Manhattan is bustling with activity this weekend, from parades, street fairs, music, food and biking. Plan well; you may find that there’s more to do than two days will allow. Here are some of the best events New York has to offer this weekend.
SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2009
New Taste of the Upper West Side
Columbus Avenue between 76th and 77th Streets
Over 30 culinary superstars, including Daniel Boulud and Jean Georges Vongerichten, will cook in the second annual New Taste of the Upper West Side. The event includes 3 hours of tastings and over 2 dozen vineyards from Long Island offering wine samplings. Tickets are $85 in advance or $100 at the door. Call 212-721-5048 or visit www.newtasteuws.com for hours and information.
Riverside Bike Ride
Starts at 10:00 a.m. at Columbus Circle
Share the tranquility of Central Park in full bloom, and enjoy the lovely tree canopy and grand vistas of the Hudson River from Riverside Park. The scenic tour continues down the greenway to the lovely pier where bicycles are welcome. After that, it’s a pleasant ride through leafy streets back to Columbus Circle. This ride usually covers a bit over 10 miles and lasts about two hours.
Madison Square Spring Kids Fest, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Join the Madison Square Park Conservancy for a day of fun and celebration at the Spring KIDS FEST in Madison Square Park. This free event takes place rain or shine on Saturday, May 30 from 10:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. and features arts & craft activities, live music and theater, storytelling, face-painting and more! Enter the park at 25th Street and Madison Avenue.
Seneca Village
Saturday, May 30, 2009; 12:00 p.m.
Seneca Village was Manhattan’s first known community of African-American property owners, living on land that would become Central Park. Learn about the history of the village and property owners, and what New York City was like at the time.
Location: Inside Central Park at the southeast corner of 85th Street and Central Park West. Free.
Waverly Place Festival
Washington Square North from University Place to 6th Avenue.
Lexington Avenue Spring Festival
Lexington Avenue between 42nd and 57th Streets.
SUNDAY, MAY 31, 2009
Salute to Israel Parade
11am to 5pm. Rain or Shine
The Salute to Israel Parade is the largest event in the world celebrating the anniversary of Israel’s independence. In its 61st anniversary year, the parade will include 100,000 participants marching uptown along Fifth Avenue from 57th to 79th Streets, and will be watched by an expected one million spectators.
Japan Day
Sunday, May 31, 2009; 10:00 a.m
On Sunday, May 31st, Central Park’s East Meadow will blossom into a Japanese village, offering a daylong celebration of Japanese traditions and “Japan cool.” With a stage show featuring top entertainers from Japan, tents offering family-friendly activities like origami, calligraphy and miniature “robot battles,” and samplings of popular Japanese cuisine, Japan Day at Central Park will mark its third year as a New York City tradition. At 10 a.m. the public is invited to visit East Meadow (enter on Fifth Avenue and 97th Street) where tents with activities ranging from a tea ceremony to children’s games and a photo op with Hello Kitty herself, in person. The stage show begins at 10:15, featuring karate demonstrations and performances from top Japanese musicians and dancers from New York City and Tokyo, including Cobu (pictured above), award-winning hip hop dancer Kenichi Ebina, J-pop star Ai Kawashima and violinist Taro Masuda.
East Meadow, Central Park (enter on Fifth Avenue and 97th Street). Free
Summer on the Hudson: 6th Annual Mamapalooza Outdoor Extravaganza; 12pm – 5pm
Celebrate mothers and the people who love them at this 6th annual music and art filled afternoon featuring Mom bands, a Gymboree play tent, dance demos, food, fun and more. Bring your yoga mat and come at 11am for a yoga-thon pre-event. Riverside Park South, Pier I at 70th Street. Free. Call 212-408-0219 for more information
A Clearing in the Forest
Sunday, May 31, 2009, 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Pack a picnic, bring a blanket, and enjoy an afternoon of multicultural fun in Central Park’s most intimate natural playground! A Clearing in the Forest is the Central Park Conservancy’s series of FREE multicultural performances and family art workshops. Led by a range of established and emerging performing artists from some of New York City’s leading cultural institutions, and featuring live music and dance, puppets and storytelling and crafts. Programs take place in The Peter Jay Sharp Children’s Glade and on the Great Hill. Enter Central Park at West 106th Street. Advance registration is not required. For more information, please call 212-860-1370.
Doggie Pedal Parade
Sunday, May 31, 2009, 2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m
Bring your dog and bicycle to the second annual Doggie Pedal Parade. Ride your dogs in baskets and trailers and end the parade at a doggie celebration with snacks and drinks and playtime for all. The ride will highlight bicycles adapted to transport pets as well as the benefits of adopting homeless animals. Cyclists without dogs are encouraged to ride dressed as their favorite animal (face painter will be available) or join the Safety Pooch Patrol to help escort the ride.
Please, no Ruff Riding at this event. Leave non-social pet buddies at home for the safety and fun of the group.
Tompkins Square Park Dog Run in Tompkins Square Park. Free.
16th Annual Spring Crafts Festival
Broadway between 66th and 72nd Streets.
Lexington Avenue Spring Jubilee
Lexington Avenue between 23rd and 34th Streets.
