This August, Battery Dance returns to the waterfront in spectacular fashion, transforming Wagner Park into a vibrant hub of movement, music, and cultural celebration in partnership with Battery Park City Authority. The Festival begins on August 10 with dynamic community workshops led by selected local dance groups, inviting New Yorkers of all ages to connect directly with artists through shared movement and cultural exchange. On Tuesday, August 11, 2026, the performances officially begin as the Festival proudly celebrates its legacy as New York City’s longest-running free public dance festival—an unforgettable annual tradition that brings together extraordinary artists and audiences from around the world.

The 45th Annual Battery Dance Festival marks a milestone moment, honoring 50 years of Battery Dance and the visionary leadership of founder and Artistic Director Jonathan Hollander. This landmark edition showcases a dazzling, multicultural lineup of artists, featuring bold voices and movement traditions from across the globe—uniting genres, cultures, and creative perspectives in a powerful celebration of artistic expression.

Returning to the stunning waterfront at Wagner Park, the Festival unfolds over a full week of dynamic programming. Each evening offers two exhilarating hours of performances, including the beloved interactive segment Everybody Dance Now, where audiences are invited to move, connect, and celebrate together.

With a distinct theme each night, the Festival remains rooted in its core mission: to present an eclectic spectrum of dance to New York audiences, expand access to the arts for all, and uplift emerging New York-based companies as vital voices in today’s dance landscape. This free, citywide celebration transforms the park into a vibrant hub of creativity—featuring performances, hands-on workshops at Battery Dance Studios, and immersive experiences designed to engage and inspire audiences of all ages.
 
On Saturday, July 25, 2026, Battery Dance presents America 250: Moving Together, a one-night-only performance commemorating the U.S. semi-quincentennial. Set against the backdrop of the Statue of Liberty, the evening honors the many histories, cultures, and communities that have shaped this land for generations—highlighting the Indigenous peoples who stewarded these territories long before the founding of the United States. Through the expressive power of dance, the performance invites audiences to reflect on the evolving story of identity, resilience, and belonging in America.