Celebrate Summer On The Harlem Meer With A New Event Lineup

HARLEM, NY — Summer is in full swing, and this year residents of Harlem can look forward to more than just the Harlem Meer Performance Festival at the north end of Central Park.

While the Harlem Meer site undergoes construction, the Central Park Conservancy has organized "Summer on the Harlem Meer," a month-long program featuring a dynamic lineup of music, play, and nature activities.

The festivities officially kicked off last week and run every Sunday through Aug. 18, event organizers said.

Residents have the option to choose from three family-friendly events to attend and enjoy their Sunday. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect:

Nature: Discover the Meer and its residents

Led by The Conservancy’s tour guides, park-goers can enjoy a morning of hands-on activities and nature walks before the Harlem Meer Performance Festival. In this multigenerational program, guides will share facts about the Meer's wildlife, including its beloved turtles, and provide insights on how park visitors and neighbors can contribute to the well-being of the animals that inhabit the Meer and its surroundings.

The nature walks depart at 11:00 a.m. from the plaza of the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center.

Play: Explore Recreational Opportunities for All Ages

The Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, one of the park’s five visitor centers, provides recreational opportunities, free educational and community programs, exhibits and more. This summer, on Sundays from 12 to 4 p.m., the Conservancy will host a variety of games and activities for all ages to enjoy.

Highlights include The Central Park Time Machine, an immersive audio guide for kids and their grownups, as well as nature discovery kits, lawn games and other surprises available on-site.

Music: The Harlem Meer Performance Festival

The annual Performance Festival has been a beloved community tradition since the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center opened in 1993. Each summer, this event attracts thousands of attendees, showcasing the best local talent in Central Park.

Each show will be free, with no tickets required, and held at the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center near 110th Street at the northeast corner of the park.

The festival will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. every Sunday until Aug. 18.

Since September 2021, the Central Park Conservancy has been working on the new Harlem Meer Center, marking their most significant and intricate project to date. Upon completion, this initiative will transform the former Lasker Rink and Pool into a cutting-edge facility featuring a full-scale ice rink, a swimming pool and an outdoor spray pad.

The redesign aims to enhance connectivity at the north end by restoring the waterway through the ravine and reinstating a historic pedestrian path.

Beyond revitalizing the physical space, the Harlem Meer Center will introduce new, accessible programming for families, including skating, hockey, and swimming, providing recreational opportunities for all.