Community Day: Picnic, Hiking & Games in NYC

​Down to Earth Community Day ⛰️

​Fourth of July out in Van Cortlandt Park! We meet in Manhattan, ride up together, hike an easy trail, then settle in for a potluck, games, and music for the rest of the day. Bring your people. All are welcome.

​WHEN ⏰
Saturday, July 4, 2026

​WHERE 📍
Van Cortlandt Park, the Bronx. We enter at the 242 St end of the park.

​MEET 🚌
Times Square / 42 St station at 9:00 AM. We catch the 1 train uptown together.

​WHAT TO EXPECT 🌿
9:00 AM. Meet at the Times Square 42 St station and board the 1 uptown as a group.

9:50 AM. Arrive at Van Cortlandt Park 242 St, the last stop, and walk into the park together.
Running late? Meet us right at the 242 St station.

10:00 AM. Easy hike on the John Kieran Nature Trail, about 1.25 miles through lake, woods, and wetlands. Beginner friendly.

11:30 AM. Potluck in the shade by the lake. Eat, rest, and meet some new faces. Games and music on the Parade Ground. Spades, football, soccer, frisbee dominoes, relays, and whatever you want to bring.

​5:00 PM. Head back to Manhattan on the 1, or stay as long as the day feels good.

​FOOD 🍔
This is a potluck. When you RSVP, either chip in $10 toward the food or bring a full dish to share. We will have water, ice, and cups on hand. There is no grilling allowed in this part of the park, so please bring food that is ready to eat.

​WHAT TO BRING 🥾
A potluck dish (if you are not paying the $10), comfortable shoes for the trail, water, a blanket or folding chair, sunscreen, and anything you want for the picnic or the games.

​GOOD TO KNOW 📹
A film crew from BET will be capturing the event for a feature story, so by attending you may appear on camera. Come as you are, and feel free to bring a friend.