The Hudson River’s beloved floating park, Little Island, is officially back with its highly anticipated third season of summer programming. If you’re trying to navigate summer in NYC without your bank account taking a hit, this is the ultimate hack: this season brings 56 events and over 200 artists, with tickets priced at a flat $25–or entirely free!
Split between the park’s three open-air venues—the 687-seat The Amph, the intimate The Glade, and The Play Ground—New Yorkers can enjoy just over five weeks of top-tier cultural programming running from July 29 through September 6, 2026.
While the season is kicking off a bit later than in years past, the star-studded lineup makes it well worth the wait. Here’s everything you need to know:
From Titanic Rescue to Floating Oasis: The History of Pier 54
Rising from the structural remnants of Pier 54, Little Island sits on a historic site that has played a pivotal role in the story of New York City:
- 1912: Survivors of the Titanic disaster were safely brought to shore right here at Pier 54 aboard the RMS Carpathia rescue liner
- 1970s–1980s: Pier 54 became a vital safe haven for NYC’s growing LGBTQ+ community to openly socialize and build community
- 2013–2021: After being heavily damaged by Hurricane Sandy, the pier was completely reimagined by Barry Diller and the Hudson River Park Trust. It officially opened as a stunning, 2.4-acre architectural masterpiece on May 21, 2021
The Complete Little Island 2026 Summer Schedule
Pro-Tip: All performances and late-night parties at The Play Ground and The Glade are entirely free to attend! Shows hosted at The Amph require a $25 ticket.
July Lineup
- July 29–31: Justin Vivian Bond: Summer’s Eve | The Amph ($25)
- July 31–August 2: Radiolab: Fruit Fantasia (Featuring host Latif Nasser & musical guest Rafiq Bhatia) | The Glade (FREE)
- July 31: Papi Juice Party (Tama Gucci, Nita Aviance, Bobby Beethoven) | The Play Ground (FREE)
August Lineup
- August 1: Qween Jean: Summer Legacy Ball | The Amph ($25)
- August 5–9: Anthony Roth Costanzo: Minimalism | The Amph ($25)
- August 6–8: Lions and Legends: Folktales and Foodlore (Rebecca Sheir & Eric Shimelonis) | The Glade (FREE)
- August 7: Papi Juice Party (Anysia Kym, Oscar Nñ, Zainab) | The Play Ground (FREE)
- August 12–16: Cécile McLorin Salvant: Tin Pan Alley | The Amph ($25)
- August 14–16: Radiolab: Grass Fed (Hosted by Molly Webster) | The Glade (FREE)
- August 14: Papi Juice Party (Pauli Cakes, Kevin Aviance) | The Play Ground (FREE)
- August 19–23: Louis Cato: The Harlem Renaissance | The Amph ($25)
- August 21–23: Ghetto Gastro: Red Rice | The Glade (FREE)
- August 21: Papi Juice Party (Ahya Simone, Kfeelz, Sterling Juan Diaz) | The Play Ground (FREE)
- August 27–30: Julio Torres and Martine Gutierrez: Marina | The Amph ($25)
- August 28–30: The Sporkful: The Great Yogurt Feud (Dan Pashman & Eliza Rothstein) | The Glade (FREE)
- August 28: Papi Juice Party (Coyado, x3butterfly, SoFTT) | The Play Ground (FREE)
September Lineup
- September 2–6: Thomas Bartlett: Allen Ginsberg at 100 (Special guests Rufus Wainwright on Sept 2, Bill Frisell on Sept 3) | The Amph ($25)
- September 4–6: Cake Zine: Closing Time (Hosted by Aliza Abarbanel) | The Glade (FREE)
- September 4: Papi Juice Party (Papi Juice, Soul Connection) | The Play Ground (FREE)
For the full calendar and to grab your tickets before they sell out, head over to Little Island’s official website.
Little Island Details At A Glance
- 📍 Where: Little Island. Access the park via two pedestrian bridges off the West Side Highway: the South Bridge (near 13th Street) or the North Bridge (near 14th Street)
- 🚇 Closest Subway Stops: A, C, E, and L trains at 14th St – Eighth Ave, or the 1, 2, 3 lines at 14th St – Seventh Ave
- 🗓️ When: July 29 – September 6, 2026
- 🎟️ Tickets: $25 for Amphitheater shows; registration and further details can be found online
