Forty life-size buffalo puppets will move through the streets of Lower Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn. They are built from plywood, metal, and burlap by the same South African puppetry collective, Ukwanda Puppets, behind Little Amal, the giant refugee-girl puppet who walked through the city a few years ago.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s called Return of the Buffalo: Tatanka Owe Akupi, and it\u2019s free, outdoors, and anyone can walk alongside the herd.<\/p>\n
![\"40](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/IMG_9384_Credit-Carly-McCloskey.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Carly McCloskey
\nWhere the Buffalo Roam<\/p>\n
The buffalo march through Lower Manhattan on Friday, September 18, from 5\u20137:30 pm, starting at Bowling Green Park and ending at Foley Square.<\/p>\n
The next day, the herd moves through Downtown Brooklyn on Saturday, September 19, from 2\u20134:30 pm, from Abolitionist Place to Brooklyn Bridge Park. Along the way, actor Sam Waterston will perform Walt Whitman\u2019s \u201cCrossing Brooklyn Ferry\u201d on the Brooklyn Promenade.<\/p>\n
Along both routes, there will be pop-up performances with musicians, choirs, dance troupes, and marching bands. The lineup includes Sam Waterston, Rhiannon Giddens, Laurie Anderson, Dav\u00f3ne Tines & THE TRUTH, Nathalie Joachim, Dither, Caridad De La Luz, Cannupa Hanska Luger, Native Pride Dancers, Pilobolus, Fogo Azul marching band, Heather Christian and the Terce Choir, and Brooklyn United Marching Band.<\/p>\n
The puppets and route were created with input from Lenape and Lakota elders. Buffalo have deep cultural and historical meaning for many Indigenous communities, and their near-extinction is an important part of that history. Tribal elders and cultural leaders will also be there along parts of the route. Lakota elder Tokala Two Elk will also share the Prophecy of the White Buffalo at Brooklyn Bridge Park.<\/p>\n
![\"40](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/IMG_9402_Credit-Carly-McCloskey.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Carly McCloskey
\nPractical Tips for Buffalo Walk<\/p>\n
Pick one endpoint, not the whole route. These routes are long, so you might want to pick a section and not commit to the whole route. Bowling Green to Foley Square, or Abolitionist Place to Brooklyn Bridge Park, are both a decent walk for adults, but not so much a preschooler.<\/p>\n
You can pick a spot near a subway stop and stay there rather than trying to walk the whole route. The buffalo move at a walking pace, and you can also look at the route map once it\u2019s released.<\/p>\n
Expect crowds. This is being billed as one of the largest public art events in the country this year, and Little Amal drew huge numbers back in 2022. If your child gets overwhelmed in tight crowds, it\u2019s probably better to aim for the start of the route at Bowling Green or Abolitionist Place, rather than the endpoint, where crowds will gather. Strollers are allowed but may be cumbersome. If you have a baby, a carrier may be a better option.<\/p>\n
![\"40](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/2026-08-26_Return-of-the-Buffalo-RUSH-6.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Teddy Wolff
\nGetting There<\/p>\n
Bowling Green is served by the 4\/5 trains (Bowling Green station).
\nFoley Square is near the 4\/5\/6, J\/Z, and R\/W lines (Brooklyn Bridge\u2013City Hall or Canal St).
\nAbolitionist Place, near Downtown Brooklyn, is close to the A\/C\/F\/2\/3\/4\/5 hub at Jay St-MetroTech or Borough Hall.
\nBrooklyn Bridge Park is walkable from High St (A\/C) or York St (F), and also reachable via the East River Ferry if you\u2019d rather skip the subway.<\/p>\n
Check St. Ann\u2019s Warehouse for the latest event details and performance times before heading out.<\/p>\n
Psst\u2026 Check Out Strollers on the NYC Subway: A Parent\u2019s Cheat Sheet<\/a><\/p>\n
![\"Sign](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/1789401372_834_newsletter-signup-1.png\")
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