NEW YORK (WABC) — Saturday marks the start of New York City’s seasonal street closures and select roads will be closed for Car Free Earth Day.<\/p>\n
The event is hosted by the Department of Transportation and is designed to promote activism and education surrounding climate change along with sustainable modes of transportation.<\/p>\n
There will be free one-day passes for CitiBike.<\/p>\n
Here are events and street closures to know from the DOT:<\/p>\n
Times Square Plaza (Duffy Square Plaza between 46 & 47)<\/p>\n
The Fifth Annual Broadway Celebrates Earth Day concert takes place on April 25 from 11am-3pm in Times Square’s Duffy Square in front of the red steps. Hosted by the Broadway Green Alliance (BGA) and the Times Square Alliance, the free public performance serves as a marquee event for the NYC Department of Transportation’s city wide “Car-Free Earth Day.”<\/p>\n
Herald Square Plaza (Between 34 & 35)<\/p>\n
Attendees will be able to engage with the NYC DOT Dining Out program, participate in free fitness sessions with the New York Road Runners, and explore climate-focused storytelling with the NYC Climate Writers Collective. The site will also provide access to city resources through DCAS, the Human Resources Administration, the Consulado del Ecuador en Nueva York, and the NYC Parks Department.<\/p>\n
St. Nicholas Avenue<\/p>\n
Attendees can engage with hands-on experiences with NYC DOT including free helmet fittings and giveaways and a Truck’s Eye View safety demonstration. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy volleyball and soccer with BAMESO USA, as well as Dominican vitilla led by Liga de Vitilla Dominicana en USA (LIVIDOUSA). The day will also highlight culture through participation from organizations like DUSA and Harlem Week, alongside arts programming from ARTES Group Foundation. There will also be live music.<\/p>\n
Garment District<\/p>\n
Curated Art Walk led by the Museum of Urban Arts, offering attendees a chance to engage with live art in a safe, interactive format. The experience will be complemented by a live DJ performance from Jay Five.<\/p>\n
Flatiron Plaza and Shared Streets<\/p>\n
Attendees can connect with the NYC DOT Sidewalk Unit and participate in community-focused programming from partners like the YMCA of Greater New York and Harry Potter NYC. The will be an art installation and live music.<\/p>\n
Union Square Plaza<\/p>\n
Attendees can connect with the NYC DOT through Mobility Management and Traffic Operations activations, while learning about environmental health and resilient city design with partners like Environmental Health Collective and the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA-NY). Cycling enthusiasts can also engage with the Five Borough Bicycle Club. There will also be live performances.<\/p>\n
Dyckman Street<\/p>\n
Attendees can expect standout attractions like the NYPD Rock Wall, interactive basketball play, soccer and volleyball activations led by BAMESO USA. On the water, Hudson River Community Sailing and Inwood Canoe Club bring waterfront experiences to the day. Hands-on mural-making through Imagining Uptown and engaging arts programming from Creative Art Works and Carmen Community Arts. Families and kids can enjoy theater activities, hula hoop fitness, chess with Rey Chess, and programming by Iconos Kids. There will be live music and performances.<\/p>\n
E 188th Street<\/p>\n
At the East 188th Street “Boogie on the Boulevard” location, attendees can enjoy high-energy music from DJ Lex, live performances by the Gogo Norales Band and Mariachi Tapatillo, and dance programming from Nieves Dance Studio. The site will also feature interactive community resources and activities from partners like BronxWorks, New York Botanical Garden, SOMOS Community Care, and Empire Clean Cities, alongside wellness programming from Orisha Wholeness, culinary engagement with Chef Wilson and key partnership with Bronx Health REACH.<\/p>\n
Woodside Avenue Open Street<\/p>\n
Attendees can engage with leading transportation and advocacy organizations such as Bike New York, Transportation Alternatives, and Open Plans, alongside youth and community programming from the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development and Creative Youth Society. The site will highlight Queens’ cultural diversity with dynamic performances including Songkran Dance Show, Bangkok Cha Cha Band, Talavera, Iqbal Hossain Jibon and sets from DJ Annie. Cultural organizations such as Thai Community USA and the AANHPI Culture will bring traditional arts and engagement, complemented by free henna activation by Save the People.<\/p>\n
On Fifth Avenue<\/p>\n
In Sunset Park attendees can engage with organizations like Bike New York, Five Borough Bicycle Club, and the NYC DOT Mobility Management team, alongside advocacy groups such as Citizens Climate Lobby and local partners including Sunset Park BID and Voces Ciudadanas. The site will feature hands-on activities and family-friendly programming from HONK!’s Craftivation Station, Champions Martial Arts, Carve Bunnies, and Design for Awareness, as well as an art installation by Duy Hoang (NYC DOT Art).<\/p>\n
Port Richmond Avenue<\/p>\n
Attendees in Port Richmond Ave will be able to connect with local organizations such as the Port Richmond North Shore Alliance Civic Organization, La Colmena, Staten Island Children’s Museum, and the YMCA of Greater New York, alongside soccer activations from Richmond Kick Zone. The site will also feature sustainability and mobility engagement from Bike New York, NYCDOT Ferries, and NY Bee Club, as well as access to community services through NY State of Health and Venture House. Family-friendly highlights will include the ever-popular NYPD Rock Wall and interactive activities for all ages and a sensory-friendly activation.<\/p>\n
More information on all Car-Free Earth Day locations can be found here<\/a>.<\/p>\n ———-<\/p>\n * Get Eyewitness News Delivered<\/a> <\/p>\n * More New York City news<\/a><\/p>\n * Send us a news tip<\/a><\/p>\n * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts<\/a> <\/p>\n * Download our connected TV app<\/a> <\/p>\n
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News<\/p>\n