For our complete guide to free family events this weekend, click HERE.
-
23rd Annual Red Hook Fest
Come have a true Brooklyn experience on the waterfront at the Red Hook Fest! There will be three days of free fun for the whole family, including music, dancing, and games for the kids. Thursday’s activities will include happy hour (for the adults!) and an introduction to Dance Theater Etcetera–you can see the lineup of acts at Hometown BBQ. Friday will feature a BBQ and DJ Dance Party at P.S. 15 Playground on Sullivan street. Saturday afternoon, check out performers such as Meta and the Cornerstones, COBU, and Reggie ‘Regg Roc’ Gray and the D.R.E.A.M. Ring Dancers. (Thursday-Saturday) -
"The Swings" Exhibit at Brookfield Place
Presented by Daily tous les jours, a Montreal-based design studio, “The Swings: An Exercise in Musical Cooperation” is a fun, interactive exhibit that will thrill kids and adults alike. Each swing represents one of four instruments–piano, guitar, harp, and vibraphone–and visitors create music by swinging on them. As all four are swung, a beautiful symphony emerges. The kids will love participating in this collective music experience. (Opens Friday) (Photo via Brookfield Place NY) -
The Big Apple Barbecue Block Party in Madison Square Park
Rustle up the kids and head over to Madison Square Park for some mouthwatering BBQ! The Big Apple Barbecue Block Party is a two-day food fest where visitors can sample barbecue ribs, chicken, sausage and more from the best pitmasters in the US. The block party will also include cooking seminars with nationally renowned chefs, plus live music by Bernie Williams & His All-Star Band, David Ryan Harris, and the Demolition String Band. (Saturday-Sunday) (Photo taken by Eric Vitale Photographyvia Big Apple Barbecue) -
Ezra Jack Keats Family Concert in Prospect Park: Dan Zanes' Lead Belly Project
Dan Zanes is known for exploring American and global roots traditions in his incredibly fun and engaging family music. Join Zanes at the Prospect Park Bandshell for a concert that will provide a special sneak-peek of his newest “Smithsonian Folkways” album, which celebrates the blues icon Lead Belly. The show also honors the centennial of the birth of Brooklynite author Ezra Jack Keats, who introduced characters of color to mainstream children’s literature. Get to the show on time for a TADA! Youth Theater performance of one of Keats’ most beloved stories. (Saturday) -
LIC Bike Parade in Socrates Sculpture Park
Take part in or simply watch and enjoy a parade of festive bikes and floats in the celebration of this healthy and eco-friendly mode of transportation. Departing at 2pm and traveling from Socrates Sculpture Park to Queensbridge Park, this bike-xtravaganza is sure to add color to the streets. Before the parade departs, workshops and classes will be held in the park. (Saturday) (Image via socratessculpturepark.org) -
Icky Fest 2016 at the Brooklyn Children's Museum
The annual Icky Fest returns to the Brooklyn Children’s Museum with hopes of educating kids on all things considered yucky. Whether it be owl pellet dissection or making crafts of unexpected materials, your little scientist is sure to get their hands dirty during this fun learning experience. (Saturday-Sunday) (Image via Brooklyn Children's Museum) -
11th Annual Bubble Battle NYC in Union Square
Gather your bubble toys and suds and head to Union Square for a Battle of the Bubbles to remember! Millions of bubbles will fill the air during this bubbly bash, loosely based off of Dr. Seuss’ The Butter Battle Book. (Saturday) (Image via Bubble Battle NYC) -
Hawaiian Airlines Liberty Festival at Pier 26 in Hudson River Park
Celebrate the sport and culture of the Pacific Islands this weekend at the free Hawaiian Airlines Liberty Festival, hosted by New York Outrigger! Featuring live entertainment, products from local and international vendors, family activities and more, it’s the largest Pacific Island fest on the East Coast! You’ll also have the opportunity to watch outrigger canoe teams from Europe, Asia, the Pacific region, and the Americas compete for the top prize in the Hawaiian Airlines Liberty Challenge. Plus: Crew members from the Mālama Honua Worldwide Voyage will offer educational programming for kids and adults.(Saturday) (Photo via New York Outrigger) -
11th Annual Jazz Age Lawn Party on Governors Island
The roaring ’20s Jazz Age Lawn Party on Governors Island has become an annual destination for New Yorkers young and old to dress up and have some good ol’ fashioned fun. Wear your best flapper-style outfits, bring some snacks for a lawn picnic, and take the ferry to be transported to another time. Once again this year, Michael Arenella and His Dreamland Orchestra will delight guests with big band dance numbers, joining an array of other performers throughout the weekend. This all-ages, family-friendly event will have plenty of entertainment options for everyone, including Kidland, which features carnival games and prizes for junior “flappers and flapperettes,” dance lessons, a paper moon photo booth, an antique car exhibit, vintage clothing and gift vendors, ’20s-era inspired food and drinks, and more. (Saturday-Sunday) (Image courtesy Jazz Age Lawn Party) -
14th Annual Drums Along the Hudson Festival in Inwood Hill Park
This year, the city’s only open air pow-wow will honor the American Indian College Fund’s president and CEO Cheryl Crazy Bull and the co-founder of Miss Jessie’s, Miko Branch. Featuring the Thunderbird American Indian Dancers, this Native American festival will include festivities such as storytelling, arts and crafts, food, an Environmental Tent, live dance and drumming performances, and, for the second consecutive year, a World Market Tent. Hosted by Sandra Bookman. This event will be held rain or shine. (Sunday) (Image via drumsalongthehudson.org) -
Brady Rymer and the Little Band that Could Family Concert at City Winery
A rock show put on by two-time GRAMMY nominees Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could is coming to City Winery this Sunday. The show marks the release of their album, “Press Play.” In celebration of the release, brunch will be held before the show. Rymer’s rock background and catchy kiddie tunes are sure to delight the whole family. (Sunday) (Image via bradyrymer.com) -
Party on Wheels at the New York Transit Museum
Celebrate the New York Transit Museum’s 40th birthday with a Party On Wheels! Tickets grant early access to the museum, birthday cake, crafts and more. The museum will also offer unlimited rides on vintage subway cars to all who attend. (Sunday)