Major Events
Fort Tryon Park Trust bursts with educational, volunteer, and fitness programs, as well as special events and performances year-round.
Fall
Medieval Festival
For one day each September or October, the park becomes a medieval village with costumed performers, authentic period music, dance, magic, jugglers, jesters, and a joust between four knights on horseback. Co-sponsored by Washington Heights and Inwood Development Corporation.
OHNY (openhousenewyork)
openhousenewyork hosts year-round educational programs celebrating New York City’s built-environment, and, every October, America’s largest architecture and design event, the Annual openhousenewyork Weekend. In 2009, for the first time, the Fort Tryon Park Cottage and the Heather Garden will participate with tours of the historic Billings gatehouse (now the park administrator’s office) and the landmarked Heather Garden.
Uptown Treasures Celebration
During the Uptown Treasures Celebration in October, the public is invited to explore the Heather Garden and seven other fascinating cultural and historic institutions of Northern Manhattan that provide a day of special events, tours, readings, performances, and workshops.
Commemoration of the Battle of Fort Washington
An annual November event commemorating the Revolutionary War Battle of Fort Washington (November 16, 1776). Members of the Brigade of the American Revolution set up a campsite and demonstrate how the Continental Army functioned during the Revolutionary War. Plus, Live Musket Demonstrations, Arts & Crafts for kids, and more.
Spring
Shearing of the Heather
Each April, members of the Northeast Heather Society join our horticulture staff to shear the heathers, a task that encourages dense horizontal growth and helps ensure the Fort Tryon Heather Garden is one of the finest in the northeast.
Nature Adventures for Kids: Wiggly Worms, Lovely Ladybugs & What Dinosaurs Ate
A series of naturalist programs designed especially for children ages 4–6 and held from May through June. Children have fun with hands–on exploration of the natural world found in their local park.
Summer
Scandia Symphony
This June concert series features the works of Scandinavian composers as interpreted by The New York Scandia Symphony and guest artists.
Gorilla Repertory
During July and August, Gorilla Repertory brings its own brand of free theater to Fort Tryon Park, with classics like Shakespeare and new works like 2009’s Joan of Arc.
Year-Round
Fitness Programs
Walking Programs – All year, weather permitting
Yoga, Tai Chi, Qi Gong – Summer and Fall
Visit the Fitness page to learn about year–round fitness programs in Fort Tryon Park
Heather & Alpine Garden Walking Tours
Weekly from May through November and once monthly December through April, members of the park’s horticulture staff guide visitors through the landmarked gardens.
Geology Walks & Talks with Sidney Horenstein
Sidney Horenstein, Geologist and Educator Emeritus at the American Museum of Natural History, conducts tours and lectures about the geology of Fort Tryon Park and northern Manhattan Island throughout the year.
Nature Walks with Mike Feller
Mike Feller, Chief Naturalist for Parks & Recreation’s Natural Resources Group, leads morning and evening walks in the park, weekly in spring, summer, and fall and on occassion during winter.
