New York City Family Fun

6/8/13 + 6/9/13, 6/15/13 + 6/16/13 New York’s 37th Annual American Crafts Festival @ Lincoln Center

2013-06-08T00:00:00.000-04:00

2 Weekends: June 8, 9 & June 15, 16, 2013
Saturday: Noon–9pm * Sunday: 10am–9pm

Rain or shine, vendors under tents

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
64th Street & Columbus Ave (outdoors on the plaza)

New York, NY

Cost: Free

For all ages

This year’s annual American Crafts Festival at Lincoln Center will be held this and next weekend. There will be hundreds of exhibitors,
selling original and handcrafted designs in jewelry, paintings, sculpture, woodwork, clothing and accessories, furniture and more. Continuous entertainment, craft demonstrations. Presented by the American Concern for Art and Craftsmanship ACAC, PO BOX 650, Montclair, NJ 07042, (973) 746-0091.

Ample parking at indoor garage, Park & Lock Garage located at 62nd St. and 65th St. between Columbus and Amsterdam.

http://craftsatlincoln.org/

6/2/13 The Ultimate Science Street @ Washington Square Park

2013-06-01T00:30:00.000-04:00

Sunday, June 2, 2013 from 10:00am to 6:00pm

Washington Square Park
Fifth Ave, Waverly Pl., W. 4 St. and Macdougal St.
New York, NY
Cost: Free

For all ages (really great for kids ages 4-10)

Roll up your sleeves and dig into science through all-new interactive exhibits, games, shows, and performances at the Ultimate Science Street Fair. Aspiring scientists of all ages investigate in “Science Centers” of biology, climate change, energy, math and technology, chemistry, and more. Earn an Ultimate Scientist certificate by logging experiences throughout the day.

Start your full day of fun by producing energy comparing walrus and warthog teeth, code your own computer game, learn how your brain works, examine live mutant worms, and more!

Register your family for the Ultimate Science Street Fair to receive the latest updates on events, a handy map, schedule, scientist data log to track your activities, and more, to get the most out of this exciting day!

For map, and listing of activities:

http://www.worldsciencefestival.com/events/ultimate_science_street_fair2013

Daily until Sept 2013 Little Free Library: Browse, Borrow or Exchange Books in Art Installation @ 10 NYC Locations Downtown

2013-06-01T00:00:00.000-04:00

Open daily, Summer 2013 through September 2013

Little Free Library/NYC is a joint project of PEN World Voices Festival and The Architectural League of New York, and is realized in collaboration with Little Free Library, LTD.

The Little Free Library movement places small book shelters in neighborhoods and is based on the premise of “take a book, return a book.” Established less than three years ago, Little Free Libraries now sponsors over 5,000 libraries worldwide.

PEN World Voices Festival and The Architectural League of New York partnered to bring Little Free Library to New York City. A jury of Laurie Anderson, Andy Bernheimer, A.M. Homes, Scott Marble, Shannon Mattern, and Peter Mullan selected 10 architecture teams to each design and install a Little Free Library in collaboration with a host community organization. The libraries were installed during the IDEAS CITY festival, for which the League was a partner organization.

For a map with the 10 downtown NY locations, go to: http://archleague.org/main/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Map-web-highres.pdf

For more information about Little Free Library / NYC, click here.

********

Below are pictures of the Little Free Library that's located at St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral School in Nolita. Designed by Stereotank, the structure is built out of an upside down plastic tank and a wooden frame. Perforations around the tank allow visitors to peek inside and preview the interior, which invites them to duck under and discover the book collection while still having a connection with the exterior. Visit one of the libraries and bring a book to exhange or share!

St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral School

32 Prince Street between Mulberry and Mott Streets

Nolita, NYC

http://www.stereotank.com/Little-Free-Library

For more Information visit:
http://archleague.org/
http://worldvoices.pen.org/
http://www.littlefreelibrary.org/

Summer 2013: Free American Girl Book Events @ American Girl Stores (Various Locations)

2013-05-22T00:00:00.000-04:00

American Girl stores are having informal book signing and meeting sessions all summer at various locations. All are free and open to everyone. Call for reservations: (877) 247-5223

Read more, help more with Read-a-palooza happening from May 1st through August 26th, 2013. $1 of every book purchased through American Girl goes to Save the Children's U.S. Literacy Program (up to a maximum of $100,000). Note that e-book sales do not qualify for a donation.

Meet the Author: Dr. Cara Natterson
Meet Cara Natterson, trusted pediatrician and author of The Care & Keeping of You 2, American Girl’s new advice book for older girls. This informal session is a chance to meet Dr. Natterson in person and have your book signed. Free and open to the public. For girls ages 10 and up.
New York: May 31

Meet the Author: Jessie Haas
Meet Jessie Haas, award-winning author of Girl of the Year Saige’s books! This is your girl’s chance to hear from Ms. Haas in person and have her favorite books signed. Free and open to the public. For girls ages 8 and up.
New York: June 1

Summer Author Tour: Meet Aubre Andrus
Get into summer reading with American Girl! From heartwarming fiction to just-for-fun activities, we create the books girls love. At this summer event, your girl can meet author Aubre Andrus, who wrote a variety of activity titles that help make learning fun. Free and open to the public. For girls ages 8 and up.
Chicago: August 13
Kansas City: July 23
Minneapolis: June 11
St. Louis: July 16

Summer Author Tour: Meet Jessie Haas
Celebrate summer reading with American Girl! From heartwarming fiction to just-for-fun activities, we create the books girls love. At this summer-only event, your girl can meet author Jessie Haas! She created the 2013 Girl of the Year book series featuring Saige, an artistic girl whose passions inspire action. Free and open to the public. For girls ages 8 and up.
Atlanta: August 6
Boston: August 20
Dallas: June 18
Kansas City: August 13
Los Angeles: July 30
Miami: June 25
Seattle: June 11

Summer Author Tour: Meet Dr. Cara Natterson
Get into summer reading with American Girl! From heartwarming fiction to expert advice, we create the books girls love. During this summer book tour, your girl can meet Dr. Cara Natterson! She’s the author of The Care & Keeping of You 2, our bestselling body book for older girls. Free and open to the public. For girls ages 10 and up.
Atlanta: July 9
Chicago: July 30
Denver: August 6
Houston: June 18
Los Angeles: July 16
Minneapolis: August 20
Seattle: July 23
St. Louis: June 11

Summer Author Tour: Meet Sarah Masters Buckey
Dive in to summer reading at this event! From heartwarming fiction to just-for-fun activities, we create the books girls love. This summer, your girl can meet author Sarah Masters Buckey, who created the Marie-Grace books about a caring girl growing up in 1853 New Orleans. Free and open to the public. For girls ages 8 and up.
Columbus: July 30
New York: June 18

Summer Author Tour: Meet Kathleen Ernst
Celebrate summer reading with American Girl! From heartwarming fiction to just-for-fun activities, we create the books girls love. This summer, your girl can meet author Kathleen Ernst! She created the Caroline Abbott series about a brave girl growing up during the War of 1812. Free and open to the public. For girls ages 8 and up.
Chicago: July 2
Dallas: August 6
Denver: June 25
Miami: July 30

Summer Author Tour: Meet Lisa Yee
Celebrate summer reading with American Girl! From heartwarming fiction to just-for-fun activities, we create the books girls love. At this summer-only event, your girl can meet author Lisa Yee! She wrote Good Luck, Ivy, a historical character book featuring Julie Albright’s best friend, Ivy Ling. Free and open to the public. For girls ages 8 and up.
Los Angeles: June 25

Summer Author Tour: Meet Valerie Tripp
Keep her reading this summer! From heartwarming fiction to just-for-fun activities, we create the books girls love. At this summer event, your girl can meet author Valerie Tripp, who created many of our beloved historical characters’ books: Molly, Kit, Josefina, Felicity, and Samantha. Free and open to the public. For girls ages 8 and up.
Boston: July 16
Washington D.C.: July 30

Summer Author Tour: Meet Denise Lewis Patrick
Keep her reading this summer! From heartwarming fiction to just-for-fun activities, we create the books girls love. This summer only, your girl can meet author Denise Lewis Patrick! She created the Cecile books about a bold girl growing up in 1853 New Orleans. Free and open to the public. For girls ages 8 and up.
Houston: July 23
New York: July 30
Washington D.C.: July 16

Summer Author Tour: Jacqueline Dembar Greene
Keep her reading this summer! From heartwarming fiction to just-for-fun activities, we create the books girls love. This summer only, your girl can meet author Jacqueline Dembar Greene! She created the Rebecca Rubin series about a lively girl with dramatic flair, growing up in New York City in 1914. Free and open to the public. For girls ages 8 and up.
Boston: July 30

5/19/13 11th Annual Drums Along The Hudson: A Native American Festival @ Inwood Hill Park

2013-05-18T00:00:00.000-04:00

Sunday, May 19th, 2010 from 11:00 am until 6:00 pm. Rain or Shine.

Inwood Hill Park

218th Street and Indian Road (4 blocks west of Broadway)
New York City

Cost: Free

For all ages

The Eleventh Annual Drums Along the Hudson®: A Native American Festival will take place on Sunday, May 19th, 2013 in Upper Manhattan’s Inwood Hill Park from 11:00 am until 6:00 pm, rain or shine. This event, which is FREE to the public, is presented by Lotus Music & Dance in collaboration with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, sponsored in part by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, Councilman Robert Jackson, and WABC-TV.

A free, multi cultural family-oriented festival, Drums Along the Hudson® includes exhibitions of world dance and drumming traditions with host Louis Mofsie and the Thunderbird American Indian Dancers, Heyna Second Sons and Silver Cloud Drum Group, as well as Native American crafts and international foods. The festival combines a celebration of Native American heritage, culture, and art with the diversity of New York City itself. In keeping with the underlying theme of environmental appreciation and education, Drums Along the Hudson® will continue to feature an Environmental Tent which will include appearances by Captain Planet, courtesy of the Captain Planet Foundation.

During the day, individuals and organizations will be honored for their contributions to environmental and humanitarian causes. This year's honorees are Grammy Award Winner, Singer and Songwriter Joanne Shenandoah and Author Doug George for their contributions to Native American arts and culture, and Deborah Harvey-Koenigsberger, Founder and President of Hearts of Gold, for her huminatarian services. We will also plant a Tree of Peace in a ceremony, officiated by Mohawk Elder Tom Porter, which pays tribute to the memory of community leaders we have lost in the previous year. Sandra Bookman, weekend anchor for WABC-TV will host the event.

This year, there will be free bicycle valets for attendees who ride their bike to the park.

Directions: To reach Inwood Hill Park, take the 1 train to 215th Street or the A train to 207th Street. The Entrance to the park is at 218th Street and Indian Road, four blocks west of Broadway. By car, it is just north of the Dyckman Street exit off the Henry Hudson Parkway.

See program and pics:

http://www.drumsalongthehudson.org/

4/27/12 Tribeca Film Festival: Tribeca Family Festival Street Fair

2013-04-26T22:06:00.000-04:00

Saturday, April 27, 2013 from 10:00am to 6:00pm

Greenwich Street (from Hubert to Chambers Streets)

New York, NY 10013
Cost: Free

For all ages

The Tribeca Family Festival once again invites you to the ultimate street fair and family celebration, where a dazzling array of FREE activities, performances and experiences unfold downtown in Tribeca.

Step onto the Tribeca Studios backlot and into a filmmaking experience, watch a live chef demonstration from a local restaurant, fly a kite, create life-size bubbles in the Bubble Garden, get creative in our Arts & Crafts pavilions, dance to live music and put a smile on your face. It's time to take to the streets of the neighborhood, so join in for a special day of fun!

Our Festival stages will feature special performances from current Broadway shows along with emerging talent from right here in Tribeca. Local restaurants and merchants will offer Tribeca's finest foods, refreshments, and merchandise. Families can also attend a free screening of The Smurfs film at BMCC Tribeca PAC (with a special sneak preview program of The Smurfs 2).

What's Happening!

Tribeca Food Feast Watch neighborhood chefs create their signature dishes in a chef’s kitchen designed especially for the Street Fair.
* Hosted by Celebrity Cruises

Tribeca Studios Backlot Step into a green screen scene or experience the classic elements of filmmaking on location in New York City: lights, camera and ACTION!

Talent / Performers Sing, dance and experience live entertainment for all ages!

Activities / Featured Participants Enjoy arts and crafts, games and other fun things all day long!

Restaurants Taste the local flavor of some of Tribeca’s best kid-friendly restaurants.

Merchants Shop the stylish wares of some of Tribeca’s local stores.

Organizations / Associations Visit organizations and associations making a difference in Tribeca.

Schools / Academies Catch Tribeca schools out of the classroom with exciting hands-on activities for all!

Free Screenings The Family Festival is pleased to present a number of FREE film screenings for audiences of all ages. See website for a list of all free screenings.

Sponsors
American Express: Info booths and popcorn machines around the Festival

AT&T: Interactive games including DJ Studio and All Star Guitar and an experience to make a customized video/flipbook, along with a cell phone charging station.

Pepsi: Pepsi will present a sidewalk chalk art station as well as the Pepsi Next Taste Challenge and Tropicana sampling

Pure Leaf: Pure Leaf sampling on-site will invite Family Festival goers to take the Real Brewed Challenge – a blind taste test between Pure Leaf and freshly brewed iced tea. Pure Leaf will also have a photo activity for children and families to create their own “Celebri-tea” handprint.

Petcurean: Dogs walk the orange carpet and enjoy dog treats. Short films about dogs shown in the tent.

Radio Disney: On air promotions and sample family friendly products with Radio Disney’s partners

Clear Channel: On air promotions with z100

New York Times: Explore the Tribeca Film Festival’s Official Newspaper in print and digital; learn about the New York Times Film Club and take photos in front of a set & repeat

Real Simple: Answer questions on camera from the Real Simple editors inside their “movie-booth” and receive a cute Polaroid photo with a custom stamp; sample snacks and other goodies from Real Simple’s partners

Cinelan: A special program of Family-friendly short docs that focuses on innovation in storytelling will feature filmmakers from the GE FOCUS FORWARD Short Films, Big Ideas series, including director Ricki Stern and Annie Sundberg. (already included in Amy and Peter’s request for website)

TIME OUT KIDS is hosting a screening of THE SMURFS at TPAC, with an exciting sneak preview of the upcoming summer comedy, THE SMURFS 2.

60 Hudson: Host of the Hubert Street Stage, the Arts and Crafts Pavilions and an art contest for local students. One piece of artwork selected from participating schools will be showcased in the 60 Hudson window located on the corner of West Broadway and Thomas Street.

See site for map, event schedule & more:
http://tribecafilm.com/festival/events/tribeca-family-festival-street-fair

4/26/13 Friday Is Free Pretzel Day! @ Auntie Anne's (NYC)

2013-04-25T00:00:00.000-04:00

Friday, April 26, 2013 from 10am to 2pm

Auntie Anne’s Pretzels will give out a free Honey Whole Grain Pretzel on Friday at the following participating Manhattan locations between 10am and 2pm:

* 42nd & 8th

* Rockefeller Center
* Penn Station
* Penn Station Amtrak
* Port Authority of NY & NJ Bus Terminal
* Macy’s on 34th street

Ongoing Daily from 4/23/13 through 6/7/13 Ugo Rondinone's "Human Nature" Sculpture Exhibit @ Rockefeller Center

2013-04-23T00:00:00.000-04:00

Ongoing daily from Tuesday, April 23, 2013 through Friday, June 7, 2013
Hours: All Day

Rockefeller Center
30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10111
Cost: Free (public sidewalk exhibit)
For all ages

For seven weeks this spring, nine 16-to 20-foot-tall, human-shaped stone figures by Swiss-born, New York-based artist Ugo Rondinone, will transform Rockefeller Center, inhabiting the plaza between 49th and 50th Streets as if transported from another time. The work, Human Nature, will be free to the public and is on view April 23 through June 7, 2013.

Human Nature is a stark contrast to its highly developed architectural surroundings in Midtown Manhattan. When the work is installed in April, the figures will populate the plaza where the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is displayed, the massive forms of their legs and shoulders forming post-and-lintel structures beneath and among which visitors will be able to walk.

Human Nature is presented by Nespresso; the exhibition is organized by Public Art Fund and Tishman Speyer.

http://www.rockefellercenter.com/events/2013/03/01/human-nature/

Check out the buzz already generating around the exhibition:
The New York Times
Art in America

4/21/13 Celebrate Earth Day New York with Citywide Events!

2013-04-20T00:00:00.000-04:00

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Where: Citywide

When: Various times

Cost: Free
For all ages

Although Earth Day is officially on Monday, April 22nd, there are many events happening this weekend!

Given the Earth's rapidly changing climate and the dramatic increase in the frequency of catastrophic natural disasters, there is more urgency than ever to be focused on the environment. Show some love for our home planet and learn how to help the cause at NYC's annual Earth Day celebrations. This year, Earth Day New York is presenting performances and activities for kids, sustainability talks and more in Grand Central Terminal's Vanderbilt Hall from 10am to 6pm, April 20–22. The main outdoor event takes place in Union Square on April 21, 11am to 6pm, featuring live performances, a sneak peek at some innovative new earth-friendly vehicles and exhibitions and displays from environmental organizations and businesses. For a really hands-on Earth Day commemoration, help clean up one of the City's many beaches and parks. Head to Staten Island's Fort Wadsworth at 10am on April 20 or Great Kills Park at 1pm on April 21 to volunteer your time and help restore the beauty of a borough that was devastated by Hurricane Sandy just a few months ago.

Check out nyc.gov/parks for more information about Earth Day events around the five boroughs.

http://www.nycgo.com/events/earth-day

Summer 2013 Kids Bowl Free Program Happening This Year, All Summer Long (Nationwide); Teachers Can Apply for Bowling To Teachers Grant for Classroom Supplies

2013-04-14T00:00:00.000-04:00

Select bowling centers and schools around the country are participating in the first ever Kids Bowl Free program. This program is designed by bowling centers to give back to the community and provide a safe, secure, and fun way for kids to spend time this summer.

Children whose age does not exceed a limit by a participating bowling center are eligible to register for 2 free games a day, all summer long, courtesy of the participating bowling centers along with the schools and organizations.

Kids Bowl Free & Participating Centers

Sponsor $100,000 Classroom Supply Grant Program

Kids Bowl Free and participating bowling centers are teaming up to help educators offset their growing out of pocket expenses. Kids Bowl Free has been working closely with teachers, school administrators and bowling centers over the past four summers to help provide a safe, fun activity for children while they are on summer break.

Many teachers have expressed their concern of budget cuts and the inability to have all of the teaching aids they need for their students to have the best learning environment possible. The Bowling To Teachers program is a small step to helping 400 teachers improve their learning experience for their students.

For teachers that would like to apply visit www.BowlingToTeachers.com to complete the short grant application. 80 grants per month will be awarded from March through the end of July 2013.

http://www.KidsBowlFree.com/

4/12/13 + 4/13/13 More Magazine/Fitness Magazine Women's Half-Marathon Health & Wellness Expo @ Metropolitan Pavilion

2013-04-12T00:00:00.000-04:00

Friday, April 12, 2013 from 11am to 7pm

Saturday, April 13, 2013 from 10am to 5pm

Metropolitan Pavilion

125 W. 18 Street
New York, NY

Cost: Free

For all ages

This Sunday, April 14th, thousands of women from all over the world will be participating at the largest women's half-marathon in the country at Central Park from 8am until 12 noon. Pre-registration required at: http://www.morefitnesshalf.com/

On Friday and Saturday, stop by Metropolitan Pavilion for a Health & Wellness Expo with free admission to all.

Activities include:

* Exhibitor booths

* Speakers and training sessions
* Shopping and special sales
* Food and product sampling
* Beauty touch-ups
* Health screenings and information
* Book signings
* Gift bags

For those running on Sunday:

Runner check-in and packet pick-up

PLUS, Commemorative Athleta Technical T-Shirt with Registration (Retail Value $44)

http://www.morefitnesshalf.com/

3/25/13 Arts, Culture & Fun Series: Wonder Women! The Untold Story of American Superheroines @ Chelsea Recreation Center

2013-03-23T00:05:00.000-04:00

Monday, March 25, 2013 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm

Chelsea Recreation Center

430 West 25th Street
New York, NY

Directions to this location
(212) 255-3705

Cost: Free

For teens and adults

The film Wonder Women! The Untold Story of American Superheroines traces the fascinating evolution and legacy of Wonder Woman. From the birth of the comic book superheroine in the 1940's to the blockbusters of today, Wonder Women! looks at how popular representations of powerful women often reflect society's anxieties about women's liberation. A Q&A session will follow featuring cartoonist and illustrator Ray Alma.

http://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2013/03/25/arts-culture-fun-wonder-women-the-untold-story-of-american-superheroines

* * * * * * * *

About the movie:

http://wonderwomendoc.com/thefilm/synopsis/

3/23/13 Have a Hoot with a Ranger: Learn About Owls! @ Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center (in Jamaica Bay Park)

2013-03-23T00:00:00.000-04:00

Saturday, March 23, 2013 from 2:00pm to 3:00pm

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center

in Jamaica Bay Park
100 Cross Bay Boulevard
Queens, NY

Directions to this location
(718) 354-4606

Cost: Free
For all ages

The National Park Service invites Junior Rangers to participate in an owl adventure. Learn about owls and their habitat through a hike and an owl pellet investigation at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Center. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.

http://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2013/03/23/have-a-hoot-with-a-ranger

3/11/13 Life is a Cabaret: Presented by Harwood Management Vocal Artists @ New York Public Library for the Performing Arts

2013-03-09T00:00:00.000-05:00

Monday, March 11, 2013, 6:00 to 8:30pm

New York Public Library for the Performing Arts

Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center

Bruno Walter Auditorium

40 Lincoln Center Plaza
New York, NY 10023-7498
(212) 870-1600

Subway: 1 to 66th Street; A, B, C, D to Columbus Circle 59th Street
Bus: M5, M7, M11, M104
Cost: Free
For all ages

Harwood Management Vocal Artists present a cabaret style performance.

http://www.nypl.org/locations/tid/55/node/197228?lref=55%2Fcalendar

Ongoing Daily Until 4/5/13 Mad. Sq. Art: Experience Topsy-Turvy with a Camera Obsura Installation @ Madison Square Park

2013-03-03T00:00:00.000-05:00

Friday, March 1 through Friday, April 5, 2013

Madison Square Park
Broadway (at 23rd St)

New York, NY
Subway: N, R, W, 6 to 23rd St
(212) 538-6667
Cost: Free
All ages

Madison Square Park Conservancy’s Mad. Sq. Art announces a new installation to inaugurate the spring 2013 season: Topsy-Turvy: A Camera Obscura Installation (2013) by New York-based artists Sandra Gibson and Luis Recoder. On view from March 1 to April 5, 2013, Topsy-Turvy will reimagine one of the world’s oldest moving image devices into a life-sized 10-foot by 10-foot structure. Park visitors will be able to enter the interactive, large-scale installation, which will utilize the physical properties of light to capture images of the surrounding Flatiron District in real time. This centuries-old artistic medium will alter how visitors experience the park and engage with the various elements of New York City’s urban landscape through a new and exciting lens.

http://www.madisonsquarepark.org/things-to-do/calendar/mad-sq-art-sandra-gibson-luis-recoder

Until 2/27/13 Celebrate American Heart Month with the Art to Heart Exhibit @ Agora Gallery

2013-02-23T00:00:00.000-05:00

Until Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Gallery hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 11am - 6pm

Agora Gallery

530 West 25th Street

New York, NY (212) 226-4151
Cost: Free
For all ages

Since 1963 February has been celebrated as American Heart Month. In keeping with this tradition, Agora Gallery is hosting a special event "Art to Heart" in support of the Children's Heart Foundation. Artists in the February exhibition have created a collection of small works specifically made to honor little hearts all over the world. The entire sales proceeds from the sales of these particular pieces of art will be donated to the Children’s Heart Foundation. Entrance is free and all art enthusiasts are warmly welcomed to attend and meet some of the artists responsible for creating these remarkable works of art.

2/17/13 14th Annual Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade & Festival

2013-02-16T00:00:00.000-05:00

Sunday, February 17, 2013 at 1:00pm

Location: Starts at Little Italy and goes through the main streets of Lower Chinatown/Manhattan
Cost: Free
For all ages

Cultural Festival & Booth

Sara Roosevelt Park (Canal & Forsyth St)

One block from major subway system, next to Manhattan Bridge, nearby all out of town buses, and surrounded by major market place.

Background
The Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade & New Year's Day Firecracker Ceremony was founded in 1999 to provide New york's Chinese American community with a large scale celebration on par with those in San Francisco and Los Angeles. In recent years it has suppressed it, the event has grown into a New York City-wide affair and New York's biggest winter tourist attraction, luring thousands of visitors from all over the United States and the world. With the dog parade 5 years ago and 4 years ago the Pig race, 2- colorful float, 20 antique cars, 200 cultural performers & 3000 marchers participating making the parade more exciting. Last year, a record 500,000 spectators flooded the streets of Chinatown to welcome the year of the Rabbit. A truly pan-Asian spectacle, the Parade features cultural performers and organizations from all across Asia, including China, Korea, Japan, Vietman, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore and Hispanic & American dancer, bands and cultural floats.

Description

A colorful spectacle featuring floats, marching bands, lion and dragon dancers, antique cars, beauty queens, Asian & Hispanic musical performers, magicians and acrobats, and local organizations. The floats will feature various cultural performances and special guests. Over 6,000 individuals will march in the Parade, which will span every major street in Chinatown. This is the biggest winter parade in the East Coast and a national and international tourist attraction. Elected officials, celebrities and community leaders are scheduled to take part in the Parade, which will be covered by local, national and international media. An outdoor cultural festival will take place at the Sara Roosevelt Park by Canal St & Forsyth St that will feature booths and performances by musicians, dancers, and martial artists.

See route map at:

http://betterchinatown.com/HOME.php

2/16/13 Traditional English Sword Dancing @ Chatham Square Library

2013-02-15T00:00:00.000-05:00

2 performances: Saturday, February 16, 2013 at 1-2pm and at 3-4pm

Chatham Square Library, Community Room
33 East Broadway
New York, NY 10002-6804
(212) 964-6598
Cost: Free
For all ages

Half Moon Sword is an all women’s sword team who have been dancing together since 1981. Their skillful dance displays have gained them a reputation here and in England for precision and fresh interpretations of traditional dances. The women of Half Moon Sword share a love of this dance form with all its ritual and mystery. The festival is their opportunity to share the excitement of sword dancing with other dancers and the public.

http://www.nypl.org/events/programs/2013/02/16/traditional-english-sword-dancing?pref=node_type_search%2Fevents

Half Moon Sword's website: www.halfmoonsword.org

2/2/12 Harlem Gospel Choir @ David Rubenstein Atrium (at Lincoln Center)

2013-02-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

Saturday, February 2, 2013 at 11:00am

David Rubenstein Atrium (at Lincoln Center)
61 W 62nd St (at Broadway)
(212) 875-5350
Subway: 1 to 66th St–Lincoln Center
Cost: Free
For all ages

Meet the Artist Saturdays
David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center, Frieda and Roy Furman Stage

Meet the Artist welcomes the return engagement of the world-famous Harlem Gospel Choir, whose members will have audiences on their feet, clapping and singing to their hearts' content, enthusiastically spreading the universal message of peace, hope, and joy. In this encore visit, the choir joins Lincoln Center in honoring Black History Month by offering a rare interactive concert experience. Spend your morning with these amazing vocalists, known for their performances for (and with) Pope John Paul II, Nelson Mandela, U2, Sir Elton John, and more.

Gospel music ranks among the priceless musical gifts that Harlem has given the world. Deeply rooted in American history and African tribal song, gospel music is the heart and soul of the African American church, an expression of faith, and a merging of cultures and musical styles.

http://atrium.lincolncenter.org/index.php/atrium-2013-harlem-gospel-choir

1/27/13 Drop-in Family Workshop: Future City @ Queens Museum of Art

2013-01-26T00:00:00.000-05:00

Sunday, January 27, 2013 from 1:30 to 4:30 pm

Queens Museum of Art
New York City Building
Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Queens, NY 11368
(718) 592-9700
Cost: Free
For ages 5-12 yrs

The Queens Museum of Art in Flushing hosts weekly workshops for families and children ages 5 through 12. This week kids can let their imaginations run wild while crafting three-dimensional models of futuristic cityscapes, using a multitude of supplies and building materials. The project was inspired by a relief map of New York City and its water supply system, a 540-square-foot piece created for the 1939 World's Fair that has spent most of the past seven decades in storage. The map is now on display in its entirety at the Queens Museum of Art for the first time ever. Children with special needs and those new to the English language are encouraged to attend.

http://www.queensmuseum.org/date/2013/01/27

Ongoing Daily from 1/22/13-2/7/13 Broadway Week: Get 2-for-1 Tickets

2013-01-25T00:05:00.000-05:00

Broadway Week is happening from Tuesday, January 22, 2013 through Thursday, February 7, 2013 with 17 days of select Broadway shows available at a special 2-for-1 price--that means 50% off each ticket for a minimum 2 ticket purchase.

The promo codes are:
2-For-1 Tickets: BWAYWEEK
Upgrade Offer Tickets (upgrade your seats for an additional $20 per ticket): BWAYUP

Go to website to see shows available and buy tickets:

http://www.nycgo.com/broadwayweek/?a=1&b=1&pid=hp-hero-drgbl-2

Ongoing Daily from 1/28/13-2/10/13 Off Broadway Week: Get 2-for-1 Tickets

2013-01-25T00:00:00.000-05:00

Off Broadway Week is happening from Monday, January 28, 2013 through Sunday, February 7, 2013 with 14 days of select Off Broadway shows available at a special 2-for-1 price--that means 50% off each ticket for a minimum 2 ticket purchase.

Go to website to see which shows are available, promo codes and to buy tickets:

http://www.nycgo.com/offbroadwayweek/?a=1&b=1&pid=hp-hero-drgbl-3

1/20/13 Hands On: Blindfold Challenge @ The Studio Museum in Harlem

2013-01-20T00:00:00.000-05:00

Sunday, January 20, 2013 from 2:00 to 4:00pm

The Studio Museum in Harlem, at Workshop A
144 W. 125th St. (125/Lenox)
Manhattan, NY 10027
(212) 864-4500
Cost: Free
For all ages

If you thought creating art was difficult, imagine doing it blindfolded. That's how performing artist Taisha Paggett made her colored-crayon performance series, Decomposition of a Continuous Whole, at The Studio Museum in Harlem. Paggett, a dancer and choreographer, used a series of predetermined movements to create rows of crayon drawings on a gallery wall, all while her eyes were covered. Children can take on this challenge as well, in a session that encourages them to become more in tune with their other senses.

Also at the Studio Museum, from 1:00 to 2:00pm is an interactive and informative tour of the exhibit Fore with a knowledgeable museum educator. Fore is the highly anticipated fourth installment of the Studio Museum’s “F” series, which includes Freestyle (2001), Frequency (2005–06) and Flow (2008). Like its popular and critically acclaimed predecessors, Fore is a non-thematic group presentation reflecting a multitude of ideas, approaches and processes. The tour will have something for everyone: adults, families and kids of all ages are welcome!

You can rsvp for any of the events and/or sign up for the mailing list.

For Hands On:
http://www.studiomuseum.org/event-calendar/event/hands-2013-01-20

For Fore:
http://www.studiomuseum.org/event-calendar/event/gallery-tour-2013-01-20

1/19/13 BAMfamily Launch Party: Down the Rabbit Hole @ BAM Fisher (Fisher Hillman Studio)

2013-01-19T00:05:00.000-05:00

Saturday, January 19, 2013 from 11:00am to 4:00pm
Wristbands for admission to the Fishman Space and Hillman Studio are available in the lobby 30mins prior to start of event

BAM Fisher, Fisher Hillman Studio
321 Ashland Place
Brooklyn, NY 11217
(718) 636-4100
Cost: Free. Wristbands for admission to the Fishman Space and Hillman Studio are available in the lobby 30mins prior to start of event.
For ages 2 to 10 yrs

Follow Alice down the rabbit hole for this marvelous adventure to launch BAM’s very special season of family and educational programs. The whole family can enjoy the celebration at 321 Ashland Place—the new BAM Fisher building. Festivities include Story Pirates’ hilarious sketch comedy musicals—based on stories written by kids—and Urban Stages’ Blown Away by Poetry—an interactive performance and workshop with puppets and poetry—plus face-painting and many other activities.

As part of this festive day of storytelling, children are encouraged to dress up as and bring a drawing of their favorite storybook character. Those who submit a drawing will be entered to win BAMfamily season tickets!

About BAMfamily. BAMfamily offers smart, stimulating, and unconventional arts programming to inspire every member of your family. This year marks the first-ever BAMfamily season—a diverse lineup of performances, workshops, and participatory events.

Event Schedule
11am: Button Making & Facepainting (All Day) @ Stutz Garden, 7th Floor
11:30am: Storytelling: Betsy Lewin & Chris Raschka @ Hillman, 4th, Floor
12pm: Story Pirates Performance @ Fishman, 1st Floor
12:45pm: Storytelling: Paul O. Zelinzky & Peter Brown @ Hillman, 4th Floor
2pm: Music: ¡Acopladitos!/The Good Ms. Padgett @ Hillman 4th Floor
3pm: Blown Away by Poetry @ Fishman, 1st Floor
3:15pm: Music: ¡Acopladitos!/The Good Ms. Padgett @ Hillman, 4th Floor

Sponsored by Target.

http://www.bam.org/family/2013/bamfamily-launch-party-down-the-rabbit-hole

1/19/13 Ice Festival @ Belvedere Castle

2013-01-19T00:00:00.000-05:00

Saturday, January 19, 2013 from 12:00 noon to 3:00pm

Belvedere Castle in Central Park
Mid-park about 79th Street
New York, NY (212) 772-0210
Cost: FreeFor all ages

Join the Central Park Conservancy for a glacial ice adventure! Sip on hot chocolate while watching Okamoto Studio carve Belvedere Castle and its surrounding landscape from ice. Take tours with the Urban Park Rangers and learn how ice shaped the Park’s geologic features. Kids can try their artistic skills with a play-dough sculpting arts & craft. No advance registration needed.

For more info and directions, go to:
http://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2013/01/19/ice-festival-at-belvedere-castle

http://support.centralparknyc.org/site/Calendar/411169354?view=Detail&id=117562

For other events happening at Central Park that day:
http://support.centralparknyc.org/site/Calendar?day=19&year=2013&month=1&period=day&mode=list