New York comes alive in the fall. The air is crisp and clean, the sky is a vibrant blue and the change of color is just beginning. Fall ushers in the season of street festivals, film festivals and wine festivals that attract thousands each weekend. It is also a time to spruce up the city. There are many volunteer opportunities to clean up our parks and even plant trees. Here is just a sampling of what is in store for you this weekend.
Friday, September 25
The New York Film Festival
September 25 – October 11, 2009
The Film Society of Lincoln Center hosts the 47th New York Film Festival September 25 – October 11. The slate includes films from a wide range of categories from American Independents to political, human rights, environmental films, and more. The NYFF Main Slate selections will screen at the fully renovated Alice Tully Hall, with reserved seating, except where otherwise noted.
Tickets are on sale at the Alice Tully Hall box office. Please note: Ticket availability may be limited for some screenings. On a daily basis, tickets are often released for sale ~ so please check back or for more information call 212-875-5050. Tickets $20. Visit www.filmlinc.com for information about screenings, dates and times.
NY Anime Festival Javits Center
September 25-27; Fri. 1pm – 7pm, Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 10am-5pm
The New York Anime Festival is an annual anime convention held at the Jacob K. Javits Center in Midtown Manhattan. It features exclusive and extensive anime screenings, guests from America and Japan, manga, cosplay, video games, live-action Japanese cinema, fashion, food, and the cultural treasures that gave birth to Japanese pop culture.
13th Annual DUMBO Art Under the Bridge Festival
September 25 – 27
The three-day multi-site neighborhood-wide event is a one-of-a-kind art happening: where serendipity meets the haphazard and where the unpredictable, spontaneous and downright weird thrive. The now teenage D.U.M.B.O. Art Under the Bridge Festival®
presents touchable, accessible, and interactive art, on a scale that makes it the nation’s largest urban forum for experimental art.
Art Under the Bridge is an opportunity for young artists to use any medium imaginable to create temporary projects on-the-spot everywhere and anywhere, completely transforming the Dumbo section of Brooklyn, New York, into a vibrant platform for self-expression. In addition to the 80+ projects throughout the historical post-industrial waterfront span, visitors can tour local artists’ studios or check out the indoor video dumbo, a non-stop program of cutting-edge video art from New York City and around the world.
Fall for Dance Festival
For ten exhilarating days each year, be a part of the passion, the energy and sheer joy that is dance, from New York City, across the country, and around the globe! The Fall for Dance Festival returns September 22 through October 3 to the City Center Mainstage. Visit www.nycitycenter.org for more information.
Theatre at the Old Stone House: Look Back in Anger
8:00 p.m.
The Old Stone House presents Look Back in Anger, a play by John Osborne and directed by Katy Foley. Come see the play that broke the mold of escapism and paved the way for a new generation of realist playwrights. The Old Stone House is in Washington Park, 3rd Street between 4th and 5th avenues, Brooklyn. For more information call (718) 768-3195.
Friday Evenings with Joseph Arthur Featuring Rene Lopez
City Winery 155 Varick Street and Vandam Street
10:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Joseph Arthur will be playing a very special residency at the City Winery, showcasing his musical and song writing talents alongside Rene Lopez. This New York stand will be his last appearance in the States before embarking on a multi-country tour with shows in Paris, Brussels, and Geneva. The audience will get a great treat when Arthur is joined by Rene Lopez. The two have already collaborated in the studio when Lopez asked Arthur to appear on his latest album. The two will now bring their energy to the live stage where Lopez’ catchy creativity as a solo artist is sure to flourish next to Joseph Arthur. Visit www.citywinery.com for more information.
One Grape, Six Wines, For the Love of Pinot Noir
Classic Harbor Line-Yacht Manhattan
Pier 62, West 23rd Street and Hudson River
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
This comparative tasting will focus on the many different styles of Pinot Noir. Learn just what makes one grape taste so different and unique depending on climate, soil, winemaking techniques, and oak treatment. Sip, swirl, and savor the night away as you learn about one of the noblest grapes in the world! Light Tapas will be matched with the wines of the evening. Call 212-627-1825 or visit www.sail-nyc.com for more information.
This is a new series celebrating the wonderfully diverse and ever changing world of wine! Each class will focus on a different region exploring the grapes, styles, soils, viticulture, and tasting techniques that will help you enjoy the place in your glass! These interactive tastings will be conducted by wine professional Wendy Crispell in a fun, relaxed atmosphere aboard the beautiful yacht Manhattan.
Wine Regions of the world Tasting Series on Yacht Manhattan will now be held on every other Friday of the Month. Each event has a different theme with different choices of wine.
Downtown Visiting Neighbors Festival
Murray Street between Broadway and Church Street
N.Y.C. Police Museum Festival
Old Slip between Water and South Streets
SATURDAY, September 26
Wine 101; Tasting World
307 West 38th Street, Suite 1910
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM COST: $75
In this class, taste a variety of red and white wines to discover the differences among grape varieties, discuss food and wine pairing techniques, how to read wine labels, restaurant wine etiquette, ageability of wines, wine buying and all your wine questions. A great way to spend two hours just before going out to dinner! 8 different wines will be served with a variety of cheeses. Visit www.tastingworld.com/wine to register or for more information.
Trees New York: MillionTreesNYC Stewardship Outing
65 Jumel Terrace, Manhattan
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Since the MillionTreesNYC campaign started, over 240,000 trees have been planted throughout the City, more than 30,000 just in street trees. Help us take care of these newly planted trees by coming to a MillionTreesNYC stewardship workshop where Parks’ foresters will discuss subjects such as: What the MillionTreesNYC initiative is, How to identify trees in New York City, The benefits of trees, Tree care, Educational resources. You’ll also receive free tools! To RSVP please contact info@treesny.com.
Mission of the Monarch
10:00 a.m.
As summer turns to fall, the Monarch Butterfly embarks on an incredible journey southward all the way to Mexico. Learn about the magnificent migration of the Monarch. Event takes place at Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Mauro Playground, Park Drive East & 73 Terrace. Call 718-846-2731 for more information.
Shakespeare on the Hudson: Two Noble Kinsmen
Hudson River Park’s Clinton Cove (55th Street and the West Side Highway)
3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
Friends of Hudson River Park presents Elena Araoz’s and Nate Art Productions adaptation of Shakespeare’s Two Noble Kinsmen. This is the story of two young men, Paloman and Arcite, close friends who are nonetheless rival for the same woman, Emilia, who of course never notices them. It is a classic farce of missed connections leading to romantic confusion, while at the same time drawing on deeper themes of friendship and loyalty. Two Noble Kinsmen, Shakespeare’s final masterpiece, is the perfect tragic-comedy, populated with timeless characters in whom everyone will recognize themselves. Join us for these FREE open air performances. Lawn seating only. Call (212) 757-0981 for more information or go to www.fohrp.org.
Family Overnight Camping at Inwood Hill Nature Center, Inwood Hill Park
5:00 p.m.
A night of camping under the stars in Manhattan’s last natural forest! This will be an evening to remember, with activities and an exciting night hike. Make sure you bring a flashlight! Space limited. To register, visit http://nyc.gov/parks/rangers/register. Enter park at West 218th Street and Indian Road. Call (212) 304-2365 for more information.
Starfest
Central Park ;Northwest corner of Sheep Meadow (Near 68th Street and West Drive). 8pm to 10 pm
The Urban Park Rangers and the Amateurs Astronomers Association invite you to an evening of stargazing among the city lights. The evening’s highlights will include a beautiful summer moon, Jupiter and its moons, Uranus, Neptune, Andromeda Galaxy, the beautiful double star Albireo, and much more. The Urban Starfest is free and open to everyone. It demonstrates the ability and perserverance of amateur astronomers and the general public to view the wonders of the night sky even though we will only be a mile from Times Square! Mark the evening of September 26, 2009 on your calendars. The rain/cloud date is set for September 27, 2009. Call (212) 628-2345 for more information.
Congress for Racial Equality Fest
Broadway from Waverly Place to 14th Street
Stone Street Oyster Fest (10AM-6PM)
Stone Street between Hanover Square and Coenties Alley
Stonewall Veteran’s Association
Greenwich Avenue between 6th and 7th Avenues
SUNDAY
ING New York City Marathon Tune-Up
Sunday, September 27, 2009
7:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Just a little over one month left until more than 38,000 runners line up at the ING New York City Marathon start in Fort Wadsworth! The Tune-Up in Central Park provides 18 miles of motivation and camaraderie to carry you through the challenging preparation phase. Tune-Up takes place in Central Park. Visit NYRR.org for more information.
Flea Market in Historic Richmond Town
Historic Richmond Town (441 Clarke Avenue), Staten Island
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Shop at Historic Richmond Town in the fall and experience the richness of this year’s extraordinary flea market. Take your time browsing through the park-like grounds in search of that unique attic treasure or special collectible, like no other. Adults $2.00, Seniors $1. Children under 16, Free. Rain date: Sunday, October 4th. Call (718) 351-1611 for more information or visit www.historicrichmondtown.org.
Lexington Avenue Fall Festival
Lexington Avenue from 34th to 42nd Streets
Columbus Avenue Festival
Columbus Avenue from 66th to 86th Streets
Great article! Gave me a lot of ideas about things to do in NYC!