There’s something unmistakably enchanting about summer. Maybe it’s the long, golden days that stretch into star-kissed nights, or the way flowers and fruits burst into their fullest expression, transforming farms and gardens into lush, vibrant playgrounds. For couples looking to say “I do,” summer offers a season rich with warmth, joy, and celebration.
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At Great Performances, we’ve had the pleasure of crafting unforgettable summer weddings, each one radiating with the energy and light of the season. Whether you’re dreaming of an elegant garden affair, a rustic-chic barn reception, or a glamorous rooftop soirée with sweeping sunset views, summer is a season full of bold possibilities.
Why Summer?
Summer weddings capture the spirit of abundance and light. From June through August, New York and the Hudson Valley come alive with ripe fruit, blooming fields, and warm breezes. Our farm is in its prime, overflowing with sunflowers, heirloom tomatoes, herbs, and other seasonal delights that inspire both our menus and floral arrangements.
You’ll enjoy late sunsets that give you more time for outdoor celebrations and breathtaking golden-hour photography. Summer also offers a wider window for alfresco dining, lawn games, and barefoot dances under the stars.
A Few Planning Tips
Summer weddings capture the spirit of abundance and light. From June through August, New York and the Hudson Valley come alive with ripe fruit, blooming fields, and warm breezes. Our farm is in its prime, overflowing with sunflowers, heirloom tomatoes, herbs, and other seasonal delights that inspire both our menus and floral arrangements.
You’ll enjoy late sunsets that give you more time for outdoor celebrations and breathtaking golden-hour photography. Summer also offers a wider window for alfresco dining, lawn games, and barefoot dances under the stars.
A Few Planning Tips
Think shade and hydration – Summer temperatures can soar, so plan for shade, fans, or elegant parasols for guests during ceremonies. Refreshing drinks stations with fruit-infused water or chilled signature cocktails are a must.
Seasonal bites – Lean into the season with light, fresh dishes that feature summer’s best produce. Our culinary team loves creating menus with chilled soups, grilled vegetables, and farm-fresh desserts.
Stay cool – Consider attire that’s breathable and event-friendly, and chat with your stylist about weather-proofing your hair and makeup for heat and humidity.
Summer Weddings, Your Way
Whether you imagine saying your vows under a floral-draped arbor, clinking glasses at a vineyard estate, or hosting a weekend-long celebration in the country, summer provides a perfect stage.
At Great Performances, we collaborate closely with our couples to shape their summer wedding vision—every element grounded in creativity, sustainability, and genuine hospitality. If you’re dreaming of a wedding filled with sunshine, laughter, and peak-season beauty, we’re ready to help bring your day to life.
Let’s create something radiant together.
Wedding Inspiration
As the days stretch long and golden, our palates begin to crave what the season gives us in abundance: freshness. This summer, cocktails are getting a verdant twist, with bartenders and home mixologists leaning into the beauty of botanicals, the brightness of citrus, and the aromatic charm of fresh herbs.
Gone are the days when summer drinks were just sweet and boozy. Today’s cocktails are layered, balanced, and inspired by the garden — drawing flavor from rosemary sprigs, lavender buds, basil leaves, and cucumber slices. Whether it’s a lavender lemonade spritz or a basil-infused margarita, these herbaceous additions bring complexity and a dose of natural elegance to your glass.
Citrus is, of course, a summertime staple, but this year, it’s not just about squeezing in a wedge of lime. Citrus is being reimagined — infused into syrups, muddled with fresh herbs, or paired with floral liqueurs to create drinks that are as beautiful to look at as they are refreshing to sip.
To celebrate this botanical trend, we’re thrilled to feature a summer cocktail from our restaurant partner Clara, located inside the New York Historical Society. This Cucumber and Rosemary Gin and Tonic is the kind of drink you want in hand while lounging on a terrace or watching the sun dip behind the skyline. It’s crisp, herbal, and subtly sweet — a perfect summer pour.
Cocktail Recipe: Cucumber and Rosemary Gin & Tonic
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Beefeater London Dry Gin
- 3 cucumber slices, muddled
- 1 oz rosemary lemon syrup (recipe below)
- Tonic water, to top
- Cucumber slice, for garnish
Procedure
- Muddle cucumber slices in a shaker.
- Add gin and rosemary lemon syrup, then shake with ice.
- Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice and top with tonic water.
- Garnish with a cucumber slice.
Rosemary Lemon Syrup
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 rosemary sprig
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Procedure
Combine water, sugar, and rosemary in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice, and let steep until cool. Strain and store in the fridge for up to one week.
This cocktail is summer sophistication in a glass — crisp cucumber coolness meets the depth of rosemary and the brightness of lemon, with the gin’s botanicals tying everything together. It’s a refreshing way to embrace the season’s flavors while keeping things simple and elegant.
Whether you’re crafting drinks at home or looking for inspiration for your next event, don’t be afraid to experiment with the contents of your garden or windowsill herb box. Summer’s here — and it tastes like rosemary and sunshine.
More Cocktail Inspiration
Apollo Music Café
The Apollo Music Café series presents independent artists to a unique audience. Featuring diverse performances across a myriad of genres (R&B, hip hop, soul, jazz, pop, funk, and rock), this series showcases artists drawn from the independent music scene who impact the way music is heard and experienced.
Location: The Apollo Stages at The Victoria
Tickets: start at $39.85
The Amours
Friday, May 2nd at 10:00pm
The Amours sing the language of love. Sisters Jakiya Ayanna and Shaina Aisha use their powerhouse vocals to deliver a soulful night of R&B at the Apollo Music Cafe.
Julius Rodriguez
Saturday, May 3rd at 10:00pm
Drummer, pianist and composer Julius Rodriguez (Orange Julius) travels all lanes of jazz. This multi-instrumentalist has electrified the genre and redefined a sound that is solely his alone. Be in the room to see Julius and his friends celebrate and close-out the Apollo Music Café season.
Harlem Mouse/Country Mouse
Dance Theatre of Harlem
Sunday, May 18th at 3:00pm
Location: Apollo’s Historic Theater
Tickets: start at $25
The Dance Theatre of Harlem presents a family matinee of Harlem Mouse/Country Mouse – an exciting retelling of Aesop’s Fable, City Mouse and Country Mouse. Harlem Mouse/Country Mouse references the rich traditions of the Black South, modern-day life in Harlem, and the unique expressions of dance, music and poetry that arise when cultures collide, and unites the dynamic artists of the Dance Theatre of Harlem Company together with students from the Dance Theatre of Harlem School. Conceived as a celebration of the Harlem community, this full-length story ballet is an uplifting event for the whole family!
Lahore Literary Festival in New York 2025
Saturday, May 3rd from 11:00am to 6:00pm
Tickets: $30 Members, $40 Non-Members. Senior/Students: Use code SENSTU at checkout for a discount
“Lahore Literary Festival – a safe place for dangerous ideas.” —The Guardian
“Rarely has an event framed around books and ideas felt so urgent.” —New York Review of Books
The Lahore Literary Festival (LLF), one of South Asia’s premier cultural events, returns to Asia Society New York, exploring contemporary Pakistan through artists, writers, and other experts. The festival will present American audiences with a more nuanced view of Pakistan, with discussions on fiction and nonfiction writing, art, science, history, and politics. LLF 2025 brings Lahore and New York together with a vibrant selection of lyrical, literary and musical offerings: speakers this year include Manan Ahmed, Iftikhar Dadi, Qudsia Rahim, Yasufumi Nakamori, Ustad Naseeruddin Saami and more. The program also features a poetry session with this year’s Pakistan Youth Poet Laureates, Mashallah Saif and Aiman Tahir Khan. The evening closes out with a qawwali and khayaal concert by the legendary Saami Brothers Qawwal (concert tickets on sale separately here).
2025 Asia Arts Game Changer Awards
Monday, May 12th from 6:00pm t0 9:00pm
6:00 PM | Cocktail Reception
7:00 PM | Seated Dinner
Dress Code | Cocktail Attire
This celebration is Asia Society’s biggest fundraiser for its Arts and Culture sector and for the Asia Society Museum’s exhibitions, and it is also a vital source of our programmatic funding. For more information, please contact Mariel Pezik Pajoow at mpajoow@asiasociety.org.
This year we honor Huang Ruo, Alexandra Munroe, Shirin Neshat, and Yang Fudong.
Sō Percussion
Wednesday, May 7th through Saturday, May 17th
Location: BAM Fisher, Fishman Space
Tickets: start at $35
Globally celebrated for peerless virtuosity and unbounded curiosity, new-music powerhouse quartet Sō Percussion has thrilled BAM audiences alongside composer Steve Reich, and in their own genre-mashing triumphs Where (we) Live, Imaginary City, and A Gun Show. For this intimate eight-concert residency, the pulse is unstoppable as these hometown heroes weave together classical and pop music styles into something new, original, and inviting.
Week one brings Sō together with Pulitzer Prize winner Caroline Shaw to perform a staged work of selections from their two most recent acclaimed collaborations, Rectangles and Circumstance and Let the Soil Play Its Simple Part. The show also features Ringdown, Shaw’s brilliant art-pop duo with partner Danni Lee Parpan. The evening-length show is called Who Turns Out the Light, a theatrical creation staged by visionary director and filmmaker Mark DeChiazza.
Then during week two, Sō welcomes genre-bursting innovators This Is the Kit (Kate Stables) and Helado Negro (Roberto Carlos Lange) for four evenings of unpredictable musical fusion. Look for reworked songs from each composer’s beloved catalog and brand-new collaborations bursting with sonic invention and rhythmic joy.
It’s not just a concert series—it’s a sonic revolution in eight acts.
Lollise x Loboko
BAM FREE MUSIC
Thursday, May 8th at 7:00pm
Location: Peter Jay Sharp Building, The Adam Space (BAMcafé)
Tickets: FREE
Botswana-born Brooklynite singer, artist, and fashion designer Lollise sprinkles transfigured play-songs from her childhood with boldly contemporary statements of identity and purpose on her recent debut LP, I hit the water. She teams up here with Loboko, an infectious Brooklyn dance band anchored by Congolese guitar virtuoso and vocalist Yohni Loboko, for a powerful fusion of trans-African pop styles, featuring original music from both acts.
San Farafina is a Canadian DJ and multimedia artist who seeks to explore the sounds of the global underground through her mesmerizing polyrhythmic blends and textured, genre-fusing sets. Her signature sound seamlessly merges classic dance synths and global rhythms with a modern ethos, drawing inspiration from her eclectic upbringing and her Haitian-Filipina roots. As a core member of the Moonshine Collective, San Farafina is performing at some of the world’s most renowned clubs and festivals, including Primavera Sound, Dour Festival, Nitsa Club, and Osheaga, and touring in cities across Europe, North America, and Africa. She also manages Club Sagacité, a multidisciplinary artistic project aimed at uplifting underrepresented groups of artists in Montreal.
DanceAfrica Festival 2025
Friday, May 23rd through Monday, May 26th
Location: Peter Jay Sharp Building, Howard Gilman Opera House
Tickets: start at $25
This Memorial Day weekend, DanceAfrica, the nation’s largest festival dedicated to African diasporic dance and music, opens up Brooklyn’s stages and streets to the rich culture and artistry of Mozambique. Now in its 48th year, this beloved celebration lifts up history and arts from East Africa for the unofficial start of summer.
Hand in hand with our cultural partners—the visionary DanceAfrica Council of Elders, the cultural custodians at Weeksville Heritage Center, our forward-thinking friends at MoCADA, and Bed-Stuy stalwart The Billie Holiday Theatre—we’ve assembled an experience guaranteed to open minds and lift spirits.
Enjoy traditional dance and music from Mozambique, view exhilarating visual art, sample FilmAfrica’s illuminating cinematic offerings, participate in classes and late-night dance parties, and mingle with neighbors from around the block and around the globe in the iconic outdoor bazaar. It’s all waiting for you at Brooklyn’s most unmissable summer celebration!
First Saturday: Friends and Family
Saturday, May 3rd from 5:00pm to 10:00pm
Location: throughout the Museum
Tickets: register for free
Bring your friends and family to May’s First Saturday, showcasing the vibrant artistry, rich histories, and recreations of the Asian American and Pacific Islander diasporas in New York.
Teacher Workshop: What’s in a Label?
Wednesday, May 14th from 4:30pm to 7:30pm
Location: Education Studios, 1st Floor
Tickets: Registration is $20 (Members: $13.50). Not a Member? Join today!
Educators: Join us for a professional development workshop focused on writing texts for museum exhibitions. Head to our American Art galleries with curator Caroline Gillaspie to analyze traditional and experimental object labels. Think critically about what curators and museums communicate through these didactics. Then, practice your art-writing skills with museum educator Henry Wahlenmayer, who will model lessons and activities to use in your classroom.
Dezron Douglas Quartet
Monday, May 12th at 7:00pm and 9:00pm
Tickets: start at $25
Bassist and composer Dezron Douglas arrives at Dizzy’s Club with his quartet to debut new music ahead of their next recording. The evening will also feature selections from their first release, ATALAYA. Experience the excitement of hearing fresh compositions take shape in an intimate club setting, where every note feels alive. With world-class musicians and the unmatched ambiance of Dizzy’s, this is a night for jazz lovers to savor.
PERFORMANCE LINEUP
Dezron Douglas, bass
George Burton, piano
Joe Dyson, drums
Emilio Modeste, saxophones
Future of Jazz Orchestra
Monday, May 19th at 7:00pm and 9:00pm
Tickets: start at $20
Nestled above Columbus Circle with stunning views of Central Park, Dizzy’s Club offers a one-of-a-kind experience that blends the magic of live jazz with the warmth of an intimate atmosphere. From iconic artists to rising stars, each performance celebrates the vibrant spirit and diversity of jazz. Paired with a thoughtfully curated menu, it’s the perfect setting to enjoy world-class music, exceptional cuisine, and unforgettable moments in the heart of New York City.
Bill Charlap Trio
Tuesday, May 20th through Sunday, May 25th
Tickets: start at $20
Experience the brilliance of Bill Charlap and his acclaimed trio in an evening of masterful jazz. This ensemble is celebrated for its effortless swing, deep musicality, and seamless interplay. The Grammy-Award winning pianist has shared the stage with legends like Wynton Marsalis, Tony Bennett, and Barbra Streisand. Don’t miss this chance to hear one of jazz’s most celebrated trios bring their signature elegance and spontaneity to the stage.
PERFORMANCE LINEUP
Bill Charlap, piano
David Wong, bass (5/20, 5/22-5/25)
Joey Ranieri, bass (5/21)
Kenny Washington, drums
Christian McBride
Friday, May 2nd and Saturday, May 3rd
Location: Rose Theater
Tickets: start at $42
Bass legend Christian McBride takes the stage with two powerhouse ensembles, delivering a night of swing, soul, and serious groove. First, he honors his mentor, Ray Brown, with a hard-hitting trio featuring pianist Benny Green and drummer Greg Hutchinson, delivering hard-driving rhythm and effortless swing.
Then, McBride shifts gears with his boundary-pushing quintet, Ursa Major, featuring Nicole Glover, Ely Perlman, Mike King, and Savannah Harris. With fresh originals and fearless energy, this intergenerational group brings bold new sounds to the forefront.
Two sets, two distinct vibes, one amazing night!
The JLCO Plays the 70s
Thursday, May 29th through Saturday, May 31st
Location: Rose Theater
Tickets: start at $42
Experience the electrifying spirit of the 1970s as the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra brings this transformative decade to life through music. Under the direction of Grammy Award-winning saxophonist and former JLCO member Ted Nash, this memorable evening reimagines the era’s most influential sounds with fresh, dynamic arrangements. Immerse yourself in the boundary-pushing genius of Weather Report, Chick Corea, the Toshiko Akiyoshi-Lew Tabackin Orchestra, Quincy Jones, Horace Silver, Gil Scott-Heron, and more. Adding to the magic, special guests Hubert Laws and Tom Harrell join the JLCO for a performance that celebrates artistic revolution, fearless innovation, and the unrestrained creativity of the ‘70s.
New York Hysterical: Stand-Up Comedy
May 2nd, May 9th, and May 16th from 6:00pm to 7:00pm
Location: Robert H. Smith Auditorium
Free with pay-as-you-wish admission
Back by popular demand! Enjoy an early-bird hour of comedy with acclaimed NYC stand-ups. Host Tom Delgado—a comedian, actor, tour guide, and certified New York City history nerd—leads a night of laughs at the Museum with a Gotham spin. Pay-as-you-wish hours are from 5–8 pm, so come early or stay late to explore exhibitions like Robert Caro’s The Power Broker at 50 and Real Clothes, Real Lives.
Designing Women Market
Saturday, May 17th from 11:00am to 5:00pm
Location: 1st floor, Robert H. and Clarice Smith New York Gallery of American History
Meet our Spring 2025 Designing Women! The NYHistory Store is celebrating our annual Designing Women Market, a curated marketplace that showcases products by women makers, designers, and entrepreneurs who create a unique range of jewelry, textiles, accessories, quality crafts and more. Come and meet our women makers!
First Friday
Friday, May 2nd from 10:00am to 9:00pm
FREE ADMISSION ALL DAY & OPEN LATE
Join Poster House on the First Friday of every month for free admission and extended hours! Museum Members can check in at the Info Desk to receive one free drink ticket to use at the bar from 6 – 9 PM. Explore the museum’s latest exhibitions and get in on the fun by attending a tour, workshop, performance, or activity throughout the day. Every First Friday is different, offering unique opportunities to engage with rotating exhibitions and the permanent collection.
Posters & Cocktails: Atomic Edition
Wednesday, May 7th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Tickets: $45
End the spring season with a bang (hopefully not literally) with the latest edition of Posters & Cocktails. Join Nicholas Lowry of Swann Auctions Galleries, Don Spiro of the Green Fairy Society, and our very own Executive Director & Curator, Angelina Lippert, for a night of explosive entertainment straight out of the nuclear age in honor of the exhibition Fallout: Atoms for War & Peace. Split the atom between corporate propaganda and social activism in this Cold-War infused evening of posters accompanied by appropriately themed beverages.
The night’s events will switch between specialty atomic-themed cocktails and the witty reparté of Nicho and Angelina as they highlight some of the best posters from both General Dynamics and numerous anti-nuclear movements around the world.
Mother's Day Tea
Saturday, May 10th and Sunday, May 11th
Seating Times: 11:00am and 1:30pm
Location: Wave Hill House, Mark Twain Room
Tickets: Adults $50; Children $30 with adult
Celebrate all the special women in your life with a luxurious tea this Mother’s Day! Choose from seatings at 11:00AM or 1:30PM this weekend and enjoy delicious tea sandwiches and delectable pastries with a specialty tea selection served in historic Wave Hill House. Provided by our exclusive partner Great Performances, the menu uses local and seasonal ingredients, inspired from their own organic farm, Katchkie Farm.
Mother's Day Picnic
Sunday, May 11th from 11:00am to 4:00pm
Location: Wave Hill House Lawn
Tickets: Free with admission (premium weekend)
To celebrate Mother’s Day, Wave Hill opens the Wave Hill House Lawn for picnicking. Bring your own or leave it all to us and order a custom picnic basket available only at Wave Hill by our exclusive caterers Great Performances.
Bring your blanket or folding chairs and relax while enjoying our custom menu with your loved ones. In addition to picnicking on the lawn, limited seating will be available for picnic purchasers at Wave Hill House in Armor Hall and the Kate French Terrace. Seating is available on a first come, first served basis.
CityPickle at Wollman Rink
Daily: 8am-9pm
Come play on our 14 courts, the largest pickleball offering in the Northeast.
Playing on professional courts in Central Park’s iconic Wollman Rink? Our dream come true too! CityPickle is thrilled to offer C&D Nets, net sponsor of the PPA and APP, JOOLA x CityPickle custom paddles for rent, and Franklin X-40 balls to provide an elevated playing experience for all.
Special Event Cabana Party
Looking for a unique way to celebrate a special event? Book a two hour cabana party for memories that will last forever.
Cabana Parties offer private use of a court and adjacent cabana, where players can enjoy pickleball and hang out in their own private lounge, enjoying food and drinks between matches.
- Two hour time slots
- Each “spot” includes one court and one cabana
- One host books for their group
- Up to eight players allowed per court
- Four complimentary paddle rentals per court
Explore exciting community events around the Bronx this month.
Monday, May 5th through Sunday, May 18th
The Bronx Tourism Council is looking forward to Bronx Week, a nearly monthlong event celebration of the borough.
In partnership with the Bronx Borough President’s Office and The Bronx Economic Development Corporation, BTC has put together this calendar of events so you won’t miss out on any of the excitement. Note that events are divided into two categories: community events, which are in blue, and events that are produced by the office of the Borough President, the BXEDC, the Business Initiative Corporation of New York, and/or the BTC. All events will take place in The Bronx.
We can’t wait to see you there!
First Friday May 2025 Art, Music & Dancing
Friday, May 2nd from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Free for all ages!
Experience The Bronx Museum after dark! On the First Friday of the month, we keep our doors open late for everyone to enjoy our art exhibitions, as well as music, dancing, and more!
On May 2nd, you are invited to experience the interactive exhibition, Working Knowledge: Shared Imaginings, New Futures, plus fun activities for all ages. Details coming soon.
You are welcome to drop in for this event, but if you are planning on coming, please consider letting us know in advance with a free RSVP.
Family Time May 2025 Art-Making for All Ages
Saturday, May 10th from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
FREE for all Ages
Everyone is welcome to join Bronx Museum Educators for art-making activities inspired by the interactive exhibition WORKING KNOWLEDGE: Shared Imaginings, New Futures.
Activities are designed to be fun for all ages while being accessible to young children and their caretakers.
No RSVP is needed; just drop by the Museum to participate!
BRUCKNER MOTT HAVEN COMMUNITY GARDEN
Bronx Food & Farm Tours: Environmental Justice in Mott Haven & Port Morris
Saturday, May 10th from 10:45am to 2:00pm
Location: 684 E 136th St, Bronx, NY 10454
How are community gardeners in the South Bronx building spaces for healing and education while leading the fight against toxic industries? Learn more about environmental justice organizing in Mott Haven and Port Morris as we visit community gardens and industrial sites on a 4-mile bus- and bike-tour.
Can’t make it to the tour, but want to join the community gathering afterwards? Listen to speakers and enjoy lunch by La Morada and B-Blossom Catering at Bruckner Mott-Haven Community Garden (684 E 136th St.) from 2 to 3 p.m.
Mother's Day Nature Crafts
Sunday, May 11th from 1:00pm to 2:30pm
Location: Crotona Nature Center
Join the Urban Park Rangers in making a special craft for the special person in your life! Use the beauty of the natural world to create a unique work of art celebrating someone who makes your life more beautiful!
Peak Spring Blooms
All Spring and Summer
Spring and summer at NYBG are times of abundant color and life, when the green of the trees returns to our 250 acres and thousands upon thousands of flowers burst into bloom in celebration of the warmth. Follow along with the bloom progress of some of our most beloved collections here, informed by our horticultural experts, and keep track of peak color.
Dig! Plant! Grow! Salad Days
Tuesday, May 6–Sunday, June 15, 2025
Various Times | At the Garden
Tuesdays–Saturdays; 1:30–5:30 p.m.
Sundays and Monday Holidays; 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
The days are lengthening and the crops are growing: it’s the “salad days” of spring! Explore the Edible Academy to learn about the food crops and plant parts that make up a salad, and make your own salad dressing herb blend to take home.
Breath, Eyes, Memory by Edwidge Danticat
Saturdays, 12-1:30p, 5/17, 5/24, 5/31, 6/7, & 6/14
Bronx River Community Garden, 180th St. & Devoe Ave.
Tuesdays, 7-8:30p, 5/20, 5/27, 6/3, & 6/10
On Zoom
The 20th anniversary edition of Edwidge Danticat’s groundbreaking debut, now an established classic–revised and with a new introduction by the author, and including extensive bonus materials.
At the age of twelve, Sophie Caco is sent from her impoverished Haitian village to New York to be reunited with a mother she barely remembers. There she discovers secrets that no child should ever know, and a legacy of shame that can be healed only when she returns to Haiti—to the women who first reared her. What ensues is a passionate journey through a landscape charged with the supernatural and scarred by political violence. In her stunning literary debut, Danticat evokes the wonder, terror, and heartache of her native Haiti—and the enduring strength of Haiti’s women—with vibrant imagery and narrative grace that bear witness to her people’s suffering and courage.
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month: The Influential Ocean
Sunday, May 4th from 1:00pm to 2:30pm
Location: Section 2 Orchard Beach in Pelham Bay Park
Join the Urban Park Rangers in celebrating and learning about the ocean’s influence on the lives, traditions, and cultures of Asian and Pacific Islander communities!
Family Camping: Bronx
Friday, May 30th from 6:00pm to 7:00am
Location: Section 2 Orchard Beach in Pelham Bay Park
We camp to create lasting memories, connect with the natural world, and bond with our families. The Urban Park Rangers celebrate the tradition of camping and we look forward to welcoming your family. Families are chosen by lottery. Lottery registration opens on Wednesday May 14.
Birding: Nests and Baby Birds Exploration
Saturday, May 3rd from 10:00am to 11:30am
Location: Van Cortlandt Nature Center in Van Cortlandt Park
Our Urban Park Rangers will guide you to the best viewing spots in New York City to see spring migratory birds. Birding programs are appropriate for all skill levels and beginners are welcome. Join the Urban Park Rangers on a fun and informative walk through Van Cortlandt Park to learn all about nests, baby birds, and unique spring-time animal behaviors! Patrons will be provided binoculars and field guides to use for the program.
Fantastic Fungi Mushroom ID Hike
Saturday, May 17th from 11:00am to 12:00pm
Location: Van Cortlandt Nature Center in Van Cortlandt Park
This Urban Park Ranger led hike will take you through the forest to learn how to identify fungi. Participants will learn about the crucial role that mushrooms play in an ecosystem and how natural decomposition takes place.
Mother’s Day 2025
Sunday, May 11th
Tickets: Mother’s Day is a premium day for admission at the front entrance; $2 surcharge per visitor. Free admission for children 5 & under.
Location: On the grounds
Wonderfully timed to coincide with the arrival of spring, Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to pull out all the stops. Plan to spend the day in the gardens with a special Family Art Project, a guided garden walk, a session of spring birding, and a free session of community yoga.
Need a special gift? Stop by the Shop at Wave Hill to browse our selection of jewelry, bath and body products, and other perfect gifts for mom or that special lady in your life!
Enjoy the very rare opportunity to picnic on the Wave Hill House Lawn. Bring your own feast or purchase a delicious picnic curated by our exclusive partner Great Performances. Limited, first come, first served seating will also be available in Armor Hall for picnic purchasers. If you would like to picnic on the Wave Hill House Lawn, you may bring your own blanket and outdoor folding chairs.
The Big Nest
Sunday, May 18th from 10:00am to 4:00pm
Tickets: All activities free with admission unless noted in the description
Location: On the Grounds
Grab some twigs and branches and help us build a life-sized nest! All are welcome to participate in this community project. Take photos as the nest evolves throughout the day.
Did you know that Great Performances is headquartered in the Mott Haven neighborhood of the Bronx? We love being a part of the Bronx community, supporting other Bronx-based companies, and giving back to our community.
At Great Performances, food is woven into every moment from a quick coffee break to a grand celebratory feast. We bring this belief to life through delicious food, warm hospitality, and boundless culinary creativity. At the heart of it all is our Chefs’ Choir℠ ensemble – a unique and diverse group of extraordinary chefs and cooks who power our catering, café, and restaurant services. With their diverse talents, perspectives, and culinary expertise, they shape the unforgettable menus that define our events, from corporate gatherings and nonprofit galas to weddings and milestone celebrations; and that feed our diners at our cafés and restaurants.
Through the Chefs’ Choir℠ ensemble, our chefs step beyond the kitchen to share their passion and expertise directly with you. They offer recipes to try at home, stories that inspire, insights into their craft, and tips to elevate your cooking. Whether you’re looking to recreate a signature dish, explore new techniques, or simply find fresh inspiration, the Chefs’ Choir℠ ensemble brings the artistry and creativity of Great Performances into your home, making every meal a celebration.
Chef Tatiana Iglesias shares some tips for celebrating Earth Day with locally sourced vegetables for a delicious and healthy crudite platter.
Celebrate Earth Day with Local Spring Flavors
Earth Day is a reminder that the way we eat impacts the planet. Choosing local produce supports farmers, reduces carbon emissions, and gives you fresher, more flavorful food. Spring is the perfect time to celebrate seasonal eating with this vibrant crudité platter and beet hummus.
Spring Crudité with Beet Hummus Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sugar snap peas
- 1 bunch radishes, halved
- 1 cup baby carrots
- 1 cup asparagus, blanched
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
For the Beet Hummus
- 1 roasted beet, peeled and chopped
- 1 can chickpeas (15 oz), drained and rinsed
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 garlic clove
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
- Make the hummus – Blend all hummus ingredients until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Prepare the crudité – Arrange the vegetables on a platter.
- Serve – Add the hummus to the center and enjoy!
Eating local helps the planet and makes your meals taste better. This Earth Day, savor the season and support your local farmers!
At Great Performances, food is woven into every moment from a quick coffee break to a grand celebratory feast. We bring this belief to life through delicious food, warm hospitality, and boundless culinary creativity. At the heart of it all is our Chefs’ Choir℠ ensemble – a unique and diverse group of extraordinary chefs and cooks who power our catering, café, and restaurant services. With their diverse talents, perspectives, and culinary expertise, they shape the unforgettable menus that define our events, from corporate gatherings and nonprofit galas to weddings and milestone celebrations; and that feed our diners at our cafés and restaurants.
Through the Chefs’ Choir℠ ensemble, our chefs step beyond the kitchen to share their passion and expertise directly with you. They offer recipes to try at home, stories that inspire, insights into their craft, and tips to elevate your cooking. Whether you’re looking to recreate a signature dish, explore new techniques, or simply find fresh inspiration, the Chefs’ Choir℠ ensemble brings the artistry and creativity of Great Performances into your home, making every meal a celebration.
We’ve asked our chefs to share their best tips for being frugal and sustainable in their kitchens. Chef Anastassia Batsoula-Deuel shares some of the things she does at home regularly to reduce food waste and to keep things extra delicious! Not only are she and her husband chefs, but they also grow a lot of produce at their home.
Food Scraps Stock
Keep a bag in the freezer for food scraps such as carrot peels, onion and celery ends, parsley and thyme stems. And another bag for chicken carcasses from roasted chickens. Sometimes other scraps make their way in there too. Once the bags are full, a chicken stock is made, adding peppercorns and bay leaf. Less waste & a stock is made!
Using It All
We use the whole vegetable when we roast cauliflower and broccoli. The leaves get nice and crunchy; it’s a fun change in texture.
Saving Your Brine
I save a good pickle brine and use stems from kale or batons of radish in there until they are nice and pickled.
Not Your Boring Salad Dressing
Random spices laying around ? Throw them in the blender with some dijon, your favorite vinegar, and drizzle in some extra virgin olive oil for fun, creative vinaigrette.
At Great Performances, food is woven into every moment from a quick coffee break to a grand celebratory feast. We bring this belief to life through delicious food, warm hospitality, and boundless culinary creativity. At the heart of it all is our Chefs’ Choir℠ ensemble – a unique and diverse group of extraordinary chefs and cooks who power our catering, café, and restaurant services. With their diverse talents, perspectives, and culinary expertise, they shape the unforgettable menus that define our events, from corporate gatherings and nonprofit galas to weddings and milestone celebrations; and that feed our diners at our cafés and restaurants.
Through the Chefs’ Choir℠ ensemble, our chefs step beyond the kitchen to share their passion and expertise directly with you. They offer recipes to try at home, stories that inspire, insights into their craft, and tips to elevate your cooking. Whether you’re looking to recreate a signature dish, explore new techniques, or simply find fresh inspiration, the Chefs’ Choir℠ ensemble brings the artistry and creativity of Great Performances into your home, making every meal a celebration.
Adam Kaye, co-founder of The Spare Food Co. recently partnered with The Sylvia Center to curate the menu for their Art of Cooking Gala. This month, in celebration of The Sylvia Center and sustainability, he shares some recipes that ensure full utilization of ingredients including a carrot top pesto, a radish greens aioli, and a fermented beet greens.
Carrot Top Pesto Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups carrot tops, rinsed and chopped
- ½ cup basil
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup nuts (walnuts, almonds, pinenuts, etc.)
- 1 garlic clove, smashed
- 1.5 cups vegetable oil, chilled
- salt and pepper to taste
Method
- Bring a medium pot of well-salted water to a boil. Fill a mixing bowl with iced water.
- Blanch the carrot tops in the boiling water for 1 minute. Add the basil, stir and cook for another 30 seconds. Strain the greens over a colander in the sink. Immediately plunge into the bowl of ice water. Chill completely.
- Drain the blanched greens. Squeeze out as much of the water as possible and roughly chop on a cutting board.
- Place the blanched, chopped greens into a blender with the remaining ingredients.
- Puree on high for about 1 minute until you have a smooth, bright green pesto. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve or chill immediately.
Radish Greens Aioli
Ingredients
- 3 cups radish greens (or turnip greens), washed and chopped
- 1 cup Italian parsley leaves, roughly chopped
- ½ cup tarragon leaves, roughly chopped
- 6 cornichons
- ½ tsp minced garlic
- 1.5 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 soft cooked eggs (5-6 minute boiled egg, chilled and peeled)
- 1 – 1.25 cups vegetable oil (grapeseed or blended olive oil)
- salt and pepper to taste
Method
- Combine the cornichons, garlic, mustard and eggs in a blender.
- With the blender running, very slowly add the oil to emulsify.
- Add the greens and herbs to the blender and puree until smooth and emulsified and you have a green aioli
- Season with salt and pepper. If needed, add a splash of cornichon liquid for more acidity.
- Chill immediately
Fermented Beet Greens Condiment
The idea here is to incorporate some finely chopped fermented beet greens into a green sauce that you might already make. I’m thinking along the lines of an Italian Salsa Verde or Chimichurri or Chermoula or Zhoug – I think something that has some heat and spice would be nice as a contrast to the other two green sauces.
Prepare the fermented beet greens as though you were making sauerkraut. You can check out Adam’s video for Watermelon Rind Sauerkraut on Instagram here.
- wash and chop the beet greens
- mix well with coarse salt (2% weight of the greens)
- it should get liquidy; if it isn’t creating enough liquid, add a little 1.5% salt brine
- press down, cover, and allow to ferment at room temperature for about a week
Last week, we had the opportunity to speak with Adam Kaye, co-founder of The Spare Food Co., about his approach to curating the menu for the Sylvia Center Gala, which took place on April 3 at The New York Historical Society. As a chef with a strong commitment to sustainability, Adam shared how his zero-waste philosophy shaped the dishes served at the event. The evening was not just a celebration of food, but a testament to the power of mindful cooking and the important role that chefs play in creating a more just, equitable and sustainable food system.
Designing a Menu Around Zero Waste
For Adam, the concept of zero-waste cooking is central to his culinary identity. He explained that he wanted the menu to highlight the value of ingredients that are often overlooked or discarded, a concept that is as old as cooking itself. This began with the “For the Table” course, which showcased carrots, radishes, and beets, each prepared with parts of the vegetable that are typically thrown away. Carrot top pesto, radish green aioli, and fermented beet green salsa verde were all used to elevate the flavor of the vegetables, turning what might otherwise be discarded into flavorful, sustainable dishes. The inclusion of a sunflower-seeded black onyx crisp added texture and depth to this vibrant start to the meal.
The first course, a Spring Vegetable Panzanella, further illustrated the idea of using what would normally go to waste. The traditional Tuscan dish, typically made from leftover bread, was reimagined by incorporating peas, asparagus, baby leeks, and spinach from Katchkie Farm, along with edible flowers. This dish exemplified Adam’s goal of using ingredients in their entirety, creating a dish that’s not only sustainable but also bright and full of fresh flavor.
Elevating Everyday Ingredients
The second course, Spare Vegetable and Broken Rice Risotto, was a delicious example of how to make the most of undervalued ingredients. Adam used broken rice, typically discarded during milling, as the base for the risotto. He also incorporated Spare Starter, a product from The Spare Food Co. made from surplus vegetables like eggplant, cauliflower, tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, and onions, all sourced directly from farmers. Rather than making the meat the focus, Adam used braised short rib as a garnish, allowing the vegetables and rice to shine. By turning simple ingredients like broken rice and surplus vegetables into a rich, comforting dish, Adam showed how we can elevate everyday food while reducing waste.
Dessert, a Spent Coffee Grounds Panna Cotta, was another example of Adam’s inventive approach to repurposing ingredients. Flavor-packed coffee grounds, often discarded after brewing, were infused into the panna cotta to add a deep, earthy flavor. These same coffee grounds were also incorporated into a chocolate streusel topping, proving that even the smallest scraps can contribute texture and flavor to a dish.
A Vision for the Future
Adam’s work is a powerful reminder of how mindful cooking can impact both the environment and the culinary world. The Sylvia Center Gala menu perfectly illustrated how creativity and sustainability can come together to create something remarkable, healthy and impactful. By showcasing whole ingredient utilization and inventive uses of trimmings and scraps, he is helping lead the charge toward a more sustainable food future. This is more than a trend—it’s a movement that’s transforming how we think about food, nutrition, and our responsibility to the planet and to future generations.
New York City is a city of hidden gems—remarkable spaces, architectural wonders, and transformative projects that shape how we live, work, and connect. Yet, so many of these places remain just out of reach for the average New Yorker. Open House New York (OHNY) has spent over two decades breaking down those barriers, giving the public rare behind-the-scenes access to the city’s most fascinating buildings, infrastructure, and public spaces.
Through year-round programs and the annual OHNY Weekend festival, the organization invites New Yorkers to explore, question, and better understand the spaces that define urban life. From historic landmarks to cutting-edge sustainable developments, OHNY highlights the power of thoughtful urban planning and design while advocating for a more open and accessible city for all.
But none of this work would be possible without the support of the community. That’s where the Open City Benefit, OHNY’s signature fundraising gala, comes in.
An Evening at the Brooklyn Navy Yard: The Open City Benefit
On Wednesday, April 30, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, OHNY will host its annual Open City Benefit at Building 303 in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. This event is not just a fundraiser—it’s a celebration of OHNY’s mission and the incredible places and people shaping the future of New York City.
The evening will bring together hundreds of architects, urbanists, city leaders, and OHNY supporters for an immersive and inspiring experience. Set against the backdrop of the historic Brooklyn Navy Yard—an innovation hub that has transformed from a storied shipbuilding site into a center for technology, manufacturing, and sustainability—the event promises an unforgettable exploration of the past, present, and future of urban space.
Great Performances is proud to be catering this year’s Benefit, continuing a longstanding partnership with OHNY—we’ve had the privilege of catering many of their events over the years. As a longtime supporter of OHNY, we’re deeply aligned with their mission of opening up the city to all. Our founder, Liz Neumark, also serves on the OHNY board, and we’ve been thrilled to welcome New Yorkers into our own space during OHNY Weekend for behind-the-scenes tours of our kitchen and operations.
Guests will enjoy exclusive guided tours of Building 303, led by the project team behind its recent transformation, a seated dinner bringing together industry leaders and advocates of open access to the city, and the prestigious Open City Award presentation, honoring a groundbreaking project that has made a significant impact on New York’s urban landscape.
Supporting a More Open New York
The Open City Benefit is OHNY’s largest source of funding, directly supporting its mission to keep New York’s built environment accessible and engaging for all. Proceeds from the event help fund OHNY Weekend, the organization’s flagship event that opens doors to hundreds of sites across the city each year, year-round programming including tours, discussions, and special events that connect people with the spaces shaping their daily lives, and advocacy initiatives working toward a city where architecture, infrastructure, and public spaces are truly open and inclusive.
For those passionate about the future of New York City, the Open City Benefit is an opportunity to celebrate, support, and engage with the movement for a more accessible urban landscape.
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available now. To learn more or reserve your spot, visit OHNY’s official website.
Join us for an evening of inspiration, conversation, and a shared vision of a more open New York City!
Planning a nonprofit gala or fundraiser can feel like a huge undertaking, but with the right approach, it becomes an exciting opportunity to create a meaningful experience for guests while supporting a great cause. We sat down with Ali Rea Baum, our Senior Event Director at Great Performances, to talk through some of the most common questions and challenges nonprofits face when organizing an event—and how to navigate them.
Where do you even start when planning a nonprofit gala?
Planning a nonprofit gala starts with one key question: What kind of experience do you want your guests to have? That’s the foundation for everything else—venue, catering, entertainment, décor, and even sponsorship opportunities. Once you have that vision in place, you can start making decisions that support it.
What’s the biggest challenge for nonprofits when planning a fundraising event?
Budget, hands down, is the biggest challenge for nonprofits when planning an event. The key is prioritizing. Every organization has to decide what matters most—is it the venue? The food? The entertainment? Once that’s clear, it’s easier to allocate funds where they’ll have the biggest impact.
How far in advance should planning begin?
Nonprofits should begin planning their galas and fundraising events at least a year out. That gives plenty of time to secure sponsorships, which can make a huge difference in offsetting costs. Sponsors also appreciate the advance notice so they can align the event with their own marketing plans and be sure to allocate their own budgets to supporting causes.
What should nonprofits look for when choosing a venue?
Choosing a venue goes beyond the basics like size and location; the venue should reflect the organization’s mission. If sustainability is a priority, choose a space with strong green initiatives. Accessibility is also key—guests should feel welcomed and comfortable.
How can catering enhance the guest experience and support the nonprofit’s mission?
Catering is one of our favorite ways to personalize an event! If the nonprofit focuses on food security, for example, we might create a menu that highlights local farms or zero-waste cooking. If the mission is about environmental conservation, a plant-based or sustainably sourced menu reinforces that message. The food should feel intentional and connected to the cause.
What are some creative ways to incorporate sustainability into event planning?
There are so many simple but effective ways to make an event more sustainable. Digital invitations instead of paper, compostable dinnerware, and reducing single-use plastics are easy wins. When it comes to catering, focusing on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and donating leftovers to food rescue organizations can have a big impact.
What last-minute challenges tend to pop up, and how can they be avoided?
Rental costs can be a surprise if they’re not factored in from the beginning. Things like additional staffing, security, or post-event cleaning can also sneak up on budgets. The best approach is to be upfront about potential costs early on and build in a little flexibility.
When it comes to budgeting, where should nonprofits invest the most?
It’s hard to say what one area should nonprofits invest the most when planning a gala or fundraiser. It really depends on where it will make the biggest impact on the guest experience. That might mean high-quality catering, an engaging speaker, or immersive entertainment. If guests leave feeling inspired and connected to the cause, they’re more likely to donate.
What are some ways to create a high-end experience without blowing the budget?
Getting in-kind sponsorships is a game-changer in managing your budget for your gala or fundraiser. Donated wine, floral arrangements, or auction items can free up funds for other areas. Also, focusing on thoughtful details—like beautiful plating and great service—can make a big impression without requiring a huge spend.
What catering trends work well for fundraising galas?
Catering trends at galas and fundraisers vary widely, but lately we’re seeing a lot of demand for simplicity—seasonal menus, fewer but higher-quality choices, and interactive food stations. Family-style or plated dinners also work well because they create a sense of connection among guests.
Planning a nonprofit event is all about balance—staying true to the mission, creating an unforgettable guest experience, and making smart budget decisions. With thoughtful planning and the right partners, it’s possible to pull off a gala that’s both impactful and inspiring. If you’re ready to start planning your next event, Great Performances is here to help!