10/4/09 25th Medieval Festival @ Fort Tryon Park

Sunday, October, 4, 2009 from 11:30am – 6pm

(Rain Date: Sun., Oct. 11, 2009)

Fort Tryon Park, 190th Street and Fort Washington Avenue, Washington Heights, NYC

(212) 795-1600

Cost: Free

All ages

The Medieval Festival brings to life the customs and spirit of the Middle Ages. Manhattan’s Fort Tryon Park is transformed into a medieval market town decorated with bright banners and processional flags. Performers, guests and festival goers dress in medieval costume. Visitors are greeted by authentic medieval music, dance, magic, and minstrels, as well as jugglers and jesters. The afternoon is concluded with a thrilling joust between four knights on horseback. Costumed vendors will be on hand to demonstrate and sell a wide variety of medieval crafts as well as food and drink.

The festival is held in the area surrounding the world famous Cloisters, a magnificent museum of medieval art located in Fort Tryon Park near the northern end of Manhattan Island. The park offers vistas of the Hudson River and the picturesque Palisades: a setting reminiscent of Europe eight centuries ago.

This years festival will be the twenty-fifth presented by the Washington Heights & Inwood Development Corporation, a privately and publicly supported not-for-profit corporation. The event is produced in conjunction with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation.

Go to site for a printable scheduled program:

http://www.whidc.org/home.html

You can dress in costume! Free Basic Patterns for Lady’s Medieval Clothing:

http://www.whidc.org/costumes.html

10/4/09 Great Children’s Read @ Columbia University

Sunday, October 4th from 10am to 5pm, rain or shine.

Hosted at Columbia University

Broadway & 116th Street, NYC

Cost: Free

For all ages

Enjoy a free day of fun and books, plus live entertainment, on-site children’s bookstore, readings, book signings and giveaways.

The New York Times has partnered with children’s libraries from the three public library systems of New York City — Brooklyn Public Library, The New York Public Library and Queens Library — to establish the list of Favorite Read-Aloud Stories. Celebrities from film, TV, community and Broadway will read from the 20 books on the list live at the Great Children’s Read!

Featured entertainment at the Target Children’s Stage this year will include performances by Justin Roberts & the Not Ready for Naptime Players, Peter Yarrow, Playhouse Disney’s “Choo-Choo Soul,” John Carter Cash, Hip Hop Harry and Yo Gabba Gabba! There also will be a reading and signing by Broadway star and actress Bernadette Peters. Target recognizes the integral role reading plays in shaping a child’s future. Because reading is the foundation for lifelong learning, Target supports early childhood reading through programs and events, like the Target Children’s Stage, that aim to foster a love of reading at an early age.

http://www.nytimes.whsites.net/greatread/

10/3/09 Birds and Butterflies: Nature Tour @ Wagner Park

Saturday, October 3 at 11:00am

Robert F. Wagner, Jr. Park
Battery Place (at West Street)
New York, NY  10280

Subway: 4/5 to Bowling Green, or 1 to Rector Street and walk down Greenwich. Walk west along Battery Place until you pass historic Battery Park.
(212) 267-9700

Cost: Free

For all ages

Naturalist and educator David Taft leads this tour of the park where visitors are instructed to keep their eyes open for birds and butterflies.

http://www.bpcparks.org/bpcp/events/calendar.php?mo=10

9/29/09–10/9/09 Bryant Park Fall Festival:

Weekdays, September 28–October 9, 2009 from 6pm to 7:30pm

Bryant Park

40–42 Streets between Fifth & Sixth Avenues

Festival stage located in front of the Bryant Monument on the Upper Terrace (at eastern end of the Great Lawn)

New York, NY

Cost: Free

For all ages

10 FREE after-work performances featuring artists from NYC’s great dance, musical theater, opera, jazz, and classical music institutions.

Celebrate New York’s new cultural season on weekdays, September 28–October 9, 2009 in Bryant Park. Presented by Bank of America

Each concert begins at 6:00pm and ends at approximately 7:30pm.

The Festival stage is located in front of the Bryant Monument on the Upper Terrace where there are hundreds of chairs available. Seating opens on the Upper Terrace at 5:00pm.

Tables, chairs, and picnics are also welcome on the Lawn.

SEPTEMBER
Mon 28 St. Luke’s Chamber Ensemble

Tue 29 Bargemusic

Wed 30 New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players

OCTOBER
Thu 1 Young Artists from the Metropolitan Opera

Fri 2 Carnegie Hall Featuring Ensemble ACJW

Mon 5 The Joyce Theater

Tue 6 Ailey II

Wed 7 Bargemusic

Thu 8 Brooklyn Philharmonic

Fri 9 Jazz at Lincoln Center

http://bryantpark.org/calendar/fall-festival.php

10/3/09 + 10/4/09 Teacher Appreciation Weekend @ The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

Saturday, October 3rd  + Sunday, October 4th, 2009

The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

Located on the West side of Manhattan on Pier 86, 12th Ave. & 46th Street, NYC

Teacher Appreciation Weekend is at the core of what the Intrepid Museum stands for. Our education team alone works with over 55,000 students every year teaching them the importance of science, history and more. This special weekend is a time to thank all teachers for their tireless dedication in developing our children. There will be stations set-up allowing visitors to learn more about teaching as a profession. Our museum education team will hold special sessions for teachers interested in professional development and provide educational demonstrations for those teachers who bring their families.  All teachers are granted free admission to the museum with a proper school ID.

http://www.intrepidmuseum.org/Plan-Your-Visit/Public-Events-Calendar/2009/Teacher-Appreciation-Weekend.aspx

9/26/09 Smithsonian Magazine’s Fifth Annual Museum Day: Free Admission to Museums Nationwide

Saturday, September 26 from 10am–5pm

Cost: Free admission w/downloadable pass

For all ages

In celebration of art and the human spirit—not to mention the Smithsonian’s free admission policy—participating museums around the country open their doors for free general admission today. Take your families on a whirlwind tour of more than 20 cultural spaces including, in New York: Children’s Museum of Manhattan, Children’s Museum of the Arts, American Folk Art Museum, New York City Fire Museum, New York Transit Museum, Museum of the City of New York, National Museum of the American Indian, Studio Museum in Harlem. Some more NY musuems—some may be more appropriate for older kids: Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum, Mount Vernon Hotel Museum & Garden, Museum of American Finance, Museum of American Illustration at the Society of Illustrators, National Academy Museum, New Museum, New York Historical Society, Pratt Manhattan Gallery, Queens Museum of Art, Rubin Museum of Art, SculptureCenter, South Street Seaport Museum, Staten Island Museum, Center for Book Arts, Drawing Center, Jewish Museum, Morgan Library & Museum, Museum at FIT, Noguchi Museum, Ukrinian Museum. Go to the website for all participants—there were too many within the Tri-State area to list! For free admission, you’ll need a special entry pass (one per household, with a maximum of two people per household), available for downloading at the magazine’s website.

http://microsite.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/

9/25/09, 9/26/09 + 9/27/09 13th Annual Art Under the Bridge Festival @ Dumbo Arts Center

Friday, September 25: 6-9pm OPENING NIGHT!
Saturday, September 26: 12-9pm
Sunday, September 27: 12-9pm

Dumbo Arts Center

30 Washington St (Plymouth and Water Sts) 
Dumbo, Brooklyn, NY

(718) 624-3772

Subway: A, C to High St; F to York St

Cost: Free

For ages 8 and up

Families are exposed to Brooklyn’s local art scene at this weekend carnival, which features works by Kings County artists and tours of nearby private studios. Children’s activities, from face painting to hands-on art programs, are also on the docket.

For more info and map:

http://www.dumboartscenter.org

9/24/09 + 9/26/09 Back-to-School: Stamping & Paper Book Covers @ Kate’s Paperie

Thursday, September 24 from 4pm–7pm + Saturday, September 26 from noon–4pm

Kate’s Paperie (Event takes place at all Kate’s locations!)

72 Spring St (between Crosby and Lafayette Sts)

New York, NY
(212) 941-9816

Cost: Free

For ages 4 and up

Kids can use Kate’s Paperie paper and rubber stamps to transform a boring ol’ textbook into a work of art. Note: Event takes place at all NYC locations of Kate's Paperie. See website for details.

http://www.katespaperie.com

9/26/09 Okinawan Dance: Japanese Performance and Dance Workshop for Adults @ Forest Hills Library

Saturday, September 26 from 2:30 to 4:00pm

Forest Hills Library
108-19 71st Avenue
Forest Hills, NY 11375
(718) 268-7934
Subway: E, F, G, R, V to 71st/Continental Ave.
Bus: Q23, Q60, Q64
Cost: Free

Junko Fisher, a native Okinawan traditional dancer based in New York City, introduces Japanese culture with welcoming song called a Ryukyuan Ruy-ka (or song) and a demonstration of four styles of Okinawan dance: court dance, popular dance, modern dance and folk dance. Following this presentation will be a participatory workshop where attendees can learn basic Okinawan dance forms and techniques, including basic body stances, hand gestures, how to use a fan, and how to wear an Okinawan-style kimono.

Saturday library hours: 10am to 5:30pm.

http://www.queenslibrary.org/index.aspx?page_id=126&section_id=12&branch_id=
Fh

For info about Junko Fisher, go to:

http://www.junkofisher.com/Nishijin.htm

9/25/09 + 9/26/09 Grand Opening: A Housewarming Party for Poets House

Poets House

10 River Terrace

(at the corner of Murray Street in Lower Manhattan’s Battery Park City)

New York, NY 10282

(212) 431-7920

Cost: Free

For all ages

After much anticipation, Poets House’s beautiful home on the banks of the Hudson River is complete. Come celebrate this exciting moment: the opening of a world-class place for poetry—a library, meeting place and locus of inspiration—that is free and open to the public. For more info about Poets House, go to: http://poetshouse.org/about.htm

Please join us on Friday, September 25 and Saturday, September 26 for our public Grand Opening, featuring a housewarming, poetry readings and music by Natalie Merchant.

Meanwhile, we are settling into our new home and preparing for your arrival. Regular hours for the Poets House Library & Reading Room will begin Tuesday, September 29.

Friday, September 25, 11am–5pm
A Housewarming Party for Poets House

Be among the first to view the new Poets House! Bagels and coffee are served until noon.

Saturday, September 26, 11am–5pm
Invocation of the Muse: Poets & Musicians Toast the New Poets House
11am: Kurt Lamkin performs for children and their adults.
12pm: Open House! Take a stroll through our new home.
3pm: Readings by Billy Collins, Mark Doty, Cornelius Eady, Kathleen Fraser, Marie Howe, Galway Kinnell, Philip Levine, and Marie Ponsot, among others, and music by Natalie Merchant.

http://www.poetshouse.org/

9/27/09 The National Parks: America’s Best Idea Airs on PBS

Sunday, September 27 at 8–10pm EST on PBS (NY channel 13)

Filmed over the course of more than six years at some of nature’s most spectacular locales — from Acadia to Yosemite, Yellowstone to the Grand Canyon, the Everglades of Florida to the Gates of the Arctic in Alaska — THE NATIONAL PARKS: AMERICA’S BEST IDEA is nonetheless a story of people: people from every conceivable background — rich and poor; famous and unknown; soldiers and scientists; natives and newcomers; idealists, artists and entrepreneurs; people who were willing to devote themselves to saving some precious portion of the land they loved, and in doing so reminded their fellow citizens of the full meaning of democracy. It is a story full of struggle and conflict, high ideals and crass opportunism, stirring adventure and enduring inspiration — set against the most breathtaking backdrops imaginable.

 

THE NATIONAL PARKS: AMERICA’S BEST IDEA is a six-episode series directed by Ken Burns and written and co-produced by Dayton Duncan.

For other states airing dates and to see preview clips, free ePostcards and more, go to:

http://www.pbs.org/nationalparks/calendar/

9/23/09 Feel Free: A Tribute to National Parks @ Central Park; and National Parks Week NYC

Wednesday, September 23 at 7pm

Central Park’s East Meadow

(97th Street to 100th Street near Fifth Avenue)

New York, NY

Cost: Free

For all ages

FEEL FREE: A National Parks Celebration

Public Premiere of Ken Burn’s Upcoming Film Series “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea”

http://feelfree.org/artists/ken-burns/

Feel Free is an event that celebrates and pays tribute to the National Parks. Feel Free is designed to engage you in celebrating what has been described as one of America’s best ideas. Join Ken Burns, Alison Krauss, Carole King and many more artists for an evening of song and film. NO TICKETS REQUIRED.

For more info on this event and over 30 National Parks Week NYC events throughout NY, go to:

http://feelfree.org/

9/22/09-9/26/09 Museum of Chinese in America Grand Opening Week

The Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) will open its new location at 215 Centre Street on Tuesday, September 22, 2009 with a series of events designed to highlight the Museum’s role as the leading museum dedicated to preserving and presenting the history and culture of people of Chinese descent in the United States. Also on September 22, the Museum will unveil its core exhibition, “With a Single Step: Stories in the Making of America,” a history of the Chinese American experience, along with an art exhibition, “Here & Now: Chinese Artists in New York,” featuring contemporary artists of Chinese descent living in New York.

“From its community-based roots, MOCA’s new home marks its emergence as a national institution,” said Jonathan Ligh, M.D., Chair of MOCA’s Board of Trustees. “Our institutional capacity will increase six-fold and allow us to house a range of exhibitions and programs to facilitate a deeper and broader dialogue about Chinese American history, identity, and culture.”

 “The Museum of Chinese in America was established nearly 30 years ago by two Chinese Americans, co-founders Charles Lai and John Kuo Wei Tchen, who knew it was important to document and preserve the history of our Chinese American heritage and experience,” said Museum Director S. Alice Mong. “Our new location will allow the Museum to look at that experience through many different lenses and bring 160 years of our history to vivid life through innovative art and history exhibitions, films, panels, and educational and cultural programs. We’re thankful to our Board of Trustees, to the City and State of New York and to our wonderful donors and foundation and corporate supporters for helping make this possible.”

MOCA will have special hours during its free opening week (five free days):
Tues, 9/22: 1:30pm–4pm (last entry at 3:30pm)

Wed, 9/23: 11am–5pm (last entry at 4:30pm)

Thurs, 9/24: 11am–5pm (last entry at 4:30pm)

Fri, 9/25: 11am–5pm (last entry at 4:30pm)

Sat, 9/26: 10am–5pm (last entry at 4:30pm)

Beginning Sunday, 9/27/09, the Museum’s hours will be:
Mon: 11am–5pm
Tues & Wed: Closed
Thurs: 11am–9pm
Fri: 11am–5pm
Sat & Sun: 10am–5pm
 

Admission:
General Admission: $7
Seniors (w/ID) and Students (w/school ID): $4
Children under 12 in groups less than 8: free
Target Free Thursdays: Free gallery admission every Thursday through the generosity of Target

For more info about current exhibits and more about the museum:

http://www.mocanyc.org/about/news/museum_of_chinese_in_america_announces_grand_opening_september_22_2009

9/19/09 Little Red Lighthouse Festival @ Fort Washington Park

Saturday, September 19 from 12 noon to 5pm

Fort Washington Park
Riverside Drive (West 155–West 179 Streets at the Hudson River)
New York, NY 10032
(212) 360-8737

A shuttle bus runs from Broadway and West 157th Street, or use the footbridge and follow signs to the festival.

Cost: Free
For all ages

Bette Midler’s New York Restoration Project, the Historic House Trust, the Urban Park Rangers, and the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation host a special reading of Hildegarde Swift's classic story The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge (1pm), live music, lighthouse tours, hayrides, arts and crafts, and more.

http://www.nycgovparks.org

9/19/09 + 9/20/09 Great Irish Fair @ Coney Island

Saturday and Sunday, September 19 + 20 from 10am to 7pm

Coney Island Beach & Boardwalk
At the Keyspan Park parking lot, off Surf Avenue, between West 19th and West 20th Streets
Brooklyn, NY 11224
(718) 266-4653

Cost: All net proceeds derived from the Fair are donated to charity. The cost of the donation is $12 per person/per day for attendees 12 years of age and older. The cost of a family donation is $30 which includes admission for 2 adults and their children. Children under the age of 12 are granted free admission.
For all ages

A family-friendly celebration of New York City’s Irish-American heritage and culture includes music, dancing, children's activities, food, and Irish goods for sale. Visit the website for a complete schedule of events and further information.

http://gifnyc.org

9/10/09–9/13/09 + 9/17/09–9/20/09 New Island Festival @ Govenors Island

Direct from Holland, the New Island Festival will set up stakes on New York City’s Governors Island from September 10–13 and again from September 17–20. The festival will kick off the fall with provocative theatre, stunning site-specific performance, dazzling visual arts and exhilarating DJ sets, performed by world class Dutch performers. More than 150 artists will perform during the festival.

Performances are in English, subtitled, or non-verbal. About twenty performances will be FREE each day. An All-Access Festival Passport is available for $35.

http://www.newislandfestival.com/

9/20/09 Henry Hudson’s Mannahatta @ BPC’s Teardrop Park

Sunday, September 20 at 2pm

Teardrop Park
(betw Warren & Murray Streets, East of River Terrace to North End Avenue)
Battery Park City in New York, NY 10005
Cost: Free
For all ages

Enjoy the opportunity to hear landscape ecologist Eric Sanderson discuss the natural history of our island. In his new book Mannahatta: The Natural History of New York City, he has recreated the untamed island Henry Hudson came upon in 1609. A book signing by the author follows the tour.

PLEASE NOTE: Pre-registration required. Phone: 212.267.9700 x 366

More info about the Mannahatta Project and see a lecture by Eric Sanderson:

http://themannahattaproject.org/

9/19/09 + 9/20/09, 9/26/09 + 9/27/09 Bronx Zoo Presents Nature’s Air Show; Eat at Applebee’s + Get Free Zoo Admission

Don’t eat like a bird! Spend $40 or more and get two free children’s tickets to the Bronx Zoo.*

*While supplies last. Offer valid 9/17/09 through 9/27/09 only at participating Applebee's in the 5 Boroughs, Westchester and Rockland Counties.  Each free limited admission child's ticket is valid only with a full-priced paid adult admission. No rain checks and no cash value. Employees of Apple-Metro, Inc. or Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar are not eligible for this offer. Other restrictions may apply.

http://www.applebeesny.com/EN/menu/special_features/bronx_zoo_natures_air_show.html

*****

Bronx Zoo Presents Nature’s Air Show

Bring the family for a fascinating experience with eagles, hawks, falcons, and vultures during our newest fall event occurring over three special weekends in September. Watch these raptors of the wild soar and dive overhead and visit with them up close after the show. 

Nature’s Air Show

Get close to fascinating birds of prey as they take to the air and swoop right overhead! Visit with eagles, owls, hawks and vultures during special presentations.
Time: 11:30 am, 1:00 & 2:30 pm
Location: Astor Court

Birds You'll Meet

Harris’ hawk

Saw-whet owl

Spectacled owl

Barn owl

Augur buzzard

Gyrfalcon

Turkey vulture

Peregrine falcon

Ferruginous hawk

Golden eagle

Other Activities

Hands-on Fun
See the world from a bird's-eye-view when you try out different types of beak-like tools, play the migration game, dissect an owl pellet, and build a suncatcher for your window to help keep birds safe when they pass by the glass. Activity stations located at Dancing Crane Plaza.

10:30–10:50 am: Barn owl pellet

12:00–12:20 pm: Bird suncatcher crafts

1:00–1:20 pm: Beak activity

2:30–2:50 pm: Bird suncatcher crafts

4:00–4:20 pm.: Migration game

Wildlife Theater: The Great Migration Adventure
Join us for drama, puppetry and song. Our story follows a young bird who is discovering that migrating is risky business!
(Note: There are no live animals in these shows.)
Times: 10:45 & 11:30 am, 12:15, 1:00, 1:45, 2:30, 3:15 & 4:00 pm
Location: Asia Plaza

Scrap Kins Recycled Bird Feeder Craft

All you need is your imagination, and you can turn trash into treasure! With some do-it-yourself resourcefulness, learn how to make a difference in your own backyard.

Finished another carton of milk? Don’t throw it away, use it to feed the birds! Download instructions on how to create bird feeders shaped like a snowy owl and a golden eagle using supplies you have around the house.

Feedings & Tours

Guided Tours of World of Birds
Friends of the Zoo education volunteers will lead you on a feather-filled adventure. Each session lasts approximately 30 minutes, and can accommodate up to 30 guests on a first come, first served basis. Meet at exhibit entry.
Times: 12:00 & 3:00 pm

Bird of Prey Enrichment
Keepers demonstrate some creative ways to care for their animals!
Time: 11:15 am
Location: Birds of Prey Aviary
Bee-Eater Buffet
Watch these acrobatic birds become airborne to catch insect snacks. 
Time: 2:45 pm
Location: World of Birds, 1st Floor
Penguin Feeding
See gulls and penguins enjoy a fishy feast!
Time: 3:30 pm
Location: Sea Bird Aviary

http://www.bronxzoo.com/this-season-at-the-zoo/events-calendar/birds-of-prey-show.aspx