This park is nothing if not tuneful, and has long been a place for amateur musicians to gather in groups, lugging along instruments for impromptu concerts each weekend (and many weeknights when the weather is nice). The round fountain in the center of the park serves as a stage for a dozen or so regular comedians, acrobats, impressionists, and dancers who are good enough to draw crowds of 100 people or more.

Entertaining as well are the intense chess matches played in Washington Square Park from noon to sundown on the southwest corner of the park (the regulars are real sharks). Children will enjoy the two playgrounds on the north side of the park.