What an exciting weekend is in store for New Yorker and their pets. The annual Blessing of the Animals takes place at various churches throughout the city. Once blessed, head to the pet parade. For those of us without pets, there are parades, concerts, street fairs and several back to nature events. Take a look.
FRIDAY OCTOBER 2
Bryant Park Fall Festival: Carnegie Hall; Upper Terrace; 6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
Ensemble ACJW, the performance arm of Carnegie Hall’s The Academy, features the finest post-graduate musicians from leading music schools performing works from David Lang, Francis Poulenc, and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.
Bryant Park Fall Festival is a free taste of New York’s upcoming cultural season on weekdays, September 28 – October 9, 2009. Ten after-work performances feature artists from nine of NYC’s most celebrated dance, musical theater, opera, jazz, and classical music institutions.
Each concert begins at 6:00 p.m. and ends at approximately 7:30 p.m. The Festival stage is located in front of the Bryant Monument on the Upper Terrace where there are hundreds of chairs available. Seating opens on the Upper Terrace at 5:00 p.m. Tables, chairs, and picnics are also welcome on the Lawn. Bryant Park is at 42nd Street and 6th Avenue. Call 212-768-4242 for more information.
Joni Mitchell A CASE OF YOU Wine Pairing By John Kelly; City Winery, 10:00pm
20 Songs, 20 Wines, $55
In the latest of wine pairing City Winery continues the tradition of pairing wine with music with a very special night of Joni Mitchell songs performed live by John Kelly, each accompanied by a wine that we feel best suits the flavor and character of the music.
After an eight-year absence, two-time Obie Award winning artist John Kelly once again inhabits the persona of Joni Mitchell in an entirely new evening of songs and stories. His countertenor uncannily evokes Mitchell’s own smoky soprano as he sings songs from the various stages of her career in their original key. He also plays dulcimer and replicates Mitchell’s guitar style by way of her signature open tunings.
Davy Jones of the Monkees at BB Kings Blues Club and Grill
Maintaining his allure as a sexy icon through generations of fans, Davy Jones first invaded teen homes as the international idol of mission in the 1960s Emmy Award winning classic THE MONKEES. Davy Jones is till performing and will delight all of his fans with some classic MONKEES hits. Concert begins at 8pm. Doors open at 6pm. Visit www.bbkingblue.com for tickets and more information. BB Kings is at 237 West 42nd Street.
United Nations Community Festival
47th Street between 1st and 2nd Avenues
SATURDAY OCTOBER 3
Korean Festival & Parade; 9am to 6pm
Parade begins at noon; 6th Avenue from 41st St. to 24th St./ Korean Festival Venue: 32nd Street between 5th Ave and Broadway
The Korean Festival & Parade presents a unique, authentic taste of Korean culture through food, dance, art, music, and entertainment. See live Korean dance performances, taekwondo (Korean martial arts) demonstrations, and cultural exhibits of Korean artifacts and memorabilia. Taste a savory, mouth-watering sampling of Korean cuisine, including favorites such as kalbi (BBQ shortribs), bibim gooksoo (spicy mixed noodles), and kim chi fried rice. Listen to the sound of sogochum (Korean drum dance) and live singers performing traditional and popular
The festival will provide interactive activities, such as Korean cooking lessons from talented chefs from the community, Korean youth singing competitions, and even a Kim Chi making demonstration. Visitors will enjoy perusing through the various unique products and services available in the product tent, and, of course, savor their favorite Korean food, such as kalbi (BBQ shortribs), bibimbap (mixed rice and vegetables), and kim chi fried rice. For more info go to nykorean.org.
Norwegian Festival Grete’s Great Gallop; Central Park; 8:15 a.m.
The land of sparkling fjords, Jarlsberg cheese, nine-time New York City Marathon champion Grete Waitz, and all things Norwegian is celebrated on this delightful day! The events include running, walking, Norwegian food, and entertainment. Visit NYRR.org for more information.
Beatles Brunch with Strawberry Fields at BB Kings Blues Club and Grill
Strawberry Fields is a look-a-like, sound-a-like Beatles tribute band, dedicated to bringing you as close to a real Beatles concert as you can get. They take you on a Magical Mystery Tour beginning in 1964 complete with mop top hair, black suits with thin ties & the 1st four albums of music. Next stop, 1967, features the psychedelic era of “Sergeant Pepper Lonely Hearts Club Band” album with all the costumes & jackets on the album cover. The last stop includes: “White Album”, “Abbey Road” & “Let It Be”. All you can eat brunch and concert, $40 in advance; $42.50 at the door. BB Kings is at 237 West 42nd Street. Doors open at 11 am.
Riverside-Inwood Neighborhood Garden (RING) Fall Flea Market & Plant Sale: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
RING is Inwood’s 25-year-old community botanical garden. Help support RING and have fun too: participate in their annual Fall Flea Market fund-raiser. Find your heart’s delight amidst dozens of tables of wares, old and new. Have treasures to sell? Spaces are still available. To get a table, call Nancy Beltrez at (212) 567-1971. For more information, visit RING at www.ringgarden.org. Rain date – Saturday, October 10, 2009. RING takes place at Lt. William Tighe Triangle (Broadway, Riverside Drive, Dyckman Street & Seaman Avenue).
MillionTreesNYC Tree Stewardship Workshop; 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Since Mayor Bloomberg and Bette Midler started the MillionTreesNYC campaign, over 220,000 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 topics include:? What is MillionTreesNYC?? How to identify trees in New York City, Benefits of trees, Tree care, Educational resources. You’ll also receive free tools! Workshop takes place at Greenwich Street & North Moore (in front of Peace & Love Café). For more information call (212) 227-1887.
Unlocking the Sanctuary; 1:00 p.m.
Central Park is going to unlock the gates! The Hallett Nature Sanctuary contains four acres of birds and plants, and natural mystery. Nestled in the shadows of 59th Street’s towering skyline, the woodland wildlife sanctuary offers a year-round home to screech owls, raccoons and sapsuckers. Its last notable visitor was a wild coyote. Central Park Gapstow Bridge at the 59th Street Pond.
Autumn Crafts on Columbus (Saturday and Sunday)
The best crafts fair in the city takes place on Columbus Avenue between 77th and 78th Streets.
Union Square Autumn Fair
Broadway between 17th and 23rd Streets.
Gramercy Park Block Association Festival
Park Avenue South between 17th and 23rd Streets.
St. Joseph’s Church Fest
Washington Place between Sixth Avenue and Grove Street.
Stone Street “Oktoberfest”
Stone Street between Hanover Square and Coenties Alley.
SUNDAY OCTOBER 4
NY Blessing of the Animals Events
October 4th is World Animal day and the Feast of St. Francis and the Blessing of the Animals.
Many area churches are participating in the Blessing of the Animals. The largest gathering of animals usually happens at The Cathedral of St. John the Divine on 1047 Amsterdam Avenue. Day-of-event tickets will be distributed at the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine at 1047 Amsterdam Avenue beginning at 9:00 am on Sunday, October 4. This year the entire length of the Cathedral will be open. Have fun at the fair after the service. Enjoy performers, exhibitors, and pet adoption groups. If you and your pet live downtown visit the Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church on 154 Sullivan Street. Upper East Siders can have their pets blessed at The Church of the Holy Trinity, 316 East 88th Street, between First and Second Avenues. Masses are at 8am, 10:30am and 6pm.
Sunday Gospel Brunch at BB Kings Blues Club and Grill
Doors open at 12:30; Concert begins 1:30pm
Every Sunday, for the past 8 years, the Harlem Gospel Choir has brought their experience of Harlem & the Black Church to New York’s Times Square in a foot-stomping, hand-clapping, joyous gospel show. ??The home-style “all you can eat” soul-food buffet is continuously refilled, & the Choir’s uplifting performance will have you dancing on the stage. It’s a wonderful way to experience the joy of the Black Church without trekking all the way to Harlem! ??The world famous Harlem Gospel Choir is the most famous gospel choir in America and a pre-eminent gospel choir worldwide. It travels the globe, sharing its joy of faith through its music, & raising funds for children’s charities. The Choir was founded in 1986 by Allen Bailey, who got the idea for the Choir while attending a celebration in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Cotton Club in Harlem. The Choir presents the finest singers & musicians from Harlem’s Black Churches & the New York/Tri-State area. $40 in advance; $42.50 at door. BB Kings is at 237 West 42nd Street.
25th Annual Medieval Festival in Fort Tryon Park; 11:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Celebrate the 25th annual Medieval Festival on October 4 from 11:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in Fort Tryon Park. This festival brings to life the customs and spirit of the Middle Ages. Fort Tryon Park is transformed into a medieval market town decorated with bright banners and processional flags. Visitors are entertained by authentic medieval music, dance, magic, and performances. The afternoon is concluded with a thrilling joust between knights on horseback.
The festival is held in the area surrounding the world famous Cloisters, a magnificent museum of medieval art located in northern Manhattan. Enter from Margaret Corbin Circle, where Cabrini Boulevard & Ft. Washington Avenue converge. (Rain Date: Sunday, October 11, 2009).
Isle of Klezbos special instrumental quintet – Klezmer Brunch ; City Winery; 10:00am
A great new tradition! Every Sunday Morning, combining live music and food in a fresh, cultural environment, City Winery’s Klezmer brunch series pairs some of the greatest musicians in the world with delicious lox, bagels and other tasty fare on our brunch menu on Sunday mornings from 10am to 2pm. Ticket is a $10 cover for live music and does not include food or drink. Children 13 and under are free for the music. We have a full brunch menu available upon request.
35th Annual Atlantic Antic; 9am to 6pm
Join over 1 million visitors at Brooklyn’s favorite street festival. Spanning 10 blocks of Atlantic Avenue, from 4th Avenue in Boerum Hill all the way to Hicks Street in Brooklyn Heights, the 2009 Atlantic Antic will feature 10 live music stages, over 600 vendors, pony rides, and a smorgasbord of national and international edible delights. For more information visit www.atlanticave.org.
New York Road Runners: Fred Lebow Cross Country 5K; 11:30 a.m.
Almost 15 years since Fred Lebow’s passing, New York-area runners pay tribute to the co-founder of the New York City Marathon with this annual cross-country event.
Falconry Extravaganza; 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Learn all about birds of prey from the Urban Park Rangers wildlife experts at our annual flight of fancy. Hawks, falcons, owls, and other birds of prey will be on hand for flight demonstrations and more! Event takes place in Central Park at East Meadow (97th Street and 5 Avenue). For more information call (212) 628-2345.
Nature Photography Series: It’s in the Details; 2:00 p.m.
Many photographers tend to focus on the big picture while ignoring all the tiny marvels and interesting textures all around them. Let’s get up close and personal and learn to photograph the smaller wonders nature has to offer. Bring your own camera to Van Cortlandt Nature Center (Enter the park at W. 246 Street and Broadway). Call (718) 548-0912 for more information.
Hudson River Park’s Pier 84 Pet Parade and Fall Festival; 3:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Bring the family pet along with you to this celebration at Pier 84. Highlights include fishing, face painting, and a pet parade, with prizes being awarded in such categories as best-dressed pet, best pet trick, most exotic pet, and more. There’s live music and arts and crafts as well!
To register your pet(s) for the parade, please email petparade@fohrp.org with the following information: 1) Your full name 2) Your full address 3) Your telephone number 4) Type of pet entering parade 5) Pet’s name 6) Fun fact about pet. Pet registration is free. Please contact (212) 757-0981 x 201 with any questions.
NYC Oktoberfest
Lexington Avenue from 42nd to 57th Streets
Cathedral High School Street Fair
Lexington Avenue from 42nd to 57th Streets
Association of Indians in America Festival
South Street Seaport
General Pulaski Memorial Parade 2PM-5PM
Fifth Avenue between 26th and 51st Streets
