NYC Restaurant Week takes place from Jan. 21 to Feb 9. Taste the best of NYC and sample a variety of cuisines across the five boroughs with 2-course lunches, and 3-course dinners at $30, $45 and $60* at select restaurants. Click here for more information and check out the below “Savor the Bronx” flier also.

EVENTS

An Emergency Relief Drive is being held for the victims of the fire that took place on Friday, Jan. 9, at 2910 Wallace Avenue in Allerton. See attached flier for details.

 

Animal Care Centers of NYC is holding a Cat Foster Orientation event on Saturday, Jan. 18. See attached flier for details.

Join the Bronx Zoo at 2300 Southern Blvd Bronx, NY 10460 for World Waterfowl Day on Friday, Jan. 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Bronx Zoo will be hosting several keeper chats in areas around the Zoo. World Waterfowl Day highlights global conservation efforts and the beauty of nature. For more information, call (718) 220-5100.

Catch the Holiday Train Show at New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) at 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx 10458 before it ends on Monday, Jan. 20, Enter a winter wonderland like no other as model trolleys trundle through the lawn display, and in the landmark glasshouse, where you’ll also see plant-based replicas of famed local architecture. For tickets and more information, call (718) 817-8700.

 

Join Kingsbridge Public Library’s Teen Advisory Group on Tuesday, Jan. 21, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Google Meet. Teens aged 13-18 are welcome to help discuss books, programs, and ways to improve the library. For more information, call (718) 548-5656.

 

 

The Office of the Bronx Borough President is hosting a Community Interfaith Celebration to remember the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr. on Monday, Jan. 20. See attached flier for details.

 

The JBOLC Garden Community Farmers Market takes place each Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. See attached flier for details.

A number of citywide events highlighting Black Excellencecan be found on eventbrite.

 

Made possible by a philanthropic grant of $500,000 from Carnegie Corporation of New York, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum is expanding free hours for New Yorkers to visit the museum on the first Sunday of each month in 2025. Initially offered on a limited basis in 2024 to mark a decade since the museum’s dedication, the program provides New Yorkers a special opportunity to see the museum with one another and reconnect with the feeling of community and cohesion that blanketed the city and nation in the wake of 9/11. A valid ID is needed upon entry. Tickets become available on a rolling basis each month. Museum admission is always free for 9/11 family members and individuals eligible for the WTC (World Trade Center) Health program. For more information or to reserve New York First Sunday tickets, visit 911 memorial.org/firstsundays .

 

Want to work with other writers? Commit to a writing schedule? Practice your craft through writing prompts? Receive and discuss information and tips on writing, reading, editing, and revising? Join the weekly meetings of the Kingsbridge Writing Circle, held online at the Kingsbridge Library every Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon. Share your unpublished drafts in an intimate setting. Get and give feedback. Writers of all genres and styles are welcome to participate. The program is for those aged 18 and up. You must register to receive the Google Meet meeting code which will be emailed the day before. Register here.

A TV series focusing on the immigrant experience called “#Stressed” airs on BronxNet. Drawing on themes such as the immigrant experience and body positivity, with an aspirational narrative, the series highlights the diversity and commonality of immigrant experiences, beauty standards, and desires for success and acceptance through the lens of director Kobina de Graft-Johnson and creator and screenwriter Jasmine Patrice White. The series stars actress Abena Mensah-Bonsu. Read our latest story on the new series here.

 

New York Botanical Garden (NYBG)’s “Spruce Bar” at the Leon Levy Visitor Center, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx, NY 10458, continues to have craft beers to purchase, as well as grab-and-go meals, snacks, and drinks at the Pine Tree Café at the same NYBG location. NYBG is located at 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10458-5126.

 

Seize the opportunity to be part of the Bronx’s longest-running food festival! The Bronx Night Market is back in full gear at Fordham Plaza for 2025. The community is renowned for celebrating and supporting small businesses. Spaces are limited and filling up quickly. To secure your spot, complete the vendor application with as much detail as possible.

 

LITERATURE

Join Woodlawn Conservancy for a Zoom Book Talk with Travis Vogan onLeRoy Neiman: The Life of America’s Most Beloved and Belittled Artist on Tuesday, Jan. 14, at 7 p.m. Register here.

 

Norwood Community Library, a mobile library, arranges pop-up library booths around The Bronx and also has a permanent library box located in front of the Keeper’s House at 3440 Reservoir Oval East, Bronx, NY 10467. For more details, check out our latest story on the library’s latest activities. The library also meets regularly as a book club.

 

Freedom Is a Constant Struggle: Ferguson, Palestine, and the Foundations of a Movement by Angela Y. Davis will be discussed by One Book One Bronx on Saturdays, from noon to 1.30 p.m on Feb 1, 8, 15, 22, and March 1 at the BronxArtSpace, 700 Manida St. (entrance on Spofford Ave), or on Tuesdays via Zoom from 7 to 8.30 p.m. on Feb 4, 11, 18, & 25. Click here to register for the in-person events and here for the Zoom events.

Join Woodlawn Conservancy for a virtual Book Talk on Tuesday, Jan. 14, at 7 p.m. on Zoom. Travis Vogan will talk about his new book, LeRoy Neiman: The Life of America’s Most Beloved and Belittled Artist. Registration links and more information can be found here.

Norwood Community Library will be distributing Free Books on Saturday, Jan. 18, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 169 East Gun Hill Road, Bronx 10467. All are welcome to join and grab a free book. For more information, follow @norwoodcommunitylibrary on Instagram and Twitter.

 

FAMILY

The Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center will host a Creative Art Family Edition class on Sunday, Jan. 12, from noon to 1:30 p.m. Participants are welcome to explore the arts through different mediums, including collage, painting, and drawing. All family members are welcome. For more information, call (718) 543-867.

 

COMEDY

Bronx Comedy has taken over the Arthur Avenue Retail Market since Jan. 29, 2024, every Monday at 7 p.m. Producer Walt Frasier is teaming up with Pauly DiSilvio of LCG Cigars to bring professional stand-up comedy, improv comedy, music and even murder mystery events to The Bronx’s Little Italy. Frasier has 20+ years of comedy performance and production experience and has been seen on HBO, MTV, NBC’S Blacklist, CBS’s Blue Bloods and Letterman, Showtime’s Billions and more.

 

Click here to check out Free Museum Days in New York City during 2025.

 

Pelham Art Center (PAC) kicked off the third year of its youth leadership programming, which includes free weekly open studios, a Teen Artist Council, and a five-month internship program, offering teens the opportunity to create and learn about art through a variety of unique channels. Teen Open Studios meet at the Pelham Art Center every Friday evening from 3.30 to 5.30 p.m. The studios are open free of charge, and a variety of materials are available for participants to use. No pre-registration is required.

 

The Teen Artist Council is a volunteer opportunity that provides students with real world experience in the arts. Participants lead public events, organize trips and movie nights, select panelists for PAC’s Careers in the Arts Panel series, and curate their own gallery exhibition. PAC’s Internship Program welcomes high school and college students to gain hands-on work experience and learn valuable skills while contributing to a community-based nonprofit art center.  While Fall internships are already underway, a new class will open up in March 2025. For additional information on Pelham Art Center’s teen programming, visit https://www.pelhamartcenter.org/education/teenprograms/, and follow Pelham Art Center Teens on Instagram (@pac_teens).

 

Junior McLean from the 149th and Tinton Avenue area in The Bronx is a self-taught artist since 1996. For years, he studied art and learned by reading at public libraries or studying online tutorials from online art groups like Renderosity and Deviant art. From 2005-2011, he used to have small, public art exhibitions. Currently, he is a freelance artist and wants to encourage other artists to stay creative and use their talents in a way that is positive to the neighborhood and each other. His social media links are:

Junior’s Digital Designs ((IG))

https://www.instagram.com/juniorsdigitaldesigns

Junior’s Digital Designs ((Twitter/X))

https://www.twitter.com/TheFractalKing/

Junior’s Digital Designs ((Business Page FB))

https://www.facebook.com/juniorsdigitaldesigns

Junior has a Redbubble Artwork Store for those seeking greeting cards, postcards and other custom products for sale at Junior’s Digital Designs Redbubble Artwork Store  https://fractalking.redbubble.com. He says he plans to collaborate with Link NYC about having his artwork seen/featured on their “Art on Link” program in the Tristate area. His work was featured last August with Link NYC for 3 weeks.

Local artist and photographer, Jordan Moss, a former editor of the Norwood News, runs the website, “Art All Around Us,” which can be accessed here. His photos and abstract/mixed media work can also be viewed on IG @jordanmossbx. Greeting cards with his photo prints are available on Etsy. Moss’s art/photography exhibit is showcased from time to time locally such as at Poe Park Visitor Center, south of the corner of Grand Concourse and Kingsbridge Road.

 

FILM

The Bronx Filmakers Collective presents Lavender Film Lab, an experimental filmmaking workshop for senior 2SLGBTQAI+ Bronxites. See attached flier for details.

Bronx Independent Cinema Center has launched a campaign to bring independent film to The Bronx. Click on the donation link here for details. Read our latest story on the topic here.

MUSIC 

Bronx Talk show host Gary Axelbank hosts a new music podcast, The Bronx Music Podcast with Gary Axelbank, recorded in front of a live audience at The Artist performance venue on City Island. Click here to read our story about the podcast launch. For the latest episodes, listen on the following platforms Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube. The podcast is recorded in front of a live audience on the first Sunday of each month at 1 p.m. at ‘The Artist’, 249 City Island Avenue, City Island, Bronx, NY. The Artist venue was recognized as the 2023 Best Concert Venue in The Bronx. Check out Episode 12 here.

 

As reported, Bronx Opera presents the beloved family opera, Hansel & Gretel by Engelbert Humperdinck at Lehman College’s Lovinger Theater, 250 Bedford Park Blvd West, Bronx, NY, on Jan. 31 at 7.30 p.m. and Feb. 2 at 2.30 p.m. Performed in English, the Company presents singers drawn from opera companies around the world, accompanied by a full orchestra conducted by Michael Spierman.

 

The Lehman Center for the Performing Arts, located at 250 Bedford Park Blvd West, Bronx, NY 10468, is proud to present Lehman Merengue Con Amor 3 on Saturday, Feb. 15, at 8 p.m. Tickets: VIP $100, $85, $65, $50, and $40. Merengue con Amor is back for its third annual concert to celebrate the romantic Valentine’s Day season! The night will feature some of the biggest names in Merengue — Ramón Orlando, Carlos Davis, Aramis Camilo, Peter Cruz, Tony Bravo, and Sin Fronteras. For more information, call (718) 960-8000.

 

The Lehman Center for the Performing Arts, located at 250 Bedford Park Blvd West, Bronx, NY 10468, is proud to present the Kinito Mendez 35th Anniversary Concert on Saturday, Feb. 22, at 8 p.m. Tickets: VIP $125, $95, $75, $60, and $50. Kinito Méndez, a pioneer of Dominican merengue, began his career in 1988 as a co-founder of the iconic La Cocoband, penning hits like “La Manito” and “El Boche.” Prepare for an electrifying night filled with high-energy rhythms and vibrant melodies, featuring special guests Rikarena, Pochy Familia, Jandy Ventura, and Magic Juan. For more information, call (718) 960-8000.

The Lehman Center for the Performing Arts, located at 250 Bedford Park Blvd West, Bronx, NY 10468, is proud to present the Manny Manuel 30th Anniversary Concert featuring Odilio González on Saturday, March 1, at 8 p.m. Tickets: VIP $100, $85, $65, $40, and $35. Grammy®-nominated Puerto Rican icon Manny Manuel will light up the stage with his mix of merengue, bolero, and tropical rhythms. Joining him for this special anniversary concert is Puerto Rican guitarist and singer Odilio González, who is known for fusing folkloric traditions with pop music. For more information, call (718) 960-8000.

The Lehman Center for the Performing Arts, located at 250 Bedford Park Blvd West, Bronx, NY 10468, is proud to present A Tribute to Selena on Saturday, March 8, at 8 p.m. Tickets: $55, $45, and $35 (No balcony). Known as the “Queen of Tejano Music”, Selena was a Grammy-winning artist whose sultry voice and magnetic presence redefined Latin music. Her legacy endures through her timeless hits, cultural impact, and role as a pioneer for Latin artists crossing into mainstream success. This tribute show brings her iconic music and enduring spirit back to the stage. For more information, call (718) 960-8000.

The Lehman Center for the Performing Arts, located at 250 Bedford Park Blvd West, Bronx, NY 10468, is proud to present Forever Freestyle 17, featuring George Lamond, Judy Torres, Noel, The Cover Girls, Betty D of Sweet Sensation, Cynthia, Lisette Melendez, Soave, C-Bank, Aby Cruz, and Sammy Zone on Saturday, March 15, at 8 p.m. Tickets: VIP $125, $95, $75, $60, and $50. Freestyle, a vibrant blend of Hip Hop and disco, was affectionately referred to as “Our Music” by Latino teenagers in the late ’80s and early ’90s. Now in its 17th year, Forever Freestyle returns for a night of Latin-flavored beats and iconic hits. For more information, call (718) 960-8000.

The Lehman Center for the Performing Arts, located at 250 Bedford Park Blvd West, Bronx, NY 10468, is proud to present Adalbereto Santiago 70th Anniversary Concert on Saturday, March 22, at 8 p.m. Tickets: VIP $125, $95, $75, $60, and $50. Adalberto Santiago is an internationally renowned vocalist, celebrated for his timeless contributions to salsa and Latin music. Influenced by iconic Cuban singers Beny Moré and Miguelito Cuní, he has captivated audiences with his extraordinary voice for over six decades. Now, marking his 70th anniversary, Adalberto Santiago brings his legendary artistry to the stage for an unforgettable performance. For more information, call (718) 960-8000.

The Lehman Center for the Performing Arts, located at 250 Bedford Park Blvd West, Bronx, NY 10468, is proud to present the legendary Eddie Palmieri on Saturday, April 19, at 8 p.m. Tickets: VIP $125, $95, $75, $60, and $50. The ten-time Grammy winner comes to the Lehman Center for a concert in three beats, with La Perfecta, his Salsa Dura Band and Latin Jazz Group. The night features special guests including Herman Oliveras, Eddy Zervigon, Nelson González, Alfredo De La Fe, and Luisito Quintero. For more information, call (718) 960-8000.

 

The Lehman Center for the Performing Arts, located at 250 Bedford Park Blvd West, Bronx, NY 10468, is proud to present La India Mothers’ Day Concert on Saturday, May 10, at 8 p.m. Tickets: VIP $135, $100, $85, $60, and $50. La India is a Grammy-nominated and Latin Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter of salsa, house music, and Latin pop. This will be the third year that La India will be performing a Mother’s Day concert at Lehman Center for the Performing Arts after a sold-out show last season. For more information, call (718) 960-8000.

The Lehman Center for the Performing Arts, located at 250 Bedford Park Blvd West, Bronx, NY 10468, is proud to present the Golden Oldies Doo Wop Concert featuring Bill Haley Jr’s Comets, Jay Siegel’s Tokens, The Coasters, The Platters former lead singer, Frank Pizarro, Clyde McPhatter’s Drifters, featuring Ronn David McPhatter, Bobby Wilson’s tribute to his dad Jackie Wilson, The Chiclettes, and Vinnie Medugno’s tribute to Gene Pitney on Sunday, May 18, 2025 at 5 p.m. Tickets: $75, $70, $65, $55, and $45. Rock ‘n’ Roll is here to stay! Get ready to relive the golden era of Doo Wop with timeless hits performed by various artists. The event will be hosted by Joe Causi of CBS 101.FM and Sal Abbatiello of Fever Records. For more information, call (718) 960-8000.

Enjoy Community Karaoke at KRVC, 505, West 236th Street, each Friday from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. See attached flier for more details.

You can often find different types of live music at An Béal Bocht Irish restaurant and pub, located at 445 West 238th Street in Riverdale.

 

The Revolution of Hip Hop exhibit at Bronx Terminal Market remains open Tuesday to Saturday from noon to 7 p.m., and on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. Visit the Universal Hip Hop Museum’s website at hhhm.org for more information. For more information on the development of the Universal Hip Hop museum building, check out our latest story.

 

The Lehman Center for Performing Arts, located at 250 Bedford Park Blvd West, Bronx, NY 10468, will host Drumline Live on Saturday, Jan. 18, at 6 p.m. Drumline Live, the legendary Historically Black College and University band experience, is a high-octane musical that will have you laughing, singing, and dancing. For more information, call (718) 960-8000.

 

The Lehman Center for the Performing Arts is proud to present “The Greatest Love of All,”  A Tribute to Whitney Houston, starring Belinda Davids on Sunday, Jan. 19, at 6 p.m. According to the show’s promoters, the critically acclaimed tribute show brings Whitney Houston’s musical legacy to life with breathtaking performances of iconic ballads like “I Will Always Love You” and “Greatest Love of All.” Read more here.

 

KIDS

The Bronx Children’s Museum offers a range of activities for the borough’s children to enjoy. See our latest story on the museum’s opening here. When the museum welcomed its first children for a preview of the new facility with special guest, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, and were asked how they enjoyed it, the children reportedly responded, “A-MAZ-ING!” The opening hours for the museum, located at 725 Exterior Street near Yankee Stadium along the Harlem River, can be found on the museum’s website here.

 

The Nest Music Conservatory is a non-profit organization providing music education to youths in the Bronx through out-of-school programs. The organization is dedicated to creating a nurturing environment that contributes to the social and emotional growth of students, their families, and communities through classes, events, and concert series. The center, located at 3636 Holland Ave, The Bronx, NY 10467, USA is open daily, Monday to Friday from 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Call (718) 994-6378 for more information. 

 

Visit the The Bronx County Historical Society to see the Seis del Sur photography collective, featured in HISTORIAS, a multimedia exhibit on display through Jan. 26. Photographs from the exhibit include those of Ricky Flores, Joe Conzo, Jr., Abigail Montes, and Edwin Pagán. See attached flier for more details.

A photo exhibition on “Jewish Identity/Jewish Diversity” is on display at Hostos Research Center, Hostos Community College, 450 Grand Concourse, C-130, Bronx, 10451. The exhibition is part of the multi-year CUNY Anti-Hate Initiative, aiming to educate the CUNY community about diverse groups’ identities and experiences. This year focuses on Jewish and Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islanders. Next year, the initiative will spotlight Black/African American and Hispanic/Latinx demographics, followed by Muslims and the LGBTQIA+ groups in the third year. The exhibit is made possible through the generous support of Hostos Community College, the CUNY Anti-Hate Initiative, and The Covenant Foundation.

 

SPOKEN WORD, STORY TELLING, & LITERACY

Mosholu Library is hosting an Informal Creative Writing for Adults class on Mondays. See attached flier for details.

Neighborhood Stories is a storytelling initiative by the NYC Department of Records and Information Services (DORIS) to gather and preserve the stories of NYC neighborhoods. Learn more about the project, and how to share memories of your neighborhood and community here.

 

 

NYC Veterans’ Veteran Voices Project records the stories of NYC’s veterans and preserves their legacy. Learn more at nyc.gov/vetvoices.

DYK? @nycveterans launched the Veteran Voices Project (VVP) to record the stories of NYC's veterans and preserve their legacy.
🎙️ Learn more about this oral history initiative at https://t.co/k6d4WfIHIW#VeteransDay #NYCVeteransDay21 pic.twitter.com/FTKKjI2R0Z

— NYC Consumer and Worker Protection (@helloDCWP) November 11, 2021

 

MOVEMENT

Bronx Buccaneers are holding the Coach D Annual Boot Camp on Saturday, Jan. 18, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Williamsbridge Oval at 3225 Reservoir Oval East in Norwood. Read our latest story on Coach D here.

Join NYC Parks for a Yoga session on Saturday, Jan. 11, from 11.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. at St. James Recreation Center, 2530 Jerome Ave, Bronx, NY 10468. This is an open level class designed to awaken your mind, body and senses through controlled breathing, simple meditation, and the adoption of specific bodily postures. Bring a mat! For more information, call (718) 367-3657.

 

Boogie Down Bronx Runners is a collective of everyday Bronx residents whose mission is to promote wellness, inspire, and engage people of all abilities. They generally meet on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. for a 3-mile run or a 2-mile walk/run and do long runs on Sundays. They meet at 785 Pelham Parkway North on Tuesdays.

 

Shape Up NYC hosts a Running Group in the Williamsbridge Oval park on Wednesdays and Fridays. See attached flier for details.

For New Yorkers 60 years old and over, a Seniors Fitness program offers free twice weekly pickleball, tennis, yoga, and fitness walking classes across all five boroughs since April 2023. Participants of all levels are welcome to come out, have fun, and socialize. Visit https://cityparksfoundation.org/ or call (212) 360-1399 for more information.

 

 

NYC Parks Recreation Center Membership is free for youth and young adults ages 24 and under. For more information visit nyc.gov/parks. Contact accessibility@parks.nyc.gov or (212) 360-1430 for more information regarding accessibility. Note St. James Park Recreation Center in St. James Park, Fordham Manor, reopened in the summer of 2024.

 

NYC Parks GreenThumb is the largest community gardening program in the country, with more than 550 community gardens across the city, totaling over 100 acres of public space. Established in 1978, this program has been providing programming, material support and technical assistant to gardens across New York City for over 45 years.

 

In partnership between GreenThumb and thousands of volunteers, the city’s gardens are stronger than ever and still at the forefront of community activism. They provide health and shade, venues for music and art, and cultivate a feeling of togetherness and shared mission. For more information on Open Garden NYC, and to find participating gardens near you, visit nyc.gov/parks and search Greenthumb. Beginners and experienced gardeners are all welcome!

 

The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG), 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10458-5126, invites residents to participate in its EcoQuest Challenge. EcoQuests, part of the NYC EcoFlora Project, challenge New Yorkers to become community scientists and observe, study, and conserve the native plants, fungi, and animals of the City via iNaturalist, an easy-to-use mobile app.

 

Each month, NYBG EcoFlora will announce a new Challenge where they need help documenting the wild flora and fauna of New York City by taking and sharing photos via iNaturalist. Download the iNaturalist App or register at iNaturalist.org. Take photos for the month’s EcoQuest Challenge. Post your findings on iNaturalist so they can be added to the NYC EcoFlora Project.

 

There are no wrong observations. Each observation contributes vital information to reveal traits and processes largely unknown before due to a lack of data and coordination between data sets. Millions of individual data points add up to big data that will enable new insights and opportunities for research, conservation, and engagement. Please do not disturb animal activity as you record your observations.

 

Walking History Tours of Hard Island with an NYC Parks Urban Park Ranger guide are now live. Click here for more information.

 

A Community Fitness & Wellness series is ongoing every Tuesday at Bridgefield Civic League in Williamsbridge. See attached flier for details.

There’s no need to head Upstate to experience the awe of New York’s natural wonders. Plan your next Hiking Trip right here in New York City! The city’s 300 miles of trails will take you through some of its oldest forests, and past 10,000 acres of wild and untouched natural areas, glacial potholes, and bedrock you can see and touch. As you explore these beautiful parks, you’ll come across all kinds of wildlife, from the majestic ospreys nesting high up on utility poles to turtles sunbathing on rocks in the ponds. Along the way, you can also visit historic places that give a glimpse of Old New York and tell the story of our city. Be sure to pack plenty of water, and wear sunscreen and layered clothing. Visit the Bronx River Park hiking plan here.

 

Shape Up NYC presents Leap to the Beat Sundays at the Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center at 10 a.m. See attached flier below for more.

 

Gentle Yoga Flow classes with Shape Up NYC and NYC Parks have begun at the Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center at 3225 Reservoir Oval East in Norwood since Nov. 9, 2023 and continue each Thursday at 6.30 p.m. Bring a mat. See attached flier.

For New Yorkers 60 years old and over, a Seniors Fitness program offers free twice weekly pickleball, tennis, yoga, and fitness walking classes across all five boroughs since April 2023. Participants of all levels are welcome to come out, have fun, and socialize. Visit https://cityparksfoundation.org/ or call (212) 360-1399 for more information.

 

The only operational Ice Rink in The Bronx has been renovated and reopened on Nov. 20 at Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club in Castle Hill. As a part of the Frederic R. Coudert Sports Complex, the ice skating rink provides professionally trained staff and visiting coaches that feature individuals with over 15 years of professional experience of ice skating.

 

The ice skating rink is managed by ASAC Management and with over 30 years of ice skating management, ASAC has specialists from a wide variety of diverse backgrounds offering expert training techniques. The age range for the ice rink (during program hours) is 6-18. For more information, contact athletics director, Darril Almonte, on darril.almonte@kipsbay.org or visit https://www.kipsbay.org/icerink. Read our recent story on the reopening here.

 

Learn to Become a Lifeguard. Make summer happen for NYC! Becoming a lifeguard is a rewarding experience. You’ll work outdoors in some of New York City’s most iconic locations, playing a critical role in helping New Yorkers of all ages and abilities have safe access to beaches and pools. Click here for more details or see attached flyer below. Read our latest story here.

Van Cortlandt Park Nature Center, Van Cortlandt Park, 246th Street and, Broadway, Bronx, NY 10471, is open every Saturday and Sunday. See attached flier below for more information.

Exercise Classes in Cantonese 

Visiting Nurses Services NY is inviting the public to virtual, exercise classes in Cantonese on Tuesdays, from 2.30 p.m. to 3.30 p.m. See attached flier below for more information.

BronxWorks and Twin Parks West Older Adult Center, 355 East 183^rd Street, Bronx, NY 10458, invites residents to come join some fun classes Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. See attached flier below for details.

 

 

Running group, Bronx Nomads, generally meet at the Bainbridge Avenue entrance to the Williamsbridge Oval in Norwood on Mondays at 6.30 p.m. to run together safely. Founded 5 years ago, the group caters to those with different levels of fitness. You can follow Bronx Nomads on Instagram and Facebook or email the group at bronxnomads@gmail.com. Read our latest stories on two of the club’s runners who recently completed the 2023 TCS New York City marathon here and here.

Elected officials, City agency partners, and community-based organizations continue to host the Saturday Night Lights citywide program to work together to keep 100 gyms across the City open for free, high-quality sports programs for kids on Saturday nights, ensuring no indoor gyms are closed on these nights – the time when they are needed most by kids in city communities. Click on the following link to watch a video extract of the Saturday Night Lights Relaunch, where Mayor Eric Adams can be seen observing some of the kids in action.

 

Each Saturday evening, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., children and youth, aged 11 to 18, are able to enjoy an array of indoor sports, including basketball, soccer, volleyball, dance, martial arts and more. According to the organizers, a key component of the program is bringing cops and kids together. Teams of youth coordination officers from NYPD precincts are at each of the 100 gymnasiums every Saturday night, helping to coach, and joining members of various community based organizations to interact with young people and help make a lasting and positive impact in their lives.

 

Mosholu Montefiore Community Center, located at 3450 Dekalb Avenue, is the local venue for the program in Norwood, while the Fordham Heights program is run at 2255 Webster Avenue, Bronx, NY 10457. For a list of all venues, scan the QR code in the below flier. (If you cannot access the QR code from the attached flyer, click on this link.

 

As reported, an additional 25 city gyms and an additional $1.25 million investment in the Saturday Night Lights program was announced on July 9, 2022. To find a gym near you, click here.

Gotham City Panthers is an amateur basketball team founded by Eric King. Click on the link for more information.

 

Theory 9’s Rising Kings Basketball Club caters to different age groups in the Kingsbridge Heights neighborhood. Click here for more details.

 

Bronx Buccaneers is a Bronx football club which usually meets to train in the Williamsbridge Oval, located at 3225 Reservoir Oval East, in Norwood. Understanding there is more to football, the Buccaneers strive to develop the students/athletes, and the hope is that the players will use the program not only as a stepping stone to advance to upper level sports in High School and college, but also as a means to engage in positive behavior and as a healthy distraction from idleness, which the team organizers say can lead to poor decisions. The Buccaneers accept kids from any community, boys or girls, ages 6 to 14.

 

The club kicks off its 2025 season with a Winter Bootcamp which begins in January (date to be determined) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Williamsbridge Oval. Players and families are invited to participate in this optional event, and are encouraged to dress warmly and to be ready to work hard. In March, the group begins their regular tackle football practice and registration. Contact Tasha Andrews at (917) 662-3632 for further information.

Bronx Panthers Youth Football & Cheer save lives through football, and are recruiting all age groups. Call the numbers in the attached flier, above, for more information.

 

NYC Parks Movement Events 

Hiking Trails

NYC has 300 miles of nature trails! Find a trail and go exploring

 

Download the NYC Bike Map

Our friends at NYC DOT have published their annual map of NYC‘s bike paths and trails.

 

The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) is a museum of plants, including 50 gardens and plant collections spread across a 250-acre National Historic Landmark site. Founded in 1891, The New York Botanical Garden is the most comprehensive botanical garden in the world and an integral part of the cultural fabric of New York City, anchored in the Bronx. Visitors come to the Garden to connect with nature for joy, beauty, and respite, and for renowned plant-based exhibitions and programming. Visit NYBG’s website to plan your visit: https://www.nybg.org/visit/. Check out the events listed below among others which are ongoing at the garden.

 

New York Botanical Garden (NYBG)’s Bronx Neighbors Program offers free Grounds-Only Admission to Bronx Residents Tuesday to Sunday and Monday federal holidays, offering the local community access to nature in their backyard, programs for the whole family, and more. Get your tickets online now, or learn more about other ways to receive your FREE Bronx Resident Grounds-Only admission ticket. Up to 6 tickets per transaction.

 

On Tuesday, and Thursday-Sunday; a grounds access pass to the New York Botanical Garden is available for purchase by NYC residents only. Proof of residency is required and may only be purchased onsite. On Wednesdays, grounds admission is free to NYC residents all day and to all other visitors between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Grounds admission includes access to outdoor gardens and collections, including the Everett Children’s Adventure Garden.

• 250 acres to explore year-round
• The largest surviving old-growth forest in New York City
• Two family gardens for hands-on exploration
• Free mobile guides with audio tours, videos, and special content!

 

Forest Bathing at NYBG is an ongoing, audio, self-guided tour of the Thain Family Forest. Click here for more information. Allow yourself to be fully present as you bathe your senses in the sights, smells, sounds, and sensations of the Thain Family Forest with forest bathing experiences, known as shinrin-yoku in Japan. In Japanese shinrin means forest, and yoku means bath. This audio guide focuses on slowing down and experiencing the sensory connections that help calm the mind and deepen reflection under a glorious forest canopy. This experience takes roughly one hour from beginning to end. You can also choose to do a shorter 20-minute session and conclude after Track 2. (The tracks are accessible through your mobile device via the link above.)

 

GARDENING

Join the New York Botanical Garden’s Floral Design, Gardening, Landscape Design, Botanical Art, educational program, and explore hundreds of classes to educate, inspire, and guide you. Visit www.nybg.org for more details.

 

Free your creativity with Seasonal Workshops at NYBG. Whether you’re an aspiring photographer, a budding apartment gardener, or you’re looking to explore the healing benefits of plants, NYBG’s Continuing Education program offers hands-on, one-day courses that supply you with creative ways to work plants into your daily routine. Explore a wealth of diverse offerings and fall in love with a new skillset this season. Click here for more information.

 

Plant Studio starts April 2024 at NYBG. Click here for more details. Discover the perfect balance of flexible coursework and expert instruction with NYBG Plant Studio, the newest addition to The New York Botanical Garden’s Continuing Education program. NYBG’s bite-sized, online courses are tailormade for the plant curious, plant advocate, or busy plant lover. Students will dig into gardening, botany, floral design, landscape design, and more from the comfort of their own space, whenever it fits their schedule, and meet an array of seasoned plant professionals eager to expand their plant knowledge through pre-recorded course videos; virtual tours of gorgeous garden spaces, often off-limits to the general public; and personal feedback on hands-on projects. Students will become a part of a diverse community of fellow nature enthusiasts and gain new skills from NYBG plant professionals.

 

 

Editor’s Note: We will update this feature article as more events become available.