Jamaica Bay Festival Returns on Saturday, July 25
On Saturday, July 25th, Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy (JBRPC) is hosting the 9th Annual Jamaica Bay Festival, taking place as part of City of Water Day — a citywide celebration of our shorelines and waterways. This year's theme is Living With Water: Celebrating Access to the Waterways That Connect Us.
In 2026, JBRPC is proud to partner with 30 local community organizations to host over 45 free, family-friendly activities from morning to evening across the Jamaica Bay watershed — encompassing wildlife and nature, history, stewardship, arts, culture, and recreation of all kinds.
These activities showcase the remarkable recreational opportunities and natural beauty found throughout our urban tidal estuary. Participants are invited to experience the waterways and landscapes that make this region unique and can enjoy, discover, and engage with their local waterfront in meaningful ways.
The details of every activity taking place during Jamaica Bay Festival are listed on an interactive map, published at JamaicaBayFestival.com, which makes selecting activities and planning your day easier than ever.
New York City’s connection to water runs deep. Our home has 520 miles of coastline, with four out of five boroughs sitting on islands. Roughly one-third, or 170 miles of the city’s coastline is around Jamaica Bay and Rockaway.
“Jamaica Bay is one of New York City's greatest treasures, and events like the Jamaica Bay Festival give residents an opportunity to get outside, connect with nature, and really learn about all of the amazing things the bay has to offer,” said Councilwoman Joann Ariola. “Thank you to the JBRPC and to everyone else involved for putting this festival together, and for giving people an opportunity to learn about and interact with Jamaica Bay in ways they may never have had the opportunity to before"
“I've always believed that access to green space and clean water isn't a luxury, it's a public health necessity. The Jamaica Bay Festival brings our neighbors together to enjoy the natural beauty right in our backyard, and I'm proud to support JBRPC and all of their partners in making these free, family-friendly events possible for the 46th District and beyond,” said Councilwoman Mercedes Narcisse.