This is public art you can taste: the orchard's grafted trees preserve fruit varieties New York lost a century ago, and Van Aken turns the harvest into dishes with real historical recipes. It suits food-history nerds, artists and anyone who wants a reason for a fall ferry ride. If your idea of a perfect afternoon is eating something no restaurant in the city can serve, RSVP early.
What to expect
A relaxed outdoor gathering among the fruit trees, with the artist presenting and serving dishes built from that week's orchard harvest while explaining the varieties' histories. Crowds are modest and conversational, more picnic than lecture. Pair it with the island's other free art installations and the harbor views on a loop walk before the ferry back.
Good to know
- Ferries leave from the Battery Maritime Building in Lower Manhattan and from Brooklyn
- RSVP ahead — the free gathering has limited capacity
- The Open Orchard is an outdoor site; dress for weather and grassy ground
- Weekend afternoon ferries back to Manhattan get busy, so build in a buffer
- Rent a bike or walk — the island is car-free and easy to loop in an hour
Planning Sep 19–20, 2026 in NYC?
This list keeps changing as events are verified. We'll send you the final version the Thursday before — and you can unsubscribe right after if that's all you need.
Common questions
Does the event cost anything?
No, it is free, but an RSVP is required and the ferry has its own fare.
What is The Open Orchard?
A permanent public artwork of 102 hybrid trees grafted with heirloom fruit varieties historically grown in New York.
