Green-Wood

Death Cafe
2026-02-25 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-03-26 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-04-28 18:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Credit: Jothan Cashero

The Death Cafe is a simple yet powerful idea: bring people together to openly discuss grief, loss, and mortality. With thousands of chapters in over 90 countries, Death Cafes are informal gatherings designed to “increase awareness of death to help people make the most of their lives.” There’s no set agenda, but conversations might explore such topics as burial vs. cremation, green burials, planning funerals and celebrations of life, or personal experiences with grief.

Price: Free. Registration required.

Get Tickets

In-Person Event(see details below)

Join us in the Cemetery’s Modern Chapel to share your thoughts, hopes, and questions in a safe, welcoming space over tea and pastries.

Free. Registration required. Please consider a $10 donation to the Green-Wood Historic Fund so that we can continue to offer more death education programs like this throughout the year.

BEFORE RESERVING YOUR SPOT, PLEASE NOTE:

Where To Go: This program will take place at the Modern Chapel near the Main Entrance at Fifth Avenue and 25th Street (500 25th Street).

Accessibility & Safety: The Modern Chapel is not fully ADA compliant; however, accommodations for entrance can be made for visitors using wheelchairs or other mobility aids. Before reserving tickets, we encourage visitors to contact our staff with any questions regarding accommodations and accessibility at 718-210-3080, ext. 1, or events@green-wood.com.

Grieving & Weaving
2026-03-19 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-04-14 18:30 - 20:30
Credit: Jordana Bermudez

Whether you’re an expert with yarn, just starting out, or prefer sketching or collaging, all are welcome to join us as we share stories, skills, and grief resources. As we create together in the comfort of Green-Wood’s Modern Chapel, we’ll talk about the significance of handmade items in both our personal and collective histories.

Beginners can join our knitting and crochet tutorial groups, while experienced crafters are encouraged to bring ongoing projects and mentor others. Feel free to bring your own yarn, needles, and hooks; some materials will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Not a knitter? Not to worry, you can bring whatever other crafts you are working on.

Price: Free. Registration required.

Get Tickets

In-Person Event(see details below)

To hear about past attendees’ experiences, listen to and/or read this piece featured on NPR.

Free. Registration required. Please consider a $10 donationto the Green-Wood Historic Fund so that we can continue to offer free and low-cost programs throughout the year.

BEFORE RESERVING YOUR SPOT, PLEASE NOTE:

Where To Go: This program will take place at the Modern Chapel near the Main Entrance at Fifth Avenue and 25th Street (500 25th Street).

Accessibility & Safety: The Modern Chapel is not fully ADA compliant, however, accommodations for entrance can be made for visitors using wheelchairs or other mobility aids. Before reserving tickets, we encourage visitors to contact our staff with any questions regarding accommodations and accessibility at 718-210-3080, ext. 1, or events@green-wood.com.

Grieving & Weaving
2026-04-14 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-05-13 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-06-16 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-07-14 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-08-12 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-09-16 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-10-08 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-11-13 18:30 - 20:30 and 1 more date
Credit: Jordana Bermudez

Stitching together creativity and community, this knitting and crocheting group is unique for one reason: it meets in a cemetery. Whether you’re an expert with yarn or just starting out, you are welcome to join us as we share stories, skills, and grief resources in the comfort of Green-Wood’s Modern Chapel. As we create together, we’ll talk about the significance of handmade items in both our personal and collective histories. To hear about past attendees’ experiences, listen to and/or read this piece featured on NPR.

Beginners can join our knitting and crochet tutorial groups, while experienced crafters are encouraged to bring ongoing projects and mentor others. Feel free to bring your own yarn, needles, and hooks; some materials will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Not a knitter? Not to worry, you can bring whatever other crafts you are working on.

Free. Registration required. Please consider a $10 donation to the Green-Wood Historic Fund so that we can continue to offer more death education programs like this throughout the year.

Price: Free

Register

In-Person Event(see details below)

Know Before You Go:

Where To Go: This program will take place at the Modern Chapel near the Main Entrance at Fifth Avenue and 25th Street (500 25th Street).

Accessibility & Safety: The Modern Chapel is not fully ADA compliant, however, accommodations for entrance can be made for visitors using wheelchairs or other mobility aids. Before reserving tickets, we encourage visitors to contact our staff with any questions regarding accommodations and accessibility at 718-210-3080, ext. 1, or events@green-wood.com.

MoonFest
2026-05-01 19:00 - 23:00
Credit: Alex Testere

Registration for MoonFest is now closed.

Click here for the evening’s program.

MoonFest is Green-Wood’s new after-hours celebration of humanity’s enduring fascination with the moon. The event draws inspiration from the Cemetery’s permanent resident, John Draper, who made history in 1840 by capturing one of the earliest photographs of the moon, proving we could bridge the 238,000-mile gap between the Earth and our celestial neighbor. Channeling that pioneering spirit, creatives, scientists, historians, and stargazers will guide visitors in exploring the moon’s profound influence on our world, from the rhythm of the tides and time to mythology and the future of space travel.

Price: Free

Join Waitlist

On-Site Program(see details below)

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

MOON AND STARGAZING
Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket, kick back, and enjoy stargazing at the Main Entrance Meadow all night long!

Eyes on the Sky!Time: 8-11pm Location: Main Entrance Meadow

Fulfill your curiosity and join the Amateur Astronomers Association for a night under a full moon at Green-Wood. Peer through powerful telescopes at distant stars, glowing planets, and the moon’s textured surface with expert astronomers by your side to see the cosmos like never before. No experience needed, just drop in and look up!

WALKING TOURS
First come, first served, regardless of registration. The queue begins 15 minutes before the start of each tour. All tour participants agree to the terms outlined at the bottom of this page.

Spirits of Science Walking ToursTimes: 7:45–9:45pm, and 8:30–10:30pm Location: Meets at the Arch near the Main Entrance

What do minty fresh breath, penicillin, and the first photograph of the moon have in common? They all have roots at Green-Wood! Meet the innovators whose curiosity changed the world, including photographer and chemist John Draper, pharmaceutical pioneer Charles Pfizer, and the man who made toothpaste a household staple, William Colgate, and more. You’ll discover that their stories are far stranger and more entertaining than any textbook lets on.

Bugging Out!Time: 7–8pmLocation: Meets at the Arch near the Main Entrance

Herbivores, carnivores, pollinators, parasites—at least 950 beautiful (and sometimes frightening) species of insects and spiders have been identified at Green-Wood. Join us for a twilight exploration of these remarkable invertebrates as they emerge in the shifting light, and experience an eye-opening evening of insect watching. You’ll gain new perspectives on insect behaviors and adaptations, as well as the Cemetery itself, as dusk settles in.

Bugging Out! At NightTime: 8:30–10pmLocation: Meets at the Arch near the Main Entrance

Discover your inner entomologist with an after-hours exploration of Green-Wood’s nocturnal insects. Use ultraviolet lights to attract and observe moths, often called the “jewels of the night.” As the lights glow, a fascinating array of other nighttime visitors may appear, offering a rare glimpse into the Cemetery’s biodiversity after sunset.

UV Fungi and LichensTime: 9–10:30pmLocation: Meets at the Arch near the Main Entrance

Join Blacki Migliozzi, a data journalist at The New York Times, for a presentation exploring the hidden world of UV fluorescence in fungi and lichens, offering a glimpse into what makes certain species glow. Following the talk, participants will head out on a guided evening walk with UV flashlights to spot luminous lichens.

Nocturnal NavigatorsTimes: 8:30–9:30pm and 9:45–10:45pmLocation: Meets at the Arch near the Main Entrance

After the sun sets over Green-Wood’s historic landscape, the nocturnal creatures begin to emerge! Join biologist Nic Comparato for an exciting adventure into the secret world of bats. Discover the species that call this Cemetery home, from the little brown bat to the eastern red bat and hoary bat. Experience a live sonar demonstration using a handheld bat detector, which translates bats’ ultrasonic calls into sounds we can hear, and see how scientists use this tool to identify bats in real time.

ART ACTIVITIES
All activities are first come, first served regardless of registration. Supplies are limited.

Press & Poem: A Cosmic Crafting SessionTime: 7–11pmLocation: The Green-House Classroom

Green-Wood’s artist in residence, Jia Sung, has spent years drawing the cosmos, including moons, constellations, and orbiting celestial bodies. Now, she brings that practice into your hands. Choose a stamp, press it to the page, and let it guide you toward a poem or small work of art. Like Chinese poets who composed in response to mountains, seasons, and skies, all you need is a starting point. Let tonight’s Flower Moon serve as your inspiration!

Greedy Peasant’s Lunar Photo SanctumTime: 7–11pmLocation: The Green-Wood Gallery at the Green-House

Calling all dreamers, stargazers, and night wanderers: Greedy Peasant returns to Green-Wood with a moon-themed photo pop-up inspired by medieval imagery. Design your own celestial halo, then step into the glow for a portrait worthy of the sacred and the strange.

TASTINGS
TastingsTime: 7–11pmLocation: The Green-Wood Gallery at the Green-House

Enjoy tastings from Dassai and ITO EN (sake available to only those 21 years and older).

TALKS AND PRESENTATIONS
Due to capacity limits, all presentations are first come, first served, regardless of registration. Limited seating and standing room section.

Simultaneous Spanish translation will be available for all sessions. Please see a member of staff or a volunteer to assist you.

See below for a description of each panel.

THE GREEN-HOUSE ATRIUM
Chasing the Infinite: From Medieval Manuscripts to the Modern Night SkyTime: 7–8pmLocation: The Green-House Atrium

When curator Joshua O’Driscoll opens the Morgan Library & Museum’s celestially inspired manuscripts and astrophotographer Ian Lauer turns his lens skyward, more than a millennium of wonder comes into view. Together, they will explore how humans have always reached for the heavens, whether through pigment and parchment or pixels and light. Moderated by Matthew Stanley, professor at New York University.

Human Endeavors in ExplorationTime: 8:30–9:30pmLocation: The Green-House Atrium

Blast off into the Space Race, when ambition, rivalry, and curiosity propelled humans to the moon. What made that giant leap possible, and how does it still shape life on Earth today? Look ahead to the Artemis missions and what it means to return to the moon in a new era of exploration. Join Astronomy on Tap as we move through the past, present, and future, and ask the million-dollar question: What continues to draw us skyward?

Human Endeavors in Finding Meaning in the MoonTime: 10–11pmLocation: The Green-House Atrium

Long before rockets, the moon was a story we couldn’t stop telling. Across cultures and centuries, it has guided calendars, inspired myths, and sparked wonder in anyone who’s looked up at night. Why does this glowing neighbor still hold such power over our imagination? Join Astronomy on Tap for a lively journey through lunar lore, cultural connections, and the timeless pull of the moon.

What is Astronomy on Tap? Astronomy on Tap is an event series connecting scientists, educators, and communicators directly with the public in fun, engaging ways. Staged across pubs, museums, and cultural institutions across NYC, each show showcases creative, exciting, and honest talks from people telling their professional and personal stories of science.

MODERN CHAPEL A
Floramancy, Space, and Self: The World of Black MetalTime: 7–7:45pmLocation: Modern Chapel A

Three years in the making, Black Metal is an experimental collaboration led by Afrotectopia, in partnership with MIT’s Media Lab and NYU’s Interactive Telecommunications Program. The project supported research artists Ari Melenciano, Jordan Caldwell, Jeremy Kamal, and Kordae Jatafa Henry as they imagined new futures for space travel.

In this presentation, Ari Melenciano explores how the cosmos becomes a mirror, reflecting how Black culture has always carried the universe within it. This vision unfolds through ancestral floramancy, reimagined spacesuits, cinematic inner voyages, and the uncharted terrain of self-realization.

Marking the Night Sky: Art and the UniverseTime: 8–8:45pmLocation: Modern Chapel A

The night sky can act as a canvas and catalyst, where science, culture, and imagination are inseparable. Artist Tariku Shiferaw, whose ongoing series Mata Semay (“night skies” in Amharic) reimagines the cosmos through mythology and diasporic histories, will be joined by theoretical physicist, author, and jazz saxophonist Dr. Stephon Alexander.

A professor at Brown University, Alexander has spent his career drawing connections between music and the structure of the universe. Together, they will discuss how, in many non-Western histories, the night sky has always been a site of exploration and projection.

After Dark: Humanity’s Dreams and the CosmosTime: 9–9:45pmLocation: Modern Chapel A

For many, night isn’t the absence of light but a time when illumination takes alternative forms through dreams, myths, and cinema. In this conversation, two artists and a film curator explore how luminosity and cosmic forces shape their creative practices.

Anthony Cudahy creates figurative paintings exploring autobiographical narratives and crafted mythologies, drawing on historical and personal photographs. Gretta Johnson builds surreal, disjointed environments inspired by creation stories and dream imagery. Lukas Brašiškis, Curator of Film and Video at e-flux and co-curator of The 14th Shanghai Biennale: Cosmos Cinema, examines how artists address humanity’s relationship to the cosmos through political, ethical, and aesthetic lenses.

Shooting the Stars: Astrophotography 101Time: 10–10:45pmLocation: Modern Chapel A

Join astrophotographer Ian Lauer for an introduction to capturing the beauty of the night sky. From camera settings to composition, he’ll walk you through the essential tools and techniques that turn darkness into stunning celestial imagery. Whether you’re a complete beginner or simply curious about what’s possible, this is your invitation to start looking up!

MODERN CHAPEL B
Beyond Earth: Making Space AccessibleTime: 7–7:45pmLocation: Modern Chapel B

As humanity looks toward a more expansive future in space, who gets to be part of it is just as important as how we get there. Kim Macharia will explore what it takes to open pathways into the space industry and how greater access can reshape the future of exploration.

Gitika Gorthi, the Founder/CEO of interdisciplinary space education nonprofit IgnitedThinkers, will discuss space-to-earth verticals, the global aerospace industry landscape, and next steps to empower the next generation to enter the exponentially growing space economy. Together, they will consider how expanding participation today will shape who we become as a spacefaring society. Moderated by Charlotte Martin, Director of Access Initiatives at the Intrepid Museum.

Lunar Rhythms: How the Moon Shapes Our LivesTime: 8–8:45pmLocation: Modern Chapel B

Throughout history, the moon has shaped how humans experience time, nature, and the world around them. Professor K. E. Saavik Ford of Borough of Manhattan Community College will guide us through the lunar calendars and rhythms that have inspired these traditions, and how lunar and solar calendars interact.

This year, the full moon coincides with the solar holiday of Beltane, the Irish festival of fertility, fire, and renewal celebrated each year on May 1st. Moderated by Noah Guiberson, a neuroscientist at Weill Cornell Medicine and a co-host of the podcast Facts Machine.

Through the Telescope: Centuries of Cosmic DiscoveryTime: 9–9:45pmLocation: Modern Chapel B

From Galileo’s first lens to today’s cutting-edge observatories, the telescope has been humanity’s greatest tool for observing the cosmos. Columbia PhD student Meghna Sitaram describes the variety of telescopes used, and ongoing work to advance technology for observing galaxies on the ground and in space. Flatiron Research Fellow Joseph Long shares his work using the MagAO-X adaptive optics system on the Magellan Telescope to capture images of elusive exoplanets. Moderated by Paula Croxson, a neuroscientist, science communicator, and Senior Producer for The Story Collider.

Cosmic Web: Mapping the Structure of the UniverseTime: 10–10:45pmLocation: Modern Chapel B

Peering into the universe takes more than a telescope. Charlotte Welker, assistant professor at New York City College of Technology, uses powerful simulations to reveal how galaxies form and evolve within the vast cosmic web. Her work brings to life the hidden forces that shape the universe, from black holes to galactic collisions. Moderated by Charlotte Olsen, an astrophysicist and adjunct professor at New York City College of Technology.

Admission is free and everyone is welcome! Presentations and tours are first come, first served, so we recommend arriving early and building in some extra time. Indoor spaces have limited capacity, but there’s plenty of room for moon and stargazing out in the meadow!

This program is funded by Simons Foundation International and administered by the Simons Foundation’s Science, Society & Culture division.

Know Before You Go:

Tickets: There is no need to print tickets! Attendees will be checked in by name.

Where To Go: Check-in takes place at the Green-House (750 Fifth Avenue), near the Main Entrance on Fifth Avenue and 25th Street.

Accessibility & Safety: While most of the program takes place in the ADA-accessible Green-House, it includes a walking tour over hilly, grassy, and uneven terrain. This portion is not wheelchair accessible and may be challenging for those with balance or mobility issues. There are no seating areas during the tour. For disability-related accommodations, contact us at 718-210-3080, ext. 1 or events@green-wood.com. This tour is not recommended for children under 10. Please wear appropriate footwear.

Refunds: All ticket sales are final. Refunds are only permissible if the tour is canceled by Green-Wood. Tickets cannot be exchanged for a different tour date.

Inclement Weather Policy: We monitor weather conditions throughout the day for the best chance of proceeding with the tour, and will not make a final decision until approximately 3 hours before the start of the tour. Cancellations will be announced via Eventbrite email blasts, so check your email and spam folders.

DEATH CAFE
2026-05-20 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-06-30 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-07-23 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-08-19 18:30 - 20:00
Credit: Jothan Cashero

The Death Cafe is a simple yet powerful idea: bring people together to openly discuss one of life’s greatest truths—death. With thousands of chapters in over 90 countries, Death Cafes are informal gatherings designed to “increase awareness of death to help people make the most of their lives.” There’s no set agenda, but conversations might explore topics like burial vs. cremation, green burials, planning funerals and celebrations of life, or personal experiences with grief.

Join us at the Cemetery’s Modern Chapel to share your thoughts, hopes, and questions in a safe, welcoming space—over tea and pastries.

Free. Registration required. Please consider a $10 donation to the Green-Wood Historic Fund so that we can continue to offer more death education programs like this throughout the year.

Price: Free

Register

In-Person Event(see details below)

Know Before You Go:

Where To Go: This program will take place at the Modern Chapel near the Main Entrance at Fifth Avenue and 25th Street (500 25th Street).

Accessibility & Safety: The Modern Chapel is not fully ADA compliant; however, accommodations for entrance can be made for visitors using wheelchairs or other mobility aids. Before reserving tickets, we encourage visitors to contact our staff with any questions regarding accommodations and accessibility at 718-210-3080, ext. 1, or events@green-wood.com.

Signatures for Safekeeping: Preparing End-of-Life Documents
2026-06-02 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-09-09 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-12-15 18:30 - 20:00
Most of our decisions around end-of-life not only involve answering the big questions, but also handling complex paperwork. This program offers practical and accessible guidance on the documents that help ensure our wishes are known (both for ourselves and others). Designed for adults at any stage of life, this series emphasizes empowerment to combat feelings of overwhelm.

Participants will learn from lawyers, estate planners, and end-of-life care practitioners about essential documents such as advance directives, health care proxies, wills, powers of attorney, and other planning tools. The sessions will take care to break down what each document does and when it’s needed.

Price: Free

Register

In-Person Event(see details below)

Know Before You Go:

Where To Go: This program will take place at The Green-House (750 Fifth Avenue), across the street from the Main Entrance of Green-Wood (500 25th Street).

Accessibility & Safety: The Green-House is an ADA-compliant building; however, extra accommodations for visitors using wheelchairs or other mobility aids are encouraged before reserving tickets. To contact our staff with any questions regarding accommodations and accessibility, call 718-210-3080, ext. 1, or email events@green-wood.com.

A Day in the Life of a Gravedigger
2026-06-17 18:30 - 20:00
Green-Wood’s A Day in the Life series turns its focus inward, spotlighting the dedicated professionals who keep the Cemetery running. Ever wonder what it’s like to work alongside death—or what inspires someone to build a career in the deathcare field? Hear directly from Green-Wood staff members whose behind-the-scenes efforts shape this historic landscape. Panelists will share insights into their responsibilities, the skills their roles require, and what it means to work in a space that is both an active business and sacred ground.

A Day in the Life brings together industry professionals for lively conversations about the many facets of work in the deathcare field.

Price: Free

Register

In-Person Event(see details below)

Know Before You Go:

Where To Go: This program will take place at The Green-House (750 Fifth Avenue), across the street from the Main Entrance of Green-Wood (500 25th Street).

Accessibility & Safety: The Green-House is an ADA compliant building; however, extra accommodations for visitors using wheelchairs or other mobility aids are encouraged, before reserving tickets. To contact our staff with any questions regarding accommodations and accessibility, call 718-210-3080, ext. 1, or email events@green-wood.com.

A Day in the Life of a Funeral Celebrant
2026-10-07 18:30 - 20:00
Credit: Shannon Taggart

Green-Wood’s A Day in the Life series turns its focus to funeral celebrants, professionals who work closely with families to create meaningful, personalized rituals and memorial services. Panelists will discuss what their day-to-day responsibilities entail, from collaborating with families, funeral directors, and communities to designing services that reflect individual values, cultures, and beliefs. The conversation will also explore the logistics and emotional labor of the role, as well as pathways into the profession. Attendees are invited to ask questions about training, common misconceptions about celebrancy, and the evolving ways people mark death today.

A Day in the Life brings together industry professionals for lively conversations about the many facets of work in the deathcare field.

Price: Free

Register

In-Person Event(see details below)

Know Before You Go:

Where To Go: This program will take place at The Green-House (750 Fifth Avenue), across the street from the Main Entrance of Green-Wood (500 25th Street).

Accessibility & Safety: The Green-House is an ADA-compliant building; however, extra accommodations for visitors using wheelchairs or other mobility aids are encouraged, before reserving tickets. To contact our staff with any questions regarding accommodations and accessibility, call 718-210-3080, ext. 1, or email events@green-wood.com.

A Day in the Life of a Hospice Clinician
2026-12-02 18:30 - 20:00
Credit: Emily Faber

Green-Wood’s A Day in the Life series turns its focus to hospice clinicians, professionals who support patients and families through the final stages of life with compassion and specialized palliative care. Panelists will share candid insights into the emotional and practical realities of end-of-life care. Attendees are invited to ask questions about career pathways, common misconceptions, and how hospice services function within the broader healthcare system.

A Day in the Life brings together industry professionals for lively conversations about the many facets of work in the deathcare field.

Price: Free

Register

In-Person Event(see details below)

Know Before You Go:

Where To Go: This program will take place at The Green-House (750 Fifth Avenue), across the street from the Main Entrance of Green-Wood (500 25th Street).

Accessibility & Safety: The Green-House is an ADA-compliant building; however, extra accommodations for visitors using wheelchairs or other mobility aids are encouraged, before reserving tickets. To contact our staff with any questions regarding accommodations and accessibility, call 718-210-3080, ext. 1, or email events@green-wood.com.
