West Side Fest is back with free museums, free shows, and more free fun in July
After a successful debut last year, West Side Fest—a festival celebrating the best of the West Side—is back and bigger than ever with free access to museums, performances, and other all-ages fun. The festival runs from July 12 to 14 along the western side of Manhattan, expanding from one day to three days this year.
Activities include free admission to Dia Chelsea, a block party at Poster House, art-making at The Whitney, a family day at The Rubin, performances at Little Island, and much more. While many organizations are offering free admission to programs and events, advance registration may be required so check here before you go.
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The event’s hosted by The West Side Cultural Network—a group of museums, parks, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions all situated within the same half-mile portion of historic New York. It’s intended to celebrate long-established cultural institutions as well as newer cultural powerhouses.
Here are a few West Side Fest highlights
- Open Studio for Teens from at the Whitney Museum of American Art
- Free admission at the Whitney with artmaking activities and more during Free Friday Nights
- Free admission at Dia Chelsea
- Free admission at Poster House in celebration of the museum’s fifth anniversary
- Watercolor painting workshop with Georgie Flores inspired by the horticulture of Little Island
- Summer Sway at The Shed, a summer kickoff celebration
- Sound bath with custom synths and minimal beats at Hill Art Foundation
- Pop-Up Dance Performances from the Joyce Theater and Chelsea Green Park
- Free admission to the Rubin Museum for K2 Friday Night
- Remembrance and reflection at the New York City AIDS Memorial
- Free admission to The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center
- Kids programming at Westbeth Artists Housing including interactive puppet theater, an Art & Craft Market, and self-guided tours
- Tai Chi Workshop in The Kitchen loft at Westbeth
- Ladies Battle!, Ladies of Hip-Hop’s daylong dance battle, with waacking, popping, hip-hop, and house dance-offs
The full schedule is absolutely packed; be sure to check it out here.
“Three times the West Side Fest means three times the fun! I’m thrilled that this exciting new milestone on New York City’s cultural calendar is back and even better, extending across an entire three days of programming, exhibitions, performances, and more,” NYC Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo said in a press release. “Cultural activity brings New Yorkers together and gives our city an energy like nowhere else in the world, and I thank the festival’s organizers and participants for putting together this amazing program. I’ll see you at the West Side Fest!”
Programming is supported by Bloomberg Connects, Mercado Little Spain, Chelsea Market, Pier 57, Wix Playground, and the Meatpacking District Business Improvement District.