Tompkins Square Park Hosts 38th Annual Riot Reunion Concert

The East Village is set to host the 38th annual Tompkins Square Riot Reunion today, August 2, 2026. The public event, which is scheduled to run from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. within Tompkins Square Park, serves as a commemorative gathering marking the anniversary of the police riot that took place in the park on August 6, 1988.

Organizers have planned a program that includes both musical performances and a series of guest speakers. According to event announcements, the musical lineup features several acts, including Kartel, Drunken Rampage, and Citizens Arrest. The gathering is intended to reflect on the historical significance of the 1988 unrest, which remains a notable moment in the neighborhood's history regarding local activism and law enforcement relations.

Attendees are invited to participate in the free concert throughout the afternoon. As the event takes place in a public park, those planning to attend should anticipate standard park conditions and potential crowds. The reunion continues a multi-decade tradition of using the park space to discuss the events of 1988 and their ongoing impact on the community.