Cardboard Kayaks Return to the Hudson to Launch City of Water Day 2026

Beloved race returns for the first time in years, kicking off a weekend of 90+ free waterfront events across New York and New Jersey

Thursday, July 23 — City of Water Day 2026 officially kicks off with a special Opening Ceremony, featuring the return of the iconic Cardboard Kayak Race, hosted by Manhattan Kayak and Waterfront Alliance, where 20+ teams of event organizers, community leaders, and invited guests will build kayaks using only cardboard and tape before racing them on the Hudson River.

The event offers can’t-miss visuals while previewing City of Water Day on Saturday, July 25, consisting of more than 90 free events across the region.

Organized by the Waterfront Alliance and the New York–New Jersey Harbor & Estuary Program (HEP), City of Water Day is a day of waterfront action and fun celebrated by thousands of individuals and families across the region.

WHO

Celebrity judges include Rocco Vertuccio with Spectrum News NY1, and NYC Council Member Carl Wilson. Opening ceremony remarks will also include Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal. Deputy Mayor for Operations Julia Kerson will also attend.

Participating teams include Brooklyn Book Bodega, Downtown Boathouse, HNTB, Hudson River Park, Interstate Environmental Commission, LANGAN, Manhattan Community Boathouse, Manhattan Kayak, Marine Park Alliance, Mayor’s Office of Climate & Environmental Justice, New York City Department of City Planning, New York City Department of Environmental Protection, NYC Economic Development Corporation, NY-NJ Harbor & Estuary Program, NYC Ferry, Resilient Red Hook, Save the Sound, Shirley Chisholm State Park, and Waterfront Alliance.

Sponsors and partners of City of Water Day are Haicken Law, NYC Economic Development Corporation, LANGAN, HNTB, NYC Ferry, and the Environmental Protection Agency.

WHAT

City of Water Day Opening Ceremony: Cardboard Kayak Race

WHEN

Thursday, July 23, 2026

Kayak Build Period: 3:45–5:45pm | Opening Ceremony: 5:45 – 6pm | Races: 5:45–7:30pm | Awards: 7:40pm

WHERE

Manhattan Kayak at Hudson River Park’s Pier 84 Boathouse (44th Street at the Hudson River, Manhattan)

WHERE

• • 20+ teams building kayaks entirely from cardboard and tape
  • The return of the iconic cardboard kayak race—now on the Hudson River
  • Boats launching, racing, and inevitably sinking
  • Spectators cheering from the pier against the Manhattan skyline

  INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES

  • • Waterfront Alliance leadership
    • New York–New Jersey Harbor & Estuary Program leadership
    • Hudson River Park Trust and Manhattan Kayak representatives
    • Celebrity judges: Rocco Vertuccio with Spectrum News NY1 and NYC Council Member Carl Wilson
    • Attending public officials including Deputy Mayor for Operations Julia Kerson and Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal
    • Participating teams, community members, and spectators

    WHY IT MATTERS

    This year’s City of Water Day theme, “Living With Water,” highlights the importance of connecting people to the waterways that shape our region. On Saturday, July 25, more than 90 free events will give residents and visitors opportunities to get on the water, explore local waterfronts, and learn about the shared waterways that connect our communities.

    MEDIA CONTACTS

    Aria Cochran, Waterfront Alliance, acochran@waterfrontalliance.org, 212.935.9831 Ex.116

    Monica Emma, Hudson River Foundation, memma@hudsonriver.org

    Learn more and see the full map of events at cityofwaterday.org!