Riverkeeper Fish Migration Celebration
June 20, 2026
11:00 am
Yonkers to Newburgh
Location
Yonkers to Newburgh
Event type
Community
The fish are coming!
Every year, the Hudson River supports the epic migration of iconic fishes like the Atlantic sturgeon, American eel, striped bass, American shad and shimmering schools of river herring – all on their journey to spawn, just as they have for centuries. This June, their incredible odyssey will surface in a whole new way!
Join us on Saturday, June 20 for Riverkeeper Fish Migration Celebration, a fantastical day where art and advocacy set sail together! A whimsical flotilla of artist-designed boats, inspired by the fishes themselves, will trace their path upriver, turning the water into a moving masterpiece. And leading the way? A larger-than-life sturgeon-themed boat, a breathtaking tribute to one of the river’s most magnificent creatures.
Video loading...THE EXPERIENCE
A spectacle on the water – Art comes to life in Yonkers and Newburgh with a celebration overlooking the Hudson filled with creativity, connection, and calls to protect our waterways. Dress as your favorite Hudson River fish and join in the fish parade!
A voyage like no other – The boats will follow the path of the fish, making visible the miraculous migration at our doorstep but just out of view.
WHY IT MATTERS
This isn’t just a celebration, it’s a call to action! The Hudson’s fish need our help. Pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change threaten their survival. Through art and wonder, we’re making their hidden struggle visible, turning art into action and spectators into stewards of the river.
JOIN THE JOURNEY
Whether you’re watching from the shore, cheering at the celebration, or parading as your favorite fish, you’re furthering Riverkeeper’s mission of fighting for a healthy and thriving Hudson River. Come be a part of this unforgettable experience where art and activism flow together to honor the Hudson and its returning fish!
Sign up for event updates to stay tuned for more details and ways you can get involved!
With appreciation for the artists that bring this vision to life:
Big Nazo
Rhiannon Catalyst
Greg CorbinoHONK Family Band
Callie Mackenziee
Lisa Pellegrino of Soil & Soul Band
Unicorn Brass Band
Rhiannon Catalyst
Greg CorbinoHONK Family Band
Callie Mackenziee
Lisa Pellegrino of Soil & Soul Band
Unicorn Brass Band
Thank you to our community partners!
Beczak Environmental Center
Greater Newburgh Parks Conservancy
Newburgh Clean Water Project
Newburgh Environmental Justice Fellows
Newburgh Waterways Center
Sarah Lawrence College Center for the Urban River (CURB)
Yonkers Paddling and Rowing Club
Greater Newburgh Parks Conservancy
Newburgh Clean Water Project
Newburgh Environmental Justice Fellows
Newburgh Waterways Center
Sarah Lawrence College Center for the Urban River (CURB)
Yonkers Paddling and Rowing Club
Many thanks to our sponsor:
Related campaigns
Saving Hudson River fish
Protecting iconic species vital to our local ecosystems
Protecting and restoring habitats
The Hudson River watershed is home to a breathtaking diversity of life. Protecting and restoring our aquatic habitats is critical for their renewal and for a healthy future for all life in the watershed
Dam removal
By removing old, obsolete dams, we are healing the ecosystem and restoring life to the Hudson and its tributaries