Once again, in the merry month of May, our midtown east community comes together to celebrate Katharine Hepburn’s birthday with a garden party in Dag Hammarskjold Plaza featuring FREE  music, birthday cake  and garden tours. Meet your neighbors, greet city officials and enjoy the unfolding flower parade. (Rain date May 28, same time). 

The long-standing tradition dates back to 1997 and the park’s reconstruction when the community dedicated the newly designed  garden to the celebrated actress and good neighbor who fought to save the trees, sunlight and charming character of Turtle Bay. Ever since, Friends of DHP has organized the event, co-hosted with the Turtle Bay Association. 

Note: NYC Parks  denied permit request for Saturday so the date was switched to Sunday with rain date  the following Sunday. 

ENTERTAINMENT: Award-winning vocalist Kimberly Hawkey makes  a return appearance with favorites from the Great American Songbook and the Golden Age of Hollywood. Winner of the NYC Cabaret Showdown and recipient of the prestigious Johnny Mercer Award, her performance style and musical virtuosity continues to wow fans and earn plaudits.  BroadwayWorld.com calls her “a delightfully fresh-voiced treat,” while Cabaret Scenes notes Kimberly’s “exceptional musicality”.  New York Music Daily praises “an irrepressibly cheery update on 30s and 40s sounds,” while the Observer promises “a smile on your face.” 

YOUR TURN:  This  event kicks off FDHP’s spring fund-raisng campaign and volunteer drive.  “We need helping hands and generous donors. Our Garden Party in May signals the start of  peak season in city parks,” notes FDHP President Sherrill Kazan. “Stay tuned for  park news and community announcements.”