Every spring for over twenty years, a group of New Yorkers has come together to celebrate Katharine Hepburn’s birthday in a small, hidden garden in Midtown Manhattan. The event, known as the Katharine Hepburn Garden Party, took place over the weekend in Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, commemorating the iconic actress who passed away in 2003.
The annual celebration honors Hepburn’s 117th birthday and draws dozens of elderly local residents. The event features music, dancing, and refreshments under a sign reading, “Celebrate Kate’s Birthday. Cake, Coffee and Live Music!” Attendees also received Katharine Hepburn pins and enjoyed slices of birthday cake.
Hepburn's former neighbors, including Sabrina Seidner, attended the gathering, sharing fond memories of the actress. Hepburn lived at 244 East 49th Street for nearly 60 years and was remembered not just as a film legend, but as an active community member who advocated for preserving local greenery and opposed the construction of skyscrapers in the area.
The garden, dedicated to Hepburn by the Parks Department when she was 90, features steppingstones inscribed with quotes from the actress and tablets showcasing scenes from her famous films. It even includes a bench from her Connecticut home, restored to the garden with assistance from her estate and fellow actress Lauren Bacall.
During the party, speakers like Anne Hersh, director of Friends of Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, and Manhattan Borough president Mark Levine, spoke about Hepburn’s legacy and current issues affecting the park. As jazz music played, guests reminisced about Hepburn’s life and her connection to the Turtle Bay neighborhood.