HEAD TO GOVERNORS ISLAND

Last week, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg kicked off Governors Island's 2011 season, which will feature a wide variety of new free exhibitions, concerts, programs and performances for visitors of all ages. The island will be open to the public every Friday to Sunday through September 25 and for the first time includes holiday Mondays. A record 443,000 people visited the island during the 2010 season, and Governors Island anticipates welcoming more than 500,000 visitors in 2011. The Island's signature exhibition this summer, Mark di Suvero at Governors Island: Presented by the Storm King Art Center, features 11 iconic works by the sculptor Mark di Suvero and is the largest outdoor presentation of his work in New York City in more than three decades. Mayor Bloomberg was joined for the event at the Battery Maritime Building in Lower Manhattan, where free ferries depart for the island, by Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, Council Member Margaret Chin, Community Board 1 Chairwoman Julie Menin, Trust for Governors Island Chair Ronay Menschel and President Leslie Koch, Governors Island National Monument Superintendent Patti Reilly, Governors Island Alliance Chair Donna Millrod, Storm King Art Center President John Stern and artist Mark di Suvero.

"Governors Island is fast becoming known as one of the world's great waterfront destinations," said Mayor Bloomberg. "With the largest outdoor presentation of Mark di Suvero's work in New York City in more than three decades and a host of exciting new events, we expect an all-time-high 500,000 visitors to come to Governors Island this season - a big increase over last year's record 443,000 visitors and roughly 20 times the number of visitors who came here during 2006. And in the years to come - with the implementation of the island's Park & Public Space Master Plan and thanks to a new and clearer direction over Governors Island's future - we expect its popularity as a destination to soar even higher."

Governors Island will be more accessible this summer than ever before. Once again, free ferry service will be provided from the Battery Maritime Building in Lower Manhattan on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays and from Brooklyn Bridge Park's Pier 6 at the foot of Atlantic Avenue on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. In addition, the City announced in February that new East River ferry service will include a stop at Governors Island on weekends. That service will add routes to and from the island from Long Island City in Queens, Greenpoint, North Williamsburg, North Williamsburg and Pier 6 in Brooklyn, and East 34^th Street and Wall Street in Manhattan.

The activation of Governors Island is a key part of the Bloomberg Administration's Waterfront Vision and Enhancement Strategy, a sustainable blueprint for New York City's waterfront and waterways. To reconnect New Yorkers and visitors to the water and reclaim New York City's standing as a premier waterfront city, the plan, unveiled in March, will transform the City's waterfront with new parks, new industrial activities and new housing, and it will capitalize on the City's waterways to promote water-borne transportation, recreation, maritime activity and natural habitats.

"As the Assemblyman who represents Governors Island, I have worked hard to help ensure that it is one of the more beautiful, more unique and more popular parks in Manhattan," said Speaker Silver. "Governors Island is truly a one-of-a-kind experience and I encourage all New Yorkers, particularly my neighbors Downtown, many of whom lack open space, to come visit this summer. It is free, it is accessible, and it is one of the more enjoyable ways to spend a summer afternoon in New York City."

"I am happy to salute the official opening today of the Governors Island 2011 summer season. This beautiful site is one of our City's most enjoyable and family-friendly venues, and the Family Festival in Nolan Park this weekend will kick things off with live music and theatre for children, plus educational programs about Governors Island and New York Harbor," said State Senator Daniel Squadron. "Now that warm weather looks it is finally on the way, I invite all New Yorkers to join us and enjoy one of New York's most relaxing and picturesque recreational sites. Let's have a wonderful afternoon - and an even greater summer season."

"As we mark the start of Governors Island's 2011 summer season, it's a fitting moment to reflect on a year's accomplishments," said Congressman Nadler. "A little over one year ago, we began the literal transformation of the Island from a sleepy backwater to the jewel of New York Harbor. Since the creation of the Trust for Governors Island, the island is now on solid financial footing, and planning and development for its future are moving forward. I applaud the Mayor for committing $260 million in capital funds over the next 10 years to upgrade the island's infrastructure. And I am proud of the work that I have done over the last 16 years to help in this effort, from acquiring the land for New York to creating the National Monument and funding key projects and improvements on the island."

"I am happy to salute the official opening today of the Governors Island 2011 summer season," said Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer. "This beautiful site is one of our City's most enjoyable and family-friendly venues, and the Family Festival in Nolan Park this weekend will kick things off with live music and theatre for children, plus educational programs about Governors Island and New York Harbor. Now that warm weather looks it is finally on the way, I invite all New Yorkers to join us and enjoy one of New York's most relaxing and picturesque recreational sites. Let's have a wonderful afternoon - and an even greater summer season.

"It isn't really summer until Governor's Island is open for business," said Council Member Chin. "I am pleased to join Mayor Bloomberg in inviting New Yorkers and visitors to our City to take full advantage of all that Governor's Island has to offer.  Governor's Island is a truly unique public space that allows us to see the City from a different perspective. It is a visitor experience unmatched in New York City. Enjoying the public spaces, activities, concerts, and exhibits on Governor Island is always a highlight of my summer, as I hope it will be for all New Yorkers for years to come."

"Governors Island is truly an extension of Lower Manhattan and of our great city," said Manhattan Community Board 1 Chair Julie Menin. "I am pleased that residents of Lower Manhattan neighborhoods and all New Yorkers will be able to enjoy free cultural, sports and recreational events on the Island this season."

"This year, Governors Island will have more public art, lots of free bikes, and for the first time will be open on all holiday Mondays," said Leslie Koch, president of The Trust for Governors Island. "We hope that all New Yorkers will come to the Island to experience a vacation without ever leaving the city."

"The National Park Service looks forward to welcoming visitors to the reopening of Castle Williams later this season," said Patti Reilly, Superintendent of the Governors Island National Monument. "We invite the public to come out to the Island and take part in all of the Park Service's programs so that they can learn about the National Park System, the Island, its history and role in New York City."

"The Governors Island Alliance is thrilled to help kick off the Island's opening weekend with the Family Festival this Saturday," said Governors Island Alliance Chair Donna Millrod. "We look forward to another extraordinary and record breaking season."

Governors Island is open from 10 AM to 5 PM on Fridays and 10 AM to 7 PM on Saturdays, Sundays and holiday Mondays.

In addition to Water Taxi Beach, which serves food and drinks, there are a variety of food vendors on Governors Island. Vendors sell a variety of food choices, from sandwiches, salads, street food, ice cream and snacks. Visitors are also welcome to bring their own food and picnics to the Island. Visitors are not permitted to bring alcohol or grill on the Island. Indoor bathrooms and port-a-sans are available for visitors to use once they arrive on Governors Island. Indoor bathrooms are located in Building 110, adjacent to the Governors Island ferry landing. Port-a-sans are located throughout the Island. Bathrooms and certain port-a-sans are wheelchair accessible.

Below is a preliminary schedule for the 2011 Public Access Season on Governors Island. Additional events will continue to be added. Please check govisland.com for the most up to date schedule.

VISUAL ARTS EXHIBITS AND EVENTS

ALL SEASON
Mark di Suvero on Governors Island: presented by the Storm King art Center, May 27- September 25
The exhibition is the largest outdoor presentation of Mark di Suvero's sculptures to be shown in New York City since the 1970s and includes loans from public and private collections, including a number of sculptures from Storm King's own celebrated installation of the artist's work. The exhibition is free and located throughout the island's vibrant public spaces.

Intersections: An Exhibition Organized by the Sculptors Guild: May 27 - September 25
Curated by Karen Wilkin and featuring work from members of the Guild and invited guest artists.  

FIGMENT 2011 Minigolf Course: May 27-September 25
This summer, FIGMENT is giving its own participatory, free and inspired twist to the unknown and fascinating world of bugs with a return of the celebrated FIGMENT Minigolf Course, themed this year around "Bugs and Features". In the Liggett Hall courtyard, man and bug can putt away in harmony. The FIGMENT Minigolf Course is open and free for the public to play.

FIGMENT 2011 Burble Bup Pavilion: May 27- September 25
Come together in the Burble Bup pavilion, winner of the second annual City of Dreams pavilion competition. Burble Bup invites people to lounge and mingle in its soft and magical interior, upon plush soil tubes. The City of Dreams pavilion competition is sponsored by FIGMENT, ENYA, and SEAoNY.

Empire Historic Arts Fund presents Designs for Living 1795 - 2011: May 27-September 25
A three part exhibit that offers historic couture fashion and accessories from 1795 - 2011 including such icons as Worth, Balenciaga and Dior; 18th and 19th century wallpapers anchored to the architecture found on Governors Island as well as contemporary tonalist landscape paintings.  

FIGMENT 2011 Sculpture Garden: May 27 - September 25
The FIGMENT summer long sculpture garden is back! Engage with amazingly creative, interactive, and sustainable sculpture projects in the Liggett Hall courtyard. The FIGMENT Terrace Sculpture Garden is free.

Harvestworks presents "NY Electronic Arts Festival": May 27-September 25
An electronic arts festival featuring sound installations and digital media including "Blue Morph" by Victoria Vesna and Jim Gimzewski and "WaterWall" by John Morton and Jacqueline Shatz.

Governors Island: Photographs by Lisa Kereszi & Andrew Moore:  A Public Art Fund Project, May 27 - September 25, Commanding Officer's House
See photos by Lisa Kereszi and Andrew Moore of places around the Island.

Lower Manhattan Cultural Council Artist Studios
Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC) presents gallery exhibitions, open studio events and performances all summer long. Building 110, a historic Army warehouse next to the Soissons Dock, now houses LMCC's multi-use arts facility--including 20 visual-artist studios, two rehearsal studios and an exhibition space--for the development and presentation of new work in the performing and visual arts.

Children's Museum of the Arts Free Art Island Outpost Program: May 27-September 25, 11 am to 3 pm
Join the Children's Museum of the Arts Teaching Artists for new themes and projects each weekend, including everything from painting and drawing to large-scale sculpture

MULTIPLE WEEKENDS
Better Than Jam: Summer Pop Up Shop:  May 27-September 5
Handcrafted items are featured in a pop up shop in one of the Island's historic buildings.

Painting Governors Island: May 27-September 11
An exhibition of en-plein-air watercolor and oil paintings made on Governors Island.

Bodies, Borders and Crossings presented by the Finnish Cultural Institute of New York: June 24-July 31
An exhibition on contemporary Finnish photography and video art presented through artworks by 11 artists.

4 Heads Art Fair: All September weekends, 11 AM to 6 PM
The Governors Island Art Fair enters its 4th year this fall as the 4heads rally an exciting and diverse selection of artists from around the world. Over 100 independent artists are selected entirely on the merit of their work and, once chosen, each is given a room and set loose to create an environment of their own design. For more information visit www.4heads.org.

JUNE
Friday, June 10-Sunday June 12: FIGMENT, all day
FIGMENT is an explosion of creative energy. It's a free, annual celebration of participatory art and culture, where everything is possible. For information, visit www. figmentproject.org .

BIKING, SPORTS AND RECREATION

EVERY WEEKEND
Bike Governors Island: May 27-September 25
Bring your own bike or rent one from Bike and Roll™ to enjoy five miles of car-free biking. 

Bike and Roll's™ Free Bike Fridays: Fridays, May 27- September 23
Borrow a bike for free for up to one hour.

Trapeze School of New York: Saturdays and Sundays, May 27-September 25
Trapeze School New York (TSNY), in collaboration with the Big Apple Circus, is offering Flying Trapeze Lessons on Parade Ground on Governors Island.

JUNE
Sunday, June 5: Fourth Annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic, 12 PM 
Featuring an afternoon of polo as well as champagne lounges and concessions by Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group. Free and open to the public.

Saturday, June 18: RECESS outdoor Badminton, noon
A day of outdoor badminton team challenge featuring top creative organizations in NYC, as well as courts for public play on Colonels Row, plus free Bowery Lane Bicycles test rides. Who will put the bad in badminton? Bring your blankets and check out RECESS 2011. Special guest deejay. For more information visit recessnewyork.com.

JULY
Saturday, July 16: Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance and Friends present The City of Water Day Festival, 10am-4pm
A day of entertainment, education and adventure celebrating our waterfront. Enjoy free boat tours, children's activities, fishing, the Waterfront Activity Fair, and more!

Saturday, July 23: Go Fly a Kite! 11 AM
The Governors Island Alliance will provide free kites to visitors to fly on the Parade Ground.

AUGUST
Saturday August 13: NYC Volkswagen Traffic Jam, 10 AM - 4 PM 
A hundred vintage Volkswagens will be bumper-to-bumper at picturesque Picnic Point on Governors Island for a colorful car show and picnic that is open to all. Meet classic beetles, buses, Karmann Ghias, dune buggies, and other beloved VDubs circa 1954-1979 from NYC and beyond. "People's choice" wins this car show, and spectators attend free!

Saturday, August 27: RECESS outdoor Bocce, noon
A day of outdoor bocce team challenge featuring top creative organizations in NYC, as well as courts for public play on Colonels Row, plus free LINUS Bicycle test rides. Itchy for bocce anyone? Come get your fill at RECESS 2011. Special guest deejay.

SEPTEMBER
Saturday, September 3: NYC Unicycle Festival, Noon 
A day of unicycle races, games, shows, and the largest group of one-wheeled enthusiasts to gather in the five boroughs.

Saturday, September 10: Governors Island Swim, 8:30 AM 
Cheer on swimmers--or sign up ahead of time at www.nycswim.org to join them--as they jump off a ferry boat and swim a challenging two-mile race around Governors Island. The course allows great views of Lower Manhattan, Jersey City, Staten Island, Brooklyn, and, of course, Governors Island itself, from the unique, water-level perspective. 

MUSIC EVENTS/PROGRAMS

JUNE
Saturday, June 18: Governor's Ball Music Festival
A music festival featuring Girl Talk, Empire of the Sun, Outkast's Big Boi, People Under the Stairs and more. Tickets are required.

Sunday, June 19: Make Music New York's Punk Island, 11 AM - 5 PM
Make Music New York transforms Governors Island into Punk Island with dozens of performances throughout the day.

Saturday and Sunday June 25-26: Michael Arenella and the Dreamland Orchestra present the Jazz Age Dance Party, 11 AM to 5 PM
Michael Arenella and His Dreamland Orchestra will cast a magical spell of hot jazz and open-air merriment that will delight the whole family. This Jazz-Age Lawn party brings you back in time to the 1920s for a rollicking and delightful afternoon rendezvous of live music and dance, instruction in period dances, picnicking, and games. This event requires tickets. They are $7 in advance or $10 on Governors Island.

JULY
Saturday, July 2: Rite of Summer Classical Music Festival, 1 PM and 3 PM
The first ever classical/contemporary music festival to be held on Governors Island kicks off its inaugural season with a series of outdoor concerts. Curated by Artistic Directors/NYC-based pianists Blair McMillen and Pam Goldberg, Rite of Spring launches with a performance of Terry Riley's "In C" led by keyboardist/conductor/musical impresario Jed Distler , featuring nearly 40 of New York's top freelance musicians, including members of the American Modern Ensemble , Newspeak , the Momenta Quartet , The Asphalt Orchestra and others. 

AUGUST
Saturday, August 13: Rite of Summer Classical Music Festival, 1 PM and 3 PM
The first ever classical/contemporary music festival to be held on Governors Island kicks off its inaugural season with a series of exhilarating, fun outdoor concerts on Colonel's Row.  ROS is curated by Artistic Directors/NYC-based pianists Blair McMillen and Pam Goldberg. This second concert features the genre-bending rock/electronica-inspired string quartet ETHEL.  

Saturday and Sunday August 20-21: Michael Arenella and the Dreamland Orchestra present the Jazz Age Dance Party, 11 AM to 5 PM
Michael Arenella and His Dreamland Orchestra will cast a magical spell of hot jazz and open-air merriment that will delight the whole family. This Jazz-Age Lawn party brings you back in time to the 1920s for a rollicking and delightful afternoon rendezvous of live music and dance, instruction in period dances, picnicking, and games. This event requires tickets. They are $7 in advance or $10 on Governors Island. 

Friday, August 26 - Sunday, August 28: Dave Matthews Band Caravan
The Dave Matthews Band headlines this three day festival that features a great lineup including Dispatch, The Roots and Moe. Tickets are required.

SEPTEMBER
Saturday and Sunday September 3-4: Rite of Summer Classical Music Festival, 1 PM - 3 PM
The final installment in this new series features co-directors McMillen and Goldberg collaborating with two stalwart NYC-based violinists, Miranda Cuckson and Nurit Pacht, and will include rollicking violin/piano duos by John Adams, George Gershwin and others.

FOOD EVENTS/PROGRAMS

ALL SEASON
Added Value Farm
Come to Picnic Point to take a tour and see the workings of Added Value's three acre organic fruit and vegetable farm. Beginning in July, visit their Farm Stand where you'll find locally grown produce, cut flowers and more.

MAY
Sunday, May 29 and Monday, May 30: Brewer's Pic-NYC, Noon
The Governors Island season kicks off with the city's ultimate picnic. Event includes food vendors from tacos to ice cream to lobster rolls and other street food, beer, and live entertainment like ukulele and bluegrass musicians. Kids 12 and under are free with parents.

JULY
Sunday, July 10: Cook Out NYC, Noon
NYC's most original country fair! Chefs and bbq'ers will grill outdoors. Burger cook off and kimchi eating contest as well as my other attractions. Custom beers by local craft breweries to celebrate "NYC July Good Beer Month" as well. Kids 12 and under are free with parents.

SEPTEMBER
Saturday, September 10: Pig Island II, 11:30 AM - 4 PM
Once again Governors Island becomes a major food destination: Pig Island is a celebration of local pork, seasonal foods and craft beer. Co hosted by PBS Channel 13's food show's Michael Colameco.

Saturday, September 24: Vendy Awards, Noon-5PM 
Join hundreds of street food enthusiasts and a team of celebrity judges at the Seventh Annual Vendy Awards, the annual competition for the title of New York City's Best Street Food Vendor, and a fundraiser for Urban Justice Center's Street Vendor Project. Tickets get you all-you-can eat access to the city's finest vendors as they battle to take home the Vendy Cup.

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE PROGRAMS

Weekend Park Ranger Programs: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout the day
Every weekend, National Park Rangers offer programs throughout the day.

Orientation to the History of Governors Island: May 27-August 28, 11:25 am, 1:25 pm, and 3:25 pm
Join a National Park Ranger for this 45- to 60-minute walking experience to discover how the role of Governors Island evolved to meet the changing needs of New York City and the nation.

JUNE
Saturday, June 18:  Army Heritage Day, 10 AM - 4 PM
Discover 150 years of Army history on Governors Island.  Featuring family friendly programs, historic weapons demonstrations and music.

JULY
Sunday, July 10: The Long Island Writers' Guild Returns to Governors Island, 1:30 - 4:30 PM 
Spend an afternoon with members of the Long Island Writers' Guild and the National Park Service for a public reading of original works. Topics will explore the relationship between Long Island and New York City.  Visitors are invited to read family-friendly original works.

AUGUST
Saturday and Sunday August 13- 14 :  Civil War Weekend,  10 AM  - 4 PM
Honor the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War by joining the National Park Service and living historians who will provide family friendly activities, historic weapons demonstrations, music and other programs.  Meet the Civil War soldiers and women of Governors Island from the summer of 1863.

KIDS AND FAMILIES EVENTS

Saturday, May 28: Governors Island Alliance presents the Family Festival, 12 PM - 4 PM
Join us for arts and crafts, storytelling, as well as musical and theatrical performances and harbor education activities for kids. Sponsored by the Governors Island Alliance.

Friday Morning Summer Programs for Kids with the National Park Service: Fridays from June 3 to  September 30, at 10:15am, 11:15am  and 12:15pm
National Park Rangers present a thematic living history experience where children of all ages, with their chaperons, are invited to learn about the historic role of the people of Governors Island.  Children will meet with an array of "guests" from the past such as soldiers, from the Civil War, Confederate Prisoners, civilians or a member from the Women's Army Corps. Reservations are not required.

Every Weekend: Big Apple Circus Family Fun Fest
In partnership with Trapeze School New York, Big Apple Circus brings circus skills workshops to the Parade Ground, teaching kids and families how to juggle, clown around and other circus tricks.

EDUCATION

JUNE
Saturday, June 4: World Science Festival, 10 AM - 6 PM
The Festival is a mix of free, public activities and ticketed events for young scientists. This year's family programs are anchored by this all-day "Science On Site" event. Join scientists and experts from a wide variety of scientific disciplines for a day of exploration. 

For more information on Governors Island programs and events, visit www.govisland.com .