Dust off your boots and swing on down to midtown's iconic hoedown! Celebrate the end of summer with free western-themed activities all night long.
The program kicks off with a line dancing class, courtesy of Big Apple Ranch, and continues with a square dance ssion led by featured caller, Dave Harvey, and live band, Thunder Dog. Sashay around the lawn to learn to lasso at a trick roping station with lassoing lessons, create some frontier flair at craft stations, and even saddle up to ride a mechanical bull!
Country attire is encouraged. Need to accessorize? Hats and bandanas will be distributed on a first come, first served basis.
Country-curated bites by Hester Street Fair will be available for purchase, along with beer and wine by Stout NYC.
Square Dance stage schedule:
6pm: Line dance with Big Apple Ranch
7:15pm: Square dance with Dave Harvey and Thunder Dog
More activities:
6pm-9pm
- Mechanical bull
- Photo op
- Trick roping and lasso lessons
- Corn hole and lawn games
- Glitter tattoos
- Craft stations
Dave Harvey of NYC Barn Dance returns as a featured caller, backed by Thunder Dog.
Thunder Dog materialized in the nooks and crannies of Clifftop, WV, at the Appalachian Stringband Music Festival in 2025. Specializing in playing electrifying square dance tunes, they draw inspiration from the depths of old time fiddling traditions. Thunder Dog (another name for the elusive hellbender salamander) is Jenny Monfore, Tyson Graham, Joel Wennerstrom, Adam Nutbey, and Danny Birnbaum.
Big Apple Ranch has hosted country/western dance lessons and parties since 1997. The Ranch welcomes everyone to come to Bryant Park, learn to two-step and line dance, and then dance the night away in a fun, casual atmosphere.