Is it hot enough for everybody?! Brave the sizzling temps so you and the fam don’t miss our sensational summer event picks for this week. We chose a wide range of activities sure to please a variety of interests: A fun, Latin-themed street fest, an animation block party, a Native American powwow, Harry Potter release extravaganzas galore, and a children’s poetry festival all await you. Stay hydrated and enjoy!
Beginning Wednesday, July 27
Uptown Bounce Festival
El Museo del Barrio
6pm-9pm
El Museo del Barrio and the Museum of the City of New York combine forces to host their third Uptown Bounce summer series. Take your family on any of the four upcoming consecutive Wednesdays to experience dance workshops, live music, food, art workshops, gallery talks, and much more. Check dates for specific events; advanced registration is required. This event is free. Runs Wednesdays through August 17.
Friday, July 29-Sunday, July 31
Animation Block Party
BAM
Various times
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. Ticket prices vary.
38th Annual Thunderbird American Indian Mid-Summer Powwow
Queens County Farm Museum
Various times
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 pow wow 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. Admission prices vary.
Saturday, July 30
Harry Potter Release Parties
Various bookstores throughout NYC
Various times
Celebrate the exciting arrival of J.K. Rowling’s newest installment in the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, by checking out the midnight release parties happening at various bookstores throughout the city including The Strand, Books of Wonder, Barnes & Noble, and Book Culture. For more info on specific events, check out our release parties roundup here.
Saturday, July 30-Sunday, July 31
The 6th Annual NYC Children’s Poetry Festival
Governors Island
11am-5pm
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. This event is free.
