Weekend Planner: November 4-6

After doing homework around the
clock all week (not to mention a sugar coma from all that Halloween candy), its
time to shake things up and get a little creative for our first November weekend. The next few days
offer plenty of ways to get in touch with one’s artistic side, whether the
family loves film, music, literature or arts of the performance nature. —

Now, we’re always a big proponent of doing your reading, but
what happens when literature is condensed into a 90-second video? This
weekend’s 90-Second Newbery Film Festval at the New York Public Library makes
plot shortcuts for award-winning books into an entertaining art. In another
aspect of literature, DIY fans will love CMOM’s The Art of Bookmaking Festival which offers opportunities to make your own
books. Kids can learning about different bookmaking techniques, then write,
illustrate and create their own masterpieces.

Any parents thinking about introducing their kids to music
should check out the Who is Duke Ellington? family concert presented by Jazz at Lincoln
Center. Meet jazz legend Wynton Marsalis, who will be giving a talk about
Ellington’s whopping 1,000-plus compositions alongside songs and performances.
Free pre-concert dancing and crafts will make the outing a fun foray in the
soulful world of jazz. Great for ages 6 and up!

For those who simply love a good show, the Soul Street Dance: Breakin‘ Backwards performance at the Brooklyn Center
for the Performing Arts is sure to pump up the energy. Marvel at talented
youths who combine street and contemporary moves in dance styles like break
dancing, hip hop and martial arts-inspired Brazilian capoeira. And so long as
you’re being a cheerleader, we also encourage families to go out and support
the participants of the ING New York City Marathon 2011. Stake out a spot, be a part of
promoting health and fitness, and watch how quickly those runner-blurs whirl
by.

Looking for more weekend fun? Click here for more weekend highlights.

Click here for the full calendar of all family events happening this weekend and every day of the week.

And if you haven’t already, click here to register for our free weekly newsletter which features our favorite events to enjoy every weekend in the city and beyond.