EVENTS

JUNE 2015 EVENTS IN NYC

Blue Note Jazz Festival
June 1-30

The Blue Note Jazz Festival returns for the fifth year, with over 150 premier artists at more than 15 venues throughout New York City. Featuring: Kenny G., Natalie Cole, Bebe Gilberto, Buddy Guy, Buika, and many more.

Mermaid Parade
June 20

There's nothing quite like Coney Island's annual parade of quirky mermaids and sea creatures, antique cars, floats and performers. The procession starts at 1pm, moving east along Surf Avenue from West 21st Street ending in front of MCU Park. It draws hundreds of thousands of people, so get there early to get a prime viewing spot. After the colorful characters have made their way around there's still plenty to explore nearby, like the Luna Park, aquarium and the beach. For more information, visit coneyisland.comSurf Avenue, Coney Island, Brooklyn
River to River Festival
June 18–28 

Each summer, the River to River Festival takes over downtown Manhattan with free concerts, exhibitions and other events. The eleven-day fest brings music, dance, theatre and visual-arts programming to a number of downtown venues, including the South Street Seaport, Rockefeller Park and Governors Island. Highlights include the annual contemporary-classical-music blowout Bang on a Can Marathon, outdoor sets by inventive vocal ensemble Roomful of Teeth and singer-composer (and Dirty Projectors member) Olga Bell, and dance performances by Trisha Brown Dance Company and Twyla Tharp. The best part is, all events are free.

Midsummer Night Swing
June 23 – July 11

Now in its 27th year, Midsummer Night Swing is exactly what its name would suggest—and more. Take dance lessons and then test your new moves to the infectious rhythms of live bands under the summer sky. Children can get into the act too, learning their first steps from top dance teachers on special kids' days. Music runs the gamut: disco nights, jump blues, samba and tango, not to mention big-band swing. For complete information visit midsummernightswing.org. Damrosch Park W. 62nd St. bet. Columbus and Amsterdam Aves. Manhattan

MAY 2015 EVENTS IN NYC

May 3

The best way to explore all of New York City in a day is on your own two wheels! The Five Boro Bike Tour is an annual tradition that attracts more than 32,000 cyclists of all ages. The ride is 40 miles long, but the terrain is mostly flat, so you don’t have to be an expert cyclist to join. Take your time pedaling over five bridges—including the famous Queensboro and Verrazano-Narrows Bridges—and enjoy breathtaking views of the City from every angle. bikenewyork.org 
May 14–17

Launched in 2012, Frieze New York is an art fair in a spectacular setting: Randall's Island Park, where the organizers set up a gargantuan tent, an outdoor sculpture park and a heady selection of food purveyors. Art buyers and viewers gather here to see the latest in contemporary art represented by galleries in the US and Europe. The event, an offshoot of the original Frieze London and affiliated with the art magazine Frieze, also features talks by artists and curators. friezenewyork.com
May 16-17

Taste what Hell’s Kitchen is cooking at this annual food festival, where restaurants and outdoor vendors serve up food to suit every taste. The 15-block gastronomic extravaganza features cuisine from Greece, Brazil, Italy, Morocco, Senegal, Ukraine, Thailand and everywhere in between, with music and dancing to match9th Avenue 42nd - 57th Streets.  ninthavenuefoodfestival.com 
April 28–June 7 

The spring season opens with a three-week American Music Festival featuring 26 ballets and music by 18 composers. 
May 4–9

The Festival is a week-long, Harlem-wide celebration of jazz that showcases new and established artists throughout iconic Harlem jazz locations including the Apollo, Showman's Jazz Club and Minton's Playhouse with additional programming at Harlem Stage Gatehouse and Columbia University.
May 7–17

The 42nd edition of the 10-day celebration is sure to be a memorable one, with a parade, festivals, live music, a unique trolley tour and, of course, the induction of the latest additions to the famous Bronx Walk of Fame. Each day celebrates a special group of people (such as mothers, veterans and seniors) or interest (arts and culture or the environment).
May 29–September 6

Rooftop Films is a film organization that presents underground cinema on rooftops all over New York. Catch experimental animation atop various locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens through September. This year’s series will feature over 40 outdoor screenings in 19 spectacular venues, with huge crowds, live music, special enhancements and the best in new, independent films from around the worldSee full schedule here.
May 16

Dancers showcase ethnic and dance genres in a parade down Broadway to the East Village. Among beautifully crafted floats, live bands and DJs, the parade is ordered chronologically honoring the history of dance from ancient to contemporary. The parade travels down Broadway from 21st Street, terminating in Tompkins Square Park with a DanceFest offering performances, workshops and social dance.
World Science Festival
May 27–May 31

At this annual festival—the goal of which is to better inform, inspire and engage the general public—science is illuminated through lectures, film screenings and other activities. Take in more than 50 themed events spanning five days covering everything from exoplanets to the correlation between mental illness and creativity and intelligence.


APRIL 2015 EVENTS IN NYC

April 25-26 (10am-6pm)

220 cherry trees at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden are in full bloom during this time. To celebrate, the BBG hosts the weekend-long Cherry Blossom Festival, known in Japanese as Sakura Matsuri. During the festival, visitors enjoy scores of events celebrating Japanese culture including J-pop concerts, traditional Japanese music and dance, taiko drumming, martial arts, bonsai-pruning workshops, tea ceremonies and manga art. 150 Eastern Parkway 990 Washington Avenue Brooklyn.
April 5 (10am-4pm)

Sunday best gets new meaning during this annual procession, wherein participants show off elaborately constructed hats—we’re talking noggin-toppers shaped like the NYC skyline or the Coney Island Cyclone, not just a boring old fedora. The tradition started in the mid-1800s, when high-society ladies would promenade in their Easter finery after church, and has since evolved into a showcase for chapeau artistry. Fifth Ave from 49th to 57th St.  
Feb 28 – April 19

This year, New York Botanical Garden’s 13th annual Orchid Show (the largest of its kind in the country) is themed "Chandeliers". Expect thousands of brilliantly colored orchids and plenty of cultural events, as well as Q&A sessions with experts, musical entertainment, lectures and guided tours. For more information, visit nybg.org.

New York Botanical Garden 2900 Southern Blvd. Bronx, NY 10459



MARCH 2015 EVENTS IN NYC


March 4–September 4



This year marks what would have been Frank Sinatra's 100th birthday, and in celebration the New York Public Library presents a free exhibition exploring the life and career of Frank Sinatra. Included in the multimedia affair are private photos, awards and concert and interview footage, among other memorabilia. In addition, the Library for the Performing Arts will feature a slate of Sinatra-related programs and film screenings.

March 5–8

The Armory Show on Piers 92 and 94 is one of the top international art fairs devoted to modern and contemporary art and serves as the focal point of Armory Arts Week. The show has become an international institution, hosting a selection of the world's leading galleries and attracting artists, collectors, critics and curators; meanwhile, an unsurpassed program of art events and exhibitions takes place at the fair venue and throughout New York City.
March 8–June 7

The Icelandic artist receives a full-scale retrospective of her wide-ranging work at the Museum of Modern Art, starting with, but not limited to, her eight full-length solo albums. Björk has taken an active hand in the proceedings, co-writing a narrative for the installation, which will chronicle her collaborations in film, video, photography and fashion.
March 13–21

For 9 days, Asian art and culture take over New York City. Among the 21 local museums, galleries and cultural institutions participating are the Brooklyn Museum, the Noguchi Museum, the Museum of Chinese in America and the Rubin Museum of Art. The venues will show works from the region; five major auction houses in the area will conduct sales; and art dealers from around the world will display their collections during open houses throughout the week. There will also be a full schedule of films, lectures, symposia, curator talks and tours.
March 17

On St. Patrick's Day, everyone can lay claim to being at least a little bit Irish.The parade lays claim to being the oldest (it was first held in 1762) and largest of its kind in the world. Bring your festive spirit, watch bagpipers, marching bands and assorted revelers from near and far as they march up Fifth Avenue from 44th Street to 79th Street. The parade starts at 11am and ends between 4:30pm and 5pm.
March 22–April 4

For two weeks Macy's department store will be outfitted with bright, beautiful colors of flowers and plants from all around the world. Outside in Broadway Plaza, floral arrangements will announce this year's Macy's Flower Show. There's not much information released yet, but you can check macys.com for updates. Expect live music, kids' activities and various "bouquets of the day" throughout the show.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

FEBRUARY 2015 EVENTS IN NYC


February 4



In this annual New York Road Runners race, stair-climbing masters sprint to the iconic structure’s 86th-floor observation deck. The stampede goes faster than you may think: The record time is nine minutes and 33 seconds (achieved by Australian Paul Crake in 2003)—with 1,576 steps to cover, that’s 2.75 steps per second.



Empire State Building 350 Fifth Avenue between 33-34th Streets.

February 10–16 


All-Star festivities will be taking place throughout the week, but the main attractions are on the weekend, when the NBA's stars come to New York City for  competitions. Barclays Center (Brooklyn) is set to host the Rising Stars Challenge and the slam-dunk contest, while Madison Square Garden will be the site of the game itself. See full schedule of events here.

February 21–22 


If you're looking for a place to celebrate the Year of the Goat look no further than New York City's very own Chinatowns. The Flushing Lunar New Year celebration takes place the Saturday following the holiday, while the Manhattan parade is on Sunday, February 22, providing an entire weekend of festivities. Both of these events are visually stunning and full of music, fireworks and jubilant spirit. Spectators will witness awe-inspiring authentic Chinese traditions—great for families or anyone looking for a fun and free way to spend an afternoon. See times here.

February 26–28 


Presented by New York University, the Fusion Film Festival celebrates women in television, film and new media. The women whose works are showcased range from those just starting out in the trade, often on the student level, to household names. The festival includes film screenings, pitch meetings, industry panels, retrospectives and student showcases. FREE. See the full festival line-up here.

February 28–April 19


 The New York Botanical Garden's Orchid Show celebrates its 13th anniversary in 2015 and is the largest of its kind in the country. Expect thousands of brilliantly colored orchids and plenty of cultural events, as well as Q&A sessions with experts, musical entertainment, lectures and guided tours. This year's theme is "chandeliers." Directions.



The New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx, NY 10458




JANUARY 2015 EVENTS IN NYC




January 6 


For more than three decades El Museo del Barrio has celebrated and promoted the Three Kings Day tradition with an annual parade. This year's edition begins at 106th Street and Lexington Avenue and travels north along Third Avenue, ending at 115th Street and Park Avenue. The procession features camels, colorful puppets, floats and thousands of students and community members as participants.

Jan 8 - Jan 10

The festival will be presented in nine different venues and will feature over 90 different groups including over 400 musicians. Celebrating its 11th year, Winter Jazzfest upholds the continued mission to showcase top quality jazz to industry professionals, avid jazz fans, and new audiences. Make sure to spring for the full-festival pass—a definite steal.
January 9

 Actor-comedian Patton Oswalt is probably best known for playing Spencer Olchin—nerdy friend to Doug Heffernan—on the hit sitcom The King of Queens. He's also appeared in other TV shows and films, most notably as the voice of the rat Remy in the Pixar film Ratatouille. In addition, Oswalt has made quite a stand-up career for himself, garnering a Comedy Central special.
January 11

globalFEST turns winter doldrums into a multi-continent romp at one of downtown New York’s most historic venues; Webster Hall. The festival spotlights artists who represent diverse global styles, from traditional and folk to hybrid acts that incorporate classical, rock, jazz, electronic dance music and hip-hop influences.
January 16–23 


This event, held at a gorgeous glass-walled squash court in the middle of Grand Central Terminal, could attract more than a few new fans who might mistake it for the railroad depot's similarly sleek Apple Store. It's free to watch the games through the front wall (though spectators can also buy premium seating right up against the court), and the action moves at a blistering pace as players fling themselves back and forth—and sometimes onto—the playing surface. Their ruthless jostling for position might remind commuters of their own daily routine.

January 21–25 


Tens of thousands of boating and fishing enthusiasts start the year at the New York Boat Show. At the Javits Center, you'll find yachts and cruisers, bass and pontoon boats, canoes and kayaks, fishing boats and personal watercraft. There's also electronics, engines, fishing gear and even financing and insurance to travel destinations.

January 23–February 1 


Each winter, the most prestigious antiques show in America comes to the Park Avenue Armory, featuring "the best of the best," from Roman antiquities to mid-century-modern items. Expect to see plenty of Americana, plus English, European and Asian fine wares and decorative arts. The show also serves as a benefit for the East Side House Settlement, a community resource in the South Bronx that provides social services and educational programs to give people the tools to improve their economic status and their lives.


------------------------------------------------------------------------

DECEMBER EVENTS IN NYC

November 7-December 31

Along with George Balanchine's The Nutcracker and Handel's Messiah at Carnegie Hall, the Spectacular has become one of NYC's most hallowed holiday traditions, drawing tourists and locals alike. It celebrates classic holiday values and includes a flying Santa, a massive LED screen, and the fabulous dancers known as the Rockettes. This is a show for the entire family.
Until March 1

Bryant Park’s 17,000-square-foot outdoor rink is free and open late. You can rent skates for $14 or bring your own. After your skate, warm up at spacious rinkside restaurant Celsius, or browse the surrounding Holiday Shops. 
October 21 - January 4

The Holiday Shops include more than 125 boutique-like shops offering exquisite gift ideas from distinctive apparel to jewelry, decorative goods, local foods, and much more. There's something for everyone – adults, kids, and even pets. The Holiday Shops are laid out along the park's allees and terraces, and housed in Bryant Park's own custom-designed kiosks.

Monday–Friday: 11am – 8pm Saturday: 10am – 9pm Sunday: 10am – 6pm
November 15 - January 19

More than a dozen model railway trains traverse an incredibly detailed New York City scene, including landmarks as the Empire State Building and Radio City Music Hall, made of natural materials such as leaves, twigs, bark and berries. This is all happening at New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx.
November 28-January 3

 Since 1954, the New York City Ballet and Tschaikovsky's beloved melodies have transported audiences to a world of frost fairies, toy soldiers and towering mice. Whether it's a first-time experience or an annual treat, don't miss the hottest holiday ticket in town. Head out to David H. Koch Theater (Lincoln Center). Schedule varies; visit nycballet.com for details.


----------------------------------------------------------

NOVEMBER EVENTS IN NYC



November 26

This pre–Thanksgiving Day ritual, held near the American Museum of Natural History, has become almost as crowded as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Weave through the crowds, walking past the inflation stations to see Kermit the Frog, Julius the Paul Frank monkey, Sonic the Hedgehog, Buzz Lightyear all at our own pace. Arrive later in the evening, when the gigantic characters have taken shape. Enter at W 79th St at Columbus Ave.

November 27

For the 88th year, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will usher in the holiday season with familiar sights like giant balloons, high-kicking Rockettes and Santa’s sleigh, plus celebrity appearances. Begins at W 77th St and Central Park West; for the complete parade route visit macys.com/parade.


OCTOBER EVENTS IN NYC

 October 11-12



This annual festival gives attendees access to more than 200 of the city’s coolest and most exclusive architectural sites and landmarks. Look for the full schedule (and the ability to preregister for certain events) in the first week of October. 

image: nydailynews.com
October 13th 11.30am-3pm



The Columbus Day Parade honors more than just its namesake explorer and the corresponding holiday itself. Head to Fifth Avenue to witness the spectacle of beautiful floats and musical performances, celebration of the bond between Italian-Americans and their city.

October 16-19


The star-chef food festival is back for its seventh round with more than 100 tastings, seminars, intimate dinners and late-night parties to benefit two campaigns: Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry and the Food Bank For New York City. The 2014 Festival will bring together the world’s greatest chefs, winemakers, spirits producers and personalities to educate palates and entertain attendees in high style. See the schedule of events and buy tickets here.
October 21-25



For five glorious days, the CMJ Music Marathon presents tons of gigs throughout the city. CMJ Music Marathon, 34 years running, is one of the world’s most important platforms for the discovery of new music. Throughout one vital week every October, CMJ features over 1,400 live performances in more than 80 of New York City’s greatest nightclubs and theaters. For the schedule of events click here.



October 31

This is one of the most fun events of the year and it's not to miss if you happen to be visiting NYC during this time. Starting at 7pm hundreds of puppets, 53 bands of different types of music, dancers and artists, and thousands of others in costumes of their own creation will march up along 6th Avenue from Spring St. to 16th St.





SEPTEMBER 2014 EVENTS IN NYC



September 1

This Caribbean celebration in Crown Heights, Brooklyn is never short on costumed stilt dancers, floats blaring soca and calypso music, and plenty of flags from countries such as Barbados, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago. Look for vendors stationed along Eastern Parkway selling island eats like jerk chicken, curry goat and oxtail, to name a few dishes.



How to get there: 2 or 3 subway train to Grand Army Plaza. 
August 25-Sep 8

For two weeks each summer, New York becomes the capital of the tennis world as the sport's final Grand Slam thwacks its way into the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, Queens. Watch stars play under the lights during the popular evening sessions. 



How to get there: From 57th St. & 7th Avenue take downtown N or Q train to 42nd St.-Times Square. Follow the signs for the 7 subway train and take it to Mets-Willets Point Station.
September 11-21

Celebrate the martyred third-century bishop and patron saint of Naples at this 11-day festival that fills the streets of Little Italy every year. Watch the professionals in action at the cannoli-eating competition and come back daily for live musical performances, great Italian delicacies, fun and games. 



It's all happening at Mulberry St. between Canal and Houston Streets and Grand St. between Center and Mott Streets.



How to get there: From 57th St. & 7th Avenue take the downtown N or Q subway train to Canal Street.
September 9-December 20

The Brooklyn Academy of Music's Next Wave fall arts festival returns for its 32nd season, presenting a dynamic lineup of work by emerging artists and innovative modern masters. The 2014 Next Wave Festival showcases the very best in contemporary performance, plus artist talks, storytelling, visual art, and film. See full schedule here.



How to get there: From 57th St. & 7th Avenue take the downtown Q, N, or R subway to Atlantic Avenue / Barclays Center.
September 26-28

The DUMBO Arts Festival attracts 200,000 visitors over 3 days with the participation of over 500 artists from a variety of disciplines, 100 studios, 50 galleries and stages and 100 programming partners. Area landmarks within the stylish neighborhood will provide oversize canvases for digital artworks, interactive pieces, performances and outdoor installations during the festival.



How to get there: Take the downtown F subway train from 57th St. & 6th Avenue to York Street. Make a right when exiting the train station.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------


AUGUST 2014 EVENTS IN NYC


Through August 7

RiverRocks is among New York City’s quintessential free outdoor summer concert series and features established and breaking artists performing at the beautiful Pier 84.

How to get there by subway: Take the A, C, or E to 42nd St. walk west and cross at W.44th St.
Through August 24

The Mostly Mozart Festival is a summer series of concerts held at Lincoln Center. In 2006, it celebrated its 40th anniversary. As it has done for many years, it is performing many of "Mozart's works and also a variety of musical works created after his death that were inspired and influenced by his genius. Find full schedule of events and buy tickets by clicking here.
Aug 21 - 25



The Charlie Parker Jazz Festival annually assembles some of the finest musicians in the world who reflect Parker’s musical individuality and genius, to promote appreciation for this highly influential and world-renowned artist. See the full schedule of events by clicking here.

Through August 23



Harlem Week is a series of events throughout the summer, that bring together all age groups and cultures to celebrate the unique and diverse essence of Harlem. See full list of events by clicking here.
Aug 26 - Sept 9



Tennis stars and their fans swing in to USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Flushing Meadows–Corona Park at Flushing, Queens for the US Open 2014 championships, the sport's final grand slam of the year. See the schedule and buy tickets by clicking here.
--------------------------------------------------------------------- JULY EVENTS IN NYC



July 12 


Herman Melville once described New York as an insular city belted round by wharves, and its inhabitants as landsmen in their daily routines, but drawn in their idle hours, as if by some magnetic pull, toward the waters that surrounds them. The annual City of Water Day Festival, organized by the Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance, recognizes those surrounding waters and their allure with harbor tours, fishing, free entertainment and live music, and education for kids and adults alike about the ways this harbor city interacts with its waterways.




July 13 


The long-running Brooklyn Bastille Day celebration pays tribute with live music, crepes and plenty of pastis. The centerpiece of the day is a pétanque tournament, the nation's largest. Meanwhile, the French Institute Alliance Française sponsors its own Bastille Day celebration on East 60th Street, in Manhattan, with live music, macarons, arts and crafts and face painting for the kids. For a full list of events, visit bastilleweek.com.




July 10–August 14 


Pack your lunch and head to Bryant Park for these midday, hour-long concerts, at which cast members from Broadway's most popular shows—including Cinderella, Pippin, Phantom, Rocky and Mamma Mia!—sing the songs that turned those musicals into hits. You can nab one of the chairs set up on the lawn, or bring your own blanket and settle on the grass.



JUNE 2014 EVENTS IN NYC




June 1-30


The Blue Note Jazz Festival returns for the fourth year, with over 150 premier artists at more than 15 venues throughout New York City. Featuring: Aretha Franklin, Bobby McFerrin & Questlove, Michael McDonald, Reggie Watts, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Michael Bolton, José James, André Previn & Christian McBride, Ramsey Lewis With Philip Bailey, Marcus Miller, Sérgio Mendes, Monty Alexander, Gato Barbieri, Danilo Pérez-John Patitucci-Brian Blade Trio, and many more.

June 7 – September 21


The Manhattan skyline views, the idyllic scenery and the promise of innovative outdoor art installations are just a few of the reasons Figment is worth the visit to Governors Island. The annual two-day celebration (June 7–8) encourages participants to interact with artworks and sculpture that are as challenging as they are aesthetically intriguing. There will be plenty of performances too. This year, you can get a taste of Figment even if you miss the weekend, as a few of its installations will be sticking around all summer long: the interactive Sculpture Garden, the City of Dreams Pavilion and, for the links lovers, an artist-designed mini-golf course. You can visit Governors Island via a free ferry ride that leaves from the Battery Maritime Building in Lower Manhattan or from Pier 6, at the foot of Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. For more information, visit newyork.figmentproject.org. Governors Island New York Harbor Manhattan.

June 21


There's nothing quite like Coney Island's annual parade of quirky mermaids and sea creatures, antique cars, floats and performers. The procession starts at 1pm, moving east along Surf Avenue from West 21st Street ending in front of MCU Park. It draws hundreds of thousands of people, so get there early to get a prime viewing spot. After the colorful characters have made their way around there's still plenty to explore nearby, like the Luna Park, aquarium and the beach. For more information, visit coneyisland.comSurf Avenue, Coney Island, Brooklyn

June 19–29 


Each summer, the River to River Festival takes over downtown Manhattan with free concerts, exhibitions and other events. Among the highlights for 2014 are a performance by the Trisha Brown Dance Company (June 26), a celebration of the works of minimalist composer Terry Riley (June 20), the popular Bang on a Can Marathon (June 22), and the debut of Night at the Museums (June 24), which offers free admission to 13 neighborhood cultural institutions, including Federal Hall, the Skyscraper Museum and the South Street Seaport Museum.




June 24 – July 12


Now in its 26th year, Midsummer Night Swing is exactly what its name would suggest—and more. Take dance lessons and then test your new moves to the infectious rhythms of live bands under the summer sky. Children can get into the act too, learning their first steps from top dance teachers on special kids' days. Music runs the gamut: disco nights, jump blues, samba and tango, not to mention big-band swing from Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks and old-school salsa from Willie Rosario y Su Orquesta. For complete information visit midsummernightswing.org. Damrosch Park W. 62nd St. bet. Columbus and Amsterdam Aves. Manhattan




MAY 2014 EVENTS IN NYC


May 4

The best way to explore all of New York City in a day is on your own two wheels! The Five Boro Bike Tour is an annual tradition that attracts more than 32,000 cyclists of all ages. The ride is 40 miles long, but the terrain is mostly flat, so you don’t have to be an expert cyclist to join. Take your time pedaling over five bridges—including the famous Queensboro and Verrazano-Narrows Bridges—and enjoy breathtaking views of the City from every angle. bikenewyork.org 
May 9–12

Launched in 2012, Frieze New York is an art fair in a spectacular setting: Randall's Island Park, where the organizers set up a gargantuan tent, an outdoor sculpture park and a heady selection of food purveyors. Art buyers and viewers gather here to see the latest in contemporary art represented by galleries in the US and Europe. The event, an offshoot of the original Frieze London and affiliated with the art magazine Frieze, also features talks by artists and curators. friezenewyork.com
May 17-18

Taste what Hell’s Kitchen is cooking at this annual food festival, where restaurants and outdoor vendors serve up food to suit every taste. The 15-block gastronomic extravaganza features cuisine from Greece, Brazil, Italy, Morocco, Senegal, Ukraine, Thailand and everywhere in between, with music and dancing to match9th Avenue 42nd - 57th Streets.  ninthavenuefoodfestival.com 
April 30–June 9 

The spring season opens with a three-week American Music Festival featuring 26 ballets and music by 18 composers. Highlights include WhoCares (music by George Gershwin), Ivesiana (music by Charles Ives), Stars and Stripes (music by John Philip Sousa) and Fancy Free (music by Leonard Bernstein), along with a world premiere ballet by Christopher Wheeldon.
May 6–11

The Festival is a week-long, Harlem-wide celebration of jazz that showcases new and established artists throughout iconic Harlem jazz locations including the Apollo, Showman's Jazz Club and Minton's Playhouse with additional programming at Harlem Stage Gatehouse and Columbia University.
May 9–19

The 42nd edition of the 10-day celebration is sure to be a memorable one, with a parade, festivals, live music, a unique trolley tour and, of course, the induction of the latest additions to the famous Bronx Walk of Fame. Each day celebrates a special group of people (such as mothers, veterans and seniors) or interest (arts and culture or the environment).
May 10–September 6

Rooftop Films is a film organization that presents underground cinema on rooftops all over New York. Catch experimental animation atop various locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens through September. Screenings are followed by an after-party with a DJ and open beer-and-wine bar. See full schedule here.
May 17

Dancers showcase ethnic and dance genres in a parade down Broadway to the East Village. Among beautifully crafted floats, live bands and DJs, the parade is ordered chronologically honoring the history of dance from ancient to contemporary. The parade travels down Broadway from 21st Street, terminating in Tompkins Square Park with a DanceFest offering performances, workshops and social dance.
May 29–June 2

At this annual festival—the goal of which is to better inform, inspire and engage the general public—science is illuminated through lectures, film screenings and other activities. Take in more than 50 themed events spanning five days covering everything from exoplanets to the correlation between mental illness and creativity and intelligence.





APRIL 2014 EVENTS IN NYC

April 26-27

220 cherry trees at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden are in full bloom during this time. To celebrate, the BBG hosts the weekend-long Cherry Blossom Festival, known in Japanese as Sakura Matsuri. During the festival, visitors enjoy scores of events celebrating Japanese culture including J-pop concerts, traditional Japanese music and dance, taiko drumming, martial arts, bonsai-pruning workshops, tea ceremonies and manga art. 150 Eastern Parkway 990 Washington Avenue Brooklyn.
Until Sun Apr 20  

Sunday best gets new meaning during this annual procession, wherein participants show off elaborately constructed hats—we’re talking noggin-toppers shaped like the NYC skyline or the Coney Island Cyclone, not just a boring old fedora. The tradition started in the mid-1800s, when high-society ladies would promenade in their Easter finery after church, and has since evolved into a showcase for chapeau artistry. Fifth Ave from 49th to 57th St.  

March 1 – April 21

This year, the New York Botanical Garden’s Orchid Show (the largest of its kind in the country) looks to the Sunshine State. Dubbed "Key West Contemporary," the 12th annual show is inspired by a modernist estate garden on the semitropical isle. Expect thousands of brilliantly colored orchids and plenty of cultural events keyed to express life in the Keys, as well as Q&A sessions with experts, musical entertainment, lectures and guided tours. For more information, visit nybg.org.

New York Botanical Garden 2900 Southern Blvd. Bronx, NY 10459
Until Sat May 10

On the 50th anniversary of the Fab Four arriving stateside, the Public Library for the Performing Arts and the Grammy Museum showcase memorabilia, recordings, videos and photos of the mop-topped musicians—and the Beatlemania that followed them. 


New York Public Library for the Performing Arts 40 Lincoln Center Plaza
Hayden Planetarium Space Show: Dark Universe 
Until June 1 2014

The newest addition to AMNH's Hayden Planetarium launches you on an astronomical adventure—from Jupiter's atmosphere to the Mount Wilson Observatory in California, where Edwin Hubble first discovered other galaxies. Learn how dark matter (a.k.a. invisible matter) and dark energy (the force that accelerates the universe's expansion) shape outer space, and follow scientists on their journey to unearth cosmological mysteries.  


American Museum of Natural History Central Park West at 79th St. Tel: 212-769-5100
“Moving Murals: Henry Chalfant & Martha Cooper’s All-City Graffiti Archive”  Until July 10

For its debut exhibit, City Lore revisits the street-art-painted subway cars of NYC in the ’70s and early ’80s. Images of more than 850 tattooed trains line the wall of the gallery, creating an immerse environment that echoes the rail yards where artists would practice their craft. 


City Lore Gallery  56 E 1st Street. Tel: 212-529-1955


MARCH 2014 EVENTS IN NYC



Armory Arts Week 
March 5–9 

New York's world-famous Armory Arts Week has grown exponentially since its inception in 1999. The Armory Show (at Piers 92 and 94), and the Art Show (at the Park Avenue Armory)—the week's flagship events for collectors and casual art lovers alike—showcase works from hundreds of galleries around the world. Other events include alternative art fairs like Volta NY and Scope, art tours around the City, panels, artist talks and more.


Multiple locations. See details here.

Asia Week 
March 14–22 

For seven days, Asian art and culture take over New York City. Among the 14 local museums, galleries, auction houses and cultural institutions participating are the Brooklyn Museum, the Noguchi Museum, the Museum of Chinese in America and the Rubin Museum of Art. Each venue will be showing works from the region, and art dealers from around the world will display their collections during open houses throughout the week. There will also be a full schedule of films, lectures, symposia, curator talks, tours, auctions and other special events.


Multiple locations. Details here.

St. Patrick's Day 
March 17 

 St.Patrick's Day Parade claims to being the oldest (it was first held in 1762) and largest of its kind in the world. Dress up in green and watch bagpipers, marching bands and assorted revelers from near and far as they march up Fifth Avenue from 44th Street to 79th Street. The parade starts at 11am and typically ends between 4:30 and 5pm.


FEBRUARY EVENTS IN NYC



Empire State Building Run-Up
February 3

In this annual New York Road Runners race, stair-climbing masters sprint to the iconic structure’s 86th-floor observation deck. The stampede goes faster than you may think: The record time is nine minutes and 33 seconds (achieved by Australian Paul Crake in 2003)—with 1,576 steps to cover, that’s 2.75 steps per second.


Empire State Building 350 Fifth Avenue between 33-34th Streets.

The Fest For Beatles Fans 2014
February 7-9

The epic convention takes over a midtown hotel for a Fab Four confab with lectures, panel discussions, concerts, film screenings and more. Musical guests include British Invasion acts Peter Asher (of Peter and Gordon), Chad & Jeremy, and folkie Donovan. More-offbeat activities include a bus trip to JFK (to mark the exact moment the boys landed in the USA), a look-alike and dress-up dance party, and a Beatles puppet show.


Grand Hyatt Hotel 109 East 42nd St. between Park and Lexington Ave.

Thunderbird American Indian Dance Concert and Powwow
February 7-9

The Thunderbird American Indian Dancers—celebrating their 51st anniversary this year—perform traditional songs and dances, and tell stories inspired by Native American cultures across the continent.


Theater for the New City 155 First Ave between 9th and 10th Sts

Romance Under The Stars
January 14

Celebrate Valentine's Day with a unique NYC experience at the Hayden Planetarium with a cocktail hour, champagne, hors d’oeuvres and chocolate, along with the music of the Josh Rutner Quartet. Then join Hayden presenters in the planetarium for a view of the night sky. Sit back and enjoy some of the greatest romance stories from the ancient celestial past. 


American Museum of Natural History Central Park West at 77th Street. 

Annual Hot Chocolate Festival
February 1-28

Regress to childhood with skillfully concocted mugs of hot chocolate, courtesy of the City Bakery. They will serve a different flavor of intoxicating cocoa every day during February. The lineup of flavors can be seen here. Highlights include Love Potion hot chocolate served on Valentine's Day and Sunken Treasure, an indulgent cup with submerged caramel coins and chocolate truffles.


City Bakery 3 W 18th St. between 5th-6th Avenues.

New York Transit Museum's Holiday Train Show
Until February 23

Within Grand Central Terminal you’ll find the New York Transit Museum’s 12th annual Holiday Train Show, an ode to all kinds of locomotives. You’ll feel positively giant while wandering around the 34-foot-long display, festooned with miniature versions of city landmarks such as the Brooklyn Bridge and the Empire State Building. 


Grand Central Terminal, 42nd St. & Park Avenue.

-----------------------------------------------------

JANUARY EVENTS IN NYC

Jan 7 - Jan 12

The festival will be presented in nine different venues and will feature over 90 different groups including over 400 musicians. Winter Jazzfest upholds the continued mission to showcase top quality jazz to industry professionals, avid jazz fans, and new audiences.


January 12

This music event will likely be your only chance to hear “subversive Ukrainian punk-folk,” “North African gnawa trance” and a host of other genre-spanning international acts in one night. The bash features a dozen musicians across three stages in Webster Hall. Represented locales range from Mauritania to Arizona; acts include Australia’s the Bombay Royale, Jamaica’s Brushy One String and Appalachian-Chinese folkies the Wu-Force.

Webster Hall 125 E 11th St, between Third and Fourth Aves
Jan 29 - May 28

Bookworms are in for a treat with the lineup at BAMcafŽ’s annual series, which pairs dinner and wine with a reading and presentation by a leading author such as Salman Rushdie, Alice McDermott, Jeffrey Eugenides and Meg Wolitzer.

BAMcafé 30 Lafayette Ave, between Ashland Pl and St. Felix St., Brooklyn.

Toys "R" Us Times Square Tour


A trip to NYC would not be complete without a visit to this wonderland for kids that combines the fun of an amusement park with the themes and excitement of a toy store. You'll love the 60-foot Ferris wheel, animatronic Jurassic Park T-Rex and the life-size Barbie's Dollhouse. But many didn't know that the store also offers 45-minute private tours one hour prior to store's opening at 9am. To find out more call 866-742-6423 or email personalshoppingtsq@toysrus.com

No comments:

Post a Comment