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Picks of the Week: May 19-25

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Children's Museum of Manhattan. Photo by Vandamm Studio © Billy Rose Theatre Division, The New York Public Library For The Performing Arts
Children’s Museum of Manhattan. Photo by Vandamm Studio © Billy Rose Theatre Division, The New York Public Library For The Performing Arts

Get jazzed for this weekend with the Children’s Museum of Manhattan’s new jazz exhibition and a BAMkids movie matinee about Felix, the aspiring jazz saxophonist. If you’d rather spend time outdoors, be sure to stop by the World’s Fair Train Show at the Queens Botanical Garden! Finally, celebrate the long Memorial Day weekend with a special fair at Sunnyside Gardens Park and the Sweet Spot Festival’s Dance Off.

Starting Monday, May 19

Fleet Week
Various locations and times
With the Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard in town all week, the city has planned plenty of activities for these visiting guests and locals, too! Head out to Citi Field to watch the Mets play the LA Dodgers where a member of the Marine Corps will participate in the “Veteran of the Game” program. Also, go on a tour of a ship, listen to the Navy Band play some music, and check out any number of the Memorial Day Parades.

Starting Friday, May 23

“Jazzed! The Changing Beat of 125th Street” Exhibition
Children’s Museum of Manhattan
Museum hours
Little music fans will love “Jazzed! The Changing Beat of 125th Street,” a unique exhibition at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. Partnered with the National Jazz Museum in Harlem, the new show explores key figures and attributes of the genre’s history, including the sounds of Ella Fitzgerald, Bill “Bojangles” Robinson’s famous stair dance, and Duke Ellington and his renowned orchestra. Don’t miss weekly programs where tots can make their own tap shoes, record covers, and even learn the Lindy Hop! Free with museum admission

Saturday, May 24

Memorial Day Fair
Sunnyside Gardens Park
12pm-5pm
Looking for ways to spend Memorial Day weekend? Check out this family friendly fair at Sunnyside Gardens Park! This all ages event will offer tons of great activities to celebrate the beginning of summer, including carnival games, bouncy castles, a rock wall, an obstacle course, and much more! Don’t miss a performance from Dixieland Band, a clown magic show, and cute booths with face painting, a kiddie nail salon, and temporary tattoo parlor for the little ones. Various prices

Starting Saturday, May 24

World’s Fair Train Show
Queens Botanical Garden
10am-5pm
Get your caboose out of the house to see a super cool outdoor display that highlights working G scale model trains and a miniature World’s Fair Unisphere at the World’s Fair Train Show! Presented by the Long Island Railway Society Inc. at the Queens Botanical Garden, this is one event train lovers won’t want to miss! Free with garden admission, additional fee for train rides 

Sunday, May 25

BAMKids Movie Matinees: Felix
Peter Jay Sharp Building
2pm
Come see a heartwarming flick all about 14-year-old Felix and his desire to become a jazz saxophonist like his late father. Previously described as “Billy Elliot with Cape Jazz,” the kid-friendly movie is filled with music as Felix journeys through private school, defies his mother, and seeks some old pals of his dads who help him with an upcoming jazz concert. $9 general admission, $7 children under 12

Memorial Day Dance Off
West Harlem Pier
2pm-9pm
As part of the summer-long Sweet Spot Festival, a free family friendly event series, this special Memorial Day Dance Off is one stellar way to kick off your Sunday shoes! Meant to celebrate the diverse community and historical depth of Harlem, the festival and its dance off will host groovy music, yummy food, and awesome art. Free

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