Some of the pandemic pastimes that surged in the past couple of years have receded now that things are kind of normal again. But one that hasn’t faded – and in fact, is continuing to surge – is Old School roller skating and disco roller rinks. Yep, roller skating is experiencing a renaissance: it’s back and better than ever, and here’s where to go to find the best luxury disco rinks for the popular pastime in New York City and London right now.
the Roller Skating Renaissance Rolls On
Quick: what do Google, TikTok, Gucci and The Crown all have in common?
A passionate embrace of the groovy Old School art (and sport) of roller skating.
As Harper’s Bazaar notes, roller skating was one of those re-discovered Great Lockdown hobbies like bread baking. And in 2021, as COVID-19 restrictions were loosening, instead of receding, the desire to skate actually surged.
“Google trends, Tik Tok went crazy for it, and by autumn, Gucci had enlisted roller skater Sara Lancerio to front its #GucciGrip watch campaign. [Roller skating] even popped up in The Crown, in which a young Princess Diana is seen skating through the state rooms at Buckingham Palace circa 1981 to Duran Duran’s Girls on Film.”
Roller skating is back and better than ever, and here are the best luxury rinks for the popular pastime in New York City and London right now.
From catching a roller derby competition, to screening the movie United Skates (which is a poignant look at how roller skating influenced the Civil Rights movement and hip-hop), to tuning into the podcast Skate of Mind (which explores the psychological connection between roller skating and a more positive outlook on life), there are plenty of ways to get your skate on without . . . actually getting on skates.
But for those who are ready to fling themselves out there, here are 10 outstanding places to go roller skating right now. For date night, family night, girls night out, or just because, it’s time to lace up and fly solo.
1. Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace – Rockefeller Center.
The iconic ice skating rink at Rockefeller Plaza used to be converted into an outdoor bistro for the summer months. But not this year. That sound you hear approaching this famous space, under the watchful gaze of Prometheus, is disco music. And those shouts are screams of joy and fear are coming from Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace.
The luxury disco roller skating rink at Rockefeller Plaza New York City. Photo Credit: Dandelion Chandelier.
We strolled over in mid-July during lunchtime to see what was happening. And it was pure summer fun, from what we could see.
Timed tickets must be reserved online in advance here.
The luxury disco roller skating rink at Rockefeller Plaza New York City. Photo Credit: Dandelion Chandelier.
2. the DiscOasis – Wollman Rink, Central Park.
Nile Rodgers is the “Groovemaster” for The DiscOasis, a roller disco extravaganza that first popped up at Los Angeles’ South Coast Botanic Garden last summer. This summer, The DiscOasis is at Wollman Rink in Central Park (the former site of Victorian Gardens, the pop-up amusement park).
From now until October 1, The DiscOasis will feature open skate sessions, theatrical performances, live DJs, artists and special guests. Skating sessions are available from 10A to 10P, Wednesdays through Sundays.
Where to go to find the best luxury disco roller skating rink experience in New York and London.
What’s the vibe? In an interview with The Gothamist, Stefanie Tomlin, general manager of Wollman Park Partners, said: “It’s truly an immersive experience, so [people] should come ready to dance. They should come ready to skate. They should come ready to meet people from all different walks of life, they should come curious and ready to explore.”
General admission prices range from $16-$65. There are daytime options of one or three hour skate sessions, and two hour skate sessions at night. Because this is New York, of course VIP tickets are also available.
3. Riverbank State Park – Harlem.
The Riverbank State Park Skating Rink (at Riverside Drive and 145th Street) is the only outdoor roller rink in Harlem.
The arena, which serves an ice skating rink in the winter, welcomes roller skaters six days a week, from the beginning of July through the second week of September. While most sessions are open to families with kids, Wednesday and Friday nights are exclusively for those 18 years or older. Admission is $2 and skate rentals are $6 per person. No reservations are required.
Where to go to find the best luxury disco roller skating rink experience in New York and London.
4. The Roller Wave – pop-ups around New York City.
The Roller Wave is a moveable feast, “a travelling pop-up rolling skating experience,” for those who prefer a vibe that’s more spontaneous and loose – and a variety of cool venues. The company was founded by Harry Martin, who rediscovered his lost love of roller skating at a corporate function.
The Roller Wave has hosted events at The House of Yes; The Ludlow House; Gantry Loft in Long Island City; Soho House; and The Williamsburg Hotel. Check their website for skating events throughout the summer in various spots across the city. When it gets too cold to skate outside, the party moves to Miami, Atlanta and LA.
5. the LeFrak Center at Lakeside Prospect Park – Brooklyn.
Lakeside’s outdoor roller skating rink provides pop hits you can skate to while taking in views of Prospect Park Lake. Starting at 11am on weekdays and noon on weekends, admission is only $8 during the week and $12 on weekends and holidays. Rentals are $8 daily.
Every Friday night all summer long (until mid-September, actually), there’s a roller disco party at the LeFrak Center at Lakeside Prospect Park. Time Out notes that “Costumes are highly encouraged at this kitschy and mostly adults-only roller-skate dance party.”
6. The TWA Hotel -JFK Airport, Queens.
The summertime fest known as “the Roll-a-Rama at the Runway Rink” is back at the TWA Hotel at JFK Airport. Guests are invited to “take a spin on the outdoor tarmac around the hotel’s 1958 Lockheed Constellation ‘Connie’ vintage airplane.” The rink will be open from now until November 1.
Weather permitting, the rink is open Fridays from 4-8 P, and Saturdays and Sundays from 12 noon to 8P. Admission for one 50-minute skate session is $20 per adult and $16 per child under 12 (skate rentals are included). Tickets are available only on a first come basis at the door, and payment is credit card only.
7. United Skates of America – Seafort, Long Island.
Should you find yourself in the Hamptons or on the North Shore of Long Island and the urge to boogie down hits, head to United Skates of America.
This classic roller rink is perfect for a night out with family, friends, or a special someone. There’s a full slate of events this summer, including “Friday Night Glow” skating. Three nights each week reserved for adult skaters only. Personally, we’re marking our calendars for the late night Hip Hop Gospel Skate on Friday and Saturday of the first weekend of August.
Where to go for the best luxury disco roller skating rink in New York and London.
8. Roller Nation – London.
Harper’s Bazaar reports that Roller Nation, London’s only disco roller skating rink and nightclub, is abuzz this summer, as well. Co-manager David French notes that traffic to the rink’s website increased by 30 per cent after its reopening post-pandemic.
Like its American cousins, Roller Nation has theme nights and family-oriented skates. Thursday is Soul Skate night. Saturday afternoon is for families. And Saturday night is an Old School roller disco party.
Book tickets in advance; skates are BYO or rentals.
Where to go for the best luxury disco roller skating rink in New York and London.
the roller skating rink as a luxury experience
That’s our take on where to go for the best luxury disco roller skating rink experiences in New York City and London right now.
What can roller skating teach us about life? Pretty much everything. When learning to skate, Craig “Jiggy” Francis noted in an interview, “you will fall over, it will hurt, there’s no way around that. You have to get over it. Roller-skating is a parallel to your life: you’re going to fall down and make mistakes; it’s about whether you can you pick yourself up and continue.”
Wow. Given all that, we’re definitely hitting the rink this weekend, with all the available protective gear we can find for our vulnerable body parts. Who’s with us?!
