Celebrate the Afro-Dutch holiday of Pinkster, a festival of spring, family, culture, and resistance with live music, dance, games, crafts, food, vendors, history, & more! Free for everyone!
Pinkster is the Dutch name for Pentecost, a religious holiday and celebration of spring where people took time to travel and visit family. In the New Netherland Colony, Pinkster was transformed into a unique Afro-Dutch celebration - a week of temporary freedom for enslaved people. Able to travel, earn money, and gather in groups, Pinkster allowed enslaved people to take a break from their endless work, see separated family members, preserve and pass on culture to the next generation, and resist enslavement. Celebrate African culture in America and New York's unique history!
For the fourth year in a row, Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site celebrates Pinkster with a Jubilee - we'll feature live music and performances, free kids' activities, crafts, and games, and visit vendors specializing in African and African-American gifts, art, food, and more.
Learn more about the history of Pinkster on our blog, or watch the video below:
Full schedule of performances, workshops, and more coming soon!
Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site (29 Warburton Ave., Yonkers, NY) is currently seeking food, beverage, retail, and nonprofit vendors for the Pinkster Festival. Vendors specializing in African, African-American, and Colonial Era food, art, and retail are encouraged to apply as are nonprofit organizations with missions related to African and African-American heritage and art, local history, Colonial era history, etc.
All vendors must comply with Yonkers City vendor licensing regulations. City of Yonkers licenses must be in hand the day of the event in order to participate.
Philipse Manor Hall offers an indoor market space for retail vendors. Vendors must provide their own tables (chairs available). 10'x10' spaces available for $25 each. This space is on the second floor of Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site but includes elevator and restroom access.
Philipse Manor Hall offers easy access for food trucks and vehicles in our small parking lot, located next to the big performance tent. Power is available upon request, first-come, first served. Vendors specializing in African and African-American food are especially encouraged to apply. 10'x10' spaces are available for $25 each.
Nonprofits focused on arts, culture, history, and other Pinkster-related subjects are also welcome to apply. Nonprofits providing family-friendly activities throughout the day may participate without vendor fees. For more information contact philipsemanorhall@parks.ny.gov.
Email philipsemanorhall@parks.ny.gov to express interest and we will send you the application. The application process is free. Once your application completed, submitted, and accepted, any fees, proof of insurance, sales tax certificate, and all required licenses (including Yonkers City vendor licenses) are due by Friday, May 1, 2026. Fees may be paid by check (made out to NYS OPRHP), cash in person, or by credit card in person or over the phone.
The Friends of Philipse Manor Hall are actively seeking sponsorships for this free public event. If you or your business would like to support performances, free workshops, or activities for Pinkster Jubilee, please find more information here.
