August 27, 2026
Pause in the Plaza
September 8 – October 29
This fall, take a pause from your workday, step away from your desk, and into Hudson Square Plaza. Enjoy music, creative activities, curated artisans, mindful movement, or simply a space to relax anytime you need a break.
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TUESDAYS:
Activate your creative flow alongside the Urban Flow mural with a crafts table and jazz music to amplify the ambience.
2026 Musical Performances (12-2pm)
- September 8 – Wayne Tucker
- September 15 – Itai Kriss
- September 22 – Jason Marshall
- September 29 – Wayne Tucker
- October 6 – Gina Benalcázar-López
- October 13 – Wayne Tucker
- October 20 – Ben Rosenblum
- October 27 – Jason Marshall
Musicians:
Wayne Tucker
Wayne Tucker is a critically acclaimed trumpeter, composer and arranger! Throughout his career he’s toured with an array of jazz, pop, hip-hop and R & B musicians including Kurt Elling, Dee Bridgewater, Taylor Swift, Elvis Costello, Ne-Yo and Ryan Leslie. He continues to be a notable voice in contemporary jazz playing in small NYC jazz clubs and venues including Madison Square Garden and The Hollywood Bowl.
Itai Kriss
Itai Kriss is a jazz flautist and composer who has spent the past 20 years working at the forefront of NYC’s Jazz scene while performing with an array of Afro-Cuban, Latin and Salsa artists including Orquesta Akokan, Dafnis Prieto, Edmar Castaneda, Eric McPherson and Elio Villafranca. His music bridges the musical complexities from those of the Middle East and the Caribbean by combining Timba, Soul, North African music and Jazz to create a unique blend of rhythms and sound.
Jason Marshall
Jason Marshall is a baritone saxophonist, composer, arranger, educator and cultural voice with work that honors the legacy of Black American music and its various styles. Throughout his career spanning over 20 years, he’s performed and recorded across the globe with his own ensemble and many notable musicians including Roy Hargrove, Aretha Franklin, The Roots, The Temptations, the Mingus Big Band and Chaka Khan. Outside of his varied performances, Marshall teaches and leads several ensembles at several institutions including Montclair State University and The New School.
Gina Benalcázar-López
Gina Benalcázar-López is a composer and trombonist based in Brooklyn, NY. She plays in various styles including Latin jazz, salsa, swing, cumbia, and chamber music. She has performed with several renowned band leaders and ensembles including The Sinfonietta, The Roy Hargrove Big Band, Lulada Club, Etienne Charles’ Creole Soul, and most recently made her Broadway debut in Huey Lewis’ “The Heart of Rock and Roll.”
Ben Rosenblum
Ben Rosenblum is a pianist, accordionist and composer that has performed across multiple genres including on tours with Grammy-winning pop artist Rickie Lee Jones, Grammy-winning jazz vocalist Catherine Russell and Juno-winning contemporary Indian singer Kiran Ahluwalia. His music draws from several influences ranging from Brazilian forró, Irish reels and jigs, Bulgarian folkloric songs, Dominican merengue, Middle Eastern traditional rhythms, and combines them with extensive rooting in American jazz and traditional music. At any given performance, Rosenblum might draw on influences from ten or more countries, with expression from any of the genres listed above.
2026 Craft Corner (12:30pm – 1:30pm)
- September 8 – HSBID – Bead Making
- During our first week of the craft corner, participants are invited to make keychains, beaded phone charms and friendship bracelets in Hudson Square Plaza. All supplies are available including an array of pony beads, square letter beads, acrylic beads, bracelet cords, keychain hooks, and lanyard tabs for your phone charms! Instructions will be led by Hudson Square BID’s programming team!
- September 15 – The Door – Farewell to Summer
- Bring the sunshine of summer with you into Fall by crafting your own summer memory jar!
- September 22 – HSBID – Junk Journal
- Participants will be invited to bring their own journals and take part in junk journaling crafts! Supplies include decorative tape, gem stickers, scrapbook paper and materials from our local vendors. Cardstock paper will also be used to make bookmarks if needed.
- September 29 – The Door – Stone Stories
- Come leave a mark on our community by joining as we decorate rocks/stones for the park!
- October 6 – HSBID – Hudson Square Observer
- Participants will be invited to put their Hudson Square knowledge to the test with an activity sheet newspaper-inspired design as an ode to the original printing district. As part of this activity sheet, you will color in the Urban Flow mural that sits at the foundation of Hudson Square Plaza, solve a maze that takes you to all the public art in the neighborhood, trivia questions, and a fun crossword as your final knowledge test!
- October 13 – The Door – Needle and Thread Lab
- Come get your stitch on and create a handmade keepsake with us!
- October 20 – HSBID – Bead Making
- Participants are invited for another round of keychain, beaded phone charm and friendship bracelet making in Hudson Square Plaza.
- October 27 – The Door – Spooky Scents
- Smell wicked good this spooky season by joining the community as we curate custom body mists!
HSBID (Hudson Square Business Improvement District): the BID was created in 2009 as a planning-focused BID to transform Manhattan’s former Printing District into a modern creative hub through streetscape transformation, pedestrian-focused plans, open spaces, public art, and more.
The Door: The Door’s mission is to empower young people to reach their potential by providing comprehensive youth development services in a diverse and caring environment.
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WEDNESDAYS: (11am – 6pm)
Connect with a curated collection of food and finds from all over the city through our collaboration with the Grand Bazaar NYC.
- September 16 – Grand Bazaar vendors
- September 23 – Grand Bazaar vendors
- September 30 – Grand Bazaar vendors
- October 7 – Grand Bazaar vendors
- October 14 (hold for rain date #1)
- October 15 (hold for rain date #2)
- October 22 (hold for rain date #3)
- October 29 (hold for rain date #4)
Vendors:
Sammy’s Bakery
What started in a Queens kitchen with cookie recipes created for Sammy’s Autistic son is now an incredibly delicious variety of artisanal cookies and baked goods for you to enjoy! Sammy’s is always testing new flavors, so you’ll want to keep coming back. (black-owned business)
Olivia’s Empanadas
Family-owned and operated baked empanadas that keep you delighted with an evolving variety of fillings, from classic comfort flavors to unexpected combinations. Perfect for grabbing a warm, flavorful bite while exploring the market!
Mr. K’s
Known for their deep-fried chicken breaded sandwich, Mr. K brings the flavors of Japanese street food to NYC with favorites like okonomiyaki, katsu sandos, takoyaki, yakitori, yakisoba, and more. With a focus on quality and bold flavor (and some vegetarian options), it’s a delicious taste of Japan right here in New York.
Mao’s Bao
A Sheng Jian Bao specialist, Mao’s Bao puts a modern spin on traditional Shanghai-style bao, serving colorful pan-fried buns packed with a variety of flavorful fillings. Their creative take on this classic street food makes each bao a colorful, fun, and delicious bite.
Nomad Roasters
From freshly brewed coffee and cold brew to handcrafted matcha and house-made flavors, NYC-bred Nomad brings a café-quality experience wherever they go. Nomad’s artisanal specialty coffee roaster focuses on small-batch coffee, thoughtfully sourced beans, and quality in every cup.
Rogue Vintage
Curated and owned by influencer and icon Emma Rogue, this NYC-based vintage shop is known for its incredible, affordable mix of ’70s throughY2K vintage, secondhand finds, and emerging local brands. With new treasures everyday, Rogue celebrates individuality and NYC’s creative community through fashion, art, and street style.
Watchmen
Expertise and that New York know-how with every pre-loved piece, Watchmen offers a curated selection of vintage watches, from everyday classics to unique finds. Find one or stack several, or have a new watch for every mood.
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THURSDAYS: (12:30pm – 1pm)
Reset your body and calm your mind with Midday Mobility, a low-impact class led by Chelsea Piers Fitness. Coach Claudia Debs will lead youth through a 30-minute low-impact mobility class to help you release tension, improve flexibility and joint health, and reset during your workday. Through gentle dynamic stretching, light movement, and recovery breathwork, you’ll leave feeling more relaxed, aligned, and ready to take on the rest of your day. All levels are welcome to join.
Chelsea Piers Fitness will provide the yoga mats for the first 10 participants. Just come prepared with comfortable clothing and a water bottle. Must be 18+ to join.
- September 10, 17, 24
- October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
SIGN UP (general interest RSVPing; the actual event is first-come, first-served).
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Hudson Square Plaza is part of the New York City Department of Transportation’s Plaza Program, which transforms underutilized roadway space into welcoming pedestrian plazas. Open seven days a week and located adjacent to Spring Street Park, the plaza is the perfect spot for an outdoor meeting, enjoy lunch or recharge your creative energy and ignite your next great idea.
