There’s something for every family this weekend! Arts and crafts lovers should check out the annual Coney Island Sand Sculpting Contest or FlyNYC 2014, a fun kite-making and flying celebration! For mini history buffs or musicians, the Jazz Age Lawn Party will transport guests back in time to the 1920s. Dance lovers should see the popular 33rd Annual Downtown Dance Festival while Harlem Week’s two-day Children’s Festival holds a little bit of everything related to the lively neighborhood.
Saturday, August 16
FlyNYC 2014
11am-4pm
Riverside Park
All Ages
Let’s go fly a kite! Little ones can make their own kite or fly one with parents at this special all ages festival! Guests will also enjoy live musical performances from Batala NYC and Shinbone Alley Stilt Band. Seating is available on a first-come first-serve basis. This is a free event
Coney Island Sand Sculpting Contest
12pm
The Boardwalk near Wonderwheel Park
All Ages
Put your sand-castle sculpting to the test against other families or stand by and watch professionals create fun and beautiful works of art on the beach! All proceeds, including sponsorships and donations, from the contest will go to support families who were impacted by Superstorm Sandy. Suggested donation
Saturday, August 16 & Sunday, August 17
Jazz Age Lawn Party
11am-5pm
Governors Island
All Ages
Head back to the Roarin’ Twenties with this fabulous lawn party! A celebration of the Jazz Age era, this flavorful event will host activities like dance lessons (to learn popular steps of the time), a close-up look of gramophones, a high court of pie contest, and much more! For foodie families, a themed “Taste of the 20′s” menu will even feature specialized food and drink. Don’t miss out on Kidland, a special area for children with carnival games and prizes. Adults $25, Children free.
Harlem Week: NYC Children’s Festival
12pm-7pm
W.135th St. (bet. Malcolm X & A.C. Powell Jr. Blvd.)
All Ages
In conjunction with Harlem Week, summer-long programming celebrating the unique history and culture of the neighborhood, this two-day Children’s Festival holds many treats for families. A few highlights include games, exhibits, arts & crafts, live music, dancing, free health testing, and sports clinics. Don’t miss a special “Back to School” theme on Sunday, featuring a special fall-themed fashion show! This is a free event
Starting Sunday, August 17
The 33rd Annual Downtown Dance Festival
6pm
Robert F. Wagner Jr. Park
All Ages
Dance lovers should check out this diverse festival in lower Manhattan. Featuring dance genres ranging from Indian dance to tap to contemporary ballet, NYC’s longest running dance festival will host performances from over 200 companies this week. Be sure to stay for “Everybody Dance Now!” at 7:45pm every day. This is a free event
