The Washington Square Park Conservancy Unveils Full 2026 Schedule of Free Public Programs

The Conservancy’s ‘most impactful season yet’ will feature new offerings as well as longtime favorites in art, culture, fitness, and fun for all ages.

NEW YORK, NY, April 30, 2026 – Today, the Washington Square Park Conservancy announced its full calendar of public programs for 2026, starting May 4 and running through the fall.

From salsa socials and artist-led workshops to yoga classes and walking tours, the Conservancy’s free and accessible programs invite visitors to learn, explore, and connect in Washington Square Park.

Produced in partnership with local artists, cultural organizations, and educators, the community is at the center of the Conservancy’s programming. Programs are free and open to the public, reinforcing the organization’s mission to keep Washington Square Park a welcoming urban greenspace for all to enjoy.

“Washington Square Park is one of New York City’s most iconic gathering places, and this season’s programming reflects the energy, creativity, and diversity of the communities it serves,” said NYC Parks Interim Manhattan Borough Commissioner Ralph Musolino. “Through free, accessible programs like these, we’re creating opportunities for New Yorkers of all ages to come together, experience culture, and make lasting memories in their parks.”

“Washington Square Park is a place many flock to for its spontaneity, and our robust set of free programs bring the best kind of chance encounters to park-goers all season long,” said Will Morrison, Executive Director of the Washington Square Park Conservancy & NYC Parks Administrator of Washington Square Park. “Our diverse and creative suite of public programming offerings highlight the varied uses of the park, and I look forward every season to hearing from park visitors who’ve discovered some new way to have fun as a result, like those who discover we have a pétanque court or an entire plaza built for board games, for example.”

“Washington Square Park is a singular place, and my hope is that our suite of public programs reflects the dynamic and vibrant greenspace that means so much to so many,” said Kaitlyn Yates, Programs Director at the Washington Square Park Conservancy. “Going into my fifth season, I've seen not only the growth of our programs but also authentic connections made between former strangers. I'm proud to be a part of such a meaningful effort for accessible cultural education in such a remarkable place.”

Featuring a slate of talented teaching artists is the Conservancy’s Park Open Studio. On Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays throughout the summer, local artists turn Scrabble Plaza (northwest corner) into an open-air art workshop, teaching a variety of different mediums for all to drop in and get creative.

“One of my favorite things about being a teaching artist last summer was watching strangers become chatty with one another,” said Janice McDonnell, returning artist-in-residence. “Some came with a friend, but most were strangers painting side by side, commenting on each other’s pictures, sharing supplies and recommendations for things to see and do around the city. In a time when we’re feeling increasingly isolated, it was quite magical. I’m looking forward to more of that this summer.”

A fan favorite returning this year are the popular Salsa Socials with Mi Salsa Dura Baile.

“Hosting salsa in the park over the years has meant a lot to me,” said Joseph Bullerin at Mi Salsa Dura Baile. “It’s a space where people come together, connect, and feel joy through music and dance. The program has built real community, and I look forward to growing it even more each season.”

The Double Dutch Aunties combine education, culture, and movement with their popular Double Dutch program.

“The Double Dutch Aunties are building a modern-day legacy rooted in movement, community, and culture,” said Coaches Kizzy & Kyra of the Double Dutch Aunties. “We are not just jumping, we are preserving tradition. We are not just gathering, we are building community. Double Dutch at Washington Square Park is for everyone!”

Washington Square Park is a popular Greenwich Village spot for kids to play, learn, and create. The Conservancy is committed to providing fun and educational programs for its youngest visitors through its Art in the Park, Art Meets Books, and Storytime programs.

“Partnering with Washington Square Park for storytime is an absolute joy for Hudson Park Library! Promoting early literacy by sharing stories and songs with the neighborhood's babies and toddlers under the trees is such a rewarding experience,” said Stevie Feliciano, Children's Librarian at Hudson Park Library. “It’s also a beautiful way for our local caregivers to connect with one another. It's truly the highlight of my summer!”

Full Calendar:

ART

Park Open Studio
Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays from May - October
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Scrabble Plaza
Led by a local teaching artist, this drop-in class invites participants to explore creativity through hands-on artmaking under the shade of Scrabble Plaza’s trees. Past mediums have included plein-air drawing, printmaking, cyanotypes, and more.

Street Lab
First Tuesday of each month, May - October
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Holley Plaza
Every first Tuesday of the month, join our friends at Street Lab for a collaborative open-air studio!

KIDS

Art in the Park
Wednesdays from May - October
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Playground
Draw! Cut! Paste! Smile! Kids of all ages are invited to join our resident playground best friend Miss Debbie for art-making in the playground.

Art Meets Books
Thursdays from June - August
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Playground
Join local artist and educator Taejung Kim from the Portable Museum Project in collaboration with our friends from The New York Public Library’s Hudson branch. Designed for elementary to middle school ages, literature meets art at this interactive program.

NYPL Storytime Under the Trees
Tuesdays from June - September
11:00 am - 11:30 am
Northern Reading Alcove
Our friends from The New York Public Library’s Hudson Branch bring the library to you. Designed for little ones, sing songs and read books together under the trees.

MOVEMENT

Bodyroll *NEW*
Tuesdays from May - October
9:30 am - 10:30 am
Garibaldi Plaza
Lively movement and emotional catharsis combine for an exhilarating dance practice led by Viva Soudan. No experience necessary!

Double Dutch
Thursdays from May - October
5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Garibaldi Plaza
Learn the fundamentals of street-style and competitive jump rope with Coach Kyra and the Double Dutch Aunties.

Pétanque
Mondays and Wednesdays from May - October
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm (Monday) | 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (Wednesday)
Pétanque Courts
Never heard of Pétanque? Our expert friends at NYC’s oldest running Pétanque club, La Boule New Yorkaise, will teach you. This French lawn bowling game from the early 20th century is easy to learn, and we provide the boules. Just bring yourself!

Salsa Social
Wednesdays from May - October
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Garibaldi Plaza
Join our friends from Mi Salsa Dura Baile for an evening of Latin rhythm and dancing in Garibaldi Plaza! Each class starts off with a free lesson followed by an open dance floor.

Yoga
Fridays from May - October
8:30 am - 9:30 am
Garibaldi Plaza
Start your morning off balanced and refreshed with a free yoga class led by local yoga instructors Mariah and Frances in Garibaldi Plaza. Bring a yoga mat and water bottle.

TALKS & TOURS

Conversations in the Corner
First Friday of each month, March - October
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Scrabble Plaza
Have questions about Washington Square Park? Want to share your feedback on how we can make your park experience better? Join us for Conversations in the Corner!

Spring Migration Tour with NYC Bird Alliance
Monday, May 4
8:00 am - 9:30 am
Meet in Holley Plaza
Meet us in Holley Plaza and catch local birds on their way back from winter break!

Bowery Boys Tour: The Park as a Potter’s Field
Friday, June 12
11:00 am
Meet in Holley Plaza
Join us for expert-led tours from Bowery Boys Walks: a walk through history with podcast pros. Tours meet in Holley Plaza. More dates to be announced!

About the Washington Square Park Conservancy

The Washington Square Park Conservancy, in partnership with NYC Parks, enhances and preserves a vibrant community green space in the heart of New York City for all who are drawn to its iconic grounds.

We envision a thriving, well-cared for park that reflects its enduring history while serving as a modern cultural crossroads and gathering space for a diverse community.

The Washington Square Park Conservancy was founded by local community members in 2012 to fill a critical need in the ongoing operational support of its namesake park that hosts more than 12 million annual visitors within 9.75 acres of lawns, gardens, and public grounds.

Connect with us:

Website: www.washingtonsqpark.org
Instagram: @washingtonsquarepk
TikTok: @washingtonsquarepk
Facebook: Washington Square Park Conservancy