This weekend boasts an extraordinary number of family-friendly weekend events. Therefore, instead of our usual pick of five events, we’ve decided to include an additional choice to give you the best possible selection of city happenings! Plus, to see what else is going on for kids this week, check out our calendar.
Saturday, October 18
Fall Kids Fest
Madison Square Park
11am-2pm
Join Madison Square Park for its Fall Kids Fest! Spend your Saturday afternoon enjoying activities such as face painting, storytelling, arts & crafts workshops, lawn games, live music from Songs for Seeds, and more. Little ones can also claim a pumpkin in the park’s pumpkin patch and dress in costume for the Halloween parade. Sponsored in part by New York Family, this fabulous free fest is not one to miss! Free
Taste of the Seaport
South Street Seaport
11am-4pm
Looking to attend a family-friendly food fest this weekend? Head over to South Street Seaport for the 5th annual Taste of the Seaport. More than 25 restaurants will be participating in this year’s fest including Ambrose Hall, Barbalu, The Capital Grille, Pita Press, and others. There will also be a Kid’s Zone featuring games, arts & crafts, face painting, and tennis and soccer clinics. Proceeds will benefit the Spruce Street School (P.S. 397) and the Peck Slip School (P.S. 343). Tickets are $35 in advance (includes 5 tastings) or $40 on the day of the event.
Book Reading: Mix It Up with Hervé Tullet
The Guggenheim Museum
1:30pm-5pm
Families with children ages 4 through 9 are invited to the Guggenheim this Saturday for a special reading by author and artist Hervé Tullet of his new children’s book, Mix It Up!. Afterwards, participants can create their own works of art, drawing inspiration from the book and the museum’s latest exhibit ZERO: Countdown to Tomorrow, 1950s-60s, in the Studio Art Lab. Can’t make it to the Guggenheim on Saturday? On Sunday, October 19, from 10am to 12pm, Brooklyn’s Central Library will host the author for a book signing and art workshop during which kids can help to create an enormous mural. Tickets for the Guggenheim book reading are $25. The Central Library book signing is free, but advanced registration is required.
Sunday, October 19
Pickle Day
Orchard Street between Houston & Delancey Streets
12pm-5pm
Have no fear pickle lovers! The Lower East Side’s annual Pickle Day is back this Sunday! All ages can show up for food, shopping, a home pickling contest, DJ lessons, pumpkin face painting, animal adoptions, and much more. Plus, of course, sample the city’s best pickles from Brooklyn Brine, McClure’s Pickles, Guss’ Pickles, The Pickle Guys, and others. Free
Carnegie Hall Family Concert: Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Zankel Hall, Carnegie Hall
1pm
The music of South Africa can be heard at Carnegie Hall when Ladysmith Black Mambazo performs on Sunday. The Grammy Award-winning group will be singing their hits including “Music Knows No Boundaries” and the Nelson Mandela-inspired “Long Walk to Freedom.” Call CarnegieCharge for ticket prices and availability.
Raffi #belugagrads Family Concert
The Kaye Playhouse, Hunter College
1pm-2:30pm
Legendary children’s singer and songwriter Raffi will be performing live in concert this Sunday at The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College! Fans of all ages will be treated to favorites such as “Baby Beluga,” Down By The Bay,” and “Corner Grocery Store.” Recommended for families with children ages 2 and up. Tickets start at $35.
