In the mood for celebrating? This weekend hosts festivals galore that the whole family can enjoy! Little theater buffs should check out the Fringe Jr. multi-arts festival, while history lovers will have a blast at the Civil War Weekend on Governors Island. For dance performances, check out Dance Theatre of Harlem’s special street festival or the multicultural activities at the Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival. Craving a game? Head over to a special chess festival for all skill levels at Dr. Ronald McNair Park.
Starting Friday, August 8
Fringe Jr.
The Theater at 14th St. Y
Various showtimes
Ages 5-12
FringeNYC, the largest multi-arts festival in North America, has special kid-friendly productions in the form of FringeJR. “Peter Pan and the Stardust Dances,” “Sarazad and the Monster King,” and “The Young Olympians and The Most Amazingly Awesome Adventure Ever,” have made for some fabulous theater in past years! $10 per ticket
Saturday, August 9
Dance Theatre of Harlem Street Festival
West 152nd St. between Amsterdam and St. Nicholas Avenues
12pm-7pm
All Ages
Spend your Saturday at the Dance Theatre of Harlem’s annual Street Festival! Fest-goers can enjoy live dance performances from the Dance Theatre of Harlem School and browse the selection of food, books, and clothing at various street vendor booths. Admission is free.
B’rook’lyn Chess Festival
Dr. Ronald McNair Park
10am-4pm
All Ages
Sharpen your chess skills at this fun game festival in Brooklyn! Players of all skill levels are welcome to take part in activities like learning how to play, practicing techniques, taking checkmate workshops, playing pickup games, or even challenging Chess Master Giorgi Kacheishvili! Free
Saturday, August 9 & Sunday, August 10
Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival
Flushing Meadows Park
Various activity times starting at 10:30am
All Ages
The Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival, is an amazing multicultural celebration of the fifth moon (month) on the lunar calendar. Take the kiddos to celebrate by seeing incredible dance performances, martial art demonstrations, traditional Chinese foods, and over 120 dragon boat teams from across North America. Free
Civil War Weekend 2014
Governors Island National Monument
10am-7pm
All Ages
Discover how soldiers, civilians, and prisoners lived during the summer of 1863 when you visit Governors Island this weekend. The National Park Service’s living historians will reconstruct the past during this two-day Civil War Weekend. Free
