Event · Sports & play

Gottesman Rink Opening Day Celebration

When

Sun, Nov 1 · 11:00 AM–5:00 PMSunday, November 1, 2026: free Learn to Skate trial lesson 11:00–11:30 am (registration); on-ice performance 11:50 am; public skating with live DJ 12:00–5:00 pm in three 80-minute sessions (registration); Community Day in the indoor gathering space 12:00–5:00 pm.

Where

Gottesman Rink at the Davis Center, Central ParkCentral Park, entrance just south of the park entrance at 110th Street & Lenox Avenue, New York, NYOpen in Google Maps ↗

Ages

Skaters of all ages and abilities

Cost

Trial lesson free with registration (skate rentals included); public skating sessions require registration — fee not stated on the event page (regular Community Skate tickets $5–$10, 3 and under free); indoor Community Day free.Helmets recommended but not available to rent.

Organizer

Central Park Conservancy

The Central Park Conservancy opens the skating season at the Gottesman Rink, next to the Harlem Meer, with a day of free and low-key activities on Sunday, November 1, 2026. From 11:00 to 11:30 am there is a complimentary 30-minute group Learn to Skate lesson led by U.S. Figure Skating–certified coaches, open to skaters of all ages and abilities, with skate rental included — a good way for a child to try the ice before signing up for a winter series. Dress warmly, wear gloves, and bring a helmet if you have one (helmets cannot be rented). From noon to 5:00 pm public skating runs with a live DJ and appearances by costumed characters, in three 80-minute sessions that need registration; a surprise guest performs on the ice at 11:50 am. Families who do not skate can still come: the Davis Center's indoor gathering space hosts a Community Day from noon to 5:00 pm with food for sale, free swag and a view of the ice.