FestivalBuzz Pages

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

African Diaspora Film Festival

Films celebrating the African Diaspora. Both narrative fiction and documentaries from around the US and other countries are presented. Topics addressed include all aspects of life for people living in different parts of the African Diaspora. Most, if not all, of the directors themselves are African American. A unique perspective and a celebrated collection of moving stories.

When: December 2-4, 2010
Where: The Riverside Theatre @ 91 Claremont Ave @ W 120th Street
Website: The Riverside Theatre

African Diaspora Film Festival

The Riverside Theatre

African Diaspora Film Festival

The Riverside Theatre

Thursday, November 4, 2010

KingConBrooklyn


This weekend, come check out local publications, and participate in panels at indie comic con KingCon, featuring several artists and local artists at Brooklyn's answer to PS 122: the Lyceum.

When: November 4-7
Where: Brooklyn Lyceum - Fourth ave near President Street

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Another Soup Cookoff For Another Good Cause

Yet more soup for a good cause - this one is the Prospect Farm, also known as an urban farm on Seeley Street and Prospect Avenue in Brooklyn spanning 5000 acres and filled with yummy goodness.  The soup cook off has been fully subscribed, with contestants charged to bring in enough soup to feed 8 to 12 people (taking mercy on New Yorkers' tiny kitchens) and judged by two local food luminaries.

Lots of kids' activities, music and other types of food will also be available as well!
When: Saturday, October 30, 2010 11PM-4PM
Where:  Prospect Farm 1194 Prospect Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11218
Website: Prospectfarm.org
 http://www.yelp.com/events/brooklyn-fall-harvest-fest-and-soup-cookoff

Halloween Parades in Manhattan & Brooklyn

Want to get dressed and strut around for Halloween? Two great Halloween parade traditions show two very different facets of New York, but I'm hard pressed to pick the more fun.  

On the one hand, there is the nationally known Village Halloween Parade, which features colorful, flamboyant floats, costumes and acts. Always mobbed by festive party-goers, some in costume, some not, this year's parade route is abbreviated and will run uptown from Spring Street to 15th Street on Sixth Avenue.  A notable feature of this parade is that ANYONE can participate, if you are in costume (and just putting on a witch hat doesn't count). For more details and retrospectives of past Halloween Parades, check out their website at http://www.halloween-nyc.com.

On the other hand, Park Slope celebrates its family identity with it's own Halloween Parade, full of young kids in colorful costumes who trick or treat up and down Seventh Avenue shops and restaurants during the afternoon and evening with their parents. From tiny little peas-in-a-pod to gothic-inspired teenagers imitating their favorite book characters, this parade is great for people watching. Kids and parents in costumes (witch hats count as costumes here). For more information visit http://www.http://parkslopeciviccouncil.org/halloween-parade.

FB is closing down this weekend and heading to the Rally to Restore Sanity in DC. Please say a little prayer that the middle will show up here!

Pumpkin Festival

Scarecrow competitions, a haunted house, hay rides, a pumpkin patch, and more!  The Great Pumpkin awaits all New Yorkers at the Pumpkin Festival.

When: October 30, 2010 12PM-5PM
Where: Central Park near 72nd Street near Bandshell
Website: http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_things_to_do/events/output_pages/pumpkin_festival.php

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Smith Street Soup Festival

Hot soup for a cold day.... $5 ($10 per family) for 20 samples of soup from restaurants up and down the famed Smith Street Restaurant Row.  Proceeds go to a new culinary arts program at the local High School for International Studies. So show up with an appetite and a desire to help, at one of the best priced food festivals of the year.

When: Saturday, October 23rd (rain date October 24th) 1-4 PM
Where: Smith Street between Atlantic Avenue and Carroll Street
Website: None, but here's an article from the Brooklyn Paper: http://www.brooklynpaper.com/stories/33/43/24_soupcontest_2010_10_22_bk.html

Saturday, October 16, 2010

CMJ Music Marathon and Festival

While the general public experiences this festival as a massive smörgåsbord of emerging and established musical artists with a sprinkling of film thrown in, this festival is a comprehensive music industry get together. Geeky FestivalBuzz is most attracted to the panels which talk in detail about different aspects of the music industry, including new and emerging revenue structures. A full pass to all venues, panels and film showings costs $495, but you may be able to purchase tickets to individual shows at the venues. Just try to get there soon, because the most popular shows will sell out before the performance.

When: October 19-23
Where: various venues around NYC
Website: cmj2010.com

Thursday, October 14, 2010

New York Bead Show

Exactly the sort of event that FestivalBuzz loves to promote: for all you crafters and jewelry makers out there (or aspiring crafters and jewelry makers). The Whole Bead show promises access to a wide variety of lovely beads, baubles and stones for jewelry making, along with other types of jewelry making tools. In addition, you can sign up on the website for one of several jewelry making classes, to whet your appetite. No more breakfast at Tiffany's, you can make your own bling now!

Look for coupons in AM New York for $2 off admission. There's also one on the website.

When: October 15-17
Where: Metropolitan Pavillion, 125 West 18th St.
Website: www.wholebead.com
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Get Free Tickets Now: Fordham Film Festival

Fordham Law School hosts this legal-themed week of films, including current and past narrative and documentary works. Each night a special guest (from Jack Kevorkian to Sonia Sotomayor) will appear to comment on the film.  The event does require tickets, most of which are already down to rush (but which you can still register for... after the rush gets a certain amount of reservations, a waitlist begins), but the documentary Worse Than War still has general admission seating available. Get tickets now!

When: October 15-21
Where: Fordham University Law School 

140 West 62nd Street

Website: fordhamfilmfestival.org

Friday, October 8, 2010

St. John's In the Village Parish Bazaar

FestivalBuzz has fond memories of the annual St. James church bazaar that happened the second weekend of every November when we were kids. Many stuffed animals were won, and several craft reindeer were donated to the craft shop. There was always something sweet at the bake shop, and bingo was fun too. Well, it seems this bazaar may not have so many games with stuffed animals, but there is going to be one heck of a rummage sale, plus plenty for the kids to do. Check it out if you're in the neighborhood - it's the kind of neighborhood thing that makes the West Village what it is.

When: October 9 10AM-4:30PM and October 10 12:30PM-4PM
Where: St. John's in the Village (218 West 11th Street)
Website: http://www.stjvny.org

Brooklyn Soul Festival

Featuring some amazing soul musicians that you might not have heard of before as well as DJs spinning soul music in between sets. Catered by Five Spot Soul Food.

When: Friday and Saturday, October 8-9, 8 PM
Where: The Bell House, 149 Seventh St, Brooklyn
Website: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=118390724136

Church Ave Spectacular

Street fair sponsored by the Kensington Merchants Association also has rides and food. Explore this growing neighborhood just off the southwest corner of Prospect Park.

When: October 10 10AM- 6PM
Where: Church Ave btw Ocean Parkway and Mcdonald Ave
Website: none

Friday, October 1, 2010

Brewtopia: Great World Beer Festival - Eventbrite

Yet another chance to sample beer, this fest focuses on world beers.

When: October 2 12-4PM
Where: Center548, 548 West 22nd Street
Website: Brewtopia: Great World Beer Festival - Eventbrite

Buy Tickets Now: NYC Wine and Food Festival

Some of the most fun looking tastings have sold out already but there are still chances for you to get involved. It's not the cheapest event in the world but you'll have a hard time remembering when you ate this well!

When: October 7-10
Where: All Over Manhattan
Website: http://www.nycwineandfoodfestival.com

Brooklyn Chile Pepper Fiesta

Horticulturalists and spicy food lovers unite!  The Brooklyn Botanic Garden hosts its annual Chile Pepper Fiesta this Saturday. Bands. Dancing. Chocolate. Enjoy!

When: Saturday October 2, 2010 12-6PM
Where: Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Website: http://www.bbg.org/chilepepperfiesta

Last Weekend: Craft Beer Week

As if you needed a reason to drink, here's a reason to drink some great brews instead of your usual swill. If you hadn't seen any craft beer yet, here's your chance. Get out there to a tasting. It's not cheap but if you love beer, it's worth it.

When: Through October 3, 2010
Where: Throughout New York City
Website: http://nycbeerweek.com/events/

Westbeth 40th Anniversary Arts Festival

This is the last weekend of the Westbeth 40th Anniversary Arts Festival. Drop by to experience a range of New York works (performing and visual) from artists housed in or affiliated with this artists' housing settlement.

When: September 25-October 3
Where: 155 Bank Street
Website: www.westbeth.org

Wizard World : Big Apple Comic Con

Geeks, dorks, nerds, trekkies, etc., etc., etc. Find them all at Big Apple Comic Con, where I once met Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca from the original Star Wars movies). This year's stars include Jake Lloyd from the newer set of Star Wars Movies as well as the original Batman and Robin.

When: Friday, October 1 - Sunday October 3, 2010
Where: Penn Plaza Pavillion (Seventh Ave & 33rd Street across from Penn Station)

Korean Parade and Festival

A good excuse to learn the ins and outs of Little Korea (the low 30s near Herald Square), come explore this celebration of Korean culture. Featuring a Korean food festival, street fair, music festival and kids' activities. Saturday is rumored to be a great day to get outside.

When: Saturday, October 2nd 9AM-6PM, 12-2 PM (Parade)
Where: 32nd st between Fifth and Broadway, Parade Route on Sixth Ave from 38th to 27th Street
Website: http://www.nykorean.org

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Missed It: Dumpling Festival

FestivalBuzz laments the late reporting of the NYC Dumpling Festival. Featuring our favorite type of on-the-go food, it will be added to our calendar and duly reported with plenty of notice for next year.

When: September 25, 2010
Where: Sara Roosevelt Park
Website: http://www.dumplingfestival.com

New York Film Festival

Hosted by the Film Society of Lincoln Center, this uptown stalwart finishes out the second half of the year, complimenting the Tribeca Film Festival more market-minded fare. Look for famous European masters as well as some more mainstream fare making its debut here (THE SOCIAL NETWORK and HEREAFTER open and close the festival, respectively). Wish we had an all access pass. Go see something that WON'T likely be coming to a theater near you anytime soon.

When: Friday September 24- October 10, 2010
Where: Lincoln Center
Website: http://www.filmlinc.com/nyff/2010/

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Atlantic Antic Street Fair


The great Atlantic Antic Street Fair will take place Sunday, September 26 from 10AM-6PM. As with the Atlantic Ave Art Walk, the street fair reaches epic proportions as New Yorkers from all over the place head to what is billed as the largest street fair in the city. Perhaps San Gennaro in Little Italy feels more crowded, but the Antic packs in more people.

A walk down Atlantic Ave brings experiences as varied as any part of the city. From the delicious Middle Eastern treats to the accessible art galleries, to boutique bakeries and awesome bars, Atlantic Avenue has truly transformed into an experience. The Antic brings vendors of all ilks as well as performers on 10 different stages. If you've been looking for an excuse to discover Atlantic Ave, come on down.


When: September 26 10AM-4PM rain or shine
Where: Atlantic Avenue from Hicks Street to 4th Avenue in Brooklyn
Website: http://www.atlanticave.org/

Sunday, August 15, 2010

FB is Back!

Sorry to have petered out there for a while. Unfortunately a death in the family made festivals take a back seat. But FB is back and the fall promises some pretty extraordinary experiences. So stay tuned!

Happening Now: NYC Fringe Festival

Every year the Fringe Festival packs in hundreds of performances all over the city. Try finding the most cutting edge shows without it. Envelope-pushing commentary, media and artistry is on display in what has grown to an all encompassing festival of the far edge of theater. Come, see something you think you might like, support theater at its tenderest of grassroots, and experience something you might never ever see on Broadway.

Can't even afford the $15 advance tickets for this year's Fringe?  Hey, we've all been there, but you can still get a taste of what you're missing. FringeTeasers, part of the FringeAlFresco portion of the program, will run 7AM-1PM on August 21. Head to the Fringe NYC Stage at Spring and Lafayette. Also, if you just want to bask in the ecstatic ambiance created by the power of sheer creativity, You can check out Fringe Cafe, located at 1 East 8th Street, for advance tickets and maybe a refreshment or two.

Parents, FringeNYC isn't just for adults. Be sure to check out the FringeJR schedule for age-appropriate programming!


When: August 13-29, 2010
Where: 20 Venues throughout the City
Website: http://www.fringenyc.org

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Go Green: EcoArt Community Festival in Brooklyn

Learn simple ways to get greener at the EcoArt Community Festival. Kids activities and fine art vendors will also be there. And be sure to check out the scheduled activities at nearby Lefferts Historic House and the Prospect Park Zoo http://www.prospectpark.org.


When: July 25 11AM-4PM
Where: Prospect Park near the Carousel (Flatbush at Ocean Ave)
Website: None

Monday, July 5, 2010

Latin American Music Conference

Part music celebration, part serious industry conference, Latin American Music Conference states its objective is to create opportunities for the growing number of Latin music acts in the United States and beyond. Conference registration ($99 if pre-registered) gives admission to all performances, exhibits and panels.

Two events (July 9 and 10) are outdoor performances open to the public as well as a semi-open (but admission will be charged) showcase on July 8.


When: July 6-10
Where: Various Locations in Manhattan
Website: http://www.latinalternative.com/

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Barbeque Heaven: Pig Roast in FiDi

Ok, I hate the acronym FiDi. But it gets the point across. While this isn't exactly a festival it's a pretty cool party - how often do you really get a pig roast in Manhattan?  Join the folks at the Iron Horse for their annual Block Party. Then head down to the Seaport and do the tourist thing or try to elbow your way into a good spot to see the fireworks. Damn you Macy's for discontinuing the East River fireworks!

When: July 4, 2010 from 12-9PM
Where: Iron Horse NYC, 32 Cliff Street
Website: http://www.ironhorsenyc.com

Friday, July 2, 2010

Festival for Young Writers

This festival is the culmination of the summer for kids who have participated in a weekly summer writing program that meets in Fort Greene Park. Sign up started June 14 and the program starts July 10, so if you know a budding Dickens or Dickinson, sign them up now!

When: August 21
Where: Fort Greene Park, Brooklyn
Website: http://www.nywriterscoalition.org/events/fort-greene-park-summer-literary-festival/

Happy Independence Day!! Street Fairs this Weekend

I found a few more sources this week for street festivals - the list is pretty lengthy. I plan to start a Google Calendar that shows everything and will link to it... eventually.
Friday July 2, 2010

Multicultural Festival 11AM-4PM
St Johns Place between Bedford & Rogers Aves BROOKLYN

Saturday, July 03, 2010

McBURNEY YMCA 6th Avenue Festival
6 Ave and 14th Street

Maple Court Family and Friends Day Block Party
8:00 am- 8:00 pm
E. 123 St between Park Ave and Madison

USO - Avenue of the Americas Summer Festival
Avenue of the Americas (on 6th Avenue from 42nd - 56th Street)

Woodside on the Move Festival
Woodside Avenue between Roosevelt Ave and 65th Place QUEENS

Flushing Development Center Street Fair
Sanford Ave between Flushing and Main Streets - Flushing QUEENS

Sunday, July 04, 2010

The Great July 4th Festival
(on Water from Fulton - Broad Street)



Mulberry Street Pedestrian Mall 8AM-4PM
Mulberry Street between Canal Street and Broome Street, Hester Street between Mott Street and Mulberry Street

Meretz-Israeli Civil Rights
Lexington Avenue Festival
LEXINGTON Ave at East 42nd Street

Peloteros Unidos SBL 109th Street Festival 4:30-11:00PM
East 109th Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Buy Tickets Now: Midtown International Theater Festival

July is coming up. Thinking air conditioning might be nice, but can't find anything worth watching at the movies?  Check out the schedule for the Midtown International Theater Festival, now in its 10th year, starting July 12 and running through August 10, at venues throughout Midtown Manhattan.

Want to take a budding Cate Blanchett? Be sure to use the site's guide to determine if the play you're thinking of is age appropriate.As you might imagine, the plays performed at the festival have limited capacity, so don't wait, make your reservations now by heading to the festival's web site:  http://www.midtownfestival.org/.

Monday, June 28, 2010

Brooklyn Music Festival: July 4

Musicians Fabolous and Shabba headline the 3rd annual Brooklyn Music Festival, going off July 4 at Aviator Sports Arena in South Brooklyn. Numerous acts are slated to perform, from the national to the locally-based. We've passed the deadline for early purchase tickets - they are now $59 with kids 12 and under free. Vendors will also be present.

When: July 4 1PM
Where: Aviator Arena at Floyd Bennett Field
Website: http://www.brooklynmusicfestival.com

Friday, June 25, 2010

Lincoln Center American Crafts Festival

Get inspired by the ingenuity of over 400 craft vendors at this annual outdoor craft fair, one of the largest in the city. The show is juried, meaning that vendors had to apply and have their wares judged high quality to be able to display. The festival actually stretches over 2 weekends, with different artists displaying each weekend. FB missed out on the first weekend of this show (sorry), but you'll be able to lose yourself for hours on this last weekend, and possibly find that perfect lamp for that one corner in your favorite room.

Music and food are promised, though no information on who exactly will be playing is given on the website.

When: June 26 12-9PM, 27 10AM-9PM
Where: Lincoln Center Plaza
Website: http://www.craftsatlincoln.org

PrideFest: Where We're All Fabulous

The annual Gay Pride week kicked off with a rally on June 19 at SummerStage in Central Park and continues with a host of events throughout the week, but the best is definitely saved for last with the annual Pride march and PrideFest, this year with extra oomph due to 2010 being the 40th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots - the event that brought the gay community together and started the gay rights movement.

Both PrideFest and the March are completely open to the public. Come see an amazing pageant of people displaying their true and varied colors, with music.

Also, check out the Pride website at http://www.nycpride.org for a list of Pride events - dances, performances, and a couple festivals within this giant festival.


When: June 27, 2010 11AM-7PM
Where: Hudson Street between 10th and 14th Streets in the West Village (March goes down Fifth from 36th Street to Greenwich and Hudson Street, turning on 9th Street)
Website: http://www.nycpride.org

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Edible Garden Festival at New York Botanic Garden

The edible garden celebration is a series of festival weekends dedicated to growing and cooking of fresh local produce. Each weekend is dedicated to a theme, with the first weekend - June 26-27 - dedicated to asparagus. Cooking demonstration, book talks and signings by authors. FB is particularly interested in the rhubarb weekend (July 10-11) and the berries weekend (July 4 weekend).

When: Weekends from June 26-October 17
Where: New York Botanical Gardens, Bronx
Website: http://www.nybg.org/eg/#visit/garden_table

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

GET TICKETS NOW! Meatopia on Governor's Island

Sometimes you want to hang back to see how a new festival works out, but with Edible Brooklyn and the Slow Food Movement behind this, you don't want to wait. Meatopia is, well, all about meat, particularly barbeque. And where the Big Apple BBQ Block Party was about bringing out pitmasters from around the country, Meatopia features local pitmasters and barbeque teams.

Meatopia is particularly dedicated to local food. Meat is provided by local tri-state producers. Moreover, the beer and bourbon available for tasting will also be locally produced. (Apparently July is "Good Beer Month" according to Mayor Bloomberg.)

This event hasn't sold out yet, but that's probably just because it's the very first one. Tasting tickets are available to purchase through the website. Don't wait.

When: July 11, 2010
Where: Governor's Island
Website: http://www.meatopia.org

Monday, June 21, 2010

Not Your Typical Dinner and a Movie

The NYC Food Film Festival tries to take the idea of food and movies to a higher level, and it's succeeding. The movies are all food-themed but manage to include both documentaries and narratives (and why not? FB thinks fondly of food movies like Chocolat, Eat Drink Man Woman, No Reservations and Loose Cannons). The two coolest-sounding evenings are already sold out but tickets are available for the Great NYC Shuck & Suck (yes, they mean oysters) as well as the Sunday "It's Grits" brunch selection, a bargain at $35 a head.

When: June 23-27
Where: Locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn
Website: http://www.nycfoodfilmfestival.com

River to River

This weekend kicked off the annual River to River Festival - one of the more comprehensive arts festivals meant to get you out and checking out downtown Manhattan. 

Known mostly for its musical presentations, River to River (or R2R) sanctions arts performances ranging from theater to dance to spoken word, as well as other miscellaneous activities. August 21-22, for instance, has an automotive theme: a classic Volkswagen show paired with a day to have your car seats checked out by a certified technician.

R2R is so big it actually includes other festivals such as the J&R MusicFest and the 29th Annual Downtown Dance Festival. There's bound to be something for everyone. Head over to the website and print out the program, then start marking it up.

When: June 20-August 31
Where: Outdoor venues around Lower Manhattan
Website: http://www.rivertorivernyc.com

Wimbledon at Rockefellar Center

So it may be a giant advertisement for HSBC (disclosure: FB is NOT a client of HSBC), but the tennis experience that has been built around the annual tennis tournament at Wimbledon is comprehensive. Starting June 21, Rockefeller Center will feature a host of tennis-centric activities.

Experience a free tennis clinic, given twice daily, or reserve a time to play on a real grass court (bring sneakers, but you can borrow their racquets and balls). Or bring your racquet in for restringing. Strawberries & cream (a tradition at Wimbledon) will be distributed daily as well. Kid-oriented clinics will also be given, sponsored by Police Athletic League.

When: June 21-25 7AM-7PM
Where: Rockefeller Center btw 5th & 6th Aves from 50th to 51st Streets.
Website: http://www.us.hsbc.com/tennis

Sunday, June 20, 2010

This weekend: Solstice in Times Square

Pre-registration is required!!  Sign up for a class (or waiting list) here!


PS: unfortunately the 7:30 AM is full, but I highly recommend the instructor Douglass - I've taken his class at Yogaworks and it's wonderful!  http://www.yogaworks.com

Duffy Square (Broadway and 7th Ave near 46th street) becomes ground zero for hundreds (thousands?) of yogis saluting the sun on the longest day of the year. Bring your mat and join in. Local teachers give talks and classes during the day. Last year, the first 1500 yogis snagged some swag.

When: June 21 starting at dawn and going to dusk
Where: Times Square between 46th and 47th Street
Website: http://www.timessquarenyc.org/about_us/events_solstice.html

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Adventures NYC in Central Park

FB is seeing somewhat of a surge in interest in the outdoor lifestyle. In NYC, that's all but unthinkable. But the City of New York is jumping on the bandwagon, putting on AdventuresNYC, a 4 hour outdoor fair in Central Park designed to encourage people (especially kids) to enjoy the great outdoors more. Activities include a climbing wall, fishing activities, yoga and much more. Plus there will be music!  Stop by when you have a moment.

When: June 19 12-4PM
Where: Central Park Bandshell at 72nd STreet
Website: http://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2010/06/19/adventures-nyc

Friday, June 18, 2010

Theater at Riverside Church: Family Arts Festival

This weekend is the second of three for the Theatre at Riverside Church's Family Arts Festival, which features a multitude of family-friendly and culture-enriching dance, music and spoken word experiences. All events are FREE.

When: weekends through June 27, performances starting around 7PM most days.
Where: Riverside Church Theatre (91 Claremont Ave at 120th Street)
Website: http://www.theriversidechurchny.org/theatre/programs.php?p=family

GIANT Lit Mag Fair

HousingWorks' annual GIANT Lit Mag Fair promises a heck of a bargain: those same lit mags (Glimmer Train, AGNI, Tin House, etc) you see for $5 and up are available to check out and take home for just $2 each. Meant to grow the audience of literary magazine readers, this event might also inspire a few aspiring writers: the editors of many of these magazines will be there too.  This isn't a pitch party - so don't bring your manuscript - but do bring a note pad, make sure you get names and addresses to follow up!  And buy some magazines! The proceeds benefit HousingWorks' programs for low income and homeless New Yorkers.

And while it's not a festival, the HousingWorks' warehouse sale scheduled for tomorrow (in Long Island City) certainly looks appealing, so we're posting this a day early. Go do some good by shopping!

When: June 20, 2010 12-5PM
Where: HousingWorks Bookstore at 126 Crosby Street (btw Houston and Prince)
Website: http://www.housingworks.org/events/detail/the-giant-lit-mag-fair-at-housing-works/

Make Music New York!!

In what's become a summer solstice tradition, Make Music New York kicks off summer with an overwhelming number of music acts, all performing around the city at public spaces both intuitive (Summer Stage at Central Park, Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn) and not so intuitive (Jackson Heights Post Office, Cortelyou Road Public Library in Brooklyn).

The schedule on the website reveals a huge number of spaces, places and genres of music where you can hear bands. Pick the one closest to you, pick the type of music you'll like best, or throw a dart to choose (but not at your computer screen!).

Take a look at the website for special events as well. The SecondLine New York caught my eye, as did the "Mass Appeal" project where you can show up with your own instrument and play in a band. Don't have an instrument? Find the pianos and play your own tune in "Play Me, I'm Yours".

And if punk is your thing, find your way to Governor's Island between 10AM and 5PM (Free ferries leave from Dumbo and downtown Manhattan) for Punk Island. You can guess what that is. A list of bands is on the website, as well as a reminder that no alcohol or weapons are allowed on Governor's Island. You can guess why that's there, too.

When: June 21, 2010 11AM-10PM
Where: All over the place in all 5 boroughs
Website: http://makemusicny.org/




Folsom Street East Hits New York

Don't be bashful even if you don't have your own leather chaps - the (mostly) chaps at Folsom Street East will welcome you just the same. The east coast version of the famous San Francisco leather fair for the BDSM community will take place tomorrow on the block of 28th Street between 10th and 11th Avenues. Expect vendors of leather gear and other items, plus musical performances and lots of open dialogue on sexual freedom.  The fair is free to walk through but a $10 suggested donation goes to nonprofits promoting the LGBT community and sexual freedom.

When: June 20, 2010
Where: West 28th Street between 10th and 11th Aves
Website: http://www.folsomstreeteast.org

Crest Hardware art show

Billed as a "local block party" to benefit the NYC Reliquary (a repository for all kinds of New York mundania throughout the ages), the Crest Hardware Art Show promises artist displays, vendors, kids' activity table, food (a 10 foot smoker will be on hand to provide mouth-watering barbeque - for those of us who are missing the Big Apple BBQ Block Party!) and music near the Lorimer Street stop on the L train.


When: June 19 from 12PM-11PM
Where:  558 Metropolitan Ave btw Lorimer and Union.
Website: http://cresthardwareartshow.com/

Weekend Street Fairs.

Manhattan's street fair schedule is a little spare this weekend - what gives? Well, go check out Seventh Heaven in Brooklyn or maybe the Mermaid Parade. Once again, the list has been compiled by Pamela Skillings at About.com - check out her blog!

When: This weekend
Where: Around Manhattan
Website: http://manhattan.about.com/od/eventsandattractions/a/junestreetfairs_2.htm

Seventh Heaven in Park Slope

Billed as a Father's Day Tradition, the annual Seventh Heaven Street Fair in Park Slope promises the grilled corn and lemonade vendors as well as local flavor provided by the eclectic roster of businesses headquartered throughout Park Slope, including New York Methodist Hospital, which will offer free blood pressure and glucose screenings at a booth in front of the hospital between 6th and 7th streets.  Community Bookstore at 143 Seventh Avenue will host children's author readings (schedule here: http://communitybookstore.net/events/?p=771)  

This year a scavenger hunt is in the works as well. Get a list of clues at the Park Slope Chamber of Commerce tent (located near Community Bookstore on Seventh Ave between Garfield Place and Carroll Street), and get to scavenging. Prizes are promised, but the discovery of a new go-to business in Park Slope is promising enough!

When: June 20th from 11-7PM
Where: Along Seventh Avenue from Flatbush Ave to 15th Street in Park Slope
Cost: Free, unless you buy something
Website: None

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Giant World Cup Party!

Feel the need to watch the World Cup surrounded by thousands of people? Too claustrophobic for your traditional soccer pubs? No problem!  Puma has graciously created Puma City NY on the banks of the East River.

The upshot - you'll be among tons of tourists, but it's a very pleasant scene. A soccer pitch (that's a field for you gridiron folks) is set up and you can sign up to play pick up games. They also have a human foosball game set up - not sure what that means except you're probably strapped to a pole somehow. Great Facebook photo opp!

The Beer Garden sounds like the best place to hang out - beer, more seats than at a pub, and a jumbotron showing the sweat coming out of every grainy pore of your favorite side (again, for you gridironers, a side means a team). Get there early if you want to watch the USA play their games - it's sure to get crowded.

When: From now through July 11, hours vary
Where: South Street Seaport (Fulton Street at the East River)
Website: http://www.pumacity.com

Last Night for SketchFest

Late entry folks: today is the last day of the three-day SketchFest, put up annually by the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater. FestivalBuzz picks this as a great bargain for performing arts lovers - each 1-2 hour show is only $10, and that's plenty of time to get some giggles and then head over to your favorite spot for dinner.

FB has attended previous SketchFest events and highly recommends it!

When: Tonight - shows starting at 7PM-12AM
Where: Upright Citizens Brigade Theater 307 West 26th Street (same building as the tennis courts and supermarket)

2nd annual BAM CinemaFest

Lovers of the latest indie films will enjoy the lineup at BAM CinemaFest, running through next Tuesday. General screenings admission is $12 with discounts to BAM Cinema Club members. There will be one 3D movie as well - Cane Toads, The Conquest, a documentary about an invasive toad species in Australia.

Also part of CinemaFest is a free outdoor screening of Tiny Furniture, which won the South by Southwest Film Festival Jury Award this year. The screening will be held in the parking lot of the Mark Morris Dance building on Lafayette and Ashland place - diagonally across from the main BAM building - on Sunday June 13 at 9PM, with a rain date of June 17.

Where I'll be: The screening of Zodiac, the director's cut on Monday at 7PM. A post-screening discussion is planned.

When: June 9-13
Where: BAM Cinema, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Lafayette Street and Ashland Place
Website: http://www.bam.org/view.aspx?pid=1193

Friday, June 11, 2010

Buy tickets now! Jazz Festival June 17-26

The big guns of jazz flood the city with music for 9 days as the CareFusion JazzFestival New York gets underway. There are some big names (Herbie Hancock - who is being honored, india.arie, Bill Cosby, Ravi Coltrane)  in jazz and some big names that I hadn't thought of as jazz musicians. They'll be playing in locations great (Carnegie Hall) and small, open air and covered, and not just in Manhattan either. Town Hall in Flushing, Queens is on the list.

Take a listen to the website, which is streaming some great music too.  Tickets go from free (Summer Stage in Central Park) and up.

When: June 17-26
Where: Venues all over the City
Website: http://www.nycjazzfestival.com

Big Apple BBQ

Here is my pick for this weekend: the Big Apple Barbeque Block Party at Madison Square Park. There are some great barbeque places in the city, but admission to this festival is a huge bargain for true BBQ lovers: it's free (to walk around, but food costs extra). Get yourself and your loved ones over to the the Big Apple BBQ.

If you're just reading about this for the first time today, it's too late to pre-purchase a Fastpass, which gives access to an express line. But stand in line for even one plate of 'Q here, and you'll put it on your express checkout every year from now on.

There will also be musical performances, book signings, and seminars on the art of BBQ given by the "pitmasters" who will be showcasing their art - all free to attend.

When: Saturday, June 11 11AM-6PM
Where: Madison Square Park (23rd Street between Fifth Ave and Madison Ave)
Website: http://www.bigapplebbq.org/

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Buy Tickets Now: Bococa Arts Festival

We hope you had a great time at the Art Walk. If you did and want more (or if you missed it), here's another chance to get out and about nearby.

BoCoCa stands for Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill and Carroll Gardens. I hate that acronym. Doesn't work nearly as well as TriBeCa or NoLita. Whatever. They're having an arts festival. This one is less visual arts (though there will be visual art) and more performing arts (music, theater, multimedia, etc), which makes it a nice follow-up.

Tickets are $14 for all performances if purchased in advance through the festival's website, and $17 cash-only at the door.

There will also be an outdoor event called BoCoCa Outdoors @ Carroll Park at, yes that's right, Carroll Park on June 19. This will be an outdoor performance 11AM - 5:30 PM accompanied by vendors. That will be free to walk through.

When: June 18-27, 2010
Where: Theaters, pubs, restaurants and public spaces around Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill and Carroll Gardens
Website: http://bococaartsfestival.com/

Yet More Street Fairs

If you missed out on Taste of Times Square, at least you can feel some of the festivity that abounds with most street fairs.  As always, I'm sending you over to the list compiled by Pamela Skillings of About.com, because she's really got her finger on this stuff.

While the main themes of this weekend's street fairs seem to be the World Cup and the Puerto Rican Day Parade, there are lots of other options in different parts of the city, so find one near you, or find one you might enjoy. If I have time, I'll be heading over to the Hare Krishna street fair on LaGuardia Place near NYU.

What: Various street fairs
When: Friday through Sunday
Where: Various places throughout Manhattan
Website: http://manhattan.about.com/od/eventsandattractions/a/junestreetfairs.htm

This Week, We're all Puerto Rican

Everyone in New York knows when the Puerto Rican Day Parade is happening: neighborhoods around the city are festooned with the Puerto Rican flag, cars fly the Puerto Rican colors proudly and there's a lot more red white and blue all over.  But did you know that there are fun and games leading up to Sunday's giant fiesta?

Some invite-only events are happening Wednesday and Thursday, but starting Friday, June 11 the public can get in on the fun by heading over to Roberto Clemente State Park in the Bronx for Juegos Boricuas (or Boricuan games), including but not limited to a dominoes tournament on Friday and Saturday. Music is promised at Roberto Clemente State Park for Saturday, along with more Juegos.  

And of course the parade is the grand finale, kicking off around 11AM and heading up Fifth Avenue from 44th to 86th Streets. 

When: June 11-13, 2010
Where: Roberto Clemente State Park (West Tremont Avenue and Matthewson Road), Parade only- Fifth Ave between 44th and 86th.
Website: http://www.nationalpuertoricandayparade.org

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

8th Cinefest PetroBras NY June 5-12

A little late on this one, sorry! But there's still time to buy tickets and check out some of the greatest films that came out of Brazil in the last year. One of them - Elvis and Madona - I recognize from the Tribeca Film Festival.

Tickets are still available for the films later in the week (from Wednesday on) via the website, and you can also walk up (at your own risk). Ticket prices are $10, a bargain in this town (and probably a better product too than most of the summer fare we can expect from the studios.)

When: 6-10PM showings June 5-11, closing concert and free screening June 12
Where: Scheduled screenings: Tribeca Cinemas at 54 Varick Street,
Closing concert and free screening: Central Park Summer Stage - 72nd Street @ 5th Ave
Website: http://www.brazilianfilmfestival.com/ny_en.html

Queens Puts Its Best Foot Forward June 10-13

Do you ever see signs for an event on the subway and think "Hmm, I wonder what the big deal is on that?" and then walk away?  I had to check out the Queens Art Express website and I have to say that this might get me back to Queens.

QAX - as they call it - is a multi-neighborhood effort to showcase the best of Queens. Ok all you Brooklynites, stop ragging on Queens. It's actually pretty cool. And here they are going to prove it. 

The 6 spotlighted neighborhoods are (of course) ranged out along the 7 line: Long Island City, Sunnyside, Woodside, Jackson Heights, Corona, and Flushing. Each neighborhood has a calendar of various events and sites to visit. Naturally, you can expect Corona and Long Island City to dominate the art scene, but literature, poetry, design, theater and food all have a place in this festival.

Check out http://queensartexpress.com for a breakdown of events by date and/or by neighborhood (their website does one of the best jobs of this that I have found - good job guys! )

Where: Throughout Queens along the 7 line
When: June 10-13
Tickets: sometimes required

FREE: Museum Mile 6-9PM

Wish you could get your fill of NYC culture but don't have the dough?  Well, tonight's the night for you.  On Tuesday June 7 from 6-9PM, nine museums on Fifth Avenue will be free!  Start off at 82nd and tour the Met, but don't spend all your time there! Wend your way up to 104th where the Museo del Barrio awaits. All this across the street from gorgeous Central Park. If you only get up that way once a year, let this be the night!

Museums not your thing (Disclosure: they're not mine). You can still have fun. Along Fifth Ave you'll find performances and activities (mostly geared towards kids).  Join this annual promenade through the best of New York's museums.

http://www.museummilefestival.org/

Monday, June 7, 2010

Sold Out: Brooklyn Blog Fest

An evening of panels and discussions focusing on the art of the blog, creatively, spiritually and businesswise.


This is the 5th annual Brooklyn Blogfest and advanced seating is already sold out, but you can still show up to wait on a "rush" line, from which they will fill any seats in the auditorium and the upstairs overflow room where a closed circuit feed will be provided.

The evening's main attraction is a conversation with Spike Lee and Lemon Anderson. Other famous bloggers, most with ties to Brooklyn, will also appear.
A full list appears on the website http://www.brooklynblogfest.com.


When: June 8, 2010 7PM
Where: Brooklyn Lyceum (227 Fourth Ave near President Street)
Website: http://www.brooklynblogfest.com

Taste of Times Square: I'm Totally There!

I shed tears when I couldn't get to Taste of Tribeca, but no need, because Taste of Times Square is right around the corner! For an all too brief three and a half hours on June 7 from 5PM to 8:30PM, the festival is appropriately sited along Restaurant Row - West 46th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues.

This is better than happy hour. Call some friends, get your walking sandals on, and head over after work! The list of participating restaurants is here http://www.timessquarenyc.org/about_us/events_taste.html.

Unlike the former, you don't need to buy tickets beforehand for Taste of Times Square, although you do have to buy packages of tickets for individual food and drink tastings. Or just stroll along and feast on the delicious smells for free.

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Get Thee to the Greek! (Festival)


Puns aside, this Greek festival hosted by Saints Constantine and Helen Church in downtown Brooklyn looks like fun. Starting June 7, Schermerhorn Street between Boerum Place and Court Street will be filled with merrymaking by, for and about Greek culture. 

Reminding me of my old church's bazaar, a White Elephant sale will be held, and a gift shop will be operating as  well. Food and pastries will be served, and the weekends promise music (DJ) and dance performances. Those toting tots will find a few activities for them as well.

The church is located just outside the prime Brooklyn Heights and Cobble Hill neighborhoods, and is down the street from the Court Street Barnes & Noble and Court Street United Artist Cinemas. If you are on your way to Trader Joe's (2 blocks away), stop by and have some real spanakopita before heading over TJ's to pick up the frozen version.

When: June 7-13
Where: Sts Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church  -  64 Schermerhorn Street
Website: http://stconstantineandhelen.org/events.aspx?id=e1



Saturday, June 5, 2010

Brickchurch Sweet Strawberry Festival

If you're in the vicinity of East 92nd Street on Sunday June 6 between 12-3PM, stop by and check out the The All-Church Picnic and Strawberry Festival, sponsored by the Brick Presbyterian Church at 62 East 92nd Street. 


Promising fun and games for all, this annual picnic is as American as - dare we say it - strawberry shortcake!


Check it out here: http://www.brickchurch.org/newsStory.aspx?pageId=76043

Newfest - LGBTQ Film Festival through June 13 at SVA

I like the SVA theater because it's clean and comfortable. So if your a/c is broken, pick a screening at Newfest and check out some cutting edge films. Screenings go from Noon to 10:30 PM most evenings. Documentaries and narrative features focus heavily on LGBT issues. Topical and film industry panels are also being held.

When: June 3-13
Where: SVA Theater 333 West 23rd Street
Website: http://www.newfest.org

Get Your Geek On!

Art for art's sake not heavy enough for you? Catch what's left of the World Science Festival Saturday and Sunday around New York venues, including campus sites at New York University and New School University.  The festival's creators hit science from all angles, both grownup and kid-friendly. Art lovers can explore the science side of sound, light, color and the things that inspire us - the skies, oceans and plants - through discussions that push the boundaries of what we know today.

Most events require tickets, but most of the adult talks are already sold out (though some rush tickets may be available right before start time). But some panels are available via live broadcast right on your computer - or rebroadcast for those of us who can only pay attention after Junior's sleeping tight.

The accompanying World Science Street Fair on Sunday will be held around Washington Square Park. Exhibits on subjects including the environment, animals, nature, robotics, math and learning and plenty more promise to be instructive and fun at the same time.

When: June 5 & 6 - Street fair is June 6 10AM-6PM
Where: Around Manhattan - Street Fair is in Washington Square Park
Website: http://www.worldsciencefestival.com

Friday, June 4, 2010

Red Hook Waterfront Arts Festival




Missed this one and wanted to get it in for the second day: Head over to the Red Hook waterfront for performances, exhibits, kids activities and a lovely view of the Statue of Liberty, not to mention great deals at IKEA and Fairway!


When: June 5, 2010 11AM-7PM
Where: Louis J. Valentino, Jr. Park & Pier
Website: http://www.dancetheatreetcetera.org/rhwaf.html

Art Walk in Brooklyn

For the next couple weeks there are going to be some fun gigs going on in Downtown Brooklyn.  The first one starts Saturday June 5 with the Atlantic Ave Art Walk.  This weekend is jam packed and I am impressed and looking forward to getting down there.  


The garden of Atlantic Gardens will become a 5000 square foot beer garden and tons of restaurant and other  deals will be available from the local shops and restaurants that line Atlantic Avenue. 




There are lots of ways to tackle this blocks-long Art Walk. The website at http://atlanticavenueartwalk.com lists self-guided tours curated by exhibiting artists. Find one that fits your vibe and sample his or her highlights. Or, just download a map and pick out your personal hotspots. Or, follow my personal plan - just walk along and see what happens.    


Atlantic Avenue merchants and the Atlantic Avenue Local Development Corporation are really pulling out the stops here. The website lists dozens of food and drink specials to exploit during Art Walk. The schedule of musical performances is jam packed. And of course, there's the art. There are open studios, exhibitions and plenty of opportunity for artists to display and discuss (and maybe sell) their work. The website for the Art Walk bears a couple hours of giddy exploration and planning. 


Check the website for additional events held in conjunction with the opening of Brooklyn Bridge Park and the Bococa Arts Festival!

When: June 5 & 6
Where: Along Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn from Hicks Street to Fourth Avenue
Website: http://atlanticavenueartwalk.com/home/

Philippine Independence Day Council Parade and Street Fair

This Sunday June 6, the people of the Philippines get to showcase their culture with a parade down Madison Avenue accompanied by an open air street fair and cultural festival on Madison between 24th and 26th Streets.

The parade kicks off at 1PM from 41st Street down Madison Avenue, presumably ending just before you hit the festival at 26th. Cultural festival performances span the gamut from traditional to modern/urban on the stage near Madison Square Park.

The full calendar can be found here: http://www.pidci.org/home/event/30-indepdayparade/

This Weekend's Street Fairs

Stuck for something to do this weekend? Family in town? Kids screaming, bored of park and tv?  Check out Pamela Skilling's thoughtful aggregation of street fairs this weekend.

http://manhattan.about.com/od/eventsandattractions/a/junestreetfairs.htm

Sounding especially sweet are NYC Lab Tastes and the Strawberry Festival (see separate post).

The sun's a shining so get out there New York!

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Gateway to Nations NYC Native American Heritage Celebration

Hosted by the Redhawk Native American Arts Council, the annual Gateway to Nations NYC Native American Heritage Celebration will be held June 5& 6 from 11AM to 7PM at Aviator Sports Complex in Floyd Bennett Field in the Brooklyn Gateway National Recreation area.

June 4 will be a student day at the festival - see details to register school groups at http://www.redhawkcouncil.org.

In the style of many "pow wows", the festival will feature grand entrances of the many dancing competitors in several dancing styles - southern straight, grass, fancy, and jingle dress, and the dancing competitions themselves are always fun to hear and watch as they feature live music and amazing dancers. A "birds of prey" demonstration is promised. In addition there will be many vendors selling their crafts, and food vendors will be there as well.

Admission is $12 for adults, $7 for children and seniors, with children 6 and under getting in free.

Friday, May 28, 2010

Lower East Side Festival of the Arts

All manner of performing and visual artists will contribute to the 15th annual Lower East Side Festival of the Arts. Starting with a slate of performances at Theater for the New City (on First Ave between East 9th and East 10th Streets). Then on Saturday, the performances continue inside and outside along East 10th Street at the outdoor street festival. Sunday concludes the festival with yes - more performances at Theater for the New City.

Amazingly, there is no admission charge to any of the performances here, which range from comedy to drama to dance and music, poetry readings, and also youth performances of many varieties.

Schedule of events: http://www.theaterforthenewcity.net/les.htm

Memorial Weekend Street Fairs

Here, thanks to the About.com Manhattan blog, is this weeks' crop of street fairs. Memorial Day is naturally the theme for most - if you can't (or don't want to) join the throngs around Manhattan, just check out the festivities in your corner:

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Oh, Yeah Baby, It's Fleet Week!

Yes, the first ships of summer are sailing into New York Harbor this weekend with the annual Memorial Day celebration of Fleet Week. Visiting ships come to town and you can trek through a commissioned naval vessel or two. The Intrepid Museum and surrounding piers is the center of most festivities, though many of the visiting ships will be moored on Staten Island. If you see sailors taking in the sights, be sure to welcome them, and not just with a Bronx cheer!

The parade of ships can be viewed just about anywhere from the Intrepid down to the Statue of Liberty.  Many events, talks and demonstrations at the Intrepid are free. Others, including the Memorial Day ceremony, require tickets.

To purchase tickets and view the Intrepid Fleet Week Schedule of Events: http://www.intrepidmuseum.org/Fleet-Week-Schedule.aspx

More Fleet Week events are listed here: http://www.facebook.com/FleetWeekNewYork?v=wall#!/FleetWeekNewYork?v=app_2344061033

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Street Fairs Abounding

There's about a million and a half street fairs to choose from this weekend - many put on by local civic associations and schools. A full list for this Thursday-Sunday can be found on the About.com blog of Pamela Skillings at http://manhattan.about.com/od/eventsandattractions/a/streetfairsmay_2.htm.

The busiest is likely to be the Times Square Fair on Sunday (2 guesses where you'll find that one), and the Salute to Israel Parade (I always just called it Israel Day - didn't realize it had a name). So, officially we are also into parade season. Yeah, I guess they count as festivals, too. Salute to Israel is going up Fifth Ave from 57th Street to 79th on Sunday starting at 11AM and lasting till 4PM. Just look for all the blue and white! For more information visit:  http://salutetoisrael.com/parade/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=54&Itemid=71

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Just Go: Kings County Fair

People reading this might be surprised that Kings County has a patch of green big enough to hold an actual fair. Well, we do. It's out at Aviator Arena at Floyd Bennett Field, and it's just like the county fairs I remember growing up in just-outside-suburban Virginia.  Fairways, cotton candy, rides, games, and a small zoo (alligators, panthers and a baby kangaroo) to check out. 


The fair is open through this weekend from 5-11PM Wednesday and Thursday, 5PM-1AM Friday, 12 Noon - Midnight Saturday and 12 Noon - 11 PM Sunday.


Admission is $7 with children under 3 feet getting in free. Parking is free - not something you hear often in the 5 boroughs!


There are some pretty good deals Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday to pay one price and get all rides for free. Go to http://www.aviatorsports.com for more information.

Monday, May 17, 2010

August 7 - Urban Roots Project at St. Marks Danspace

I recently the Urban Roots Project, and its sister dance company the Kinetic Junglist Movement company - truly an amazing dance company. URP's festival is August 7 at St. Mark's Danspace and features all kinds of tribal, cultural and martial arts fusion.

No words yet on when tickets will be available or how much they will cost, but this is bound to be a box-expanding (or exploding) experience.

Preview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhrsQr69664
Website: http://www.kjmnyc.com/

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Last 2 days: New York Photo Festival

It only costs $15 for a single day pass to the main exhibitions and programming at the New York Photo Festival in Dumbo, but INSTITUTE events are free to the public. Talks, seminars and exhibits continue through Sunday May 16. Go to http://www.nyphotofestival.com/site/ for more information.  The awards ceremony requires an additional ticket of $10.

Just Go: Design Week (Month?)

This weekend is the biggest confluence of events related to Design week. Design stores across the city are unveiling new collections or exhibiting, and this weekend there is a Design Week - themed street fair on Gansevoort Street. The most complete directory I have seen listing all of the different events and exhibits is here: http://www.core77.com/nydesignweek/. I'm going to try to catch the Uncomfortable Conversations exhibit on Saturday.

This weekend also begins the International Contemporary Furniture Fair, a design fair primarily aimed at the industry but welcomes the public on May 18 (Tuesday). Tickets are a whopping $50 but, given that it is the last day of the fair, perhaps a sample or two can be had for a good price (bring cash). Buy tickets at http://www.icff.com.

Friday, May 14, 2010

Go Early: Taste of Tribeca is May 15 11AM-3:30 PM

This clever food celebration benefits the arts programs of Tribeca's two local schools: PS 150 and PS 234. Time has passed to get in on the discounted $40 general pass, but $45 tickets are available on a limited walkup basis. Three delicious menu items that got my mouth watering: chocolate molten cake, lamb meatballs, and dumplings.  Cook offs and a self-guided wine tour (see the site for locations and special day-of discount coupons) provide yet more entertainment. Wow, between Tribeca Film Festival and Taste of Tribeca, these people know how to party!   www.tasteoftribeca.com/

Duane Park is center circle for the kids' offerings. Kids can decorate their own cupcakes, have their faces painted, do arts and crafts or be entertained.

Just Go: Street fairs for May 15

Lots of street fairs on tap for today.  Here's a massive list, courtesy of the folks who keep up the manhattan.about.com site.  From the looks of it, you won't be able to turn around in the Village without hitting a street fair. Better leave the car at home... or park over on the east side.



Children of the World Festival
Sixth Avenue between 42nd and 56th Streets

100th Street Block Association Party
West 100th Street between Riverside Drive and West End Avenue

Bedford Barrow Commerce Block Association Festival
Bedford Street between Christopher Street and 7th Avenue South, Barrow Street between Hudson Street and 7th Avenue South, Commerce Street between Barrow Street and 7th Avenue South

Christopher Street Block Association Festival
Christopher Street between Hudson Street and 7th Avenue South

Columbia Grammar School Block Party
West 94th Street between Columbus Avenue and Central Park West

Design New York in the Meatpacking District
10AM-9PM
Gansevoort Street between 9th Avenue and Washington Street

Fest with Zest
East 82nd Street between 1st and 2nd Avenues

149th Street Block Party
West 149th Street between Amsterdam and Broadway

Health Procession High School PTA Block Party
10AM-4PM
East 15th Street between 1st and 2nd Avenues

Kelly Temple COGIC Health Fair
11AM-3PM
Esat 130th Street between Madison and Fifth Avenues

Lycee Francais Spring Fair Block Party
9AM-5PM
East 76th Street between York and East End Avenues

9th Avenue Food Festival
10AM-6PM
Ninth Avenue between West 42nd and 57th Streets

Ronald McDonald House Block Party
11:30AM-3PM
East 73rd Street between York and First Avenues

PS/IS 180 Carnival/Luau
West 120th Street between Manhattan and Morningside Avenues

St. Ann's Block Party
9AM-5PM
East 110th Street between 1st and 2nd Avenues

Village Crosstown Trolley Astor Place Festival
Astor Place between Broadway and Lafayette Street

West 11th Street Block Party
9AM-5PM
West 11th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues