
The Backyard Hudson Yards
A vibrant outdoor hub in Hudson Yards offering free events, movie nights, concerts, and a lively community atmosphere.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Free concerts and movie nights

The Backyard Hudson Yards
Best Time
Free concerts and movie nights

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant outdoor hub in Hudson Yards offering free events, movie nights, concerts, and a lively community atmosphere.
"The Backyard at Hudson Yards is one of my favorite outdoor spaces in New York City. It’s vibrant, well-maintained, and always full of life."

🎯 Check the Event Schedule
Free events like concerts & movie nights are popular. Plan ahead!
🛋️ Bring a Blanket or Seat
For movie nights or concerts, bring your own comfort.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Big Screen Experience
Public Square and Gardens
Catch live sports and movie nights on a massive 30-foot screen. A free, vibrant community gathering spot.

Live Concerts & Events
Public Square and Gardens
Enjoy free concerts and various seasonal events throughout the summer and fall.

Bookish Gatherings
Backyard at Hudson Yards
Experience unique 'silent reading' events where hundreds gather to read together.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entertainment Galore
Beyond the Vessel
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check the Event Schedule
Free events like concerts & movie nights are popular. Plan ahead!
🛋️ Bring a Blanket or Seat
For movie nights or concerts, bring your own comfort.
📚 Join a Reading Event
Experience unique silent reading gatherings.
👟 Workout Wednesdays
Participate in free fitness classes like yoga and runs.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check the Event Schedule
Free events like concerts & movie nights are popular. Plan ahead!
🛋️ Bring a Blanket or Seat
For movie nights or concerts, bring your own comfort.
📚 Join a Reading Event
Experience unique silent reading gatherings.
👟 Workout Wednesdays
Participate in free fitness classes like yoga and runs.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Vibes
The Backyard is a great spot to relax with your furry friends.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise The Backyard at Hudson Yards for its vibrant atmosphere, free events, and well-maintained outdoor space, calling it a perfect urban escape. While some find Hudson Yards itself lacking in character, The Backyard is consistently highlighted as a positive and engaging area. The free entertainment, family-friendliness, and dog-friendly nature are major draws.
"The Backyard at Hudson Yards is one of my favorite outdoor spaces in New York City. It’s vibrant, well-maintained, and always full of life. From live events and seasonal activities to just relaxing with friends, there’s always something happening here.
The area is family-friendly, with plenty of open space, clean restrooms, and even dog-friendly spots. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick bite, enjoying the picnic areas, or simply taking in the atmosphere, it’s the perfect urban escape.
Hudson Yards has redefined city gathering spaces, and the Backyard is at the heart of that energy. A must-visit if you’re in the area.
—Dennis Schleicher
YouTuber with over 90K subscribers & Instagram content creator"
Dennis Schleicher
"Wimbledon was scheduled to be shown at 9 am. Sadly NO ONE here can make that happen. There has been a number of fans that have sat down and left out of frustration. Poor man next to us is leaving for Poland and was hoping to catch the match. Instead, he (and the rest of the fans) had to suffer through a loop of ads including one that promoted watching Wimbledon on the big screen!!! Insult to injury."
Heidi Manaker-Dahl
"Hudson Yards is so lovely, the outdoor area is my favorite. There are lots of benches and the landscaping is really beautiful, it's a great place to read and have coffee when it's nice out. Inside of Hudson Yards, there are a ton of options for dining + shopping. Everything is really pretty, it's a great place to even just window shop and stroll if you're looking to check-out something new in New York City.
Another awesome aspect of this whole complex: sustainability. This concept was at the forefront when the development of Hudson Yards was in planning, per education provided at the Edge. :-) Another great reason to visit!"
Kristen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Backyard is easily accessible via the 7 train to the 34th Street-Hudson Yards station. Several bus lines also stop nearby. If driving, parking is available in the Hudson Yards garages, though it can be pricey.
Yes, the 7 train is the primary subway line serving Hudson Yards. Buses like the M34, M42, and Q42 also stop in the vicinity.
The 7 train is the most direct route from Midtown Manhattan. Alternatively, you can walk west along 34th Street or take a bus.
Yes, there are designated drop-off and pick-up zones for ride-sharing services within the Hudson Yards complex.
Yes, there are parking garages within Hudson Yards, but they can be expensive. It's often more convenient to use public transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Many events, including movie nights, concerts, and sports viewings, are free to attend. It's always best to check the official Hudson Yards schedule for specific event details.
Typically, movie nights are free and open to the public. You might want to arrive early to secure a good spot, especially for popular screenings.
The Backyard is an outdoor public space and is generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific event times will vary.
While there are food trucks and dining options nearby, policies on outside food and drinks can vary by event. It's advisable to check event-specific rules.
Hudson Yards is a public development, and accessing the Public Square and Gardens, including The Backyard, is free. Some attractions within Hudson Yards, like The Edge, have separate admission fees.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Backyard hosts a variety of free events including live sports broadcasts on a big screen, movie nights, free concerts, fitness classes, and unique gatherings like silent reading events.
Yes, it's a great family-friendly space with open areas for kids to play, clean restrooms, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Absolutely! The large 'Big Screen' frequently broadcasts major sporting events, making it a popular spot for fans.
There are benches and open spaces for seating. For popular events, bringing a blanket or portable chair is recommended.
Yes, clean and accessible restrooms are available within the Hudson Yards complex, including near The Backyard.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While The Backyard itself is an outdoor space, there are numerous food trucks and a wide array of restaurants within the Hudson Yards complex offering diverse culinary options.
Hudson Yards features a wide range of dining, from casual eateries and food halls to upscale restaurants like Estiatorio Milos.
The open space is perfect for picnics. You can bring your own food or grab takeout from one of the many nearby dining establishments.
Yes, with the diverse range of restaurants, you'll find plenty of vegetarian and vegan options throughout Hudson Yards.
Food truck offerings can vary, but they are often located at the rear of The Backyard area, providing convenient grab-and-go options.
📸 📸 Photography
Besides The Backyard itself, consider the views from The Edge, the architecture of The Vessel (when accessible), and the surrounding modern buildings. The Public Square offers great cityscapes.
While The Vessel has had access restrictions, its unique structure offers striking photographic opportunities from various angles in the surrounding plaza.
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise and before sunset) offers beautiful lighting. Evenings are also great for capturing the illuminated cityscape and The Backyard's event atmosphere.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits. Always be mindful of others' privacy.
Yes, personal photography is usually permitted during events. However, be respectful of performers and other attendees.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Day-Trippers
📚 Book Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Backyard's Event Calendar
What sets The Backyard apart are its unique community-focused events, such as the popular 'silent reading' gatherings organized by Reading Rhythms. These events bring hundreds of people together for a shared, phone-free reading experience, fostering a sense of quiet connection amidst the city's bustle. This blend of large-scale entertainment and intimate community events makes The Backyard a versatile and engaging destination for locals and tourists alike. Always check the official Hudson Yards website or social media for the most up-to-date event listings and schedules.
Hudson Yards: A Modern Urban Development
While the development has been praised for its innovative architecture and amenities, it has also faced criticism regarding its cost, scale, and impact on the surrounding community, with some questioning its overall purpose and accessibility. Despite these discussions, Hudson Yards has become a notable destination, offering a mix of high-end shopping, dining, and unique public spaces like The Backyard, which serves as a vital community hub within this contemporary urban environment. The focus on sustainability was also a key consideration during its planning and development.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit