Our Bureau
New York, NY
Immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of Holi during an action-packed day at the South Street Seaport Museum, featuring free General Admission from 11AM–5PM and festive activities across the Museum campus and Seaport Square. Enjoy energetic dance and drum performances, explore the flavors of Holi from 12–3PM on Seaport Square, browse an outdoor Indian market at Pier 16 featuring nearly a dozen Indian-owned businesses, and—of course—take part in the iconic throwing of colorful pigments, the heart of Holi. Book free General Admission here.
The celebration kicks off at 12PM on Seaport Square with captivating dance performances, followed by a fun, interactive dance workshop that will get everyone moving to popular Holi songs with Dholi Amrit who will provide traditional beats. The energy continues with DJ Magic Mike spinning everyone’s favorite Holi tracks!
From 12–2PM, Seaport Square will host a Holi Powder Play countdown every half hour. Grab your gulaal and cameras as the sky beneath the picturesque masts of the 1885 tall ship Wavertree and 1908 lightship Ambrose bursts into rainbow color! For safety and preservation, only colors purchased from Kulture Khazana are permitted—please do not bring outside powders. You can purchase colors at the event or pre-order online until 11PM on March 6.
The fun continues aboard Wavertree with family-friendly festivities, including a puppet show, all-ages activities, and more. This portion of the celebration is free, but separate registration is required to come aboard due to limited capacity. Get all the details and claim your space below.
These activities, presented in collaboration with The Culture Tree and the Seaport, promise a day filled with cultural richness, interactive experiences, and the shared spirit of Holi.
Access to the celebration is included in your free General Admission ticket to the Seaport Museum. Tickets are free but preregistration is encouraged. Walkups will be accommodated as possible. Make sure to enjoy the Museum’s exhibition galleries before joining in the throwing of colors. To ensure the care of the Seaport Museum collection, and historic buildings, individuals covered in colorful pigment will not be able to come inside the Museum.
Kids Holi Celebration Aboard Wavertree
2PM | Wavertree | Free
Families are invited to keep the Holi fun going aboard the 1885 tall ship Wavertree! Enjoy the fan-favorite Holi Puppet Show presented by WonderSpark Puppets and The Culture Tree, and a vibrant book reading of Kahaani Rangeeli (Colorful Story) by award-winning author Anu Sehgal. The Seaport Museum will also offer a hands-on, Holi-inspired activity perfect for guests of all ages, and don’t forget to capture the moment with photo ops aboard this last-of-her-kind historic ship—a perfect way to remember the day! Book here.
A Brief History of Holi
Holi originated on the Indian Subcontinent as a vibrant festival of colors, symbolizing the onset of Spring. Today, this joyous celebration has transcended borders and is embraced worldwide as a spirited way to welcome the season, promote inclusivity, and revel in playful and colorful festivities.
About The Culture Tree
The Culture Tree provides South Asian themed educational and cultural programs that enrich the lives of children and their families and promotes a deeper connection with their roots and the world around them. We use language, art, puppet shows, dance, food and the holidays to provide an immersive experience.
Enjoy More That the Museum Offers
Access to the historic ships and exhibition galleries at the Seaport Museum is included with your ticket to this event! You may visit any time from 11am to 5pm on the day of your event. General Admission brings you aboard the 1885 tall ship Wavertree and 1908 lightship Ambrose at Pier 16, and into all current exhibitions on view in the first-floor Schermerhorn Row galleries at 12 Fulton Street. Your ticket also sets you on course to explore Maritime City, the Seaport Museum’s immersive, three-floor exhibition at A.A. Thomson & Co., located at 213 Water Street. Make sure to enjoy the Museum’s exhibition galleries before joining in the throwing of colors. To ensure the care of the Seaport Museum collection, and historic buildings, individuals covered in colorful pigment will not be able to come inside the Museum.
About the South Street Seaport Museum
The South Street Seaport Museum, located in the heart of the historic seaport district in New York City, preserves and interprets the history of New York as a great port city. Founded in 1967, the Museum houses an extensive collection of works of art and artifacts, a maritime reference library, exhibition galleries and education spaces, working 19th century print shops, and an active fleet of historic vessels that all work to tell the story of “Where New York Begins.” seaportmuseum.org
