In this, the city of islands, one often overlooked gem is Governors Island. If you don't know about this bucolic oasis right in the middle of, well, everything, check out The Trust for Governors Island to read about its rich history. We're more interested in its exciting present and the immediate future!
On Friday, May 27, the island opens to the public with all sorts of incredible attractions and it's all free! Your adventure begins with the ferry ride from the Manhattan Governors Island Ferry Terminal (right next to the Staten Island Ferry Terminal) or from Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park, located at the foot of Atlantic Avenue, free of charge.
Once on the island, you can purchase food and beverages from vendors, enjoy a beer in the Water Taxi Beach Beer Garden or rent a bicycle and explore. But you're also welcome to bring your own bike or pack a picnic.
Opening weekend features a colorful palette of art that will be on display throughout the season. The Storm King Art Center presents sculpture by Mark di Suvero. The Sculptors Guild presents “Intersections: An Exhibition,” featuring works by members of the Guild and invited guest artists. And FIGMENT returns for their fifth year with “FIGMENT Terrace,” in the Liggett Hall courtyard. FIGMENT artwork includes the annual FIGMENT Minigolf Course, themed “Bugs and Features;” the “Burble Bup Pavillion,” a “magical interior of plush soil tubes;” and the FIGMENT Sculpture Garden, 17 interactive and sustainable projects chosen by the FIGMENT curators. Harvestworks presents "NY Electronic Arts Festival" and in the Commanding Officer's House, photographs by Lisa Kereszi and Andrew Moore will be on display. Visit Picnic Point “to take a tour and see the workings of Added Value’s three acre organic fruit and vegetable farm” or take flying trapeze lessons at the Trapeze School New York, in collaboration with the Big Apple Circus.
There are multiple weekend-long events, including FIGMENT's more extensive interactive arts event June 10-12, as well as music festivals, pop-up shops, even polo! Visit the Governors Island web site for a complete calendar of events.
The island is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 27 through September 25. Hours are 10am – 5pm on Fridays and 10am – 7pm Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
