Pigeon Fest

In celebration of Iván Argote’s —the striking 17-foot-tall aluminum pigeon sculpture at the Spur on the High Line—and National Pigeon Appreciation Day, the High Line presents Pigeon Fest, a full-day festival celebrating pigeons, urban ecology, and public art. Taking place along the half-mile stretch of 30th Street on the High Line, the festival features free public programming including pigeon-themed carnival games, family-friendly art workshops, a Pigeon Impersonation Pageant, panel discussions around related themes, and a concert presented in collaboration with the Birdsong Project. Pigeon Fest will also feature a Discovery Fair, where over 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 activities. Pigeon Fest brings together artists, musicians, scientists, horticulturists, activists, educators, and the public to play and learn together, while exploring the intersection of art, nature, and city life.

Pigeons first arrived in the US via Europe, likely in the 1800s. They were kept as domesticated animals and were once indispensable as military messengers in both World War I and World War II, saving hundreds of soldiers’ lives. Many of these pigeons received gallantry awards and were celebrated as war heroes, before technology eventually rendered them obsolete. Today, pigeons are our largely derided and despised neighbors. By spotlighting this misunderstood bird, Iván Argote and the High Line seek to reconsider who deserves to be honored and memorialized, while opening broader conversations around our urban ecosystem and how we can better share our city with nature and wildlife.

Join us for a day of learning, connection, and rethinking what it means to live alongside art and nature in the city.

Founded in 2009, High Line Art commissions and produces many artworks on the High Line, including site-specific commissions, exhibitions, performances, video programs, and a series of billboard interventions. Led by Cecilia Alemani, the Donald R. Mullen, Jr. Director & Chief Curator of High Line Art, and presented by the High Line, the art program invites artists to think of creative ways to engage with the unique architecture, history, and design of the park, and to foster a productive dialogue with the surrounding neighborhood and urban landscape. For more information on High Line Art, please visit thehighline.org/art.

The High Line is both a nonprofit organization and a public park on the West Side of Manhattan. Through our work with communities on and off the High Line, we’re devoted to reimagining public spaces to create connected, healthy neighborhoods and cities. Built on a historic, elevated rail line, the High Line was always intended to be more than a park. You can walk through gardens, view art, experience a performance, enjoy food and beverage, or connect with friends and neighbors—all while enjoying a unique perspective of New York City. Nearly 100% of our annual budget comes through donations. The High Line is owned by the City of New York and we operate under a license agreement with NYC Parks.
For more information about the High Line, please visit thehighline.org. @highlinenyc @highlineartnyc

Also check out other Arts events in New York, Festivals in New York, Music events in New York.