The 15th Annual NYC Unicycle Festival Launches Today!

I think we can go ahead and call my old friends of The Bindlestiff Family Cirkus a New York institution by now. Among their many programs and activities (their Open Stage Variety Show, the Flatbed Follies, the First of May Award, their after school programs for kids, etc) there’s an institution within an institution: the NYC Unicycle Festival, now in its 15th year.

It’s basically a free convocation where anyone and everyone who rides unicycles assemble, go on long distance rides around the city as a group, show each other stunts, and even play unicycle basketball (in years past the King Charles Troupe would turn up. I don’t know if that’s the case this year.) Many who participate are circus folk, so juggling and similar skills are often on view as well.

NB: this is a spectacle, and these people love to show off! Non-unicyclers are not just welcome, but necessary! If you’re lucky, you may get to try out one of the one-wheeled contraptions yourself. It’s a great (free) outdoor thing to do with the kids!

Go to their website here for a full schedule of activities! (Registration is required for those who’ll be riding).