In celebration of Iván Argote’s Dinosaur — 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.

Location: On the High Line at the Spur at 30th Street and 10th Avenue

Time: 1:00-8:00 pm EST

Free!

Registration