Pigeon Fest

Enjoy National Pigeon Appreciation Day with Pigeon Fest, a free, all-day festival for all ages – celebrating pigeons, urban ecology and public art. Inspired by Iván Argote’s Dinosaur – the 17-foot-tall pigeon sculpture on the High Line, visitors will be able to enjoy free public programming including pigeon-themed carnival games, family-friendly art workshops, a pigeon impersonation pageant, a concert presented in collaboration with the Birdsong Project, and a Discovery Fair. More than a dozen organizations engaged in work around birds, urban wildlife, migration, and monuments will share information about their important work, host demonstrations, and present hands-on educational activities.

Zumba: Pigeon Dance Party, 12:00pm: Strut your stuff during a high-energy Zumba dance class next to Dinosaur. Zumba is a Latin-inspired dance fitness class that incorporates Latin and international music and dance movements such as Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia, Bachata, and many more. All levels are welcome, this event is free and open to the public. Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes to move around in. This class is led by Maria Assis Silva.

Mother Pigeon’s Impeckable Puppet Show, 1:00pm: Mother Pigeon’s Impeckable Puppet Show is based on the real-life adventures of Mother Pigeon, famed Union Square artist and advocate for all city wildlife. This show is great for the whole family with fun sing-alongs from Mother Pigeon, Frankie The Pigeon, and Max The Rat.

Pigeon Impersonation Pageant, 2:00pm: Join us for NYC’s first ever Pigeon Impersonation Pageant, where contestants will compete for the title of NYC’s Best Pigeon Impersonator. Hosted by legendary costume designer and New York City icon, Machine Dazzle, contestants will be judged on plumage (costume), strut, and sound by a panel of experts. The competition promises creativity, humor, and plenty of pigeon pride, with a special appearance by Iván Argote. Don’t miss this playful and unforgettable celebration of pigeons and their unique charm!

Panel Discussion: Building Bird-friendly Cities, 3:30pm: How can we make our cities more livable—for birds and people alike? Join us for a lively conversation with experts working at the intersection of policy, ecology, and urban design. This panel brings together leading voices in the field: Qiana Mickie, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Urban Agriculture; science writer and birding advocate Christian Cooper; horticulture specialist Ethan Dropkin; and moderator Richard Hayden, Senior Director of Horticulture at the High Line. Together, they will explore the vital role birds play in maintaining healthy urban ecosystems—controlling pests, pollinating plants, and dispersing seeds—and the growing threats they face from habitat loss, urban expansion, and climate change. The discussion will highlight innovative, actionable strategies such as planting native species, creating green corridors, and advancing conservation policies that make cities more resilient and welcoming for birds and other wildlife.

Artist Talk with Iván Argote & Cecilia Alemani, 4:15pm: Join artist Iván Argote and Cecilia Alemani, the Donald R. Mullen, Jr. Director & Chief Curator of High Line Art, for a conversation on the making of Dinosaur and the role public art plays in city life and civic memory. Reflecting on Argote’s practice, this conversation will also explore how monuments can be reimagined to challenge dominant narratives, honor overlooked histories and create space for collective reflection.

Musical Concert, Curated in Collaboration with the Birdsong Project, 5:30 – 8:00pm: The day culminates in a vibrant outdoor concert on the Dinosaur Stage, curated in collaboration with the Birdsong Project. This special musical program celebrates the sounds of nature and the rhythms of the city through a dynamic lineup.