Ramadan Is Here: Check Out Where To Go In NYC To Celebrate

Ramadan, also known as the most sacred month of the year in Islamic culture, begins May 15 and concludes June 14 this year. During this month-long observance, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, abstain from pleasures, and pray to become closer to God. This is also a time when families come together and celebrate. Throughout New York City, there are a variety of events to attend in honor of Ramadan. Check out these eight activities throughout the greater New York area to help get you and your family in the Ramadan spirit.

May 12: MCN’s Ramadan Packathon

Join the Muslim Community Network as they hold their annual packathon, where they scoop, seal, and pack 10,000 meals for New Yorkers around the city to enjoy during Ramadan. The bags contain lentils, quinoa, rice, cumin, and pink Himalayan salt, and each bag contains 10 meals. This packathon is in partnership with the HUNGER VAN, where you can follow the van after completing the meal packaging to help distribute as well. All ages are welcome, and who wouldn’t want to start the month off on a charitable note? Free, 10:30am-1:30pm, Judson Memorial Church – Assembly Hall: 239 Thompson Street, eventbrite.com.
May 15: Ramadan Coloring Circle

Participate in this special edition of the Seward Park Library’s Crafternoon Series. This month, engage in the Ramadan Coloring Circle in honor of the Islamic holiday. The program is free for teens 12-18. All materials will be provided, so all you have to worry about is bringing yourself. Free, 4pm, Seward Park Library: 192 East Broadway, nypl.org
May 16: Ramadan Craft

In honor of the beginning of Ramadan, kick things off with a craft to celebrate the month of fasting and charity. Plus, as the month ends with the sighting of the moon, join the Tremont Library for the creation of a lunar craft as well. Free, 3pm, Tremont Library, 1866 Washington Avenue, Bronx, nypl.org.
May 18: Iftar/Shabbat Dinner and viewing of The Sarah Play

Join the NYC Muslim-Jewish Solidarity Committee as they watch The Sarah Play, a story of three actors who struggle to tell the ancient story of Sarah and Hagar, the mothers of Isaac and Ishmael, through a modern lens. They draw from the Muslim, Christian, and Jewish traditions to determine which version gets told, but realize just how difficult it is since there are so many accounts of what happened. Following the play, there will be a meal for all to enjoy. The play starts at 7pm, so please arrive on time. Your ticket price includes both the play and meal so make sure to order your ticket in advance. For inquiries, email [email protected]. $25, 7-9:30pm, The 14th Street Y: 344 East 14th Street, eventbrite.com.
May 24: Brooklyn Community Iftar

In honor of the Islamic Relief USA’s 25th Anniversary, join them at their annual Iftar. Learn about their work and experiences while in the Middle East, including the current Syrian and Yemen Emergencies, in addition to the other great services they have provided to those in the North Africa. You will also get the opportunity to hear from a diverse group of guest speakers, such as Sh. Mohammad Elshinawy from IECPA, Sh. Mohamed Moussa from the Tri-State Imams Council, Khaled Lamada, chairman of the IRUSA Board, and Nazrul Islam, the Quran Recitation Imam at MCC. $25-$200, 7-10pm, Dyker Beach Golf Course Catering Hall: 1020 86th Street, Brooklyn, eventbrite.com.
June 2: NYC Fasting5k 2018

Get ready for the Ramadan event of the year as 10 cities and hundreds of athletes come together to embrace the spirit of the month through fasting, raising money, and building a community for good–in addition to taking part in the annual 5k event. This year, Fasting5k is joining forces with a variety of organizations that provide resources for youth safety against violence. Those participating in the event are asked to raise a minimum of $250 to benefit Fasting5k’s fundraising partner. $25-$100, 7-10pm, Prospect Park, Brooklyn, eventbrite.com.
June 11: Celebrate Eid with Henna Tattoos

Celebrate the end of Ramadan by getting Henna tattoos at the Queens Library at Woodhaven. All participants must have a signed permission slip from parents. Registration is not required. Free, 4-5pm, Queens Library at Woodhaven: 85-41 Forest Parkway, Woodhaven, queenslibrary.org.
June 16: Summer Reading Kick Off: Eid Celebration

Celebrate Eid al-Fitr, an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims throughout the world that marks the end of Ramadan. On this day, people everywhere hug and wish one another Eid Mubarak. It is a day of colorful attire, delicious food, lights, and jubilation. In this celebration at the Allerton Library, your child will have the opportunity to learn about this beautiful festival and its significance. Recommended for kids ages 4-10 years old. Space is limited to 20 kids only so make sure to arrive on time. Presented by The Culture Tree. Free, 2:30pm, Allerton Library: 2740 Barnes Avenue, Bronx, nypl.org

Plugged in Band

<div>Plugged In is a nonprofit program that offers online programs to student&nbsp;musicians (Ages 10-18) in a non-competitive environment and provides band and individual performance opportunities in support of community and charitable causes.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Our programs include:</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Rock Band Classes</div> <div>Private Music Lessons</div> <div>Summer Camp</div> <div>Digital/Audio Production</div> <div>Songwriting and Recording Workshops</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Oh and hey parents, we are now offering private music lessons and our rock band program for adults too. Reach out to us for more information.&nbsp;</div>

Asphalt Green

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">Asphalt Green&rsquo;s high-quality sports programs start at 4 months old. Two beautiful facilities in vibrant Manhattan neighborhoods provide the optimal space for children to learn the fundamentals, play for leisure, or compete at the highest level.<br />As the leading sports and fitness facility in Manhattan, Asphalt Green&rsquo;s never-before- seen training methods focus on improving your mental and physical game. Whether participating in swim, soccer, flag football, martial arts, basketball, baseball, tennis, or volleyball, coaches instill values that set athletes up for success in life and bring out their full potential in sports.</span></p>

Speakitaly NYC

<p>SPEAKITALY NYC offers stimulating and entertaining lessons for children 0 to 16 years through a wide combination of activities based on the communicative approach anchored in the Common European Framework of Reference: active learning (group work, role plays, etc.) and practice exercises aimed to improve listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Kids will start speaking and using Italian in a very natural way.&nbsp; Small classes capped at 6 students to make sure each one gets the needed attention and facilitate learners' progress.&nbsp;</p> <p>Our method is driven by a didactic method that is the result of constant updates, professional certifications and more than 10 years of experience in working with non-native speakers from different native languages and levels of knowledge.</p> <p>Our aim is to develop a range of Italian language skills while improving accuracy that will enable the students and participants to interact without stress or feeling rushed. We want to help those in the community really embrace not only the true culture in Italy but the Italian culture within New York City&hellip; Who doesn&rsquo;t love what Italy represents in the kitchen, in history &amp; in the arts?</p> <p>Speakitaly wants to support multilingual families who want to learn a new language or pass along their ancestor&rsquo;s heritage and culture. Raffaella, the founder said: "We see language awareness and intercultural sensitivity as the milestones for an inclusive society. Italian, like all other languages, is an enrichment and a growth in every way. Vi aspettiamo!"</p>