Mark your calendars — a fresh, joyful culinary celebration is making its debut this summer. On June 22nd, The Great Nosh, presented by the Jewish Food Society, will take over Governors Island with a vibrant mix of food, music, art, and storytelling. Designed as an inclusive picnic-style festival, The Great Nosh brings together some of New York’s most beloved chefs and restaurants for a day of cross-cultural collaborations, seasonal bites, and communal connection — all set against the backdrop of the Statue of Liberty.
A love letter to Jewish food traditions and the city’s diverse culinary scene, The Great Nosh features standout partnerships like Thai Diner x Katz’s Deli, Atoboy x Apollo Bagels, and Morgenstern’s x Russ & Daughters. Whether you’re indulging in black-and-white cookie cheesecake sandwiches or savoring schnitzel and chips in Eyal Shani’s enchanted sabich garden, the menu alone is worth the ferry ride.
Beyond the food, guests can enjoy a curated wine bar from The Four Horsemen, shop picnic-ready goods in the marketplace from Alimentari Flâneur, and experience cooking demos under the Grandmas Tent hosted by Gail Simmons and Pati Jinich. Expect challah baking, Persian tachin, homemade pickles, and more. For a touch of nostalgia, there’s beaded jewelry making with Susan Alexandra, backgammon with Old Jewish Men, and family-friendly art activations.
With over 2,000 attendees expected, The Great Nosh is set to become a staple of NYC’s summer festival scene. At a time when connection feels more important than ever, this event offers a spirited, meaningful way to gather, eat, and celebrate the flavors and stories that shape us. Tickets are $36 and include a custom picnic blanket and tote — a perfect souvenir from a day of noshing done right.