FestivalBuzz Pages

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Slow Food Show

This two-day tasting event will showcase local and regional, start-up food and beverage entrepreneurs. These emerging producers create their products using sustainably produced, local ingredients as well as fair trade and direct trade ingredients.

People attending the event will have the opportunity to meet local food and beverage producers and taste new products that are produced on a small scale. Items that will be sampled are Heidi's Tickle Sauce, artisanal cider from The Cidery, Josephine's Feastpreserves and chutneys, Barry's Tempeh, Jojo's Sriracha Chili Sauce, Saucy by Naturesauces from Fresh Picked Pantry, Yolanda's pestos and Morris Kitchen's boiled apple cider syrup. Hudson Valley Harvest Cooperative will also be serving up hot morsels from local farms - Sir William Angus sausages, Sugar Hill beef burgers, Markristo's edamame, Hepworth Farm squash, corn from Gills Farm and butternut squash from Mead Orchard.

FestBuzz plans to stop by the Sunday Market - a great excuse to get down there because I never do!

When: Jimmy's No. 43 (Saturday) 2PM-5PM; New Amsterdam Market (Sunday) 11AM-4PM
Where: 43 East 7th St (Saturday); Old Fulton Fish Market @ Peck Slip (Sunday)

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Second Moroccan Film Festival

A two-day film festival dedicated to the Moroccan film industry.

When: November 18-19, 2011
Where: Tribeca Cinemas (54 Varick at Laight Street)
Website: http://www.tribecacinemas.com/calendar/132317123.html

Friday, November 11, 2011

Hollyberry Arts n Crafts Fair

Support local artists and get a jump on the holiday shopping season at the Hollyberry Arts n Crafts Fair.

When: Saturday November 12 10AM-4PM
Where: Camp Friendship 339 8th st btw 5th and 6th Ave
Website: None

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Laugh it UP! NYC Comedy Festival

Most of the major performances have sold out, but there is still time to check out some funny stand-up.

When:  November 9-13, 2011
Where: Venues throughout Manhattan
Website: http://www.nycomedyfestival.com/

This week's pick: CHOCOLATE!!!!!!!!!!

FB has been trying for years to attend this festival - a celebration of chocolate!  It's our free day, we have our ticket ($35 online or $40 at the door) and we plan to be there in the first hour of opening on Satuday.  Look out, chocolate world!!!


When: November 10-13, 2011
Where: Metropolitan Pavillion (125 West 18th St)
Website: http://www.chocolateshow.com

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Big Apple Film Festival

Dedicated primarily to New York indie filmmakers, the Big Apple Film Festival kicks off November 1 at the extremely comfortable and clean Tribeca Cinemas on Varick and Laight. The sort of films playing here feature some great actors in the movies that make you say "huh?" when you see them listed on IMDB, and then have to add to your Netflix queue.  Go, see them in the theater! Often the actors themselves will come! It's a blast.


When: November 1-6, 2011
Where: Tribeca Cinemas, 54 Varick Street @ Laight Street
Website: http://www.bigapplefilmfestival.com/

Monday, September 19, 2011

New York City Wine & Food Festival: September 29 - October 2 , 2011

Celebu-chefs and professional foodies will be on hand to introduce you to new foods, help you master old ones, and talk about different aspects of the restaurant industry. The website lists several free events, as well as paid events from $25-$150 and up. Favorite events do fill up quickly, buy tickets now!


When: September 29-October 1, 2011
Where: Throughout NYC

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Food Truck Rally Brooklyn... Mmmmm

If you're getting the feeling that food fests are among FB's favorites, you'd be right!!!  Turns out Prospect Park has been organizing a monthly food truck rally during the warmer months up in Grand Army Plaza. Some of the more upscale food trucks will congregate - your chance to try something special (or find that truck you've always wanted to try but never parked close enough to your office), or meet your old standby (FB favors the
Rickshaw Dumpling truck).

When: September 18, 2011 11AM-5PM
Where:  Grand Army Plaza
Website: http://www.prospectpark.org/calendar/event/foodtrucks

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Maker Faire

No it's not a True Blood convention. Come see oversized science fair projects that want to push the envelope. Maybe one of them is the next technological convenience we never knew we needed! One of them (hopefully more) just might save the world.

When: September 17-18
Where: New York Hall of Science (Corona Park, Queens)
Website: www.MakerFaire.com

Monday, September 12, 2011

2011 Brooklyn Book Festival

                               Brooklyn Book Festival

Books. Whether you know them as giant leafy tomes or compact little files that load on a slate-sized e-reader, they provide us all a sweet mouthful of imagination, or perhaps a hard lump of information. Either way, come meet, discover and celebrate Brooklyn's talented bunch (a LOT of published authors live in Brooklyn!).

The festival is held at Brooklyn's Borough Hall Saturday September 17 and Sunday September 18. Brookyn Book End events are literary-themed satellite events taking place around Brooklyn in books stores, parks and other community venues - all to celebrate the written (or typed) word.

When: September 15-18, 2011
Where: Brooklyn Borough Hall (207 Joralemon St, Brooklyn Heights)
Website: http://www.visitbrooklyn.org/BBF/Home

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Dumpling Festival


Get experimental or stick to old standbys, but stuff yourself silly with this Asian comfort food. Taste tickets start at $20 for four tastes. Entries from 8 countries will be present. Yum!

When: September 17 12-5PM
Where: Sarah Roosevelt Park (East Houston and Chrystie Streets)
Website: www.dumplingfestival.com

Fashion's Night Out: A Whole Lot of Fashion

A couple years in the running, this first night is the fashion industry's way of spreading the wealth of Fashion Week all over. Pick a clothing store and you will probably find they are hosting something: a reception, a sale, etc. Browse your the listings, pick something fun and enjoy the night of fashion.

When: September 8, 2011 6PM-11PM
Where: All Over The Place
Website: http://fashionsnightout.com/fno

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Inaugural HELLS KITCHEN FILM FESTIVAL

The mission of the New York Hell's Kitchen Film Festival
is twofold: one is to revitalize and bring attention to New York's Hell's
Kitchen as a community of artists and film enthusiasts by way of a digital film
festival at the Producer's Club which is located at the heart of Hell's Kitchen;
and two, to provide a fresh and exciting New York festival audience and setting
for independent filmmakers in America and around the world whose voices may
still be new, undiscovered or unheralded, creating invaluable exposure for works
that may have fallen through the cracks, are waiting to break through, or demand
further attention.

When: September 1-11
Where: Producer's Club, 358 W.44th St, New York, NY
Website:  www.newyorkhellskitchenfilmfestival.com

Get Tickets September 1: 2011 Forum Film Festival

Heads-up!  This year the screenings at the Forum on Law, Ethics & Culture Film Festival are $12-$15 each, with an overall pass available for $200. Quite a long way we've come from last year's online reservation no-charge system.  The opening night, where Too Big To Fail will screen at the HBO Theater, will feature Andrew Ross Sorkin. But really, the festival gets us talking about the sort of things we need to talk about: law, ethics, culture, etc. Half the fun is sticking around for the panel discussions with the special guests.

Ticket sales start September 1. Mark your calendars.


When:   October 14-20, 2011
Where:  Fordham University Law School (Lincoln Center), Premiere to be held at Time Warner Center HBO Theater
Website:  http://www.forumonlawcultureandsociety.org/film-festival/2011

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Lincoln Center Met Opera Summer HD Festival Begins Tonight

Don't miss the Met's popular series of free outdoor opera screenings shown on the façade of the Met in Lincoln Center. Hurricane Irene postponed the start of the festival by two days, but things finally kicked off. Some of the Met's most extraordinary stars perform in Live in HD favorites from previous seasons. 



Adams's Nixon in China
Wednesday, August 31, 7:45 pm


Bizet's Carmen
Thursday, September 1, 7:45 pm


Puccini's La Fanciulla del West
Friday, September 2, 8 pm


Mussorgsky's Boris Godunov
Saturday, September 3, 7:15 pm


Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor
Sunday, September 4, 8 pm


Verdi's Don Carlo
Monday, September 5, 7:15 pm


The Metropolitan Opera Guild presents same-day, pre-screening lectures for each opera during the Summer HD Festival.



When: Now-September 5, 2011
Where: Lincoln Center Plaza
Website: www.metopera.org

Saturday, August 20, 2011

St. Francis "The Art of Brooklyn"

A film festival celebrating Brooklyn premieres tonight! The Art of Brooklyn festival takes place at Founders Hall at St. Francis College in Brooklyn Heights. Being all about the ART of Brooklyn, there are local exhibits and local food and drink from local merchants. Pre-show receptions and After-show parties also feature local musicians. A great way to find some new local talent, at a reasonable price of $12 (online) or $15 (at door).

When: August 20th-27th, 2011
Where: St. Francis College Theater (180 Remsen St, Brooklyn)
Website: http://www.theartofbrooklyn.com

Friday, August 12, 2011

Downtown Dance Festival Starts This Weekend


For a free dose of culture head over to the Downtown Dance Festival every day from August 13-20 at various areas near Battery Park at the southern tip of Manhattan. Kicking off Saturday & Sunday and featuring modern and international dance performances, the festival should provide an interesting and light mix of enjoyable dance to enjoy.  Don't miss the talented teenage dancers from Dancewave Company, who kick off each of the first two days' performances this weekend.  

When: August 13-20, 2011 (check website for daily hours of performance)
Where: The Lawn at Battery Park, adjacent to State Street at Pearl Street (See website for directions); One New York Plaza (Whitehall & Water Streets, see website for directions)

Friday, July 1, 2011

Meatopia. Need we say more?

On the pricier side, but oh so delicious!  Meatopia has come off it's high horse on Governors Island to the large Pier 5 at Brooklyn Bridge Park.  Locally raised meat cooked by local chefs and paired with local beer.  Tasty.  Buy tickets because they will sell out. Pay more for a head start and a special place to sit and breathe.

When: July 23, 2011
Where: Pier 5, Brooklyn Bridge Park
Website: http://www.meatopia.org

Monday, June 20, 2011

Solstice in Times Square - Yoga on Broadway

There's yoga in a lot of parks this year (Union Square and Riverside Park, for instance), but the big kahuna of outdoor yoga is in Times Square. There are still spots available for the 12:30 PM free yoga class. Yoga-themed musical acts will entertain those who aren't into public displays of yoga.

When: June 21, 2011
Where: Times Square
Website: http://www.timessquarenyc.org/about_us/events_solstice.html

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Come Out And Play

This string of fun  and games, to be played throughout Manhattan, is part flash mob, part cacophony, part giggly childish fun. Part of the River to River Festival, it deserves its own entry.

When: June 19 - July 16, 2011
Where: sites throughout Lower Manhattan

River to River Spreads Through Downtown Manhattan Again

Kicking off Sunday is the 10th annual River to River. Stretching out over a month and hitting venues all over lower Manhattan, this year's festival is pared down from last year but features a maddening breadth of acts, with a little theater, dance, an open artists weekend, and more thrown in.

When: June 19-July 16, 2011
Where: All Over Downtown Manhattan
Website: http://www.rivertorivernyc.com

Friday, June 17, 2011

Queens Art Express

Queens' multi-neighborhood art expo returns for another year. Use the interactive map to highlight venues in specific neighborhoods, then visit galleries, municipal beautification projects, museums and theaters.

When: June 16-21, 2011
Where: 7 neighborhoods throughout Queens
Website: http://www.queensartexpress.com

BAM CInemafest Starts This Weekend

BAM hosts its annual CinemaFest at its historic building near the corner of Atlantic and Flatbush Avenues in Brooklyn.  25 features curated by the incredibly smart people at BAM, which curate some awesome retrospectives year round.

When: June 16-26, 2011
Where: BAM Rose Cinemas on Fulton St off Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn
Website: http://www.bam.org/view.aspx?pid=1193

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Family Arts Festival at Riverside Theatre

Free (but RSVP to make sur you get a seat) and geared for families, the Family Arts Festival makes diversity accessible by presenting an eclectic selection of culturally themed arts & musical acts.


When: June 11-26, 2011 (weekends)
Where: Riverside Theatre, 91 Claremont Ave, New York, NY

The 14th Annual Black Box New Play Festival « The Gallery Players

We're in the middle of The Gallery Players Black Box New Play Festival - featuring 2 full length plays and 3 programs of short plays. The Gallery Players was the home to many well known actors - Harvey Fierstein for one - and continues to do 8 productions a year from their 99 seat theater in the Park Slope/Gowanus region of Brooklyn. Easy to reach on the R train from Manhattan, this is an affordable way to see some quality theater.



When: June 4-26, 2011

Where: Gallery Players Theater, 14th Street between 4th & 5th Avenues (Brooklyn)

Website: The 14th Annual Black Box New Play Festival « The Gallery Players

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Chelsea Art Festival - Variations on a Theme

Franz Liszt is the theme for this year's Chelsea Music Festival. From Tuesday through Saturday, each night's performance will feature music composed and inspired by Liszt, as well as original compositions from classical and jazz musicians.

When: June 14-18, 2011
Where: Various arts spaces around Chelsea
Website: http://www.chelseamusicfestival.org

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Governor's Ball Music Festival

The Governors Ball Music Festival features headliners Girl Talk, Empire of the Sun and Pretty Lights, as well as many others. Check their website to see interviews with some of the headliners and sample their music.  In addition there will be many activities including beach volleyball and basketball, plus food and craft vendors.


When: June 18
Where: Governors Island
Website: http://governorsballmusicfestival.com/

Friday, June 10, 2011

SketchFest NYC 2011! June 8th-11th

SketchFest NYC will run from June 8 – 11, 2011 at The Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre.  Troupes come from around the country and range from well-known acts to little-known gems. Be prepared to laugh.
When: June 8-11, 2011
Where: 145 W. 30th Street, 4th Floor | New York City, NY 10001
Website: http://newyork.ucbtheatre.com/schedule/

Friday, May 20, 2011

Dance Parade 2011 and Dance Fest!

A celebration of the complete dance spectrum, Dance Parade 2011 hits the streets Saturday and jiggles, high steps and shimmies it's way to Tompkins Square Park, where Dance Fest features dance classes, performances and a party until 7PM. Beware: the New York Dance Police will be issuing citations to anyone not swaying to the beat!


When: May 21 1PM; DanceFest 3-7PM
Where: Broadway and St. Marks Place to Tompkins Square Park (DanceFest)
Website: http://www.danceparade.org

Friday, May 13, 2011

Fifth Avenue Street Fair in Brooklyn

One of Park Slope's giant street fairs (the other is Seventh Heaven - guess which Avenue that goes down?), Fifth Avenue Frolic features your typical street fair fare (tee hee), but you don't have to go to Manhattan to get it!  The participating restaurants are local, and 3 stages will feature family friendly music and entertainment.

When: May 15, 12-5PM
Where: Fifth Avenue from Sterling Pl to 12th Street in Brooklyn

NYC Photo Festival in DUMBO

Curated photo exhibits, lectures, and awards are presented throughout the NY Photo Festival.  Experience DUMBO's industrial chic. Portfolio reviews are conducted by photo editors, faculty and other qualified individuals - sign up on the website.

When: May 11-15, 2011
Where: Throughout DUMBO (F train to York, A train to High Street)
Website: http://www.newyorkphotofestival.com

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Ninth Ave Food Festival

Sometimes mistakenly lumped in with other "street fairs", the Ninth Ave Food Festival is an amazing sight to behold. Go hungry and try something you haven't tried before. This is no ordinary street fair. Best of all, it has no entry fee so if you're not hungry, or you're broke (and Hell's Kitchen is after all a neighborhood of actors and artists), just go to experience the crowds and free entertainment.


When: May 14-15th, 2011
Where:  Ninth Ave between 42nd and 57th Streets
Website: http://www.ninthavenuefoodfestival.com/

Friday, May 6, 2011

Affordable Art Fair

The biennial favorite returns with a variety of art originals with prices starting from $100.  Build out your collection or pick up a piece for Mother's Day. Tickets are $15-$20.

When: May 5-8
Where: 7W 34th Street (7 West 34th Street)

Brooklyn Peace Fair

Given recent events, stopping by the Brooklyn Peace Fair might not be a bad idea. Local and national peace- and social subjects will be discussed.


When: May 7 12-5 PM
Where: Brooklyn College Student Center East 27th @ Campus Road
Website: http://www.brooklynpeace.org

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Local Food & Travel Expo

Thinking you won't have much time to travel this year? EscapeMaker.com has you covered. Their Green Getaways Local Food & Travel Expo (whew, long name, not that catchy, but descriptive!) features 50 or so easy day and weekend getaway ideas within 3 hours or so of the 5 boroughs. Amtrak and Zipcar both will be on hand, and seminars and talks regarding green travel will be featured.  Kids activities are promised, and about a dozen local food vendors are slated to be on hand with free food samples and demos.

When: April 30, 2011 11AM-5PM
Where: The Old Williamsburg Savings Bang Building on Hanson Place and Flatbush Ave (also called Skylight One Hanson)
Website:  http://www.escapemaker.com/travel.php?vacation=travelexpo&trip=2011

Monday, April 25, 2011

Explore Green Transportation at the New Amsterdam Bike Show

Positioned directly after the NY Auto Show, the New Amsterdam Bike Show aims to expose New Yorkers to the idea of biking as an alternative form of transportation.  Biking equipment and accessory vendors from all over the city will be on hand. Bikes of all kinds will be available to check out. To promote (and ease) biking access to the venue, show sponsor Transportation Alternatives will provide bike valet parking at the show.

When: April 30, 2011, 10AM-7PM
Where: Center 548, 548 West 22nd Street btw. 10th and 11th Aves
Website: http://www.newambikeshow.com

Friday, April 15, 2011

2011 Taste of Tribeca

It's back!  Sample delectable dishes from restaurants in one NYC's most celebrated foodie zones - Tribeca.  Tickets at $45 will benefit local Tribeca public schools. Don't wait on this one - it will sell out before the date.

When: May 21, 2011
Where: Greenwich Street in Tribeca
Website: http://www.tasteoftribeca.com/

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Support PS 9 Arts Programs at Prospect Heights Arts Fair!

PS 9 in Prospect Heights is hosting its annual crafts fair April 9, 2011.  Artists of all ilk will be on hand to showcase and sell their creations. Be ready for a mix of jewelry, home decor, candles, clothing, accessories and much more.  Kids activities will be on hand as well.

FB supports another enterprising benefit for a local NYC public school: proceeds from this fair support arts programs at PS 9 in Prospect Heights. This year, even more than most, the help is needed. There is no door fee, so show up, support some great local artists, and help maintain arts in education.

When: April 9, 2011 11AM-6PM
Where: PS80 Underhill Ave between St. Marks and Bergen Streets in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn.
Website: http://www.prospectheightscraftfair.com

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

CRAFTNEWYORK Benefit for CERF+

This craft show has 120 craftspeople with specialties in everything from jewelry to glass to textile and fiber arts exhibiting in the 7W show room center. Tickets are $15 (discounted for seniors and students and under 18 enter free).

Admission profits will go to benefit the Craftmens Emergency Relief Fund + Artists' Emergency Resources), an emergency fund that helps craftsmen and artists.


When: April 1-3, 2011
Where: 7W showrooms (34th Street @ 5th Ave)
Website:  CRAFTNEWYORK.COM

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Show Overview : Show Information : Architectural Digest Home Design Show : March 17 – 20, 2011 : Pier 94 : NYC

Show Overview : Show Information : Architectural Digest Home Design Show : March 17 – 20, 2011 : Pier 94 : NYC

Designers, renovators, homebodies and anyone else with a design fetish or urge to decorate, get excited for the 2011 Architechtural Digest Home Show.

This show is also a real trade show, so you know the heavy hitters will show up. Over 300 brands are promised to exhibit, and presentations include design seminars, cooking demos, and - for the lucky few who show up early enough - one on one design consultations.

After drooling at the latest home fixtures and furnishings, head over to an artist sale and exhibition at Pier 92, and accessorize with the latest in original artwork.

Show tickets are $25 each, you can purchase them on the show's website.

When: March 18-20 (Trade only on March 17)
Where: Pier 94 @ 55th Street
Website: http://www.archdigesthomeshow.com

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

CRAICFest: Irish Cinema and Music Festival

An Irish themed music and film festival, the CRAIC features the best coming out of Ireland, with their unique sounds and perspective on life.  Films screen at Tribeca Cinema (54 Varick Street) while musical acts (a steal at $15 per night) perform at Mercury Lounge. March 9th, the festival's musical opener  -  internationally acclaimed Julia Feeney - will perform at Joe's Pub.

Kids are not forgotten. The Kid's Fleadh (pronounced FLAH) will go off March 12 at Tribeca Cinemas. Featuring the best of Irish short films, this event is free.

When: March 10th-14th, 2011
Where: Tribeca Cinemas (Film) 54 Varick Street, Joe's Pub (Music) Lafayette Street at Astor Place, Mercury Lounge (Music) 217 E Houston Street
Website: http://www.thecraicfest.com

Sunday, March 6, 2011

New York International Children's Film Festival

Dedicated to making good children's film accessible, the 2011 New York International Children's Film Festival has begun and extends to March 27. Featuring child-accessible cinema from around the world (both short and full length features), you will find an appropriate, entertaining and enriching experience for your child, from toddler to teenager.  Coupled with talks aimed at making the elements of filmmaking accessible (such as green screen technology), the 2011 NYICFF is a smart approach to introducing the younger set to quality cinema.

When: March 4-27, 2011
Where: Various Theaters around Manhattan
Website: http://www.gkids.com

BUY TICKETS NOW! Big Apple BBQ

It's free to go, and you can buy food for as little as $4, but you'll be waiting in some crazy lines and you might miss out on the most sought-after pitmasters' masterwork. BUT, $125 FastPasses are on sale now through May 31. FastPasses come preloaded with $100 food credit and give you access to a special line. So if you love barbeque (and this event might make you love it if you don't), bump over to the Big Apple BBQ website and purchase your FastPass.


When: June 11th, 2011 11AM-6PM
Where: Madison Square Park and Vicinity (Madison Ave and 23rd-26th StreetS)
Website: Big Apple BBQ

A Child Grows in Brooklyn Baby Expo at Toren 3/13!

Brooklyn blog A Child Grows in Brooklyn is organizing the Brooklyn Baby Expo March 13.  Hosted by the newly built Toren Condo, the expo features seminars on the cutting edge of parenting, and resources for parenting in the Big Apple, none of which is easy.

Seminars begin at 10:15. Topics include greening your home and forming parenting partnerships. Exhibits include demos and tryouts of the latest in toys and gear for both baby and mama (nursing bras anyone?).  Other fun activities include baby yoga, mini manicures and blowouts for the makeover set, and the ability to do those things you mean to but never get around to (get that Brooklyn Library Card!).

The Expo is heavy on the swag, promising a $120 value gift bag to the first 250 families, free gifts at each seminar by their respective sponsors, and a free subscription to Time Out NY Kids to every family that attends. The Expo is providing free parking as well, so don't be afraid to bring the family.

FB prefers festivals with low or no entrance fees. At $35 a ticket, this is not a particularly cheap festival, but the value of the free giveaways, combined with the breadth of seminars, activities and demos offered seems worth it.  And you can admire the amazing views from the Toren penthouses. Make yourself at home, and the nice folks at Toren will be all too happy to help you make it home.

When: March 13, 11AM-4PM
Where: 150 Myrtle Ave (Toren Condo), Brooklyn, NY 11201
Website: http://www.achildgrows.com/expo

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Why Hometown Festivals are Getting Bigger & Better

2010 was a heavy travel year for FestivalBuzz, who is also rather heavy. Mr. FestivalBuzz, meanwhile, is over 6 feet tall. Springing for the extra 5" of leg room eased our flight times somewhat. But it also reminded me why we prefer to stay on the East Coast when it comes to travel - trains and buses have much more legroom and seat room. Not to mention having to return to LaGuardia 3 days after making it home during the December 2010 blizzard to retrieve our luggage, which the airlines wouldn't release to us after cancelling our flight.

And it's not getting better:


No Rosy Future Ahead for Air Passengers - On the Road - NYTimes.com


FestivalBuzz knows it's not cheap to travel. Sometimes festivals can be expensive ($45 for many food festivals, for instance). But we prefer to look on the brighter side: you don't have to waste days traveling or squeeze into uncomfortable contortions for hours on end; you sleep in your own bed at night (unless you want to spring for a hotel to complete the "away" feeling); and you won't lose your luggage.

Friday, March 4, 2011

Meditation Fair Inspired By Sri Chimnoy

Think there's something to meditation but want to get started with guidance? Or are you a practiced hand at dropping into bliss?  There is something for both at the upcoming Festival of Meditation and Spirituality. Hosted by nycmeditation.com, a site inspired by the teachings of the late Sri Chimnoy, the festival goes on for 8 days and addresses the idea of meditation, spirituality and self-awareness and discovery through different media, including a concert of mantra, art exhibits, a play based on Sri Chimnoy's early life, and a free 3 day workshop on meditation technique.  Those looking for a new path may find food for thought here. Most activities are free but reservations are required in advance.

When: March 5-13, 2011
Where: 166 Essex Street
Website: http://www.nycmeditation.org

Thursday, March 3, 2011

BUY TICKETS: Brooklyn Uncorked 2011 | Edible Manhattan

EARLY BIRD ALERT

Early bird tickets are available for the 2011 Brooklyn Uncorked event at Brooklyn Academy of Music until March 15, 2011. More than just a wine tasting, Brooklyn Uncorked is all about local food and wine, with wine makers from all over the 5 boroughs and Long Island, and local fresh food restaurants offering pairings. Among our favorites, Applewood and Buttermilk Channel.

Early bird tickets are $30, discounted 25% from the $40 regular price. This event will sell out, so save money and plan ahead.

When: May 10, 2011 6-9PM
Where: Brooklyn Academy of Music, 30 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn, NY

Friday, February 25, 2011

NY Times Travel Show

Get a leg up on your latest travel destination, or just indulge your travel fantasies at the New York Times Travel Show.  The show - at the Javits Center - is open to the public on Saturday and Sunday, February 26-27.  Expect colorful brochures from tourist bureaus from around the US and the world, chic travel accessories, and giveaways.  The popular quiz show Jeopardy is also there - you can take the test to see if you have what it takes to be a Jeopardy Champion! Tickets are $15 at the door or online.

When: February 25-27
Where: Jacob Javits Center
Website: http://www.nyttravelshow.com

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Buy Tickets Now: Greenwich Village Antiquarian Fair

The West Village annual fair season kicks off with the Greenwich Village Antiquarian Book Fair this weekend. Featuring over 50 antique booksellers who will wow you with everything from first edition Americana to medieval manuscript pages, it's hard not to while away a couple hours in search of something special. After all, first editions do qualify as a great gift for that someone who has everything... Entry fees ranging from $5-$12 (depending on the day) benefit arts programs at nearby PS 3. FB is very impressed with the creativity that local schools in the area have displayed. Tribeca local schools have a Taste of Tribeca, for instance. Book lovers will enjoy perusing books they may have only heard of.

When: February 25-27
Where: PS3 490 Hudson Street
Website: http://www.gvabf.org

Thursday, February 10, 2011

New York Wine Expo

Learn how to taste wine, and sample LOTS of wine, at the New York Wine Expo.  Love wine? Get tickets to the Grand Tasting on either day. Want to learn more? Take a seminar from some renowned winemakers, critics and authors.  Tickets required. This is an alcohol-related event so not kid friendly. Take public transportation - you won't want to be driving home after this one.




When: February 25-27, 2011
Where: Javits Center 34th St at the Hudson River
Website: http://www.NewYorkWineExpo.com

The Wines Of Navarra

Friday, January 28, 2011

Sausage Fest. No, Not That Kind!

I love Loreley Manhattan's ambiance and pretzels. I'm not as into German sausage as I am into German pretzels, but for those who are can head over to Loreley's Brooklyn location in Williamsburg.  12 types of German-style sausage are being sampled for free, with specials for platters. And if you order a platter for your table, you will get free beer. Not a bad gig for those who live nearby - I mean, it's going to be freezing tonight so who wants to venture far? Free concert Saturday night to drink to.

When: Tonight and Saturday January 28-29.
Where: Loreley Brooklyn 64 Frost Street @ Meeker St
Website: http://www.loreleynyc.com

ZZzzzz Zzzzz ZZZZzzzzzz

What? Leave me alone! FestBuzz has been hibernating!

What? Cabin Fever!  Oh, fine.

ChiliFest 2011 is happening at the Chelsea Market. A whole bunch of chefs will be serving up their interpretation of this TexMex classic, utilizing locally organically produced meat.  Brooklyn Brewery is pairing beer with Chili. Live music, and a nice neighborhood in the Chelsea Market on Ninth Ave.  Presales are sold out already. But if you show up early you might get one of the door tickets.

When: January 30, 2011 4PM-8PM
Where: Chelsea Market Ninth Ave at 15th Street
Website: http://www.chilifest2011.com