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The Backyard Hudson Yards

4.8
·100 reviews·New York, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer evenings

Free concerts and movie nights

CrowdMedium
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Hot chocolat

The Backyard Hudson Yards

Best Time

Summer evenings

Free concerts and movie nights

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.8
(100 reviews)

"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."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Big Screen Experience

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.

Instagram+1
Live Concerts & Events

Live Concerts & Events

Public Square and Gardens

Enjoy free concerts and various seasonal events throughout the summer and fall.

TikTokInstagram
Bookish Gatherings

Bookish Gatherings

Backyard at Hudson Yards

Experience unique 'silent reading' events where hundreds gather to read together.

TikTokInstagram
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Planning Your Visit

Free Entertainment Galore

The Backyard at Hudson Yards is a hub for free events! From movie nights and live sports on a massive screen to concerts and fitness classes, there's always something happening. Check their schedule for the latest free activities. Instagram+2

Beyond the Vessel

While the Vessel is a focal point, explore the wider Hudson Yards complex. The Backyard offers a vibrant outdoor space with dining, shopping, and relaxation. Don't miss the chance to experience free events here. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Summer evenings
Why
Free concerts and movie nights
Crowd
Medium
When
Fall afternoons
Why
Cozy movie screenings
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
Sports broadcasts
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Hudson Yards is not what it seems.. #nyc #hudsonyards #dave2real
@imdaveracks
893.1K likes • 6.4M views

🎯 Check the Event Schedule

Free events like concerts & movie nights are popular. Plan ahead! Instagram+2

🛋️ Bring a Blanket or Seat

For movie nights or concerts, bring your own comfort. Instagram

Wouldn’t trade this for the world @pearpopofficial #questionsigetasked #nyc #penthouse #nycapartment #hudsonyards #manhattan #newyorkcity #highrise
@nychighlife
401.7K likes • 6.6M views
BACKYARD AT HUDSON YARDS 📺 The Backyard at @hudsonyards is back for 2023 with a ton of free outdoor activities! The 30 foot Big Screen will showcase top sporting events from May - October & movie nights starting in September. Today (May 7) @WellsFargo customers can even get a special gift at the front desk during the Wells Fargo Championship! There will also be: 🎤 Summer concerts starting Ju...
nyc_forfree
12.8K likes • 508.1K views

📚 Join a Reading Event

Experience unique silent reading gatherings. TikTokInstagram

👟 Workout Wednesdays

Participate in free fitness classes like yoga and runs. Instagram

🏙🎬🍁🍿 TAG A FRIEND YOU WANT TO GO WITH! 😍 🔌 THE PLUG: Hudson Yards Movie Nights are BACK this week! Grab the beatie and seat or blanket to watch classic films this fall on The Big Screen in the Hudson Yards Public Square and Gardens. Check out the lineup below! Which movies are you looking forward to? 😎 SCHEDULE: 📅 Friday, September 12th Classic Cinema Night: GREASE 📅 Thursday, September 18th ...
nycplugged
0 likes • 66.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Check the Event Schedule

Free events like concerts & movie nights are popular. Plan ahead! Instagram+2

🛋️ Bring a Blanket or Seat

For movie nights or concerts, bring your own comfort. Instagram

📚 Join a Reading Event

Experience unique silent reading gatherings. TikTokInstagram

👟 Workout Wednesdays

Participate in free fitness classes like yoga and runs. Instagram

🐶 Dog-Friendly Vibes

The Backyard is a great spot to relax with your furry friends. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(100 reviews)

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

Vibrant free events
Family-friendly atmosphere
Great outdoor space

What People Dislike

Some find the wider area sterile

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. TikTok

Yes, the 7 train is the primary subway line serving Hudson Yards. Buses like the M34, M42, and Q42 also stop in the vicinity. TikTok

The 7 train is the most direct route from Midtown Manhattan. Alternatively, you can walk west along 34th Street or take a bus. TikTok

Yes, there are designated drop-off and pick-up zones for ride-sharing services within the Hudson Yards complex. TikTok

Yes, there are parking garages within Hudson Yards, but they can be expensive. It's often more convenient to use public transport. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

The Backyard is an outdoor public space and is generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific event times will vary. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🧭 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. TikTokInstagram+2

Yes, it's a great family-friendly space with open areas for kids to play, clean restrooms, and a welcoming atmosphere. Reddit

Absolutely! The large 'Big Screen' frequently broadcasts major sporting events, making it a popular spot for fans. InstagramReddit

There are benches and open spaces for seating. For popular events, bringing a blanket or portable chair is recommended. Reddit

Yes, clean and accessible restrooms are available within the Hudson Yards complex, including near The Backyard. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

Hudson Yards features a wide range of dining, from casual eateries and food halls to upscale restaurants like Estiatorio Milos. TikTokInstagram

The open space is perfect for picnics. You can bring your own food or grab takeout from one of the many nearby dining establishments. Reddit

Yes, with the diverse range of restaurants, you'll find plenty of vegetarian and vegan options throughout Hudson Yards. TikTok

Food truck offerings can vary, but they are often located at the rear of The Backyard area, providing convenient grab-and-go options. Reddit

📸 📸 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. TikTok+1

While The Vessel has had access restrictions, its unique structure offers striking photographic opportunities from various angles in the surrounding plaza. TikTok+1

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. TikTok

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits. Always be mindful of others' privacy. TikTok

Yes, personal photography is usually permitted during events. However, be respectful of performers and other attendees. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Backyard at Hudson Yards is a fantastic spot for families. Its open spaces are perfect for children to run around safely, and the clean restrooms are a big plus.Reddit During warmer months, free movie nights and sports viewings on the Big Screen can be a fun, low-cost outing for the whole family. The general atmosphere of Hudson Yards, with its modern design and public art, can also be engaging for younger visitors. Consider packing a picnic to enjoy in the open areas, making it an affordable and enjoyable day out.

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Day-Trippers

For solo travelers or those on a day trip, The Backyard offers a relaxed urban oasis. You can easily spend an afternoon here enjoying a book, people-watching, or catching a free event.TikTokInstagram It's a great place to recharge between visiting other attractions like The High Line or The Edge. The proximity to public transport makes it a convenient stop, and the variety of dining options within Hudson Yards means you won't go hungry. It’s a good spot to experience a slice of modern NYC life without a hefty price tag.

📚 Book Lovers

If you're a bookworm, you absolutely must check out the unique 'silent reading' events held at The Backyard.TikTokInstagram+1 These gatherings are a chance to connect with fellow readers in a beautiful setting, free from digital distractions. Even outside of these specific events, The Backyard provides a pleasant environment to sit, relax, and dive into your favorite book, especially on a nice day. The surrounding Hudson Yards complex also offers bookstores and cafes for a complete literary experience.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Backyard's Event Calendar

The Backyard at Hudson Yards is more than just an open space; it's a dynamic venue that transforms throughout the year with a packed event schedule. During the warmer months, it's a prime spot for free outdoor concerts and movie nights on its impressive 30-foot Big Screen.Instagram+1 These events draw a diverse crowd, creating a lively atmosphere perfect for enjoying a summer evening. Beyond entertainment, The Backyard also hosts fitness classes like yoga and running groups, encouraging an active lifestyle within the urban environment.Instagram

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.TikTokInstagram+1 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. Instagram

Hudson Yards: A Modern Urban Development

Hudson Yards is a significant example of a large-scale, modern urban development, built on a platform over active rail yards. This ambitious project has redefined the west side of Manhattan, featuring residential buildings, offices, retail spaces, and public art. The Vessel, a striking climbable art installation, was a central attraction, though its access has been limited.Reddit The Edge observation deck offers panoramic views of the city, providing a different perspective on the urban landscape.TikTok

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.TikTok 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.Reddit