The Bronx is one of the most underrated weekend destinations in New York City, and this weekend is a good reminder of that. Wave Hill has a full two-day program of family workshops and Sunday wellness programming, the New York Botanical Garden’s major summer exhibition is deep into its run, and community volunteers are gathering at Crotona Park on Saturday morning. Here is what to do in the borough this weekend.
Wave Hill: Family Tie-Dyes, Yoga, and Garden Walks
Wave Hill (4900 Independence Avenue, Riverdale) has a confirmed full weekend schedule. On both Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31, the garden runs Family Art Project: Blooming Tie Dyes from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. — a hands-on workshop where families create tie-dyed designs inspired by the garden’s spring blooms. On Sunday only, Wave Hill adds Yoga in the Garden from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m., and a free Garden Highlights Walk from 1 to 1:30 p.m. led by staff horticulturists.
Wave Hill is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The garden sits on 28 acres overlooking the Hudson River and the Palisades — one of the most beautiful spots in the five boroughs. Admission applies; it is a City of New York cultural institution. Getting there: take the 1 train to 231st Street and transfer to the Bx10 or Bx7 bus. Metro-North Hudson Line to Riverdale station is the fastest option from Midtown.
NYBG “Flower Power” — Peak Season at the Botanical Garden
At the New York Botanical Garden (2900 Southern Blvd), the major summer exhibition “Flower Power” is open through October 18. The show celebrates flowers as a cultural symbol of peace and love, built around the 1960s movement, with works by Andy Warhol and Milton Glaser, painted Volkswagen vans, giant peace signs, and hand-painted fabric canopies woven throughout the garden’s grounds. Ticketed evening events include liquid light shows with live bands. The NYBG is open Tuesday through Sunday; admission to the grounds includes the exhibition. Late May through early June is among the best times of year to visit the Botanical Garden — this weekend sits right in the peak window.
Community Gardening at Crotona Park — Saturday
On Saturday, May 30, The Bronx is Blooming community program hosts a gardening session at Crotona Park, a 127-acre urban green space in the Tremont neighborhood. Volunteers join for planting, mulching, protecting young trees, and removing invasive species. Free, family-friendly, and a genuine connection to the borough’s greening movement. Check bronxisblooming.org for the exact meeting point within the park.
Movies Under the Stars: Coming to the Bronx This Summer
NYC Parks has launched its summer Movies Under the Stars series — more than 150 free outdoor film screenings across all five boroughs, including the Bronx. Bring your own blanket and snacks and find a free screening near you at the NYC Parks events calendar. The series runs through the summer.
What You Need to Know
- Wave Hill Family Art Project: Blooming Tie Dyes — Sat and Sun, May 30–31, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. 4900 Independence Ave. Admission required.
- Wave Hill Yoga in the Garden — Sunday only, May 31, 10:15–11:15 a.m. Included with garden admission.
- Wave Hill Garden Highlights Walk — Sunday only, May 31, 1–1:30 p.m. Free with admission. Led by staff horticulturists.
- NYBG “Flower Power” (2900 Southern Blvd) — Open through October 18. Currently in peak season. Admission applies; ticketed evening events also available.
- Crotona Park Community Gardening — Saturday, May 30. Free. The Bronx is Blooming program. Check bronxisblooming.org for meeting point.
- Movies Under the Stars — Free outdoor screenings at Bronx parks all summer. Check nycgovparks.org for dates.
Wave Hill and NYBG together make for one of the best garden-and-culture day trips in the city without leaving the five boroughs. The Bronx is worth a full weekend day.
