NY, 10471
Miles of trails traverse the natural areas of Van Cortlandt Park, and they are in need of regular maintenance. Volunteers will assist staff on maintenance of the cross country course and other trails throughout the park. Work includes waterbar and checkstep maintenance, corridor clearing, raking, etc.
Wear closed-toe shoes and long pants; bring water and a snack.
Meet at Riverdale Stables Parking Lot.
RSVP Now.

May Forest Restoration Fridays
2023-05-05 09:00 - 12:00 | Woodlawn Playground, Van Cortlandt Park East and Oneida Ave., Bronx, NY, 10470
Join Van Cortlandt Park Alliance at one of our Forest Restoration Friday events. A weekly program that allows community members to engage with VCP staff in maintaining the forested landscape here in the Bronx.
Attendees assist with seasonal work such as removal of trees and shrubs, preparing planting sites, planting, and a wide assortment of other projects. Forest Restoration Fridays are a great way to learn about forest ecology, and get your hands dirty in protecting this wonderful resource!
RSVP Now.

Birding with NYC Audubon
2023-05-06 09:00 - 10:30
Please Note: The June 10th Birding Event has been canceled.
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.
Note: We do not provide binoculars and suggest that attendees bring their own
These walks are funded by NFWF’s Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Grant Program.
Want us to continue birding programs in the future? Please make a donation during checkout. All donations made will be used to continue birding programs.
RSVP Now.
As space is limited, if you are not able to attend please let us know ASAP so we can fill in your spot by emailing info@vancortlandt.org.

Super Seedlings!
2023-05-06 10:00 - 12:00
Please Note: 4/29 has been canceled due to the weather forecast.
Please Note: New Time is 10am to 12pm.
Accompanied by a guardian, young adventurers will experience nature in their city! Kids and their grown-ups will dig, plant seeds, and create crafts together through hands-on play in the garden.
This is a free 7 week program. Come once, twice or all seven weeks for playing, planting, crafts, and more!
This program is for children ages 3-7 with an accompanying adult.
In addition to digging, watering and exploring, children will learn how to care for a garden and the environment around them. This is a great way to get outside and learn through fun experiences!
RSVP Now!
For any questions, please contact: mads@vancortlandt.org
The Garden & Compost Site can be found inside the park at the intersection of Mosholu Ave. and Broadway.

Pinkster Festival!
2023-05-06 12:00 - 16:00
Van Cortlandt Park Alliance, Van Cortlandt House Museum and Kingsbridge Historical Society present a Pinkster Festival on the lawn of the Van Cortlandt House Museum.

Live Music with Chief Baba Neil Clarke, Master Percussionist
Story of Pinkster with the Pinkster Players
African Games with Lavada Nahon, NY Cultural Historian & Interpreter
Stories with April Armstrong, Master Storyteller
Tours with Ashley Hart Adams, Teaching Artist & Actress
Chat with Carla & Keyes, Interpreters
Community Art Project with Tijay Mohammed, Artist
PLUS: Food from Voilà Afrique and crafts from African Masidi & Co for sale!

What is Pinkster?
Once a major holiday in colonial New York, Pinkster is the Dutch name for the Christian event of Pentecost. For the enslaved and free people of African descent, Pinkster proved to be a unique New York historical holiday that incorporated African rituals and traditions.
RSVP encouraged but not required to attend.
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.

Springtime Shindig!
2023-05-11 18:30 - 20:00
We invite you to our spring benefit event on May 11, 2023 to support the work of Van Cortlandt Park Alliance.
This year we are proud to honor two extraordinary organizations whose efforts have made an indelible difference in the lives of folks who live near Van Cortlandt Park:
The Friendly Fridge BX is a community refrigerator initiative grounded in the principles of mutual aid. The first of its kind in the Bronx, the community fridge is located across the street from the park. Van Cortlandt Park Alliance will present Selma Raven and Sara Allen with this year’s annual Betty Campbell-Adams Park Angel Award for all they did for the community during the pandemic—and continue to do to ensure that everyone has access to fresh food.
Courts of Dreams is a nonprofit organization dedicated to refurbishing run-down basketball courts in neighborhoods throughout New York City. Their goal is to bring joy and connectivity through access to safe, beautiful basketball courts, while promoting the values of the sport: teamwork, mutual respect, and leadership. Danny Cornstein and a cohort of dedicated teens, the Junior Board of Courts of Dreams, raised significant funds in 2022 to repave the basketball courts on the Woodlawn side of the park. It is a pleasure to honor the Junior Board with this year’s Cultivating the Bronx Award.
Visit our Springtime Shindig page for more information.

Spring Wreath Making
2023-05-13 13:30 - 16:30 | Garden & Compost Site, Enter the Park at Broadway and Mosholu, Bronx, NY, 10471
Ring in Springtime by making your own spring wreath!
In this workshop, we will take a short hike in the Van Cortlandt Park forest and harvest vines to use as the base of our wreaths. Then head back to the garden to create our wreaths with a mix of natural and artificial materials including seasonal flowers and decorations.
The wreath you create is a beautiful and thoughtful gift to yourself or another!
The Garden & Compost Site can be found inside the park at the intersection of Mosholu Avenue and Broadway.
RSVP Now.

DIY Fairy Garden
2023-05-20 13:30 - 16:30 | Garden & Compost Site, Enter the Park at Broadway and Mosholu, Bronx, NY, 10471
Do you like fairies and other magical creatures? You can invite them into your home with a fairy garden!
These gardens are a fun and imaginative way to get your child digging, learning to garden, and playing outside. In this workshop a child and an accompanying adult will create a fairy garden to take home. All materials will be provided from plants to decorations, you just bring the imagination!
The Garden & Compost Site can be found inside the park at the intersection of Mosholu Avenue and Broadway.
RSVP Now.
*Note: The General Admission ticket is for an adult with one child. For adults with more than one child, there is a smaller fee for each additional kid ($10). There is a limit of 3 children per 1 adult.

VCPA Volunteer Spring Mingling
2023-06-01 18:00 - 20:00
Volunteer interest and appreciation event with food, drinks, and fun times!
Want to learn about why you should volunteer in Van Cortlandt Park? Do you wonder what our volunteer projects entail? Come and meet some of our volunteers to hear about their experiences. Meet our staff and learn about all of the fun volunteer events we have coming up.
We will be providing free food and drinks, fun games, and some swag.
Please sign up here and feel free to bring a plus one as well. Space is limited, pre-registration is required.
RSVP Now.
The Garden & Compost Site can be found inside the park at the intersection of Mosholu Ave and Broadway.

Forest Fridays
2023-06-02 09:00 - 12:00
August 25th event has been canceled due to rainy weather.
Help preserve the beautiful 640 acres of urban woodland in Van Cortlandt Park through our Forest Fridays initiative! As part of the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance, community members can actively participate in maintaining the health of the Bronx’s forested landscape.
Join us every Friday to engage in hands-on, meaningful work such as removal of invasive trees and shrubs, preparing planting sites, planting, and much more. Forest Restoration Fridays are not just about manual labor, they are a fantastic opportunity to learn about forest ecology and conservation while making a tangible difference!
All tools will be provided and no prior experience is needed. Just bring your enthusiasm, your love for nature, and plenty of water. Make sure to dress appropriately with long pants and sturdy closed-toe shoes.
RSVP Now.
Please Note: We will leave the meeting location promptly at 9:15am. It will be difficult to find us afterwards so please arrive on time.
Meet us at the VCPA Garden and Compost Site, ready to dig in and have fun!

Barefoot Dancing with Bahar Music and Dance Ensemble
2023-06-03 14:00 - 16:00
Kick off your shoes and dance on the lawn of the Van Cortlandt House Museum.
Enjoy an afternoon of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean sounds and moves with Bahar Music and Dance Ensemble, featuring Julia Kulakova (Dance, Instruction), Avram Pengas (Guitar), Seido Salifoski (Dumbek) and Ismail Lumanovski (Clarinet).
This cultural enrichment event is fun for the whole family- parents and kids of all ages welcome.
RSVP Now.
Enter the park at Broadway and W. 246th Street.
Special thank you to Van Cortlandt House Museum.
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.

Water Chestnut Wednesdays
2023-06-14 09:00 - 12:00
Note: Due to Air Quality Health Advisory the June 7 session has been canceled.
Join the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance for Water Chestnut Wednesdays as we work together to maintain the health of Hester and Piero’s Mill Pond. Water chestnuts are an invasive aquatic species that, if left unchecked, can disrupt the local ecosystem.
Throughout the summer, we’ll meet every Wednesday from 9 am – 12 pm at the Van Cortlandt Park Golf Clubhouse. From there, we’ll head out to the pond with waders and gloves, getting in the water to tackle this invasive plant’s spread.
No previous experience is required, and we will provide all necessary equipment. Bring your adventurous spirit, plenty of water, a hat, and an extra pair of socks. Make sure to RSVP as spaces are limited – we are taking the first 30 respondents for each Wednesday.
This is a great opportunity to get your feet wet (literally!) in conservation work, learn more about your local ecosystem, and make a positive impact on your park. We look forward to seeing you there!
RSVP Now.
Dates: Most Wednesdays in June and July except on June 21st. Instead of Water Chestnut removal, we will be hosting a Public Volunteer Trash Cleanup day on July 5th.

Third Annual Juneteenth Celebration
2023-06-19 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.
Guest artists include renowned drummer Baba Don Babatunde, actress Ashley Hart Adams, violist Judith Insell, Courtney Carey Stars of Tomorrow Concert Chorale, and West African drummer Yahaya Kamate. Meet Ghanaian-born artist Tijay Mohammed, whose 18-foot installation Baobab Tree of Life is adjacent to the Enslaved African Burial Ground.
RSVP required, as space is limited.
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.

Starlight Cinema
2023-07-11 19:00 - 22:00
Van Cortlandt Park Alliance and Horace Mann School Present:
Starlight Cinema: Outer Space!
Sponsored by Horace Mann School & Optimum
Tuesday Nights • FREE!
Van Cortlandt Park Parade Ground
• 8:30’ish • Movies Begin at Last Light
• 7 pm • Music of 1956, 1999, 1977, 2014
• 7:30 pm • Movie-themed Crafts
July 11: Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)
July 18: Galaxy Quest (1999)
July 25: Star Wars (1977)- CANCELED DUE TO RAIN, NEW DATE: TBD
August 1: Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
August 8: Story Ave (2023). Presented by Rooftop Films. Meet Bronx born filmmaker Aristotle Torres!

Youth Run Farm Stand
2023-07-12 14:00 - 19:00
We are very excited to bring our Youth Run Farmstand featuring fresh local produce at affordable prices back!
Wednesdays 2-7pm
from July 12 to October 25
Train Park (Gale Place and Orloff Avenue)
We accept WIC, FMNP Checks, EBT, Snap, Fresh Connect Checks, Cash and Credit/Debit.

Rowboating on the Mill Pond
2023-07-20 16:00 - 19:00
Village Community Boathouse is back with FREE rowboating on Hester and Piero’s Mill Pond. Rowboats for small groups will be available to paddle around the lake. Children must be accompanied by adults. First come first served.
Meet at the southern end of the Mill Pond- enter the park at Van Cortlandt Park South and Bailey Avenue.
All dates are from 4 to 7pm:
Thursday, July 27 – Canceled due to predicted thunderstorms
Tuesday, August 1
Tuesday, August 8
Tuesday, August 15
Tuesday, August 22

Dialogues at Van Cortlandt House Museum Lawn
2023-07-22 14:00 - 16:00
Join Bronx Arts Ensemble for Dialogues No. 11, an engaging event hosted by Tania León, founder and artistic director of Composers Now. Celebrate the talent of Bronx composers Oliver Caplan, Mimi Jones, Huang Ruo, and Hilliard Greene, while enjoying a captivating performance by The Jazz Expressions. After the performances, participate in thought-provoking town hall-style conversations, encouraging meaningful exchanges of ideas among composers, performers, and audiences. Don’t miss this unique celebration of music and dialogue.

BP Summer Concert Series
2023-07-30 13:00 - 17:00
Office of the Bronx Borough Present Vanessa L. Gibson presents…
Bronx Summer Concert Series
Every Sunday from July 9th to September 3rd
from 1-5pm
Throughout the Bronx
Concert in Van Cortlandt Park
Sunday, July 30th
Southern End of the Parade Ground
Enter the Park at Broadway and W. 246th Street.

Party in the Park with the Bronx Arts Ensemble Woodwind Quintet
2023-08-05 14:00 - 15:00
Join the Bronx Arts Ensemble String Quartet as they perform exciting new works and old favorites that have gained popularity through TikTok and other social media platforms. This concert marks the beginning of the Bronx Arts Ensemble’s 52nd season, which focuses on the human condition. Bring a lawn chair and snacks and enjoy compositions ranging from Shostakovich to Ariana Grande.
Held on the grounds of the Van Cortlandt House Museum.

Woodlawn Forest Restoration
2023-08-10 09:00 - 12:00
Join Van Cortlandt Park Alliance (VCPA) for a rewarding morning of community and nature as we work together to restore the beautiful Woodlawn section of Van Cortlandt Park!
We will meet at the Woodlawn Playground and make our way to a restoration site within the woods. You don’t need any prior experience or special equipment — we will provide the tools and the training. All you need to bring is your enthusiasm and a readiness to get your hands a little dirty!
It’s not just work, though. As we help nurture our park back to health, you will also learn interesting facts about this special part of the Bronx. This is a wonderful chance to make new friends, enjoy the outdoors, and contribute to the preservation of your local park.
RSVP Now.

Volunteer with Wicked in VCP!
2023-08-11 10:00 - 13:00
Celebrate Wicked’s 20th Anniversary with a massive volunteer event! Join fans of Wicked at park cleanup events across the city, where you’ll have the chance to volunteer alongside members of the Wicked team and members of the Broadway Green Alliance.
Together, let’s green NYC! Help us paint the town green! Join us for a painting party as we beautify a historic WPA-era stadium with a fresh coat of paint. Wear long pants, long sleeves, and get ready to transform this historic structure with your fellow Wicked fans!
This event is presented by NYC Parks, WE ❤️ NYC, Wicked, the Broadway Green Alliance, and the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance.
Registration Required.

Stephanie Ehrlich's Big Bowl of Soul!
2023-08-12 14:00 - 15:00
Wait – is it THAT Stephanie Ehrlich?
Yes! Van Cortlandt Park Alliance’s Executive Director moonlights as a singer.
Join Stephanie and her retro-band, Big Bowl of Soul, for a funky ride back to the 60s.
Bring a picnic and a blanket to enjoy the afternoon on Van Cortlandt House Museum Lawn.
Feeling tipsy? Make a donation in honor of the band to Van Cortlandt Park Alliance.
Presented by our pals at Bronx Arts Ensemble.
Shop Local!
Pre-order from our friends at Emiliano’s Market.
Of course, no visit to the park is complete without stopping at Lloyd’s Carrot Cake for dessert!
