Our event picks this week include a mix of new and annual festivities for all ages. At the beginning of the week, see a movie in Central Park, celebrate a centennial birthday in Brooklyn Bridge Park, and say (an early) goodbye to summer at Grand Central Terminal. End the week with a tennis bash in Queens on Saturday plus a commemorative battle royale in Brooklyn on Sunday. Enjoy!
Monday, August 22-Saturday, August 27
Central Park Conservancy Film Festival
Central Park
Gates open: 6:30pm; Films begin: 8pm
Take a tour of New York City’s neighborhoods via select movies at the 2016 Central Park Conservancy Film Festival which will be hosted in Central Park and Marcus Garvey Park as part of the Conservancy’s ongoing commitment to support parks throughout the city. Family-friendly titles include “School of Rock,” “Tootsie,” and “Stuart Little.” Cool Haus Gourmet Ice Cream Sandwiches and Andy’s Italian Ices will be available for purchase. All seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. This event is free.
Monday, August 22
National Park Service’s 100th Birthday Celebration
Brooklyn Bridge Park
1-10pm
It’s the National Park Service’s 100th birthday, and you’re invited to celebrate in Brooklyn Bridge Park! The party will kick off with an ice cream social hosted by Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory followed by a musical performance by Ramblin’ Dan. Other festivities include arts and crafts, games, a temporary tattoo corner, and learning stations. There will also be a special appearance by Bill Nye and a live DJ set by Questlove. This event is free.
Wednesday, August 24-Friday, August 26
Grand Central’s Summer Send-Off
Grand Central Terminal
11:30am-2:30pm
Bid farewell to summer during Grand Central’s Summer Send-Off! The train station’s Vanderbilt Hall will host three days of family-friendly festivities including free painting, arts and crafts, and musical performances by Tim Kubart of Tim and the Space Cadets and the Broadway casts of “Wicked,” “Something Rotten!,” and “Kinky Boots.” Food will be available for purchase from Jacques Torres Ice Cream, Shake Shack, Oren’s Daily Roast, and others. Admission is free.
Saturday, August 27
Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day
USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
9:30am-3pm
This Saturday Hess will present Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day at the US Open in honor of the tennis icon. This annual event, which is the largest single-day tennis and entertainment event in the world, will feature live music by Flo Rida, Zara Larsson, Troye Sivan, and more. Plus, kids will have an amazing opportunity to watch Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic–two of the top men’s players in the world–duke it out in fun exhibition matches and skills competitions! Before the stadium show which begins at 1pm, little tennis stars can enjoy free tennis activities on the grounds of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center starting at 9:30am. Tickets start at $10.
Sunday, August 28
The 240th Commemoration of the Battle of Brooklyn
Green-Wood Cemetery
10:30am-4pm
Take a trolley into the past during this year’s Commemoration of the Battle of Brooklyn at Green-Wood Cemetery. The Battle of Brooklyn, the first battle of the American Revolution to be fought after the Declaration of Independence had been signed, took place in 1776. In memory of the battle families can take a ticketed trolley tour of Green-Wood’s 478 luscious green acres, experience life during revolutionary-era New York through re-enactments and historical cooking demos, participate in the Battle of Brooklyn Parade, and take part in the closing ceremony. Tickets are only required for Trolley Tour ($15 for members/$20 for non-members). This event is free and will take place rain or shine.
