Celebrating ‘The Dead’

Forget Halloween; at the Socrates Sculpture Garden, it’s all about the “Dead.”

On Oct. 17, the Long Island City space takes cues from “Día de los Muertos” — the Mexican Day of the Dead — during its annual Harvest Festival, with performances, music, food and costume-making workshops celebrating the holiday, which focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember those who have died, It is traditionally held on Nov. 2.

During the day-long festival, there will be face-painting, pumpkin painting and even a canine costume contest for your pets. Children are encouraged to come dressed in their own costumes, too.

The outdoor park is located right on the waterfront, with views of the Manhattan skyline. Best of all, the festival’s free!

Harvest Festival at Socrates Sculpture Garden [3134 Vernon Blvd. at Broadway in Long Island City, (718) 956-1819], Oct. 17 form 11 am-2 pm. Free. For info, visit www.socratessculpturepark.org.

Athletic Association of Yorkville Youths

Serving the families and children of NYC for over 50 years with high-quality recreational activities that foster life-lessons which empower young people to succeed beyond sports. Our programs encourage positive attitudes and growth through teamwork and sportsmanship, attendance, fair play, respect, hard work, integrity and fun. Your child can participate in clinics and leagues in such sports as baseball, basketball, flag-football, lacrosse, soccer, hockey, wrestling, track, and tennis. We also offer weekly dodgeball tournaments, drama and musical theater workshops, and after school programs.

USC Gymnastics & Baseball Training Facility

We offer sports activities, after school programs, birthday parties &amp; private lessons for kids ages 3&ndash;13 years! Our gymnastics classes are a great way to keep your child active and healthy. We strive to empower and challenge children through the sport of gymnastics.

Chickenshed NYC

Chickenshed is an inclusive theatre company that began in the UK in 1974. Chickenshed NYC is a young organization bringing that same ethos and unique methodology to the USA. Chickenshed&rsquo;s mission is to create entertaining and outstanding theatre that celebrates diversity and inspires positive change. Chickenshed's model of Inclusive Theatre is based in the belief that everyone can flourish when everyone is included. At Chickenshed everyone is welcome, everyone is valued, and together we produce remarkable theatre. We want to break down barriers between people to create a world without labels and where differences no longer divide. At Chickenshed, support is given to those who need it, and given by those who can . We believe that creative activities, self-expression and performance should be available to anyone who has the desire, no matter their background or circumstances. We know that when everyone has the opportunity to shine, amazing things happen. Chickenshed NYC provides programming for little ones, children and youth through semester-long activities and performances.