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To mark Holi, the traditional Indian festival of colors that celebrates the arrival of spring, The Culture Tree, in partnership with the South Street Seaport Museum and Seaport Entertainment Group, will host a family-focused celebration at the Seaport on Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
“Presented by The Culture Tree in collaboration with the South Street Seaport Museum, this year’s Holi Celebration will feature an Indian food festival, puppet shows, storytime, crafts, live dance performances, drummers, DJ, local vendors, Powder Play and more,” according to The Culture Tree.
The Culture Tree, a New York-based nonprofit that promotes cultural literacy about South Asia, has curated a range of activities to honor the festival and introduce the broader community to Indian traditions. Holi originated in the Indian subcontinent and is now celebrated globally as a way to welcome spring, promote inclusivity, and participate in the symbolic throwing of colored powders, according to the organization.
Holi Powder Play
12:00 pm, 12:30 pm, 1:00 pm, 1:30 pm, and 2:00 pm | Pier 16, Seaport Square | Free
Organizers will lead five coordinated powder tosses throughout the afternoon. Guests are encouraged to gather with gulaal and cameras as the sky fills with vibrant colors in celebration of Holi.
Holi Dance, DJ, and Drum Performance
12:00 pm | Pier 16, Seaport Square | Free
The celebration will include live dance performances set to popular Holi songs, followed by an interactive dance workshop led by performers from The Culture Tree. Dholi Amrit will provide traditional percussion, and DJ Magic Mike will continue the festivities with a selection of Holi favorites.
Foods of Holi
11:30 am to 3:00 pm | Pier 16, Seaport Square
Guests can sample traditional dishes associated with the festival, prepared by Indian chefs and culinary brands. The curated food experience will feature festive sweets, street snacks, and regional specialties that reflect the diversity and culinary heritage of India.
Puppet Show, Storytime, Art, and Craft
2:00 pm to 3:00 pm | Wavertree | Free
Families are invited to continue the celebration aboard the 1885 tall ship Wavertree, hosted by the South Street Seaport Museum. Programming includes the Holi Puppet Show presented by WonderSpark Puppets and The Culture Tree, along with a reading of Kahaani Rangeeli (Colorful Story) by award-winning author Anu Sehgal. The Museum will also offer a hands-on Holi-inspired craft activity for guests of all ages.
This portion of the event is free; however, separate registration is required due to limited capacity. Additional information and registration details are available at seaportmuseum.org/holi.
The South Street Seaport Museum will also offer free general admission to its ships and galleries from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. While tickets are free, preregistration is encouraged, and walk-ins will be accommodated as space permits. Visitors are advised to explore the Museum’s exhibitions before participating in the color activities, as individuals covered in colored powder will not be permitted inside to protect the historic ships, buildings, and collections.
In addition to performances and programming, attendees can purchase Holi colors and browse an outdoor Indian market featuring nearly a dozen Indian-owned businesses.
For more information about the Holi celebration at the Seaport, visit TheSeaport.NYC.
