NYC DOT Announces Programing for Saturday’s Car-Free Earth Day

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IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 23, 2025
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NYC DOT Announces Programing for Saturday's Car-Free Earth Day

Car-Free Earth Day programming to include live music, arts and culture experiences, fitness and health activities, environmental educational panels, and free One-Day Passes for Citi Bike

NEW YORK - New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Mike Flynn today announced programing details for this year's annual Car Free Earth Day on Saturday, April 25. The annual event, hosted by NYC DOT, makes select city streets car-free and promotes activism and education surrounding climate change, environmentalism, and sustainable modes of transportation. Programming includes live music, arts and cultural experiences, fitness and health activities, environmental panels, and free one-day passes for Citi Bike.

"This year's Car-Free Earth Day celebration will feature exciting programming, music, and activities across numerous car-free streets throughout New York City, said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn. "Car-Free Earth Day is an important reminder of our collective responsibility to combat climate change and to our fellow New Yorkers to minimize our carbon footprint and create a brighter future for our planet and future generations."

Car-Free Earth Day Featured Programming

More information on all Car-Free Earth Day locations can be found at nyc.gov/CarFreeNYC.

Times Square Plaza (Duffy Square Plaza between 46 & 47): The Fifth Annual Broadway Celebrates Earth Day concert takes place Saturday, April 25 from 11am-3pm in Times Square's Duffy Square in front of the iconic 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", joyfully mobilizing the theatre community and fans to combat climate change and advance sustainable solutions. This site will also feature the popular NYC Art Stop Letters with a new design by illustrator Molly Magnell (NYC DOT Art).

Herald Square Plaza (Between 34 & 35): 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 valuable city resources through DCAS, the Human Resources Administration, the Consulado del Ecuador en Nueva York (will present cultural Ecuadorian performance), and the NYC Parks Department.

St. Nicholas Avenue: 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 community and culture through participation from organizations like DUSA and Harlem Week, alongside arts programming from ARTES Group Foundation. Live entertainment with music from DJ Fortachon, Zumba and dance performances, and sets by Mia Soleil Sanchez, JanetG, Bonny Rivas & Sonora 93, and a Dominican Dance Group.

Garment District: 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.

Flatiron Plaza and Shared Streets: The location will present interactive programming, public art, and family-friendly activities. 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 (giveaways). The space will be anchored by an art installation by Frahydel Falczuk (NYC DOT Art). Live music from DJ Fatso Catso.

Union Square Plaza: Union Square will offer an engaging mix of sustainability, street operations, and urban planning programming. 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. The space will be complemented by live performances, including jazz music by Ben Meigners and Hillai Govreen.

Dyckman Street: Will be featuring a dynamic mix of arts, sports, culture, and family-friendly activities. 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 unique 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. The energy continues throughout the day with live music from DJ Julio and dance fitness sessions led by Coach Luther's Zumba, alongside performances by Mia Soleil Sanchez. With strong community representation from groups like ADEUSA and Grupo National de Colombia.

E 188th Street: 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, creating a festive and welcoming atmosphere. 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.

Woodside Avenue Open Street: The Woodside Avenue location will offer a vibrant, multicultural celebration of community, mobility, and culture. 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' rich 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.

On Fifth Avenue: 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). The day will be including music from DJ Danny, Fogo Azul, Mariachi Tapatillo, Frank London's Loisaida Fife and Drum Corps, and the HONK Family Band.

Port Richmond Avenue: 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. The day will be energized by a diverse lineup of cultural performances, including Ballet Guadalupe, Staten Island Musical Steppers, Fusha Dance Company, and live music from Los De La R.

Through the support of Lyft, on Car-Free Earth Day, Citi Bike will offer unlimited 30-minute rides on a classic Citi Bike for 24 hours. Riders may take advantage of the offer by entering promo code LYFTEARTHDAY26 on the "Day Pass" tab of the Citi Bike app.