Van Cortlandt Park Alliance

Woodlawn Beautification Day
2024-05-18 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
Volunteers needed to care for and beautify the wildflower patch and area around Woodlawn Playground in Van Cortlandt Park.
Join VCPA, Women of Woodlawn and Woodlawn Taxpayers Association as we continue to beautify the area around Woodlawn Playground. Projects will include removing non-native invasive plants, planting native species and general clean-up around the playground and in the wildflower patch.
Meet in front of Woodlawn Playground.
All work tools and supplies will be provided.
RSVP Now.
Save the Date for our next Woodlawn Beautification Day: Saturday, June 15 from 10am to 12pm.

Barefoot Dancing with Yahaya Kamate
2024-05-18 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 friends. 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 Suggested.
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.
Special thank you to Bronx Arts Ensemble and Van Cortlandt House Museum.

Barefoot Dancing with Estelle Walkin
2024-06-01 14:00 - 16:00
Kick off your shoes and learn to dance Samba on the lawn of the Van Cortlandt House Museum with Estelle Walkin featuring Escalante Amaru (Music Medicine) who will be playing Brazilian music.
Estelle Walkin 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 Suggested.
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.
Special thank you to Bronx Arts Ensemble and Van Cortlandt House Museum.

Water Chestnut Wednesdays
2024-06-05 09:00 - 12:00
Join us at Van Cortlandt Park for Water Chestnut Wednesday! Help us remove water chestnuts from the lake. This invasive species poses a significant threat to our local ecosystem, and your efforts will make a big difference.
When & Where:
• Dates: June 5th + 12th
• Time: 9 AM – Noon
• Meeting Location: Van Cortlandt Golf House
Activities Include:
• Removing water chestnuts directly from the lake
What to Bring:
• Plenty of water and a snack
• A hat and sunscreen
• An extra pair of socks
We Provide:
• Waders and gloves
• Necessary equipment
• Guidance and support
Get Involved:
No previous experience is required. Just bring your adventurous spirit and be ready to jump into the water to help preserve the beauty of Van Cortlandt Park.
RSVP Now.
(Plans may change according to the needs of the park and weather conditions.)

Forest Fridays
2024-06-07 09:00 - 12:00
Please note: Due to extreme heat we are canceling the 6/21 Forest Friday session.
Join us at Van Cortlandt Park for a meaningful morning of forest restoration! Experience the last weeks of spring in the forest by helping us remove invasive species like multi-flora rose and bittersweet. Gear up for some hands-on conservation work and learn about the forest’s ecosystem.
When & Where:

Dates: June 7th, 14th and 28th
Time: 9 AM – Noon
Location: VCPA Garden Education and Compost Site, across from Riverdale Stables

Activities Include:

Invasive species removal
Educational insights on forest health
Community engagement

What to Bring:

Sturdy shoes and protective clothing
Water/tea and snacks
Sunscreen and bug spray

We Provide:

Tools and gloves
Guidance and support

Get Involved:
Ready to make a difference? Grab your gloves and join us in preserving the beauty of Van Cortlandt Park.
Questions? Contact noel@vancortlandt.org.
RSVP Now.
Please be prompt, as we leave the meeting spot by 9:10-9:15am in order to get to our work site.
(Plans may change according to the needs of the park, especially in response to storm damage.)

NY Philharmonic Concert in VCP
2024-06-11 20:00 - 22:00
THE PHIL IS COMING 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 11 at 8 pm
Fireworks will follow the concert!
Enter the park across the street from 6035 Broadway (approximately West 246th Street).
Concert site is at the Parade Ground, located adjacent to the Nature Center and Van Cortlandt House Museum.

Program to Include
Beethoven, Egmont Overture
Fe. Mendelssohn, Violin Concerto in E minor
Elgar, Wand of Youth Overture
NY Phil Very Young Composer Dalya Shaman,Floating in the Stars
NY Phil Very Young Composer David Wright,Tarzan’s Rage
Carlos Simon, Four Black American Dances (New York Premiere)
Rimsky-Korsakov, Capriccio espagnol
Artist
Thomas Wilkins, Conductor
Randall Goosby, Violin

Visit the NY Philharmonic website for more details:
https://www.nyphil.org/concerts-tickets/2324/van-cortlandt-park/

Woodlawn Beautification Day
2024-06-15 10:00 - 12:00
Volunteers needed to care for and beautify the wildflower patch and area around Woodlawn Playground in Van Cortlandt Park.
Join VCPA, Women of Woodlawn and Woodlawn Taxpayers Association as we continue to beautify the area around Woodlawn Playground. Projects will include removing non-native invasive plants, planting native species and general clean-up around the playground and in the wildflower patch.
Meet in front of Woodlawn Playground.
All work tools and supplies will be provided.
RSVP Now.

Northwest Corner Care
2024-06-15 13:00 - 15:00
Show the Northwest Corner of Van Cortlandt Park some TLC ! Volunteers needed to help us beautify the 261st Street section of VCP. We will move towards the City Line as time allows. Gloves and tools provided.
Special thank you to our good friends at Riverdale Main Streets Alliance for their ongoing dedication to this section of the park.
RSVP Now.

Juneteenth Celebration
2024-06-19 18:00 - 19:30
Van Cortlandt Park Alliance and Bronx Arts Ensemble invite you to an evening celebration of Juneteenth at the Van Cortlandt House Museum.
The program will begin on the lawn of the Van Cortlandt House Museum 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, mezzo-soprano Lucia Bradford and the NYC All City High School Chorus, poet David Mills and West African drummer Yahaya Kamate.
RSVP Suggested.
Special thank you to our venue partners at the Van Cortlandt House Museum and the National Society of Colonial Dames in the State of New York.
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.

KRVC: Music in the Park
2024-06-23 17:00 - 19:00
Kingsbridge Riverdale Van Cortlandt Development Corporation presents:
Music in the Park:
Morrisania Band Project
Featuring: Elissa Carmona (vocals), Kevin Belle (keyboard), Gregory Daffin (bass guitar/vocals) and Warren Moddie (drums/vocals)
This FREE event will be held on the grounds of the Van Cortlandt House Museum.
BYOB: Bring chairs, blankets and a picnic.
For more information, visit KRVC website.
Morrisania Band Project is an award-winning R&B soul collective founded in September 2016. Our mission is to add vibrancy to the South Bronx through music, community engagement, and social initiatives. With creative energy and loads of talent, MBP delivers the sounds of iconic soul, pop, and funk artists, while promoting awareness for issues like gun violence and adult literacy.
​MorrisaniaBand.com
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
2024-07-03 09:00 - 12:00
In July. join us every Wednesday morning for Water Chestnut Wednesday! Your help is crucial in removing water chestnuts from the lake, an invasive species that poses a significant threat to our local ecosystem. Your efforts will make a big difference in preserving the beauty and health of Van Cortlandt Park.
📅 When & Where:

Dates: July 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, and 31st
Time: 9 AM – 12 PM
Meeting Location: Van Cortlandt Golf House

🛠 Activities Include:

Removing water chestnuts directly from the lake.

🎒 What to Bring:

Plenty of water and a snack.
A hat and sunscreen.
An extra pair of socks.

🔧 We Provide:

Waders and gloves.
Necessary equipment.
Guidance and support.

🤝 Get Involved: No previous experience is required. Just bring your adventurous spirit and be ready to jump into the water to help preserve the beauty of Van Cortlandt Park.
📢 RSVP Now: Sign up and make a significant impact on your park. We look forward to seeing you there!
Note: Plans may change according to the needs of the park and weather conditions.

You Are What You Eat Workshop
2024-07-08 10:00 - 12:00
What does food mean to you? Join Van Cortlandt Park Alliance and explore your relationship with food through creative collage!
What does food mean to you?
How does food relate to your identity?
Does it connect you to family, friends, or heritage?
How does eating certain foods make you feel?
In this all-ages free workshop, each participant will spend time reflecting on what food means to them and creating a small art piece to take home. Come join us for a fun and crafty morning!
All materials will be provided.
📅 Date: Monday, July 8th
🕐 Time: 10 AM – 12 PM
📍 Location: VCPA ‘s Educational Garden and Compost Site is located at: Mosholu Avenue and Broadway (next to the Horse Stables).

Summer Garden Tune-Up Tuesdays
2024-07-09 10:00 - 13:00
Turnip to volunteer! At the VCPA Educational Garden & Compost Site, we are open and enjoying (and expanding!) 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 send an email to gardening@vancortlandt.org to register.
Summer Dates: Tuesdays July 9 and 23 and August 13 from 10am-1pm

Starlight Cinema: Enchanted Forest
2024-07-09 19:00 - 22:00
Van Cortlandt Park Alliance and Horace Mann School Present:
Starlight Cinema: Enchanted Forest
FREE! Movies in the Park FREE!
Tuesday Nights
Van Cortlandt Park Parade Ground
8:30-ish • Movies Begin at Last Light
7 PM • Music of 1939, 1987, 2001, 2014
7:30 PM • Movie-themed Crafts
July 9: The Wizard of Oz (1939)
July 16: The Princess Bride (1987)
July 23: Shrek (2001)
July 30: Into the Woods (2014)
August 6: Official Rain Date

Forest Fridays
2024-07-12 09:00 - 12:00
🌳 What: Forest Restoration in the Northwest Forest
📅 When: Fridays, July 12th, 19th, and 26th
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Where: Van Cortlandt Park – Garden & Compost Site
Join us for our Forest Friday events this July! We will be focusing on removing invasive species like wineberry, bittersweet, mile-a-minute, and more. These activities are crucial in preserving the health and biodiversity of our forest.
Activities Include:

Invasive Species Removal: Help us eradicate invasive plants that threaten our native ecosystem.
Forest Restoration: Assist in the restoration of native plants and habitats.
Hands-on Activities: Engage in practical conservation efforts that make a real difference.

What to Bring:

Long sleeves and pants
Sturdy shoes
Water and snacks
Enthusiasm for environmental conservation!

RSVP Now.

New Date: Family Fridays in the Garden
2024-07-12 10:00 - 12:00
Please Note: Our last Family Friday will be moved from August 9th to August 16th.
Come spend some time in Van Cortlandt Park Alliance’s Education Garden this Summer!
Your family is invited to spend time in Van Cortlandt Park Alliance’s Education Garden this Summer! Come out to dig for compost critters, water the plants, explore nature, and more!
This is a FREE drop-in program.
For children ages 2 to 12 years old accompanied by an adult(s).
📅 Dates:

Friday, July 12th
Friday, July 19th
Friday, August 2nd
Friday, August 16th

🕐 Time: 10 AM – 12 PM
📍 Location: The VCPA Compost Site and Education Garden is located at: Mosholu Avenue and Broadway (next to the Horse Stables).
Drop-ins are welcome, but advance registration is preferred.
Please e-mail us with any questions at gardening@vancortlandt.org

CANCELED- City of Water Day: Water Chestnut Removal
2024-07-13 10:00 - 13:00
Due to the forecast of thunderstorms tomorrow morning. VCPA is canceling our City of Water Day: Water Chestnut Removal event.
Stay safe and we hope to see you at a future event in Van Cortlandt Park.
City of Water Day is a region-wide day of free, family-friendly events on or near the water! City of Water Day features stewardship organizations that are raising awareness about the risk we all face from sea level rise and climate change, and explores ways we can build the adaptive capacity of our ecosystems and communities.
This special event will focus on removing invasive water chestnuts from the pond, a crucial effort in maintaining the health of our local water systems. By participating, you will directly contribute to the restoration of the park’s ecosystem and support initiatives like the daylighting of Tibbetts Brook.
🛠 Activities Include:

Removing invasive water chestnuts from the lake.
Learning about the importance of water health and local conservation efforts.

🌿 Why It’s Important: Water chestnuts are an invasive species that clog waterways, outcompete native plants, and disrupt aquatic ecosystems. By removing them, we improve water quality, enhance habitat for native species, and support broader conservation efforts such as the daylighting of Tibbetts Brook. This initiative aims to restore natural water flow, reduce flooding, and improve water quality in the Bronx.
🎒 What to Bring:

Plenty of water and a snack.
A hat and sunscreen.
An extra pair of socks.

🔧 We Provide:

Waders and gloves.
Necessary equipment.
Guidance and support.

🤝 Get Involved: No previous experience is required. Just bring your enthusiasm for environmental conservation and be ready to make a difference!
RSVP Now.

New Location! Bronx Arts Ensemble and Composers Now Collaboration: Dialogues
2024-07-13 14:00
NEW LOCATION!
Join Bronx Arts Ensemble and Composer Now for a FREE collaborative concert in the “Dialogues” series at the Van Cortlandt Golf House.
Visit Bronx Arts Ensemble website for more information.

Bronx Arts Ensemble Woodwind Quintet
2024-07-20 14:00 - 15:00
A FREE concert called Symbiosis by Bronx Art Ensemble’s Woodwind Quintet on the Van Cortlandt House Museum Lawn. Interaction between nature and humans, meditations on animals and the environment, these themes have long been subjects of profound reflection and artistic expression.
Visit Bronx Arts Ensemble’s website for more information.

50s to 80s Pop Hits with Odane Whilby & Band
2024-07-27 14:00 - 15:00
Come join Bronx Arts Ensemble on the Van Cortlandt House Museum Lawn for an electrifying FREE performance featuring BAE teaching artist Odane Whilby and his band. Get set to sway to the timeless tunes of the 50s to the 80s. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable musical experience in the park!
Visit Bronx Arts Ensemble website for more information.

Forest Fridays in August
2024-08-02 09:00 - 12:00
🌳 What: Forest Restoration in the Northwest Forest
📅 When: Fridays in August
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Where: Van Cortlandt Park – Garden & Compost Site
Description:
Join us for our Forest Friday events this August! We will be focusing on removing invasive species like porcelain berry, bittersweet, mile-a-minute, Norway Maple and more. These activities are crucial in preserving the health and biodiversity of our forest.
Activities Include:

Invasive Species Removal: Help us eradicate invasive plants that threaten our native ecosystem.
Forest Restoration: Assist in the restoration of native plants and habitats.
Hands-on Activities: Engage in practical conservation efforts that make a real difference.

What to Bring:

Long sleeves and pants
Sturdy shoes
Water and snacks
Enthusiasm for environmental conservation!

RSVP Now!

NEW LOCATION: Respect|Extract BAE String Quartet
2024-08-03 14:00 - 15:00
Due to this weekend’s forecast for heavy rains, the concert has been moved to an indoor location:
Parish Hall at Christ Church Riverdale
5040 Henry Hudson Parkway East, Bronx, NY 10471
A FREE Concert by the Bronx Arts Ensemble String Quartet. Respect|Extract explores human interaction between land/air/sea and our various interpretations.
Visit the Bronx Arts Ensemble website for more information.

Monday Morning Clean Ups
2024-08-05 09:00 - 12:00
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 walking!
Note: There will be no Monday CleanUps on 9/2 or 10/14.
Meet at 9 am at southern end of the Van Cortlandt Golf House.
RSVP Now.

Fairy Garden Workshop
2024-08-12 10:00 - 12:00
Monday, August 12th – 10-12 pm
Do you believe in magic? Do you believe in fairies and other enchanted creatures? You can invite them into your home with a magical fairy garden!
In this workshop, a child and accompanying adult will create a fairy terrarium garden with a live plant to take home. All materials will be provided.
Get Your Tickets!

Woodlawn Restoration Wednesdays
2024-08-14 09:00 - 12:00
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 handball courts, walk to restoration site at 9:10am (so don’t be late)
Activities: Removing invasive species like multi-flora rose, porcelain berry, and angelica.
What to Wear: Sturdy shoes, protective clothing, sunscreen, and bug spray. Bring water.

RSVP Now.
Want to bring a group? This event is limited to small groups of 5 or less. If you would like to bring more 6 or more people please complete this form to schedule a separate event.

New Date: Canine Court Volunteer Clean Up
2024-08-14 16:00 - 18:00
NYC Parks staff does not perform daily maintenance inside dog runs.
Daily maintenance is up to volunteers- like YOU!
Join us for an evening of weeding, cleaning and spreading woodchips to spruce up Canine Court.
VCPA provides all necessary gear. You bring the can-do attitude
Enter the park at Broadway and W. 252nd.
RSVP Now.

Canine Court Volunteer Clean Ups
2024-08-21 16:00 - 18:00
Wednesdays 8/21, 8/28 and 9/4 from 4-6pm
NYC Parks staff does not perform daily maintenance inside dog runs.
Daily maintenance is up to volunteers- like YOU!
Join us for an evening of weeding, cleaning and spreading woodchips to spruce up Canine Court.
VCPA provides all necessary gear. You bring the can-do attitude
Enter the park at Broadway and W. 252nd.
RSVP Now.

Post Labor Day Morning Clean Up
2024-09-03 09:00 - 12:00
Labor Day weekend 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 this popular picnicking holiday.
We provide gloves and materials to help keep this park in tip-top shape.
You provide can-do spirit and sturdy shoes for walking!
Meet at 9 am at southern end of the Van Cortlandt Golf House.
RSVP Now.

Post Labor Day Afternoon Clean Up
2024-09-03 14:00 - 16:00
Labor Day weekend 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 this popular picnicking holiday.
We provide gloves and materials to help keep this park in tip-top shape.
You provide can-do spirit and sturdy shoes for walking!
Meet at 12pm at VCPA’s Garden & Compost Site. Enter the park at Broadway and Mosholu Ave.
RSVP Now.

Chalk Art Fest
2024-09-05 16:00 - 19:00
FREE street chalk drawing event led by Ghana-born, Bronx artist Tijay Mohammed.
Create temporary art inspired by Adinkra and Uli symbols of West Africa, which adopt the spirit of the human body using basic geometric and abstract shapes, animals, and floral designs. Adinkra and Uli symbols promote healing while capturing joy, love, freedom, hope, pride, beauty, wisdom, strength, leadership, womanhood, and power.
In honor of the ancestors, the event will be held in front of the Enslaved African & Kingsbridge Burial Grounds, located behind the Tennis Courts. Parking is available in the Van Cortlandt Golf Lot and Broadway.
