Gridlock FAQ’s
What is Gridlock on Governors?
Gridlock on Governors is the only vintage Volkswagen show in the New York five boroughs, and the only car show on historic Governors Island. This year's show will be held on Sunday, August 18, 2024, and features iconic models like the Beetle, Bus, Karmann Ghia, and Thing parked on Picnic Point with panoramic views of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Statue of Liberty.
How do I register?
Participants for Gridlock on Governors must register and complete payment using the event webpage beginning in June of 2024. Registered vehicles will select their preferred ferry-on and ferry-off times during registration. General admission includes both ferry transfers for the vehicle, driver, and any occupants who arrive within the vehicle at the time of departure. Walk-on passengers not arriving with a vehicle will need to obtain ferry tickets directly from The Trust for Governors Island located at the Battery Maritime Building located at 10 South Street, New York, NY 10004.
How do cars get onto Governors Island?
Governors Island is a no-car-zone and access is prohibited except for service vehicles such as security, grounds and maintenance, National Parks or emergency service vehicles. Gridlock on Governors is granted special permits to utilize ferries for vehicular passage but capacity on each vessel is limited. Ferry-on and ferry-off times must be reserved during pre-registration.
I missed pre-registration, can I register at the show?
Participants for Gridlock on Governors must register and complete payment using the event webpage beginning in June of 2024. The Trust for Governors Island restricts Gridlock vehicle attendance in order to provide appropriate ferry service and ensure our event does not unnecessarily tax the resources needed for other events and venues on Governors Island. Because of this, we are unable to accept day-of registrations. If you have missed registration please contact us to be placed on standby as space often becomes available. If you are purchasing a ticket from another party, you must complete the transaction and notify us prior to August 10, 2024; after which the ferry manifest will be finalized and no changes can be made or refunds offered. Individuals who do not notify us, who are not named on the pre-registration or arrive in a vehicle not matching their pre-registration may be turned away. Gridlock on Governors is not bound to honor tickets sold outside of our ticketing system.
Is there camping before the show?
Camping is held at SkyLine Drive-In located at 1 Oak Street, Brooklyn, NY 11222 on the Saturday before Gridlock. The primitive camping sites are on concrete and include access to bathrooms and showers but do not have individual site electric or water service. Camping admission is a flat fee per vehicle and includes admission to all movie showings that evening as well as the Gridlock New York Pizza Party on Saturday evening.
Are there food or drinks available on Governors Island?
Visitors to Governors Island are invited to bring their own food. Visitors are not permitted to bring their own alcohol onto the island, but it can be purchased and consumed in specific areas. Governors Island hosts a number of food vendors throughout the island. With a large assortment and seating located on Liggett Terrace and other vendors along Colonel Row both just a short bike ride from Picnic Point. Grilling is only allowed at designated grill stations located at Picnic Point available for rental daily on https://www.govisland.com
Can I take the ferry from Brooklyn, Staten Island, or New Jersey?
All registered show vehicles must access Governors Island via the Battery Maritime Building located at 10 South Street, New York, NY 10004. There is no vehicular ferry service offered outside of Manhattan or from the NYC Transit terminals. Additional walk-on ferry service is available from NYC Transit located at Pier 11 in Manhattan. The East River Ferry Service provides seasonal passage to Governors Island on weekends only.
Can I park with my club?
Show vehicles are parked according to their model and then chronologically based on their year of manufacture. We do not offer club parking and cannot accommodate requests to park with a specific group of vehicles. Upon arrival to the ferry terminal, registered vehicles will be issued a rear-view mirror placard which indicates a parking space number. When parking on Governors Island you are required to park at your assigned space number.
Do I need to stay with my car all day?
Absolutely not! Governors Island hosts dozens of events throughout the island. Take some time to walk the island, explore Castle Williams or Fort Jay, swing from the trapeze on the parade ground, experience an art installation in Nolan Park, grab lunch or a drink on Liggett Terrace and then a nap in Hammock Grove before hiking to the top of Outlook Hill to enjoy unobstructed 360° views of New York City, Brooklyn, Staten Island, and New Jersey. Bring your own bicycle to the island or rent one from Blazing Saddles on Governors Island.
Can I bring a different vehicle than the one I pre-registered with?
Participants are expected to arrive with the vehicle indicated on their pre-registration. We are able to accommodate registration changes up until August 10, 2024; after which the ferry manifest will be finalized and no changes can be made or refunds offered. Individuals who arrive in a vehicle not matching their pre-registration may be turned away.
Can I change my ferry reservation times?
Ferry-on and ferry-off reservations are completed at the time of registration on a first-come, first-served basis. We are typically able to assist in ferry reservation changes dependent upon i) space on the vessel, or ii) another participants willingness to swap reservations. We are able to assist with ferry reservation changes up until August 10, 2024; after which the ferry manifest will be finalized and no changes can be made or refunds offered.
Where can I buy Official Gridlock on Governors show merch?
Official Gridlock on Governors merch is available on the event webpage. For 2024 we have partnered with Bonfire™ to produce and ship event t-shirts, pullovers, and tank-tops. Orders will go to print the following business day and arrive 8 - 14 business days after the order is placed. For issues with an order please contact Bonfire customer support at https://www.bonfire.com/contact Gridlock on Governors promotional decals will be distributed throughout the 2024 show season. Official show decals will be available to participants on the day of show only.
Can I get a refund or sell my ticket to someone else?
Individuals who purchased tickets and cannot attend may elect for a refund or may sell their tickets to another party directly. Ticket refund requests or transfers must be complete and you must notify us prior to August 10, 2024; after which the ferry manifest will be finalized and no changes can be made or refunds offered. Individuals who do not notify us, who are not named on the pre-registration or arrive in a vehicle not matching their pre-registration may be turned away. Gridlock on Governors is not bound to honor tickets sold outside of our ticketing system.
Is the show open to the public?
Governors Island is a public park and with few exceptions all programs and events held on the island are made available to the public. Vehicle owners are encouraged to take appropriate precautions to keep personal items and valuables locked within their vehicles or stored out of sight. It is not uncommon for curious onlookers to touch vehicles or occasionally open doors.