Pier I juts into the Hudson at West 70th, and once a month the Riverside Park Conservancy fills it with several hundred people dancing in near-silence: three DJs on three channels, a switch on your headphones, and the river and the Jersey cliffs going pink behind the crowd. It is free, it is all ages, and the sunset does the lighting design. Get in line before it starts — the headphones are the only thing in limited supply, and when they run out, they run out.
What to expect
You collect a set of wireless headphones at the pier, then pick between three live DJs playing different genres — the color on your headset shows which channel you are on, so the crowd visibly splits and reunites as tracks land. Dancing spreads across the whole pier deck, with the Hudson on three sides. The line forms early because headphone stock is capped.
Good to know
- Take the 1/2/3 to 72nd St and walk west and down to Pier I at Riverside Park South
- Free, but headphones are limited — get in line when it opens, half an hour before the start
- All ages; families come early and the crowd skews later as the evening goes on
- Bring a light layer, the river breeze picks up after sunset
- Pier I Cafe sells food and drinks right at the pier
- Wear shoes you can dance in — the deck is a hard surface
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Common questions
How does a silent disco work?
Everyone wears wireless headphones and switches between three live DJ channels, so the pier stays quiet while the crowd dances.
Do I need a ticket?
No — it is free, but headphone supply is limited and distributed first-come, first-served when the line opens.
How often does it happen?
On the first Saturday of the month through the summer season at Pier I.
