Historic Richmond Town is 100 acres of relocated and restored Staten Island buildings, some of them older than the United States, and on summer evenings it turns the lawns over to food vendors and cold drinks. It is free, it is outdoors, and the closing date of the season is the one where people actually stay until dark. If you want the most unlikely picnic ground in New York City, bring a blanket to Richmondtown.
What to expect
Food and drink vendors set up on the village greens, with families spread across the lawns between historic houses. Bring a folding chair or blanket; seating is not laid on. The grounds are large and mostly grass and gravel paths, with the Voorlezer's House and the courthouse as landmarks.
Good to know
- The S74 bus from the St. George ferry terminal stops close to Clarke Avenue
- Free on-site parking makes driving genuinely easier here than most NYC venues
- Bring a folding chair or blanket; the event is on open lawns with little fixed seating
- Paths are grass and gravel, so wheels and heels both struggle
- This is the closing date of the summer run, so expect the largest crowd of the series
- Good for families, groups and anyone who wants a picnic with 300 years of buildings around it
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Common questions
Is there an admission charge?
No. Historic Richmond Town states that Summer Fridays is a free event and all are welcome on the grounds.
Can I go inside the historic buildings?
The evening programme is centred on the outdoor grounds. Building interiors follow the museum's regular tour schedule, so check ahead if that is your priority.
How do I get there from the ferry?
Take the S74 bus from St. George terminal toward Richmondtown; the ride is roughly 40 minutes to Clarke Avenue.
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