JuggleNYC, the New York organization dedicated to... well... Juggling hosts this annual festival. Expect juggling, workshops, games, shows, prizes, special guests, a raffle and more!! All events are open to the public. Admittance to the Pratt and Carmine Street gyms is free at for these events. Continues through Monday (see full schedule below the fold)
Date: Saturday, March 26th Time: 10:00am - 7:00pm Venue: Pratt Activities Resource Center (click for directions) Cost: Free
Big events like this tell me that spring is right around the corner with all of its tasty free events. Today, however, is Central Park's pre-Easter celebration. There is egg dying, a pettying zoo, and egg hunt and even the electic slide (okay, we'll pass on that part). Check the site for full details and download the map (pdf) here. Oh, and if you don't feel like trekking to Central Park, a similar event goes down in Queens
Date: Saturday, March 26th Time: 11:00am - 3:00pm Venue: Central Park Cost: Free
The Annual NYC Easter Parade "along Fifth Avenue from 49th to 57th Streets is a wonderful celebration of strolling in Easter finery. Bonnets are taken to an extreme that only New Yorkers can reach; also expect to see live rabbits, pet snakes, flowers, clowns, and more. The street is closed to traffic for parade participants and people watchers from roughly 10am until 4pm" By the way, how does it take these people 6 hours to walk from 49th street to 57th street. There must be too many tourist in the parade! [text swiped from here]
Date: Sunday, March 27th Time: 10:00am - 4:00pm Venue: 5th Ave from 49th to 57th Street Cost: Free
If you are still not Eastered out post parade, head over to Tavern on the Green for the annual Mad Hatter's Easter Bonnet Contest. There is serious booty to be had at this event as they will be giving away more than $4,000 in cash and prizes in 11 bonnet categories: Most Beautiful Easter Bonnet, Most Original Bonnet, Silliest Hat, Haughtiest Hat, Best in Show, Loveliest Little Lady Hat, Best Boy Bonnet, Best in Show Kids Cap, Best Pampered Pet Bonnet, Cutest Canine Cap, Kitschiest Kitty Bonnet and Best of Show Pets.
Also, there will be egg coloring for the kids, Cadbury® crème egg giveaways, storytelling, face painting, and special visits by Alice in Wonderland, the Queen of Hearts and of course the Easter Bunny! (photo from here)
Date: Sunday, March 27th Time: 12:30 - 4:00pm Venue:Tavern on the Green (Central Park West at 67th Street) Cost: Free
This years Greek Independence Day Parade will travel up 5th ave from 59th street to 79th. Dawning the decks of the floats will be pop star Anna Vissi, an olympic champ or two, soldiers who guard the Athenian Parliment and Greece's Military Band.
Date: Sunday, April 10th Time: 1pm Location: 5th ave from 59th to 79th Cost: Free
While I will be painstakingly working on Sunday to transform my scary Brooklyn back yard into my place of summertime solace, the rest of you should go to the park and play. "Experience Spring with Parks & Recreation's EARTHFEST at Pelham Bay Park. Experience Spring's EARTHFEST will feature activities including Arts & Crafts, Live animals, Environment Display, Music and a host of other activities. The event is absolutely FREE and the whole family is welcome."
Date: Sunday, April 17th Time: 12pm - 4pm Location: Pelham Bay Park,Bruckner Blvd. & Middletown Road Cost: Free
So in approximately two weeks, I gotta get myself into a bikini. Needless to say, I have been on a strict regiment of pilates, salads and beer drinking (HA!) Today though, from 12 to 8, you can get free ice cream cones from Ben and Jerry's. Truth be told, no matter what the diet, there is ALWAYS room for ice cream!
Date: Tuesday, April 19th Time: 12pm - 8pm Location: Various Ben and Jerry's Cost: Free
Parents are invited to bring kids between the ages of 8 and 13 years old to the filming of a Kidz Bop music video for an upcoming Kidz Bop Video DVD! Kids will get the chance to sing and appear in the video. Free refreshments and lunch will be served, and kids will receive a free copy of the DVD for participating!
- Kids cannot wear clothing with logos or trademarks (ie - no pictures of famous cartoon characters, etc.)
- Parents must sign releases in order for their kids to appear in the video. Kids will not be allowed on set inside Pianos until papers are signed. Parents will not be allowed to be on set (in cameras view) with kids while filming. [ed. note: Kids in Pianos? that's kinda grimey if you ask us]
Date: Saturday, April 23 Time: 8:00am - 12:00pm [again, who's at Piano's at this hour] Venue: Pianos (158 Ludlow St.) Cost: Free
"Bring a picnic lunch and join New York City environmental and youth organizations for the Central Park Conservancy's annual Earth Day Fair in Central Park. With fun and educational activities for people of all ages, live music and performances, arts and crafts, potato-sack races and other lawn games, delicious food, special tours, and lots of picnic and play space, the day promises to be a treat for all. This year's entertainment includes earthy tunes by DJ Moose, a hula-hooping performance (with a special lesson to follow) by Groovehoops, and the electrifying beats of Paprika!
FREE and open to the public. Take the C train to Central Park West and 103rd Street or Central Park West and 110th Street. Free Valet Bike Parking available on site provided by Time's Up, and free bicycle tune-ups provided by Recycle-A-Bicycle."
Date: Saturday, April 23rd (rain date is the 24th) Time: 11am - 4pm Location: Central Park, west side from 103rd to 107th Cost: Free
Drums Along The Hudson celebrates the spirit of the drum that is the heart, culture and tradition of the Native American people. The event features a powerful get-together of mesmerizing drumming from around the world and includes intertribal social dances like the Round Dance, the Iroquois Smoke dance, and the jingle dance. International foods, Native American crafts and artwork will be for sale.
Shad Fest celebrates the annual return of spawning shad to the Hudson River. Shad Planking demonstrations by Chris Letts of the Hudson River Foundation and free tastings are featured. "Planking " is a Native American cooking method taught to the Europen settlers. Shad, considered a delicacy, are the only fish that the D.E.C. permits to be commercially caught from the Hudson River because their life cycle allows them to remain PCB-free and, therefore, safe to eat.
Admission is free. Enter the park at Indian Road and 218th Street, three blocks west of Broadway.
Date: Sunday, May 1st
Time: 11:00am - 6:00pm
Venue: Inwood Hill Park - Enter at Indian Road and 218 Street.
Cost: Free
Join m*A*m*A, an NYC grassroots collective of mothers, as we celebrate the real meaning of Mother's Day with our third annual festival, Mamas Rising Up!). Skip the cards and the flowers and come celebrate radical, real and revolutionary mamas. This year's lineup includes:
Katherine Arnoldi, author of The Amazing "True" Story of a Teenage Mom, The Green Circus, Amina Munoz-Ali, poet and mother of a reservist, Mama Spirit and the Soul Sistahs, mother/daughter vocalists, Priscilla Grim, spoken word artist, Rude Mechanical Orchestra, Desiree Ong, poet, Tristan Regnaudot, from Choices in Childbirth, Tahira Faune, Gaelic vocalist, Faith Groenwald, activist with mothers in prison, a representative of Friends of the Birth Center, plus breakdancing, facepainting, and other activities for children. This is a kid and family friendly event.
Date: Saturday, May 7th Time: 1:00pm - 4:00pm Venue: Spoken Words Cafe, (226 4th Ave. at Union Street, Park Slope) Cost: Free
In case you forgot today is Mother's Day (so stop playing on the internet and go call your mama). If you are at a loss on what to do with Mom, or are too poor for Mother's Day brunch, take her to Prosepct Park. Today is suppossed to be about 70 degrees and sunny, a perfect day for free pedle boat rides on the lake.
Date: Sunday, May 8th Time: 12pm - 5pm Location: Prospect Park Cost: Free
The name says it all. Bring something to barbecue and some charcoal if you've got it. A grill would be cool, but we'll have a few. More folks will be added as they say yes, will be real laid back in general.
An afternoon of folks playing songs lackadaisical-like. With Currituck County, Joel Saladino from Narchictect, Brad Shanks from Blood on the Wall, Zeke Healy from the Boggs, Puttin' on the Ritz, This Invitation, Alice Cohen from the Vels, Necking, Trevor Healy, Benji Cossa, Mike Wexler, Greenpot Bluepot, Miguel Mendez, and more to be announced. Organized by Tianna Kennedy, BJ Rubin, and Todd Patrick.
The Prospect Park Peninsula juts out into Prospect Lake, providing one of the most isolated and inviting places to enjoy the Park's beautiful terrain and the Lake's varied shoreline. A trail leads you to the tip of the Peninsula, revealing a vista of the Lake's far shore and Duck Island, which you can observe from a rustic pavilion practically enclosed by water. The Peninsula attracts a variety of waterfowl, including geese, cormorants and mallards that stop to feed along the shoreline. It is located on the northern edge of the Lake, and is near the Lullwater and Pedal Boat rentals at Wollman Rink."
Date: Sunday, May 8th Time:The Prospect Park Peninsula
(F train to Fort Hamilton station, Q train to Prospect Park station) Time: 2:00pm Cost: Free
So the only thing the FreeNYC kids love as much as a good day of snowboarding on a snowy mountain in the winter, is a warm summer day of bumming around on the beach, swiming in the ocean (and attempting to learn to surf half as well as we can snowboard). That being said we are real excited that Memorial Day weekend also marks opening day of the beachs in NYC. There are 14 miles of public beach here that are open everyday from now until Labor Day Weekend. Yay beach time!!!
Date: May 28th 'til September 5th Time: 10am - 6pm daily Location: All local beaches Cost: Free
"This June, South Street Seaport Museum will celebrate the 120th birthday of its 1885 schooner, Pioneer. In honor of the occasion, hour-long “Birthday Sails” will be offered free of charge throughout the day on June 4, 2005. Participants will enjoy spectacular views of the New York City harbor while sailing aboard this beautiful, historic vessel.
For the June 4 Birthday Sails, tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 7 a.m. until all sails are full."
Date: Saturday, June 4th Time: 10am - 6pm Location: South Street Seaport Museum Cost: Free
First of all I like this one because the money raised from the Open Air Book Fair go to benefits NYC's homeless living with HIV/AIDS. And additionally, I love the sound of affordable books and music! "Tens of thousands of books, records and CD's for literary and music enthusiasts of all ages and tastes will line the streets of SoHo, on sale $1.00 or less. Inside the Housing Works Bookstore Café..." Oh and for all you hung over peoeple, they will have free ice coffee all day.
Date: Saturday, June 4th Time: 10am - 7pm Location: Housing works Bookstore, 126 Crosby (btw Broadway and Lafayette) Cost: Free
Its another Mets homegame on a Wednesday tonight at that means that the first 1000 fans with an empty Pepsi can get into the game for free. The Pepsi Picnic Area is located in the left bleachers. Tonight's game is against the Houston Astros.
Date: Wednesday, June 8th Time: 7:10pm Venue: Shea Stadium (7 Train to Shea) Cost: Free with can
Satisfy your inner Child (or your inner raver) or just hang with the little ones today at South Street Seaport. Gordon from "Sesame Street" hosts this star-studded, nonstop, fun-filled day including a special appearances by They Might Be Giants, Ralph’s World, Barney, Thomas the Tank w/ Driver Daniel, Maya and Miguel, Dora the Explorer, Schoolhouse Rock and more!
Date: Saturday, June 11th Time: 12:00pm - 10:00pm Venue: South Street Seaport, Pier 17 Cost: Free
If you have lived in NYC for a while, you know by now that the Puerto Rican Day Parade is hard to miss. "The colorful, vibrant and very musical...'The National Puerto Rican Day Parade is a New York tradition that unites New Yorkers as it celebrates the outstanding contributions of the Puerto Rican people to the history of New York City, as well as to our City's diversity. I salute the Puerto Rican Community for another year of accomplishment and growth' the Mayor of New York stated."
Date: Sunday, June 12th Time: 11am - 6pm Location: Along Fifth Avenue from 44th to 86th Streets Cost: Free
Singer-songwriter and rap mistress Ileene NOODLE Weiss will MC Kids Day as part of Summer on the Hudson. The event will feature juggler and comedian Brian "Idiot4Sale" Foley, The Pirate Circus with Pirate Judi and Billy Budd, balloon sculptor Troy the Busker Dawg and face painter Tiny the Clown.
Date: Sunday, June 12th Time: 12:00pm - 4:00pm Venue: Riverside Park South, plaza at Pier I (Enter at the Hudson River at W. 68th or W. 72nd Streets) Cost: Free
Everytime I watch Wet Hot American Summer I have flashbacks to my childhood and the hardcore games of Capture The Flag that took place around my way (now I'm having flashbacks to LL Cool J's "I Need An Around The Way Girl). Anyway, to relive these fantastic moments of your life, join some other "grownups" in DUMBO for some serious Capture the Flag.
"the totally regressive team game with bases, jails, sides and flags! Run beneath the bridges of Brooklyn's waterfront, treading over cobblestones and trolley tracks. Outwit opponents, hiding around warehouse corners before you find their flag, outmaneuver their flag keepers and dash home for a point in the pulse-quickening game of urban capture. Defend your territory with its view of the Manhattan skyline by tagging trespassers. These games have been wonderful; come capture the flag for a night of summer joy. The streets are your playground, reclaim them"
Date: Thursday, June 23rd Time: 8pm Location:Jay St. and York St. in DUMBO Cost: FREE
"The Mermaid Parade is a completely original creation that is that nation's largest art parade and one of New York City's greatest summer events...The Mermaid Parade celebrates the sand, the sea, the salt air and the beginning of summer, as well as the history and mythology of Coney Island, Coney Island pride, and artistic self-expression. The Parade is characterized by participants dressed in hand-made costumes as Mermaids, Neptunes, various sea creatures, the occasional wandering lighthouse, Coney Island post card or amusement ride, as well as antique cars, marching bands, drill teams, and the odd yacht pulled on flatbed...Each year, a different celebrity King Neptune and Queen Mermaid rule over the proceedings..."
Click here for the full day's line up and parade route.
Date: Saturday, June 25th Time: 2pm Location: Begins at Astroland, Coney Island Cost: Free
Its another Mets homegame on a Wednesday tonight at that means that the first 1000 fans with an empty Pepsi can get into the game for free. The Pepsi Picnic Area is located in the left bleachers. Tonight's game is against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Date: Wednesday, June 29th Time: 7:10pm Venue: Shea Stadium (7 Train to Shea) Cost: Free with can
"Brooklyn cranks its patriotic fervor to 11 at its annual Independence Day Parade, staging a borough-wide procession between 76th Street and John Paul Jones Park...the parade honors America's 229th birthday with an epic convergence of color guards, marching bands, majorettes, civic floats and glad-handing politicos. This year's theme is a salute to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces."
Date: Saturday, July 2nd Time: 10am Location: 76th St. along 3rd Ave. Cost: Free
"Chinatown celebrates America's independence and Asian American heritage with colorful floats, cultural performances and lion & dragon dances. After parade, Festival to feature a main stage with performances by traditional and contemporary musicians, dancers and martial artists."
Date: Sunday, July 3rd Time: 1pm - 5pm Location: Parade begins at Bowery and Division Street. Festival takes place on Mott Street between Canal and Bayard. Cost: Free
This is the first weekend of the Feast of the Giglio, a two week long street festival in Williamsburg to commemorate San Paolino's return from slavery after trading his own life for those of the people of Nola. You can learn thge full history - and it's a good one - here, or just come out for the old Italian street fair tradition. There are also special Masses and events throughout the week which can all be found in the program. The feast, of course, culminates with the Dance of the Giglio on July 13th.
POLYGRAPH LOUNGE, a virtuosic duo specializing in musical hilarity/anarchy in the Spike Jones tradition, tunes its antics to kids' frequencies for the night. Noggin star LAURIE BERKNER charms young and old alike with her irresistible -- and highly interactive -- performances which never fail to spark playful singing, gleeful dancing, and sublime silliness all around.
Date: Saturday, July 9th Time: 7:30pm Venue: Prospect Park BandshellCost: Free ($3 Suggested)
Shakespeare is abound in the summer. Every park seems to be doing some rendition or variation. Here is one of the more interesting ones taht we have come across. In Shakespeare's day there was little time for rehearsal, and no directors as we know them today. Instant Shakespeare seeks to revive these traditions with an informal approach to the Bard's classic plays.
Date: Sunday, July 10th
Time: 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Venue: Solar One (East River at 23rd and C)
Cost: Free
11th Annual Rakhaing Thingyan Burmese Water Festival
Traditionally, the Burmese Water Festival welcomes the arrival of the Burmese New Year. One of the water festival’s key celebrations is the act of water play where children and adults joyously pour water on each other to cleanse away the previous year’s tribulations and to give blessing and thanks for the coming year. Typically, the festival is held during the hottest days of the year and the pouring of the water has a practical aspect since it cools down the body. Known as a time of courtship for men and women, the festival also features the “Laung Hlay,” a traditional Burmese racing boat, which is filled with water and guarded by women. Young men wishing to participate in the courtship ritual must ask a woman permission to have a bowl of water from the boat. If she agrees, they will splash each other, and when his bowl is empty, he must ask again for more. Once the “Laung Hlay” is empty, another group is given a turn to splash. Many marriages have resulted from water play at the “Laung Hlay.” In addition to water play and the “Laung Hlay”, the Rakhaing Thingyan Burmese Water Festival will also feature the “Elder Respect Ritual” where young ones honor the contributions of their seniors in a ceremony. Another interesting feature is the “Than Chat,” which is a set of satirical performances that address the social and political issues of the day. There will be an essay contest for children ages 12 – 16 years old and a raffle drawing as well where lucky participants stand to win exciting prizes including a Burmese sapphire (2.24 carats), Delta Air Lines and Broadway tickets and memberships to the Asia Society and China Institute. The water festival offers guests samplings of Burmese cuisine, singing, dancing, music, arts and crafts and children’s games too. Burmese Water Festivals are celebrated by millions all over the world. The Rakhaing Thingyan Burmese Water Festival is the largest of its kind outside of Burma. Organized by ThinGyan
Date: Sunday, July 17
Time: 11:00am - 4:00pm
Venue: Junior High School 56, 220 Henry Street, courtyard area (on the corner of Madison and Montgomery Streets
Cost: Free
Its another Mets homegame on a Wednesday tonight at that means that the first 1000 fans with an empty Pepsi can get into the game for free. The Pepsi Picnic Area is located in the left bleachers. Tonight's game is against the San Diego Padres.
Date: Wednesday, July 20th Time: 7:10pm Venue: Shea Stadium (7 Train to Shea) Cost: Free with can
"Riverside Park South invites you to enjoy Summer On The Hudson at Terry Dean & Katie’s DANCEOFF! Presenting the best and the brightest in emerging and established dance/theater, this event promises to be a night filled with innovative moves that will leave audiences entertained and amazed. After sold out runs at Symphony Space in February and at PS122 in April, DANCEOFF! moves outdoors and up town to Riverside Park South. Featuring works by: Terry Dean Barlett (STREB, Cirque du Soleil); Katie Workum (Workum/Garrett Dance Theater, Massholia); Nathan Philips (Project : Projekt, Massholia); Ryan Bronz (National Theater of the USA); Nicole Berger (Mark Dendy), this event showcases some of today’s most electrifying and brilliant performers and promises to be fun for the whole family"
Date: Thursday, July 21st
Time: 7:00pm
Venue: Riverside Park South (Hudson River and 68th Street)
Cost: Free
An oldie but a goodie...Join the fun and play some Kickball. Every Sunday in Brooklyn's McCarren Park there is organized kickball and bbq. Everyone is asked to bring a small donation to pay for the renting of the field and bbq.
Date: Sunday, July 24th Time: 6pm Location: McCarren Park, N. 15th and Bedford, W'burg Cost: Basically free
While this is not their stage performance, I can only wonder what the Russian American Kids Circus has in store for us this evening. There is rumor of a flying trapeze and I am sure that there will be an assortment of balancing feats as well. Fun for the family.
Not quite as good as being at the beach but why not head out to Riverside Park and watch the volleyballl bash. Live music by Bill Pop and the Tapes. Its quite a bit of loot to sign up, but if you want then check out the site for full info.
Date: Saturday, July 30th
Time: 10:00am - 9:00pm
Venue: Hudson Beach Café (Riverside Park & 105th Street)
Cost: Free to watch
Hula-hooping isn’t just for kids anymore. Set to a soundtrack of eclectic, rhythm-driven music, Groove Hoops brings performance hula-hooping to a new level by incorporating dance and gymnastic movements. Bring the entire family to see this energetic hula hoop dance team as they perform incredible physical tricks and teach you how to hula hoop like you never thought you could!
Date: Sunday, July 31st
Time: 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Venue: Plaza at Pier I (Enter at the Hudson River at W. 68th or W. 72nd Streets)
Cost: Free
There is nothing like playing the field... I mean, uh, I love getting to home base... uh, I mean, softball, who wants to play softball? Tomorrow after work or school or whatever, grab you batts and balls and head over to McCarren Park for a good ol' game of softball. Once everyone shows up, you will split up into teams and play until a winner is crowned!
Date: Thursday August, 11th Time: 7pm Location: McCarren Park, Bedford and N. 12th W'burg Cost: Free
"A free festival with something for everyone, Lincoln Center Out of Doors presents over 100 different events: world music, internationally acclaimed dance, cutting-edge performances, special events, cool jazz, and fun for kids. With performances representing cultures from all over the world, Lincoln Center Out of Doors returns for its 35th season in August 2005" Today catch Dr. John and Marcia Ball Blues Band.
Date: Saturday, August 13th
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: Damrosch Band Shell
Cost: Free
So maybe I'm not Italian by blood, but with a step father whose family has owned a bakery in Philadelphia's Italian Market for over a hundred years now and my love for bocce ball, I think I may be Italian by adoption or something. Anyway, the point here is, that this weekend is the Annual Citywide Bocce Tournament. Here is everything you need to know...
"September 17th Preliminary Locations:
Bronx: Pelham Bay Park--Bruckner Expwy and Middleton Road
Staten Island: South Beach--Father Capadanno Blvd. and Doty Ave.
Queens: Juniper Valley Park--Dry Harbor Road and 63rd Drive
Brooklyn: Marine Park--Fillmore Ave. between Stuart and E. 32nd Street
September 18th Tournament Finals:
Staten Island: South Beach--Father Capadanno Blvd. and Doty Ave.
Registration is free. Teams can register beginning at 8:30 at each of the preliminary locations."
Date: September 17th - 18th Time: 8:30am Location: Various Parks Cost: Free
"History you can touch! Harvest and cook potatoes, churn butter, make apple cider, watch a spinster spinning flax into linen thread, and make instruments from gourds. Lefferts Historic House. Free!"
Date: Saturday, September 17th Time: 1:00pm - 4:00pm Location:Lefferts Historic House (Near Flatbush Ave. and Empire Boulevard, Prospect Park) Cost: Free
So even though it was 90 degrees all week long, its is September, and autumn is on its way. It's almost time for apple and pumpkin picking! In the mean time though, check out the The Autumn Moon Festival.
"The Autumn Moon Festival is a major holiday in most Asian communities all over the world. Traditionally, the Autumn Moon Festival takes place on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar, the time of year when the moon is at its fullest and brightest, marking the ideal time to celebrate the abundance of the summer's harvest. Round mooncakes made of flaked pastry are baked and enjoyed, ornate lanterns are displayed and people are encouraged to come out of their homes and bask in the glow of the full moon.
This year's event will take place on the actual day of the mid-Autumn full moon. Chinatown will celebrate the Autumn Moon tradition with traditional and contemporary cultural performances, lion dances, games and children's activities. Enjoy free "moon cake" tastings and take part in the festival's annual "riddle contest."
Date: Sunday, September 18th Time: 11:30am - 5pm Location: Mott Street (between Bayard and Canal) Cost: Free
[I think my idea of "moon cakes" is totally different from theirs! haha. -Lindsay]
CultureFest is a free family-friendly celebration of New York City's diverse cultural offerings. There will be two stages with over 100 live performers including theatre, dance, opera, jazz, classical and "ethinic performances" [sic]. Check the site including performances and activities from nearly 100 of the city's best-known arts and cultural organizations. Two stages host live performances from the worlds of theater, dance, opera, jazz, and classical and ethnic music., Check the site for full info. Continues Sunday.
Date: Saturday, September 24th Time: 11:00am - 5:30pm Location: Battery Park Cost: Free
Come to Brooklyn on Sunday "for the gigantic Atlantic Antic Street Festival! The infamous Atlantic Avenue will be transformed into a 1.5 mile bazaar where thousands will gather for the annual Atlantic Antic, one of New York's best-loved street festivals." Click here for the day's full line up.
Date: Sunday, September 25th Time: 10am - 6pm Location: Atlantic Avenue between Hicks Street and Fourth Avenue in Downtown Brooklyn Cost: Free
An apple for me, an apple for you, an apple for your buddy, an apple for your mom, and apples literally for EVERYONE you know at the Wyckoff Farmhouse Apple Festival. This Sunday come by for apple games and crafts, cider pressing and canning and a food preservation workshop. How 'bout them apples?
Date: Sunday, September 25th Time: 12pm - 4pm Location: Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum - 5816 Clarendon Rd (at Ralph Ave.) Cost: Free
I love cats to death, but there is something so nice about a sunny day in the park with a pup. Today is like the end all and be all of days in the park with a pup as the 4th Annual My Dog Loves Central Park Country Fair barks its way into Central Park. "Come out and enjoy a beautiful autumn day in the Park with thousands of urban pooches and their devoted two-legged pals! This fun, educational, day-long event, presented by the Central Park Conservancy and Central Park PAWS (an advisory group of dog owners who use Central Park) celebrates the Park's amazing dog community. Activities will include agility trials, contests and games, a microchip ID clinic, a guided "Hound Hike", a special dog photographer, "Ask the Vet" advice center, pets for adoption, and much more!"
Date: Saturday, October 1st Time: 11am - 4pm Location: Central Park - mid-park at 72nd Street, between the Bandshell and Sheep Meadow Cost: Free
You know that scene from Garden State where they are all sitting around the kitchen table with this dude who is a knight at Medieval Times (and then the knight tells Zach Braff that "it says balls on your face" hahaha). Well anyway, you'll see a lot of those Medieval Festival in Fort Tryon Park today. And by "those" I meant knights, not balls, wait unless your chillin' with the jugglers, ok never mind, just read below...
"The area around the Cloisters Museum in Fort Tryon Park is transformed into a medieval market village where knights in armor, jugglers, jesters, magicians, musicians, storytellers, and puppeteers will perform. A blacksmith, manuscript illuminator, pottery decorator, wood carver and other artisans will demonstrate their crafts. Performers and fairgoers dress in historical costumes. Medieval food is available and craft items will be sold. The afternoon culminates with a jousting event between knights on horseback!"
Date: Sunday, October 2nd Time: 12pm - 6pm Location: Fort Tryon Park, Take either the “A” train to the 190th Street Station or the M4 bus to the park entrance. Cost: Free
Ok, so, ignore the big name corporate sponsorship here and take the family for a fun filled Halloweeny (haha) day in the park!
"Join us on Saturday, October 29th from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., for the [...] Great Halloween Party in Central Park. Come out and see one of New York’s favorite haunts dressed up for the holiday! Rain or shine there will be activities and entertainment that the whole family will enjoy.
Holiday classics including the pumpkin patch, a haunted house and pumpkin carving join the greenmarket, bandshell performances and Puppets in the Park to make this holiday happening a scary must!"
Date: Saturday, October 29th Time: 11am - 3pm Venue: Central Park - Enter @ 72nd Street
Cost: Free
Now don't go getting this scary pier confused with the Shakespeare scary pier, this is an entirely different scary pier on the Hudson. This is the 6th Annual Pier of Fear...
"The Pier of Fear will feature the Park's FREE trademark MAZE OF HORRORS. Follow Igor and the creatures of the night as they guide you through tunnels and secret passageways leading to laboratories, graveyards and chambers of terror. See objects move about, hear frightening sounds and see terrifying images as live actors take you on a tour the creepiest maze in New York City. At dark, the maze will become even scarier for older children."
Date: Saturday, October 29th and Sunday, October 30th Time: Noon 'til 9 Venue: Pier 54, Hudson River and 14th st Cost: Free
"Prospect Park celebrates Halloween with good old-fashioned fright. Deep in the Park, where there is no one to hear you scream, the woods are haunted by witches, ghosts and vampires lurking in the dark forest. There’s also a carnival on the Nethermead featuring all kinds of fun, games, seasonal treats, and a puppet parade." Click here for the full day's lineup.
Date: Saturday, October 29th Time: 12pm - 5pm Location: Prospect Park Cost: Free
"[...]this site-specific theatrical event features the ghost of William Shakespeare himself along with the spirits of his most famous characters. Shakespeare rules his creations with an iron fist, but here they rebel and break out of their scripted destinies. This interactive performance features a cast of 20 performers, leading audiences on a walking tour around scenic Pier 25 and onto the decks of the historic Yankee Ferry. As the audience travels through the "haunted pier," characters such as Macbeth and The Witches, Hamlet, Caliban and Romeo & Juliet will appear, each speaking the words penned over four hundred years ago. Crowds will be led through the Hall of Fairies from A Midsummer Night's Dream, examine Julius Caesar's wounds, dip toes into Ophelia's Riverbed of Death (Hamlet), journey through a Shakespearean Chamber of Darkness and dine at the table of Titus Andronicus (where Titus is served a pie with a special filling – his family)."
Honestly, I know this costs five bucks, but really how often do you get to chill with Macbeth and Hamlet at the same time? Preformances are hourly from Saturday through Monday.
Date: Saturday, October 29th - Monday, October 31st Time: Sat. and Sun. 2, 3, 4, & 5 PM, Mon. 4, 5, 6, & 7 PM Venue: Pier 25, NYC West Side Highway & N. Moore Street Cost: Free
Now don't go getting this scary pier confused with the Shakespeare scary pier, this is an entirely different scary pier on the Hudson. This is the 6th Annual Pier of Fear...
"The Pier of Fear will feature the Park's FREE trademark MAZE OF HORRORS. Follow Igor and the creatures of the night as they guide you through tunnels and secret passageways leading to laboratories, graveyards and chambers of terror. See objects move about, hear frightening sounds and see terrifying images as live actors take you on a tour the creepiest maze in New York City. At dark, the maze will become even scarier for older children."
Date: Saturday, October 29th and Sunday, October 30th Time: Noon 'til 9 Venue: Pier 54, Hudson River and 14th st Cost: Free
"[...]this site-specific theatrical event features the ghost of William Shakespeare himself along with the spirits of his most famous characters. Shakespeare rules his creations with an iron fist, but here they rebel and break out of their scripted destinies. This interactive performance features a cast of 20 performers, leading audiences on a walking tour around scenic Pier 25 and onto the decks of the historic Yankee Ferry. As the audience travels through the "haunted pier," characters such as Macbeth and The Witches, Hamlet, Caliban and Romeo & Juliet will appear, each speaking the words penned over four hundred years ago. Crowds will be led through the Hall of Fairies from A Midsummer Night's Dream, examine Julius Caesar's wounds, dip toes into Ophelia's Riverbed of Death (Hamlet), journey through a Shakespearean Chamber of Darkness and dine at the table of Titus Andronicus (where Titus is served a pie with a special filling – his family)."
Honestly, I know this costs five bucks, but really how often do you get to chill with Macbeth and Hamlet at the same time? Preformances are hourly from Saturday through Monday.
Date: Saturday, October 29th - Monday, October 31st Time: Sat. and Sun. 2, 3, 4, & 5 PM, Mon. 4, 5, 6, & 7 PM Venue: Pier 25, NYC West Side Highway & N. Moore Street Cost: Free
"The fourth annual BAM Halloween extravaganza brings out Brooklyn's best ghouls and goblins, pirates and princesses for a haunted evening of sweet delights and family entertainment. From free candy to costume contests, trick-or-treaters of all ages can enjoy the festivities happening right in front of BAM and in our neighboring garden."
Date: Monday, October 31st Time: 4pm - 7pm Venue: BAM, Lafayette Avenue between Ashland Pl and St. Felix St Cost: Free
"[...]this site-specific theatrical event features the ghost of William Shakespeare himself along with the spirits of his most famous characters. Shakespeare rules his creations with an iron fist, but here they rebel and break out of their scripted destinies. This interactive performance features a cast of 20 performers, leading audiences on a walking tour around scenic Pier 25 and onto the decks of the historic Yankee Ferry. As the audience travels through the "haunted pier," characters such as Macbeth and The Witches, Hamlet, Caliban and Romeo & Juliet will appear, each speaking the words penned over four hundred years ago. Crowds will be led through the Hall of Fairies from A Midsummer Night's Dream, examine Julius Caesar's wounds, dip toes into Ophelia's Riverbed of Death (Hamlet), journey through a Shakespearean Chamber of Darkness and dine at the table of Titus Andronicus (where Titus is served a pie with a special filling – his family)."
Honestly, I know this costs five bucks, but really how often do you get to chill with Macbeth and Hamlet at the same time? Preformances are hourly from Saturday through Monday.
Date: Saturday, October 29th - Monday, October 31st Time: Sat. and Sun. 2, 3, 4, & 5 PM, Mon. 4, 5, 6, & 7 PM Venue: Pier 25, NYC West Side Highway & N. Moore Street Cost: Free
Lots of random stuff this weekend... "Pumpkin Smash The Prospect Heights Community Farm will host a Pumpkin Smash... bring your rotten pumpkins to be composted! There will be food and drinks and hot baked potatoes provided."
Date: Saturday, November 5th Time: 2:00pm - 5:00pm Location: Prospect Heights Community Farm (252-256 St. Marks Ave. between Underhill/ Vanderbilt Aves) Cost: Free
There is nothing we like more over here at FreeNYC than free museums (ok fine, maybe we like free drinks just as much.) Today the South Street Seaport Museum stays open past its bed time to let visitors get a free peak at some of its oldest artifacts. Below is the night's line up...
- 6 to 9 pm: Family Fun! It’s harvest time and what better time to learn the art of basket weaving! Make a small basket to take home.
- 6 to 9 pm: Visit our ships and our exhibition, Soundings to explore American life at sea over the course of two centuries.
- 7 pm: The Mayflower brought the celebrants of the first Thanksgiving to our shores, but Dutch New York provides a fascinating counterpoint to conventional histories of early America. Join us for a guided tour of our exhibition Nieuw Amsterdam: Dutch New York as Represented in the Archaeological Collections of South Street Seaport Museum.
- 7 pm: Join us at Pier 16 as we kick off the holiday season with the official lighting of our fleet of historic ships as a special celebration to honor the 120th anniversaries of Pioneer and Wavertree.
- 7:30 to 9 pm: Join artists Naima Rauam, Jack Putnam and Frank Hanavan as they present a special showing of paintings celebrating New York City, the Fulton Fish Market, and the South Street Seaport historic district. Get an early start on your holiday shopping by purchasing one-of-a-kind artworks by these talented artists.
Date: Friday, November 18th Time: 6pm - 9pm Venue: South Street Seaport Museum, 12 Fulton Street Cost: Free (they that you bring a donation of canned food)
This Wednesday, and every Wednesday until January 4th, The man made ice skating rink at Bryant park - known as The Pond - will host an evening of skating, meet and greet, youth hockey clinics, and autograph sessions with the NY Rangers and their alumni. Skate rental is available for a fee but skating is free.
Date: Wednesday, November 23rd Time: 4:00pm - 6:00pm Location: Bryant Park (42nd between 5th and 6th) Cost: Free
In another one of those "things you have to do once in your life as a New Yorker but will probably be too hung over to do," today is the annual Thanksgiving Day Parade. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade begins at 77th Street and Central Park West. It proceeds to Columbus Circle and turns onto Broadway. The Parade marches down Broadway and turns west on 34th Street, just past Macy's Herald Square. The parade finishes at 7th Avenue. Crazy tourists line up as early as 6:30 for this one... sell them hot chocoalate and make a fortune! Full info on site
Date: Thursday, November 24th Time: 9:00am - 12:00pm Location: See site Cost: Free
As part of your "Buy Nothing" activities, stop by Grand Central Terminal and check out their laser light show. Six different 5 minute shows play every half hour on the Sky Ceiling all day long as lasers turn the ceiling's static constellations into snowmen, skiers, NYC buildings, and more. Continues daily through December 31st.
Date: Friday, November 25th Time: 11:00am - 9:00pm Location: Grand Central Terminal (42nd Street and Park Ave) Cost: Free
"The Lincoln Square Business Improvement District (Lincoln Square BID) will host the 6th Annual Winter's Eve at Lincoln Square, the Upper West Side's giant neighborhood celebration featuring free entertainment, family fun, food tastings, in-store activities and shopping discounts around and about this colorful and vibrant neighborhood... all following the Lincoln Center Holiday Tree lighting at 5:30pm! Winter's Eve is presented by Time Warner.
On Winter's Eve, dozens of stores, restaurants, cultural organizations and public spaces in the district will be buzzing with activities for both children and adults. At the same time, sidewalks along Broadway from the Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle to 68th Street will be alive with performers, street musicians, jugglers, stilt-walkers and more, making for a festive fun-filled stroll through the streets within this dynamic Upper West Side neighborhood."
Sorry to press-release you all, but sometimes its just the best way. The night will get started following the Tree Lighting at Lincoln Center. Click here for the full schedule of the evenings preformances.
Date: Monday, November 28th Time: 6pm Venue: Various Locations near Lincoln Square Cost: Free
Wayne, NJ Represent! For like the 3rd time in a row, that huge 9 ton xmas tree has come from my lil' old NJ hometown. Tonight is the tree lighting so if you did not get enough quality tourist time at the parade on Thursday then this will surely give you your fill.
Date: Wednesday, November 30th Time: Dusk Location:Rockefeller Center (5th Ave and 48th Street) Cost: Free
It's sunday... relax, go ice skating, get some obnoxious holiday shopping done. Do it all up at Bryant Park's Fêtes de Noël while you gawk at their giant tree. The ice skating is free (although skate rental is not) and the holiday shopping fair is up. Maybe you will meet a cute tourist?
Date: Sunday, November 4th Time: 3:00pm Location: Bryant Park (40th Street and 5th Ave) Cost: Free
Its another free Friday down at the South Street Seaport. Visit the Museum galleries during special extended hours from 6-9 pm and enjoy some special events. I am personally down with the rum tasting but there is lots of family fun too. Full list of events after the jump.
Date: Friday, December 16th Time: 6:00pm - 9:00pm Location: South Street Seaport Museum, 12 Fulton Street Cost: Free
6 – 9pm: Family Fun! Join us for a cup of warm cider and a candle-making workshop. Light up your holidays with your own handmade scented candles!
6 – 9pm: Explore the presents of holidays past, with a visit to our exhibition Child's Play at the Seaport: Toys, Dolls and Games from the 19th and Early 20th Centuries.
6 and 7 pm: Singing Christmas Tree. Step outside our doors and enjoy carols performed by the world famous South Street Seaport Singing Christmas Tree. This annual tradition is presented by the South Street Seaport Marketplace.
7 pm: Warm your bones with a rum tasting and enjoy a special book talk as Ian William discusses his Rum: A Social and Sociable History of 1776.
"St. Teresa of Avila in South Ozone Park, Queens is hosting a Crafts and Holiday Gift Festival to benefit the school. The festival... will have free crafts for children while their parents shop, fresh baked goods and a 50/50 raffle. We have a diverse mix of crafts and unique holiday gift items."
Date: Sunday, December 18th Time: 10:00am - 4:00pm Location: St. Teresa of Avila (130th Street between 109th Avenue and 111th Avenue) Cost: Free
"Join us for a fun and leisurely ride to see the miracle mile of
Christmas Lights and decorations in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn. The
spectacular displays draw 150,000 visitors a year who come from as
far away as Japan. So come prepared with bicycle bells ringing to the
tune of Jingle Bells. It's fun to ride in cold weather! Bring pocket
food and dress in layers. You might also want to bring a thermos of
cocoa or better. (But what could be better than cocoa?)" [from nonsense]
Date: Sunday, December 25th Time: 4:00pm (sharp) Location: City Hall (Southwest corner of Chambers and Centre Street, across from the entrance to the Brooklyn Bridge) Cost: Free Note: or 4:45pm at 3rd Street and Prospect Park West in Brooklyn
It occured to us today that we have told you about cheap parties, great music and open bars, but um, we for got the NYE staple... Fireworks! Head over to Prospect Park for their 24th Annual Fireworks display. The night begins with Marty Markowitz holding
"his inauguration ceremony at Grand Army Plaza. Brooklyn’s Deja Blue 10-piece big band gets the party started at 11 p.m." and as soon as the clock Strikes midnight Grand Army Plaza will be lit up with lots and lots of pretty explosives, ha, I mean fireworks!
Date: Saturday, December 31st Time: 11pm Location: Prospect Park Grand Army Plaza, intersection of Flatbush Ave., Eastern Parkway and Prospect Park West Cost: Free
Since its beeen like 60 degrees outside all week (I may be one of like 5 people who are actually sad that its warm) you should spend MLK weekend in the park. There are special skating hours at the Wollman Rink, Quilts making to recognize the great contributions made by African Americans, Guest speakers on Environmental, Nature Crafts for the kids, and some discover tours through the park. Click here for more info and the full days schedule.
Date: Sunday, January 15th Time: varrying activities from 10:00am - 6:00pm Location: Prospect Park, Brooklyn Cost: Free
The NYC 3rd Annual Flower Market is "bursting with the colors and fragrances of auspicious plants and blossoms widely used decoratively by Chinese as symbols of prosperity, fortune and abundance. This year with the participation of the Alliance, the Flower Market reinvents tradition by incorporating performers and artists, who will contribute to the festive, family atmosphere."
Date: Friday, January 27th Time: 3:00pm - 10:00pm Location: Columbus Park, Mulberry St. btw Bayard and Worth Cost: Free
The NYC 3rd Annual Flower Market is "bursting with the colors and fragrances of auspicious plants and blossoms widely used decoratively by Chinese as symbols of prosperity, fortune and abundance. This year with the participation of the Alliance, the Flower Market reinvents tradition by incorporating performers and artists, who will contribute to the festive, family atmosphere."
Date: Saturday, January 28th Time: 10:00am - 6:00pm Location: Columbus Park, Mulberry St. btw Bayard and Worth Cost: Free
Freebird Books & Goods, is a general used bookstore, on the borders of Cobble Hill and Red Hook. Today they celebrate their two year anniversary. There will be a Raffle drawing for $30.00 gift certificate for books at 8pm. But most importantly is there is free corndogs all day!
Date: Sunday, January 29th Time: 10:00am - 10:00pm Location: Freebird Books & Goods, 123 Columbia St, Brooklyn Cost: Free
Date: Saturday, April 29th and Sunday, April 30th Time: 10:00am - 6:00pm Location: Brooklyn Botanical Garden (1000 Washington Avenue) Cost: $5 to tour enitre garden Summary: Every year I say I am going to go to the Cherry Blossom Festival and every year I'm about a weekend too late. This year for the 25th Anniversary at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, I am determined. Now, I know its not free and you are probably saying "why should I pay $5 to look at some trees" But come on, go outside and play, and I know you spent 5 times that on drinks last night. Plus the BBG is really pretty, and its a great way to spend your afternoon.
Date: Saturday, April 29th and Sunday, April 30th Time: 10:00am - 6:00pm Location: Brooklyn Botanical Garden (1000 Washington Avenue) Cost: $5 to tour enitre garden Summary: Every year I say I am going to go to the Cherry Blossom Festival and every year I'm about a weekend too late. This year for the 25th Anniversary at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, I am determined. Now, I know its not free and you are probably saying "why should I pay $5 to look at some trees" But come on, go outside and play, and I know you spent 5 times that on drinks last night. Plus the BBG is really pretty, and its a great way to spend your afternoon.
Date: Sunday, April 30th Time: 11:00am - 6:00pm Location: Inwood Hill Park Cost: Free Summary: Experience Manhattan's only "open air pow wow" alonside Native American craft demos, falconry, storytelling and dance at this annual, family friendly, Native American Festival & Shad Fest. Directions after the Jump.
Co-presented by Lotus Music & Dance and The NYC Department of Parks & Recreation to celebrate Native American music, dance, and tradition. A FREE, fun, family friendly event and Manhattan's only open air pow wow, Drums Along the Hudson includes Native American craft demonstrations, falconry, storytelling and a festival of world dance traditions that share the drum as live musical accompaniment. Fine Native American and international arts, crafts and foods round out the festival presentation.
Reach Inwood Hill Park on the #1 train at 215th St. Station, the A train at 207th Street, or by car north of the Dyckman Street exit from the Henry Hudson Parkway.
