Editor’s Pick 

Come learn, play and compete in the 2021 Girls Flag Football Season. Three NYC Parks sites in the Bronx are hosting clinics, leagues, and tournaments for girls. The Weekly Instructional Series/Clinics includes instructional drills and strategies for girls ages 10-17. The Bronx instructional series of Girls Flag Football Clinics will be held July 12  to August 27, for girls ages 10-17. Citywide Flag Football League: September 4 – November 13, 2021, ages 9-17. Age Groups: 6U Coed Instructional Series Only, 8U Coed Instructional Series Only, 10U Coed, 12U Coed, 14U Boys, 14U Girls, 17U Boys, 17U Girls.

 

How to Join: Registration for the Bronx Instructional Series/Clinics is first-come, first-served, and on a rolling basis. Registration Dates: July 8, 2021 to August 27, 2021. Register at https://www.nycgovparks.org/reg/flag-football.

 

Events

The NYC Parks department is hosting Adult Programs throughout the summer, starting July 6 through August 27, 2021 at the Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center at 3225 Reservoir Oval East in Norwood.

 

A Scavenger Hunt will take place on Wednesday, July 14, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., as part of the Summer 2021 Pop-Up Program. Attendees are invited to explore the park by searching for clues to win a prize.

 

Create your own cape, dress, or anything you want. Join a Costume Creation workshop on Monday July 19 at 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Using material and your imagination you can make your own dress up.

 

Chair Aerobics with Ingrid on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. This chair aerobics class is perfect for someone new or for those getting back into working out.

 

Mobile Media Workshops with Shawn on Mondays from 11 a.m. to noon. Get help with apps or ask questions about your phone, tablet or laptop.

 

Circuit Training with Sarah on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Join this low impact strength workout; a beginners way to start.

 

Riding to the Beat with Ingrid on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Come out for a morning spin bike ride to get your heartbeat up. This is a great cardio workout.

 

Mobile Media Workshops with Shawn Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to noon. Get help with apps or ask questions about your phone, tablet or laptop.

 

Kripalu Yoga with Michele on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Through breathing, meditation and movements wake up with this great morning routine.

 

Art Studio with Ana on Fridays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Create art through different mediums from painting to sculpture. This is a class for learning and socializing. Contact (212) 360-1430 or accessibility@parks.nyc.gov for more information regarding accessibility.

 

The NYC Parks department is hosting Toddler and Youth Programs throughout the summer, from July 6 to August 27, 2021, at the Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center at 3225 Reservoir Oval East in Norwood. Call (718) 543-8672 with any questions.

 

A Toddler Obstacle Course will take place on Tuesday, July 13, from 10.30 a.m. to noon, as part of its Summer 2021 Pop-up Program. The course will consist of a variety of obstacles and competitors can try to beat their own time and that of their competitors. Siblings and families are welcome.

 

A Toddler Scavenger Hunt will take place on Thursday July 29 at 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. The young ones will look around the park to find these common and not so common treasures. For more information, visit our website at nyc.gov/parks or contact sarah.bishow@parks.nyc.gov.

 

Sidewalk Chalk Fun with Tatiyana on Mondays from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Play chalk games like Shark Attack, Obstacle Course and Hopscotch.

 

Family Fun with Tatiyana on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to noon. Toddlers and family members will create art, play games and learn together!

 

Art Time with Tatiyana on Tuesdays from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Arts and Craft fun: get out to paint, glue, cut and draw with us.
Water Games with Tatiyana on Wednesdays from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Come compete in these fun activities that will get you wet and laughing.

 

Toddler Art with Ana on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Create art from using different outlets like painting, drawing and sculpture.

 

Bingo with Ana on Thursdays from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Play to win! We are calling numbers and see who the winner will be!

 

Recycle Art with Ana on Fridays from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Design and create using recyclable materials.

 

Arts & Crafts with Ana on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Craft, glue, paint with us!

 

For all NYC Parks hosted events, masks are required for unvaccinated people or those who cannot maintain social distance. Social distancing is strongly encouraged. Contact accessibility@parks.nyc.gov or (212) 360-1430 for more information regarding accessibility.

 

Outdoor Watercolor Painting Workshops will be held on Wednesdays from July 7 to July 28, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Soundview Park, 1550 Lafayette Avenue at Field House between Colgate and Boynton avenues, in partnership with the Art Students League Seeds of the League. Artist Jon Bunge will teach you how to draw and paint using nature as your inspiration. Learn about light, color, and design while making art en plein air (outside).

 

Please RSVP to Lucy.Aponte@parks.nyc.gov. For more information, visit nyc.gov/parks. Contact accessibility@parks.nyc.gov or
(212) 360-1430 for more information regarding accessibility. For your comfort, bring a mat, blanket, or folding chair to sit on. Please wear a mask if you are unvaccinated or cannot maintain social distance. All individuals should maintain social distancing of six feet during programming, regardless of vaccination status. Wash your hands before attending a program. Stay home if you are sick.

 

The Fresh Air Fund has arranged for Fresh Air Summer Spaces for kids to play in at different locations throughout the Bronx this summer. See attached flyers for details.

 

The Van Cortlandt House Museum will have Story Hour with the Goats, every Thursday (weather permitting) at 2 p.m. starting on July 1. Attendees should meet under the Linden tree by the goat enclosure. Admission is free. There will be reading from a selection of goat-themed picture books each week. If the weather forecast calls for rain, organizers suggest calling on the morning of July 1 to confirm if it is still happening.

 

The Movies under the Stars series will continue in July. Grab a blanket and come enjoy a movie in a neighborhood park or playground! This summer, NYC Parks will host family-friendly movie showings across the five boroughs. Movies begin at dusk. These events are FREE and open to the public, but seating is limited.

 

Minions will be screened at Melrose Playground on Wednesday, July 14, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Minions: In this hilarious prequel to “Despicable Me,” a trio of small yellow minions search for a new evil genius to serve. Later, they pledge their loyalty to a supervillainess and her inventor husband as part of a plan to steal the British royal crown. Rated PG.

 

Sonic the Hedgehog will be screened on Thursday, July 15, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. in the lawn across from the tennis court in Crotona Park. Sonic The Hedgehog: Sonic The Hedgehog, aka The Blue Blur, embraces his new home on Earth. This power attracts the attention of super-uncool evil genius Dr. Robotnik. Now it’s super-villain vs. super-sonic in an all-out race. Rated PG.

 

Onward will be screened on Friday, July 16, at Pelham Bay Park, Middleton Road and Stadium Avenue. For more information, visit nyc.gov/parks or call 311. Contact (212) 360-1430 or accessibility@parks.nyc.gov for more. Onward: Two teenage elf brothers living in a post-magical world stumble upon a spell that can bring their father back to life. They embark on an epic, heartwarming adventure to see the spell through when it initially only brings back their father’s lower half (i.e. his legs).

 

Megamind will be screened on Thursday, July 29, at Orchard Beach North picnic area. Megamind: Evil genius Megamind finally defeats his do-gooder nemesis, Metro Man, but is left without a purpose in a superhero-free world.

 

Coco will be screened on Friday, July 30, at Poe Park, Grand Concourse between East 192nd Street and East Kingsbridge. Coco: In this gorgeous animated adventure, a boy named Miguel dreams of becoming a famous guitar player, despite the misgivings of his close-knit family. When his ambitions cause him to run afoul of a curse, he must journey into the Land of the Dead to seek forgiveness from his ancestors.

 

The Wizard of Oz will be screened on Saturday, July 31, at Stars and Stripes Playground, Baychester and Crawford Avenues
The Wizard of Oz: A young farm girl and her little dog are magically transported into the enchanted land of Oz via a Kansas tornado. As they travel down Oz’s Yellow Brick Road to find the Wizard and ask him to send them home, they encounter a wonderful, funny, terrifying and, ultimately, enlightening group of characters, human and otherwise.

 

For anyone interested in venturing further afield, Movies Under the Stars: 3rd Annual Public School Film Festival will be held at Central Lawn (in J. Hood Wright Park), Manhattan on Saturday, July 10, from 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. The Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment and the New York City Department of Education presents the 3rd Annual New York City Public School Film Festival, which showcases the talent and diversity of our students voices citywide. The event is free!

 

Please wear a mask if you are unvaccinated or cannot maintain social distance. All individuals should maintain social distancing of six feet during programming, regardless of vaccination status. Wash your hands before attending a program.
Stay home if you are sick. For more information, visit nyc.gov/parks or call 311. Contact (212) 360-1430 or accessibility@parks.nyc.gov for more information regarding accessibility.

 

An Arts, Culture & Fun: Drawing Workshop will take place at Loreto Playground, Bronx on July 14 from 3 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Artist, Amberrose Venus-Gordon, will lead a workshop teaching you how to draw people and nature. Category:Arts & Crafts, Art, Seniors This event is free.

The New York Botanical Garden (NYBG), 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx, NY 10458, is hosting a Contemporary Dance Series
on Saturdays and Sundays, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. through October 2021. A series of spontaneous outdoor performances celebrate the infinite possibilities of our connection with nature and each other. Go to https://www.nybg.org/event/ for more information on this and other events at NYBG.

 

Pigeonwing Dance
July 17, 18, 24, and 25
Founded by 2020 Guggenheim Fellow Gabrielle Lamb, the company chose the name “Pigeonwing” for its blend of airiness and NYC grit. Since its first steps in 2011, Pigeonwing has been presented by the CUNY Dance Initiative, 92Y’s Harkness Dance Festival, Bryant Park, Jacob’s Pillow, and Works and Process at the Guggenheim. In 2018 the Pigeons were the first
dance company commissioned by Symphony Space’s beloved Selected Shorts.

 

Pilobolus
July 31 and August 1, 7, 8, and 14
Pilobolus is a rebellious dance company whose repertoire tests the limits of human physicality to explore the beauty and power of connected bodies. Since 1971 they have appeared in more than 65 countries, and have collaborated with some of the greatest influencers, thinkers, and creators in the world. They will perform excerpts from Alraune and Pilobolus Is a Fungus.
Additional performances are scheduled for August, September, and October with the Paul Taylor Dance Company, BAAD! Bronx Academy of Arts & Dance, Trainor Dance, Ballet Hispánico, and Dance Theatre of Harlem.

 

Music

Join for an Afternoon of Jazz at the Grand Re-Opening of Woolworth Hall at the Woodlawn Conservancy, located at 4199 Webster Avenue in the Bronx. There will be two performances on Sunday, July 18, at 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. by jazz pianist and composer, Sean Mason, and his acoustic trio, Butler Knowles on Bass and Malcolm Chares on Drums, who will deliver modern takes on classic jazz pieces as well as original jazz compositions.

 

This ticket is good for the performance time listed on your confirmation email. Woodlawn’s COVID-19 safety policy is that unvaccinated guests are to wear masks indoors at all times. By purchasing a ticket, participants agree to recognize and adhere to this policy.

 

These sessions are part of the Lincoln Center’s outdoor concert series which is provided by Lisa K. Meulbroek and Brent R. Harris, with major support by Susan and J. Alan Kahn. For Tickets to the 12:30 Performance, please click here. For Tickets to the 2:30 Performance, please click here.

 

Bronx Arts Ensemble’s Virtual Benefit Concert Featuring Bobby Sanabria: ¡Jazz Puertorriqueño! is available to watch until July 10. The concert is free, with viewers encouraged to donate to Bronx Arts Ensemble. The concert features artistic works by important Puerto Rican composers and highlights string players from the Bronx Arts Ensemble. To access the concert, viewers can go to bronxartsensemble.org/events and scroll down for the link.

 

Art

The Bronx Museum of the Arts is hosting a performance entitled 5 Indices on a Tortured Body: The Female Body on July 10 at 2 p.m. This event is the first of a five-part series which is being performed in conjunction with the exhibit Wardell Milan: Amerika. God Bless You If It’s Good to You. Registration for the event is free. The link to register can be found at bronxmuseum.org under the events tab.

 

The Bronx River Arts Center is hosting Summer Art Classes for all ages starting July 6 through Aug. 9, including painting, printmaking, drawing, photography, and ceramics. Most of the classes are being offered in person, but some are taking place over Zoom or in a hybrid format. To register, visit www.bracbx.eventbrite.com.

 

Bronx River Art Center presents “In Honor of Black Lives Matter,” curated by Shawn Batey, Caroline Mardok, Ruvan Wijesooriya and KaN Site Curators. This event has been extended until July 17. Join the “Artists Talk,” on July 17 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. for a lively discussion and closing reception of BRAC’s current gallery exhibition, In Honor of Black Lives Matter, with the exhibition’s curators and artists,

 

In Honor of Black Lives Matter brings together politically engaged curators who have been actively collecting and/or photographing the Black Lives Matter movement. Their curation offers a wide array of photographers and perspectives. Shawn Batey, for example, sought to answer the question, “Who is a protester?” Through the lenses of these often unrecognized Black photographers— Adreinne Waheed, Jarrett Robertson, Darwensi, Sade Fasanya, Christian Onuoha, they share their experience in the Black Lives Matter movement with intensity and pathos.

 

The exhibit Born in Flames: Feminist Futures is on display at the Bronx Museum, now through September 12. The exhibit showcases the visions of contemporary artists. To learn more, visit bronxmuseum.org, select the exhibitions tab and scroll down to locate the event. Tickets to visit the museum can also be purchased at bronxmuseum.org/visit.

 

The exhibit, Wardell Milan: Amerika, God Bless You If It’s Good To You, opens on Wednesday, June 23, at the Bronx Museum and will remain open until October 24. The exhibit showcases 12 new drawings and mixed media created by the artist Wardell Milan. Milan and choreographer, Zachary Tye Richardson, will present new performance works as part of the exhibit. Visit bronxmuseum.org, select the exhibitions tab and scroll down to learn more about the exhibit. Tickets to visit the museum can also be purchased at bronxmuseum.org/visit.

 

The Bronx Documentary Center (BDC) will hold a Screening and Q&A session of Primera with Vee Bravo and Cristóbal Olivares on Saturday, July 17, from 6 p.m. to  9 p.m. This event will be held in-person at BDC, 614 Courtlandt Ave, Bronx, NY 10451 and and will follow health and safety protocols.

 

The documentary feature “Primera” is the gripping story of Chile’s first line of defense. The film follows two-parent activists who are leading a critical mass of 10 million Chileans to build a blueprint for a new democracy. Join Primera director, Vee Bravo, and exhibiting photographer, Cristóbal Olivares, for a special in-person screening of “Primera” followed by a discussion. Watch the trailer here: https://vimeo.com/427969153

 

This event is held in conjunction with our 4th Annual Latin American Foto Festival, on view July 15-August 1st, 2021. Featuring works by artists from Colombia, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Venezuela, Peru and El Salvador.

Movement

Come learn, play and compete in the 2021 Girls Flag Football Season. Three NYC Parks sites in the Bronx are hosting clinics, leagues, and tournaments for girls. The Weekly Instructional Series/Clinics includes instructional drills and strategies for girls ages 10-17.

 

The Bronx instructional series of Girls Flag Football Clinics will be held July 12  to August 27, for girls ages 10-17. Citywide Flag Football League: September 4 – November 13, 2021, ages 9-17. Age Groups: 6U Coed Instructional Series Only, 8U Coed Instructional Series Only, 10U Coed, 12U Coed, 14U Boys, 14U Girls, 17U Boys, 17U Girls.

 

How to Join: Registration for the Bronx Instructional Series/Clinics is first-come, first-served, and on a rolling basis. Registration Dates: July 8, 2021 to August 27, 2021. Register at https://www.nycgovparks.org/reg/flag-football.

The NYC Parks department is hosting a Track and Field event on Tuesday July 20 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Race, jump and throw to become a champion at these games. They will allow you to experience different forms of track and field events.

 

Get your body moving this summer at HITT Cross Training Circuit now through Sept. 17 at St. James Place tennis courts. Hosted by the New York City Parks’ department, this free training program for adults combines a variety of exercises to reduce risk of injury and improve overall fitness. The classes are on Monday and Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. at St. James Recreation Center, located at 2550 Jerome Avenue. Social distancing will be encouraged, regardless of vaccination status. Masks are required for people who are unvaccinated or who are not maintaining a social distance.

                

Outdoor Pool Season at New Van Cortlandt “Cool Pool”  

NYC Parks’ outdoor pools are open from June 26 through Sunday, Sept. 12. Daily hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week. Pool capacity is limited for the upcoming season. Social distancing is still recommended, and face coverings will be required to enter the facility.

 

Van Cortlandt Pool is one of this year’s three new Cool Pools, along with Howard and Bushwick pools in Brooklyn. These pools have been transformed with a bright new paint palette, polar-themed art, new umbrellas provided by Poggesi USA, and more! Since 2018, the Cool Pools NYC initiative has upgraded a total of 16 pools, giving New Yorkers the chance to see an old neighborhood amenity in a new way.

 

The NYPD, the Department of Youth and Community Development, the City’s five district attorneys’ offices and several City agency partners, community-based organizations and foundations launched the “Saturday Night Lights” program on July 10 and it continues all year long. The groups have opened 100 gyms across the City for free, high-quality sports programs for kids on Saturday nights, ensuring no indoor gyms will be closed on these nights – the time when they are needed most by kids in city communities.

 

Each Saturday evening, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., children from 11 to 18 years-of-age will be 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 will be at each of the 100 gymnasiums every Saturday night, helping to coach and participating with members of various Community Based Organizations to interact with young people and help make a lasting and positive impact in their lives.

 

 

Know Before You Go:

For everyone’s safety, we are asking all participants to observe the following guidelines:

– Please wear a mask if you are unvaccinated, or if it makes you feel more comfortable
– All individuals should maintain social distancing of six feet during programming, regardless of vaccination status
– Please wear a mask if social distancing cannot be maintained
– Wash your hands before attending a program
– Stay home if you are sick

 

Other Upcoming Events at Bronx Parks

Sunday, July 11, 2021

Upper River Paddle 10:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m. at Olinville Playground, Bronx River Parkway, Bronx

Eastchester Bay Cleanup and Ecology 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. at Pelham Bay Nature Center, Pelham Bay Park, Bronx

Monday, July 12, 2021

Celebrating National Parks and Recreation Month 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

Monday Morning Pitch-In at Soundview Park 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. at Lafayette & Morrison Avenues, Soundview Park, Bronx

Monday Morning Pitch-In at Claremont Park 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Monday Morning Pitch-In at Joyce Kilmer Park 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. at Lorelai Fountain, Joyce Kilmer Park, Bronx

Tuesday, July 13, 2021

Celebrating National Parks and Recreation Month 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

Wednesday, July 14, 2021

Celebrating National Parks and Recreation Month 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

Arts, Culture & Fun: Watercolor Painting Workshop 3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. at Field House, Soundview Park, Bronx

Arts, Culture & Fun: Drawing Workshop 3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.

Movies Under the Stars: Minions 8:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m.

Thursday, July 15, 2021

Celebrating National Parks and Recreation Month 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

Dance in the Park 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. at Woodlawn Playground, Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx

Tidy Thursdays at Starlight Park 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. at Starlight Park, Bronx

Friday, July 16, 2021

Celebrating National Parks and Recreation Month 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

Compost Collection and Awareness 8:30 a.m.–11:30 p.m. at Starlight Park, Bronx

Soundview Park Wetland Restoration 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. at Leland and O’Brien Avenues, Soundview Park, Bronx

Community Paddle on the Bronx River 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. at Concrete Plant Park, Bronx