For our guide to free weekend fun for families, click HERE.
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38th Annual Thunderbird American Indian Mid-Summer Powow at Queens County Farm Museum
From July 29 through 31, experience Native American culture with the entire family at New York City’s oldest and largest powwow. During this year’s 38th Annual Thunderbird American Indian Mid-Summer Powwow, explore unique Native American art, crafts, and jewelry, and enjoy several days of inter-tribal Native American dance competitions with 40 Indian nations in attendance. The powwow takes place in the picturesque Queens County Farm Museum’s apple orchard in Floral Park, NY. There’s a lot for you and the kids to enjoy during these three days of culture, history, and celebration.(Friday-Sunday) (Photo courtesy of Queens County Farm Museum) -
Animation Block Party at BAM
Join Brooklyn’s Rooftop Films & BAMcinématek for this year’s edition of the Animation Block Party! The largest animation festival on the East Coast, dedicated to exhibiting the world’s best independent, professional and student animation, is returning for the 13th year in a row! Experience an extensive and diverse lineup of films with your little film fans including “The Transformers: The Movie” from 1986 and the Pink Panther cartoon collection. This year the festival will include Animation Features screenings for kids at 2pm on Saturday, July 30 and Sunday, July 31 at BAMcinématek. Opening Night at Rooftop Films at Brookfield Place is free and open to the public and is kid-friendly. (Friday-Sunday) (Image courtesy of Animation Block Party) -
The 6th Annual New York City Poetry Festival on Governors Island
The 6th Annual NYC Children’s Poetry Festival is coming to Governors Island this weekend for two straight days of nonstop poetry! As part of the larger NYC Poetry Festival, this free fest sponsored by Writopia provides an amazing opportunity to experience and celebrate New York City’s vibrant poetry community. Children are invited to share their own poetry on a kids-only stage, enjoy readings, and contribute to the Poetree Forest. (Saturday-Sunday) -
"Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" Release Parties
Die-hard Harry Potter fans, listen up! The newest installment in the Harry Potter saga, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, is coming out at midnight on Saturday July 30. The two-act play will premiere in London’s West End on 7/30, but for all us stateside Potter fans, reading the script will have to do! But before you embark on another adventure with author JK Rowling to Hogwarts and beyond, we’ve got you covered with some of the many book release parties around New York City. So grab your wands, memorize those spells and get ready, because Harry Potter is back! (Most parties are on Saturday night) (Photo by April Sides via Flickr) -
"The Cat Came Back: Stories and Songs with a Jazzy Twist" at Flushing Town Hall
Every family has their favorite folktales and nursery rhymes, and here is a chance to hear them all – with a twist! Award-winning storyteller and musician April Armstrong, along with Mario Sprouse on piano and Napoleon Revels-Bey on drums, will add a unique and personal touch to some of the most well-known songs in the world. (Saturday) -
Alexander Hamilton: His Life in Song and Story at the New-York Historical Society
Learn all about the life of Alexander Hamilton this Sunday during “Alexander Hamilton: His Life in Song & Story” at the New-York Historical Society. The Hudson River Ramblers will perform an interactive concert chronicling the days of one of our most beloved founding fathers. Songs include “From Cannon to Colonel,” “In & Out of Debt,” and “Death Dirge.” Performances will be held at 1, 2, and 3pm. (Sunday) (Photo via hudsonriverramblers.com) -
Family Day: Colonial Ice Cream at the Morris-Jumel Mansion
This Saturday, cool down at the Morris-Jumel Mansion during its Colonial Ice Cream Family Day! All ages are invited to learn about the history of this frozen dessert and discover which flavors were favored by colonists in the 1700s. Then children can make their own lavender or vanilla ice cream. Advance registration is recommended. (Saturday) (Image via morrisjumel.org) -
Summerstage Family Day in Queensbridge Park
Come see three fantastic acts in Queensbridge Park, courtesy of SummerStage! First, jazz pianist and keyboard player Marc Cary will perform the Harlem Sessions. Cary has worked with Dizzy Gillespie, Erykah Badu, and The Roots’ Q-Tip. Second, dancer and choreographer Joseph Webb and the Dancing Buddhas will showcase the talents that have them so well-known. Finally, the WBGO Kids Jazz group with perform along with Brianna Thomas and the Jazz Travelers. (Saturday) (Photo by Kate Hesler, courtesy of the City Parks Foundation -
Beach Bound: Coney Island Nostalgia Train Ride
Join the New York Transit Museum for a ride to Coney Island on the 1930s R1/9 cars of the Independent Subway System! The two-hour journey takes travelers above and below ground, all the way to the beach! (Sunday) (Image via nytransitmuseum.org) -
10 Great Events for August
Make the most of the last month of summer with Summer Streets, Arthur Ashe Kids Day, FringeJr Festival, and more! (Image courtesy of Green-Wood Cemetery)