The Wonder Wheel will have some company this weekend as the 16th annual NYC Unicycle Festival rolls through Brooklyn.
Founded back in 2010 by the Brooklyn-based Bindlestiff Family Cirkus, the festival draws recreational unicycle riders, seasoned pros, and even off-road unicycle enthusiasts together for four days of one-wheeled wonder.
This year’s festivities run from Aug. 28-31 in various locations across Brooklyn and Manhattan, and the festival officially kicked off on Thursday morning as riders took over Manhattan for the West Side One-Wheel ride.
Brooklyn Unicycle Day falls on Friday, Aug. 29. At 2 p.m., a massive group of uni-riders will gather for a 13-mile ride across the Brooklyn Bridge and all the way down to Coney Island. The route hits most of Brooklyn’s biggest landmarks — the bridge, Prospect Park, where unicyclists will take a mid-ride rest, and the People’s Playground — where organizers hope to score a free ride on the Wonder Wheel.
Celebrations continue at Manhattan’s Hudson River Park on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. On both days, the unicycle-curious can learn to ride and watch the pros play unicycle basketball and show off more feats of balance and speed.
The festival is completely free and open to all — from unicycle newbies to cycling enthusiasts and, of course, seasoned uni-experts. Riders can find more information online, and must fill out a waiver if they intend to participate — and are encouraged to bring snacks, water, and helmets.
Organizers said UniFest, once a small event, as grown into a beloved annual tradition that brings joy to participants and bystanders who happen to catch sight of a unicycle parade passing through the streets.
“We never imagined that this quirky and fun little idea we had sixteen years ago would become a beloved New York City tradition that many people look forward to each year, including us,” said Bindlestiff Family Cirkus co-founder Keith Nelson in a statement. “If you’ve ever wanted to see unicyclists in action or maybe even try one out for yourself, the Unicycle Festival is for you.”
The 13-mile ride through Brooklyn has been the festival’s main event since its inception in 2010, and UniFest co-founder Kyle Peterson for years performed daring unicycle tricks during baseball games at Maimonides Park — and rode it home afterward.
NYC Unicycle Festival takes place at various locations across Brooklyn and Manhattan from Aug. 28-31. The 13-mile ride through Brooklyn begins on Aug. 29 at 2 p.m. on the Manhattan side of the Brooklyn Bridge, near City Hall.
