9/28/12, 9/29/12 + 9/30/12 Dumbo Arts Festival

Cost: Free

For all ages

With its industrial spaces easily converted to studios, DUMBO in Brooklyn underwent a radical transformation into an edgy but upscale enclave populated by art lovers and creators. The DUMBO Arts Festival honors that connection with three days of family-friendly performances and installations as well as open studios and galleries.

For more information, go to dumboartsfestival.com.

9/24/12 NBC News Education Nation @ NYPL: The Fight to End Bullying with NBC News's Kate Snow

Monday, September 24, 2012 from 6:30 to 7:30pm

Richmondtown Library

200 Clarke Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10306

(718) 668-0413
Cost: Free, but registration is required

For all ages

Bullying is a widespread problem that affects us all. Parents and students are invited to join NBC News’s Kate Snow and guests for readings and a special discussion on what we can do to help combat bullying and try to ensure that all children can learn in a safe and positive environment.

For site/registration link, go to:

http://www.nypl.org/events/programs/2012/09/24/fight-end-bullying?j=167767&e=nypdesign@yahoo.com&l=1062_HTML&u=1988519&mid=7000413&jb=0&utm_source=eNewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=NYPLFamilyPrograms20120917&utm_campaign=NYPLFamilyPrograms

9/17/12-9/30/12 Off Broadway Week: 2 for 1 Tickets Available Now Online!

Monday, September 17, 2012 through Sunday, September 30, 2012

Celebrate Off Broadway Week with two-for-one ticket pricing for the following shows. See website for promo codes, blackout dates and restrictions.

Avenue Q
The Awesome 80s Prom
The Berenstain Bears in Family Matters, the Musical
Black Angels Over Tuskegee
Blue Man Group
Bullet for Adolf
Channeling Kevin Spacey
Closer Than Ever
COCK
Cougar the Musical
Doña Flor y Sus Dos Maridos
Don’t Go Gentle
The Fantasticks
Forbidden Broadway
Fuerza Bruta 
Gazillion Bubble Show
Harper Regan
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Locuras en Wichita
Mary Broome
Modern Terrorism
Old Jews Telling Jokes
Perfect Crime
Rain Pryor’s Fried Chicken and Latkes
Red Dog Howls
SILENCE! The Musical
Sistas: The Musical
STOMP

http://www.nycgo.com/offbroadwayweek/?a=1&b=1&pid=hp-hero-drgbl-4

9/9/12 10th Annual West Side County Fair

Sunday, September 9, 2012 from 1:00pm to 6:00pm

Riverside Park
66th to 72nd Street at the Hudson River
New York, NY
Cost: Free
For all ages

Enjoy a little country right here in Manhattan and celebrate the change of seasons with carnival rides and games, music, square dancing, sideshow performers, a petting zoo, greenmarket and more! Visit the “Green Acre” environmental corner, with hands-on activities for kids about environmental awareness, green living, and animal care.

For information on weather cancellations please visit www.nyc.gov/parks/sohthe day of the event.

Summer on the Hudson programming is free to the public. Seating is limited, unreserved, and available on a first-come, first-served basis beginning 1-2 hours before the event. If there is heavy rain at the time of the event, the event will be cancelled. No rain dates are scheduled. If attendance reaches maximum capacity management reserves the right to close participation.

http://www.riversideparkfund.org/calendar/?c=Summer-on-the-Hudson

9/6/12 Celebrate Fashion's Night Out (Nationwide + Worldwide)

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Cost: Many events are free. See listings for details.

For shopaholics of all ages

Join editors, stars, models, fashionistas, and designers on September 6, 2012, as they flood stores in cities across the country and around the world for fashion's most iconic extravaganza.

Last year's bash featured events in eighteen countries and more than 4,500 events here in the States. There are events throughout the 5 NYC boroughs--Manhattan has over 800 events. With special limited-edition products, celebrity appearances, and unforgettable performances, FNO 2012 is promising to be even bigger and better than before!

http://fashionsnightout.com/

9/4/12-9/16/12 Broadway Week: 2 for 1 Tickets

Tuesday, September 4, 2012 through Sunday, September 16, 2012

Get 2 for 1 prices on Broadway tickets. Order tickets online for these Broadway shows:

Bring It On
Chaplin
Chicago
An Enemy of the People
Evita
The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess
Jersey Boys
The Lion King
Mamma Mia!
Mary Poppins
Newsies
Nice Work If You Can Get It
Once
Peter and the Starcatcher
The Phantom of the Opera
Rock of Ages
Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark
War Horse
Wicked

To see details and blackout dates, go to:
http://www.nycgo.com/broadwayweek/?a=1&b=1&pid=hp-hero-drgbl-1

8/23/12-8/26/12 In Ghostly Japan – Stories of Strange Things @ Hudson Guild Theatre

Illustration Design: Sher Wouters

Hudson Guild Theatre

441 West 26th Street (Bet 9th and 10th Avenue)

New York, NY

Aug 23rd (Thu) - Aug 26th (Sun):
8/23(Thu) 7pm, 8/24(Fri) 2pm+7pm, 8/25(Sat) 2pm+7pm, 8/26(Sun) 2pm

Cost: Free, but you need to reserve tickets.

For ages 7 years and older

Click Here to Reserve your tickets!

Theatre Arts Japan-KIDS presents, "In Ghostly Japan" Stories of Strange Things, a free performance for kids 7 years and up. In Ghostly Japan – Stories of Strange Things is a horror story based on stories written by Rampo Edogawa (one of Japan’s leading contemporary bizarre mystery writer) and by Yakumo Koizumi (collector of ghostly folklore in Japan), incorporating projections inspired by Japanese Kage-e (shadow play), theatrical tricks and puppetry. Directed by Award winning writer/director Eriko Ogawa. Performance is in English.

Story What happens if you received a letter from a man who decided to live in a chair he created, or if you find out you are living among ghosts without knowing it!? In Japan, summer is the time to cerebrate Obon (day of dead) and it is also time for telling scary stories. In Ghostly Japan-Stories of Strange Things will take you to a scary and strange trip all the way to Japan.

*About the age restriction: Children of any age may attend the performance with their 
guardian’s discretion. Children without a guardian will not be admitted.


How Scary is it? Your children would enjoy this program if they are capable of enjoying typical scary stories told during Halloween season such as “The legend of Sleepy Hollow” by Washing Irving, “The Strange Visitor” by Joseph Jacobs.

http://theatreartsjapan.org/PerformanceInfo.htm

8/1/12-8/31/12 Free Kids' Haircuts at JCPenney (Nationwide)

Wednesday, August 1, 2012 through Friday, August 31, 2012 at your nearest JCPenney location

JCPenney will give any elementary-school-aged kid (K-6th graders) a free haircut all August. Appointments available while they last. Call 1-855-JCP-KIDS or stop by your JCP salon to book before they're gone.

http://www.jcpenney.com/dotcom/jsp/browse/category.jsp?id=cat100300164

8/11/12-8/18/12 31st Downtown Dance Festival 2012

Saturday, August 11, 2012 through Saturday, August 18, 2012 at various locations/times Battery Dance Company presents the 31st Annual Downtown Dance Festival, 8 days of free performances staged at Battery Park, One New York Plaza and at Dance New Amsterdam on August 11th-18th. The DDF is New York City’s longest-running public dance festival and is Battery Dance Company’s gift to its home community.  International highlights this year include Sri Warisan, a 15-member troupe from Singapore that is known for its authentic presentation of Malay ethnic dance, music and theater; Vanaver Caravan, the dance and music ensemble from New Paltz performing a tribute to Woody Guthrie on the legendary American folk musician’s centenary year; Philadelphia-based Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers, and ten New York companies showcasing various genres ranging from modern ballet to fusion. On Friday, August 17, in a special celebration of Indian culture, the Indo-American Arts Council has curated the 5th Edition of the Erasing Borders of Indian Dance Festival. Cost: Free For all ages Schedule of Events Saturday, August 11 1:00pm—4:00pm The Lawn at Battery Park  Adjacent to State Street at Pearl Street By Subway: 1 to South Ferry; 4/5 to Bowling Green; R to Whitehall Figures of Flight Jamal Jackson Dance Company Morales Dance Phoenix Project Dance Roschman Dance Company Sri Warisan Som Said Performing Arts Sunday, August 12 1:00pm—4:00pm The Lawn at Battery Park  Adjacent to State Street at Pearl Street By Subway: 1 to South Ferry; 4/5 to Bowling Green; R to Whitehall Battery Dance Company Buglisi Dance Theatre Dancewave Company Exit 12 Dance Company Jamal Jackson Dance Company Kun- Yang Lin/Dancers Peridance Contemporary Dance Company Phoenix Project Dance Monday, August 13 12:00pm—2:00pm One New York Plaza (Water and Whitehall Streets) By Subway: 1 to South Ferry, R to Whitehall, 4/5 to Bowling Green Battery Dance Company Sri Warisan Som Said Performing Arts Tuesday, August 14 12:00pm—2:00pm One New York Plaza (Water and Whitehall Streets) By Subway: 1 to South Ferry, R to Whitehall, 4/5 to Bowling Green Buglisi Dance Theatre Dalia Carella Dance Collective Dance Cat-alyst Company Morales Dance Wednesday, August 15 12:00pm—2:00pm One New York Plaza (Water and Whitehall Streets) By Subway: 1 to South Ferry, R to Whitehall, 4/5 to Bowling Green Dance Cat-alyst Company Exit 12 Dance Company Kun-Yang Lin / Dancers Peridance Contemporary Dance Roschman Dance Thursday, August 16 12:00pm—2:00pm One New York Plaza (Water and Whitehall Streets) By Subway: 1 to South Ferry, R to Whitehall, 4/5 to Bowling Green Vanaver Caravan Friday, August 17 12:00pm—2:00pm One New York Plaza (Water and Whitehall Streets) By Subway: 1 to South Ferry, R to Whitehall, 4/5 to Bowling Green 5th Edition of the IAAC  Erasing Borders of Indian Dance Festival Bageshree Vaze  - Kathak (Toronto, Canada) Jaikishore & Mosilikanti  - Kuchipudi  (Chennai, India) Mayuri Dance Group - Bhangra (Petrozavodsk, Russia) Sonali Skandan  & Jiva Dance – Bharata Natyam (New York City) The Trinetra Chhau Dance Company– Chhau  (New Delhi, India) Saturday, August 18 6:00pm Dance New Amsterdam (280 Broadway, 2nd Floor, entrance on Chambers) Exit12 Battery Dance Company Master Class and Workshop Date: August 6 - August 17, 2012 Location: New Dance Amsterdam and Battery Dance Studios For more information please click here. http://www.batterydance.org/ddf_festival.htm

8/11/12 + 8/12/12 Civil War Weekend, Classical Music and More @ Govenors Island

Saturday, August 11, 2012 and Sunday, August 12, 2012 from 10am to 4pm

Governor’s Island, NYC
The Governors Island Ferry departs from the Battery Maritime Building located adjacent to the Staten Island Ferry in Lower Manhattan. The ferry terminal is accessible as follows: 
By Subway: #1 to South Ferry Station, #4, 5 to Bowling Green, W, R to Whitehall St. Station; 
By Bus: M1 (weekdays only), M6, M9 and M15
Cost: Free
All ages

This weekend, the National Park Service hosts Civil War weekend on Governors Island. Visitors can meet living historians who will provide family-friendly activities, historic weapons demonstrations, music and other programs. Meet the Civil War soldiers and women of Governors Island from the summer of 1863.

After stopping by Fort Jay or Castle Williams, head down to Colonels Row on Saturday for the first ever Summer Winds concert at 2 PM. This concert features more than 80 wind instruments and is entirely free to the public.

On Sunday, meet the chickens and goats at Earth Matter Compost Learning Center and then see the Earth Tub outside the Harbor School. From 10am to 2pm, see where 8,000 pounds of scraps generated from Brooklyn green markets end up and how they are composted.

And then, from 2pm to 5pm, you can join a bike tour with artist Rob Swainston to see the Storm King exhibition of Mark di Suvero’s works while also discussing public art and stopping periodically to draw various “stop and look” moments.

All of these great programs are of course in addition to the ongoing art exhibits and programs happening throughout the Island.

Go to site for more directions, map and schedule of events:
http://govislandblog.com/2012/08/09/weekend-preview-civil-war-weekend-classical-music-and-so-much-more/

8/5/12-8/12/12 EmblemHealth Bronx Tennis Open @ Crotona Park

Sunday, August 5 through Sunday, August 12, 2012

Crotona Park

Fulton Ave. to Crotona Park E. (bet. Crotona Park N. and Crotona Park S.)

Bronx, NY
1-347-417-8129

Cost: Free, except finals on 8/12/12
For all ages

The 2012 EmblemHealth Bronx Open (EBO) kicks off on August 5 with a week of fun-filled activities that bring together professional women tennis players, police officers, firefighters and kids of all ages.

Among other things, the event — the only women’s professional tennis tournament played in New York City (NYC) just prior to the US Open - features:

The FDNY vs. NYPD Tennis Championship. This highly popular lead-up to the EBO takes place on Saturday, August 4. EmblemHealth will make a contribution to NYPD and FDNY education scholarship funds and award a trophy to the winning team.

Women’s Singles and Doubles Tournaments. Players from around the world will compete for $50,000 in prize money.

The L1 EmblemHealth Junior Tennis Championships. This United States Tennis Association-sponsored event showcases up to 100 boys and girls, the majority of whom are enrolled in free supervised tennis programs provided by the New York Junior Tennis & Learning (NYJTL).

General admission is free Sunday, August 5 through Saturday, August 11. General admission for the Women’s Final on Sunday, August 12 is $10, and box seats are $25. Admission is free daily for all children 12 and under.

Proceeds from the EmblemHealth Bronx Open benefit the NYJTL, which provides free services to 100,000 underserved youth each year. EmblemHealth has been the title sponsor of the EmblemHealth Bronx Open for more than a decade.

Call 1-347-417-8129 for more information on the EmblemHealth Bronx Open.

http://www.emblemhealth.com/default.aspx?page=809

8/4/12, 8/11/12 + 8/18/12 Summer Streets Returns: Pedestrians Take Over NY's Streets with Car-Free Zones and Activities

Join NYC for the fifth annual Summer Streets! On Saturday, August 4, 11 and 18 from 7 am to 1 pm, nearly seven miles of New York City's streets will be opened up for everyone to play, run, walk and bike. From the Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park, along Park Avenue and connecting streets you can rock climb at Spring Street, receive a free bike helmet at 51st Street, soar through the air on a zip line at Foley Square or just stroll along and experience the city's streets in a new way—all for free.

Activities at Summer Streets will be based at six rest stops, and are all free! The stops will host performances and activities for all ages, free bike rentals and water stations.

Download the Summer Streets Event Guide (pdf)

Uptown Rest Stop
40th Street Rest Stop
Midtown Rest Stop
Astor Place Rest Stop
Soho Rest Stop
Foley Square Rest Stop



The Uptown Rest Stop, at Park Avenue and 51st Street, will feature a football toss with NFL Play60, breakfast and bike pictures from Visit Denmark, free bike helmet fittings, DOT’s Truck’s Eye View, free bike repair, and a fire hydrant sprinkler.

Uptown Stage
Park Avenue & 51st Street

Time & Activity
9–10:00 am Tai Chi Class by Taoist Tai Chi Society of the USA, Tri-State Branch
10–10:30 am Bachata Lessons by Piel Canela Dance Company
10:30–11 am Double Dutch Performance by National Double Dutch League
11–11:30 am FringeNYTeasers by FringeNYC
11:30 am–noon Salsa Lesson by Kevin Lee of Salsa New York
noon–12:30 pm Ecuadorian Dance Performance by Ayazamana Cultural Center




The 40th Street rest stop, at Park Avenue, will feature Bus Roots, DOT Urban Art installation, and the Muscle Milk Recovery Park

40th Street Rest Stop
40th Street and Park Avenue

Time & Activity
8:00–noon Massage Therapy by Pegasus Athlete Care SISTEM
8:30–10 am & 10:30 am–noon Restorative Yoga & Meditation by Yoga Agora




The Midtown Rest Stop, at Park Avenue and 25th Street will feature free bike and rollerblade rental, free bike repair, free Learn to Ride bike classes the Whole Foods Market City Picnic Area at 24th Street, recycling information and a water station.



The Astor Place Rest Stop, at Lafayette Street, will feature Cyclo-Phone, a DOT Urban Art installation.

Astor Stage Astor Place and Lafayette Street

Time & Activity

9–9:30 am Sunrise Salutations by Crunch
9:30–10 am BodyART by Crunch
10–10:30 am TABURA by Crunch
10:30–11 am LaBlast by Crunch
11–11:30 am SixPack Attack by Crunch
11:30 am–noon POUND by Crunch
noon–12:30 pm Masala Bhangra by Crunch




The Soho Rest Stop, at Spring Street and Lafayette Street, will feature the REI Adventure Zone, which includes a rock climbing wall, free bike rental, and free bike repair by Bicycle Habitat.

Soho Stage Spring Street & Lafayette Street

Time & Activity
10–10:30 am Fix a Flat by REI Outdoor School
10:30–11 am Bike Commuting by REI Outdoor School
11–11:30 am Fix a Flat by REI Outdoor School
11:30–noon Bike Commuting by REI Outdoor School
noon–12:20 pm Fix A Flat by REI Outdoor School




The Foley Square Rest Stop, at Duane and Worth Streets, will feature a free zip line; free bike rental; Love TV, a DOT Urban Artinstallation; a GoGo squeeZ Mobile Playground and more.

Foley Square Stage Duane & Centre Street

Time & Activity
8–9 am Yoga by Shape Up NYC
10–10:30 am Taiwanese Temple Fair by Chio-Tian Folk Drum & Arts Group
10:30–11 am Dance Cardio Workout by Broadway Bodies
11–11:30 am Musical Performance by Still Saffire
11:30–noon Family Play by Asphalt Green
noon–12:30 pm Double Dutch Performance by National Double Dutch League

http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/summerstreets/html/home/home.shtml

Ongoing Daily until 8/25/12 Into the Woods: Free Tickets @ Delacorte Theater

Ongoing daily until Saturday, August 25, 2012

Central Park - The Delacorte Theater
Central Park, Mid-Park at 80th St.

New York, NY, 10022
The Central Park entrances closest to the theater are at 81st Street and Central Park West or 79th Street and Fifth Avenue.
Cost: Free
For all ages

The Delacorte Theater is easily accessible from the B, C and 6 subway lines, as well as from the M2, M3, M4, M10 and M79 bus lines. Once in the Park, follow the footpath to the Delacorte Theater. For those traveling by car, please note that there are no parking facilities in the Park.

Featuring

Amy Adams, Jack Broderick, Glenn Close, Victoria Cook, Gideon Glick, Cooper Grodin, Ellen Harvey, Ivan Hernandez, Tina Johnson, Josh Lamon, Bethany Moore, Jessie Mueller, Donna Murphy, Johnny Newcomb, Denis O’Hare, Noah Radcliffe, Jennifer Rias, Laura Shoop, Tess Soltau, Sarah Stiles, Eric R. Williams, Kristine Zbornik, and Chip Zien


In Into the Woods, a witch's curse condemns the Baker and his Wife to a life without children. They embark on a quest to find the four items required to break the spell: the cow as white as milk, the cape as red as blood, the hair as yellow as corn, and the slipper as pure as gold. Will they succeed? And what happens after "happily ever after?" A Tony Award-winning masterpiece by musical theater giants Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine, Into the Woods is a witty and irreverent reimagining of beloved classic fairytales: Jack and the Beanstalk, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, and Cinderella.

TICKETS TO SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK ARE FREE!

Free tickets for Shakespeare in the Park are distributed via the free lines at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park, and on the web via our Virtual Ticketing system.

In addition, a limited number of tickets to specific performances will be distributed on special days this summer via free lines throughout the Boroughs of New York City.

http://shakespeareinthepark.org/

Ongoing Daily from 7/25/12-8/12/12 Lincoln Center Out of Doors Celebrates 42 Years of Free Performances + 7/28/12 Family Day

Wednesday, July 25, 2012 through Sunday, August 12, 2012

Lincoln Center

Columbus Ave & 62nd Street

New York, NY

Subway: 1, A, C, B, D to 59th Street–Columbus Circle; 1 to 66th Street–Lincoln Center
Bus: M5, M7, M11, M66, M104 to Lincoln Center

Cost: Free

For all ages

From July 25 to August 12, Lincoln Center Out of Doors celebrates 42 years of FREE performances. Enjoy longstanding favorites and discover something new when Out of Doors brings three jam-packed weeks of world-class music, dance, and spoken word to the plazas of Lincoln Center. And it’s absolutely FREE!

Please Note: Lincoln Center Out of Doors makes every effort to present each event of the season, as long as unpredictable summer weather allows. For up-to-the-minute updates about show status and other news, follow Twitter at @LCOutOfDoors.

Grab a Bite: In an effort to be in concert with the nightly programming of Lincoln Center Out of Doors, Restaurant Associates has developed a Street Food BBQ program for Damrosch Park. Stop by the Street Food BBQ stand for tasty snacks and meals designed for eating with your hands. Beer, wine, and cocktails are also available for consumption within Damrosch Park.

General info & Map:
http://lcoutofdoors.org/general-information

There's a family day happening this Saturday! For full schedule of events:
http://lcoutofdoors.org/

7/26/12 Barefoot Dancing: ¡Retumba! @ Van Cortlandt House Museum Lawn

Thursday, July 26, 2012 at 6:30pm

Van Cortlandt House Museum
Broadway at West 246th Street

New York, NY
Directions to this location
(718) 885-2574

Cost: Free

For all ages

Learn ethnic dances with live music on the Van Cortlandt House Museum Lawn.

Journey with us as we travel world communities to bring you the joy of song and dance. ¡Retumba! is a unique, all female dance and music ensemble that celebrates the human spirit with universal rhythms and resounding music that stirs the rich culture of Latin-European to Afro-Caribbean origins into a feast of folkloric music that can be enjoyed by everyone.

http://vcpark.org/calendar/programs_and_events.php?qs=2012/07/26/barefoot-dancing-retumba

Ongoing Fridays until 8/24/12 Target Passport Fridays @ Queens Museum of Art

Friday Evenings, July 6 to August 24, from 6:30 to 10 pm

(Dance/Music program begins at 6:30 pm, Films at 8 pm)

Queens Museum of Art
New York City Building, Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Queens, NY 11368
(718) 592-9700
get directions
Cost: Free

For all ages

Leave your baggage at home and bring a picnic blanket out to Flushing Meadows Corona Park for Target Passport Fridays at the Queens Museum of Art.

The free weekly outdoor festivities feature live dance performances, a concert, and film screening from one of the many international locales that fuel Queens’ cultural and artistic vitality.

This year’s trip visits eight more delightful cultural geographic locations. The voyage has a particularly Caribbean flavor complementing our current exhibition Caribbean: Crossroads of the World. Your ticket is booked!

Just in case of rain, program moves inside the museum.

July 6: Haiti | July 13: México | July 20: Cuba | July 27: Egypt | Aug 3: West Indies | Aug 10: Taiwan | Aug 17: Dominican Republic | Aug 24: Puerto Rico

http://www.queensmuseum.org/events/target-passport-fridays

Ongoing Daily from 7/16/12-8/10/12 NYC Restaurant Week 20th Year Celebration

Restaurant Week is back! From July 16th through August 10th, enjoy $24.07 lunches and $35.00 dinners at NY's best restaurants.

American Express is having a promotion. Register, dine 4 times, then get $20 back. Register online.


http://www.nycgo.com/restaurantweek/

7/14/12 Celebrate City of Water Day @ Governors Island + Liberty State Park

Saturday, July 14, 2012 from 10am to 4pm

Governors Island, NYC

& Liberty State Park South Field, NJ

Cost: Free

For all ages

Come celebrate the NY-NJ Harbor and witness the potential of our waterfront at City of Water Day! The water that surrounds us is one of the most magnificent and underutilized harbors and waterways in the world. At City of Water Day you can be on the waterfront, have fun, and learn how to get involved.

You and your friends and family will be able to eat, relax, listen to music, participate in waterfront-related activities, and enjoy the beautiful view of the Harbor from Governors Island and Liberty State Park.

Festival Highlights
* Fun and FREE boat tours for thousands on historic and educational vessels
* A spectacular flotilla of hundreds of kayakers, canoers, and sailors
* In Your Neighborhood locations including more activities all around the Harbor
* Free kayaking, rowing, and fishing opportunities
* Dozens of arts, crafts, games, and activities just for kids
* Catch a FREE ferry between Governors Island & Liberty State Park to enjoy all the activities
* Car-free waterfront biking
* Special on-water Launch & Press Event
* Delicious food, live music, and much more!!!

PARTCIPATE IN OUR TWEETSTAKE GIVEAWAY FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A FREE SAILING LESSON FOR 2 AT CITY OF WATER DAY

http://www.cityofwaterday.org/

7/11/12 + 7/12/12 Lowdown Hudson Blues Festival @ World Financial Center Plaza

Wednesday, July 11, 2012 & Thursday, July 12, 2012 from 6:00 to 9:30pm

World Financial Center Plaza
220 Vesey Street
(btw. North End Ave. and West St.)
New York, NY
Cost: Free, seats are first-come, first-served
For all ages

Celebrate the Blues downtown at the World Financial Center’s waterfront Plaza as new stars join great legends for a two-day musical tribute to the history and continuing legacy of the Blues.

JULY 11, 2012 
BUDDY GUY  At age 74, Buddy Guy is a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, a major influence on rock titans like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Ray Vaughan, and a pioneer of Chicago’s fabled West Side sound. He has been awarded 23 W.C. Handy Blues Awards (the most any artist has received), the Billboard magazine Century Award for distinguished artistic achievement, the Presidential National Medal of Arts, and 5 Grammy Awards, including “Best Contemporary Blues Album” for his 2010 album Living Proof. Rolling Stone ranked him in the top 30 of its "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time."

Buddy Guy will be signing his new memoir When I Left Home: My Story from 5 - 6pm in the World Financial Center Winter Garden on July 11.

QUINN SULLIVAN  Quinn Sullivan is a 13-year-old blues guitar prodigy who has toured with Buddy Guy and been featured on several national television shows, including Ellen, Oprah, The Today Show, and Jimmy Kimmel Live.

JOHN MAYALL  John Mayall is often referred to as the “Father of the British blues.” Founded in the 1950s, his band, John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers, has served as a launching pad for such legendary artists as Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, Peter Green, John McVie, Mick Fleetwood, Mick Taylor, and many more.

JULY 12, 2012 
NEKO CASE  Grammy nominated singer and songwriter Neko Case has developed a sound all her own: a mix of country, gospel, torch, and pop, and her five full-length solo albums (not to mention her two live collections and Canadian Amp EP) have won her critical acclaim and countless devotees.

CHARLES BRADLEY AND HIS EXTRAORDINAIRES  63-year-old Charles Bradley released his debut album No Time For Dreaming in 2011 and has since gone on to win accolades for his haunting, soulful voice, and is one of the leading lights on the esteemed label, Daptone Records.

HE'S MY BROTHER SHE'S MY SISTER  Led by brother and sister Rob and Rachel Kolar, He's My Brother She's My Sister also includes tap dancer Lauren Brown. Together, they create a mix of folk, glam and western swing, and their live performances are full of dancing, humor, nostalgia, and great vibes.

http://www.artsbrookfield.com/new_york/world_financial_center/

7/9/12 Side by Side: Free Filmmaking Documentary Movie @ The Elevated Acre

Monday, July 9, 2012 at sunset (approx 8pm); seating opens at 6pm

Elevated Acre
55 Water St. off of Old Slip
New York, NY
Get directions
Cost: Free

For all ages

Side by Side, a documentary narrated by Keanu Reeves, takes viewers on a journey through the history of film and the digital revolution in filmmaking. It features interviews with lots of movie magicians, including James Cameron, David Fincher, David Lynch, Martin Scorsese, Robert Rodriguez and Steven Soderbergh. A screening of the film, on the Elevated Acre in Lower Manhattan—part of the annual River to River Festival—starts at sunset (approximately 8pm). Attendees may arrive anytime after 6pm to snag seats.

http://rivertorivernyc.com/node/1165

See clips/more info on the movie's website:
http://sidebysidethemovie.com/

7/7/12 + 8/18/12 Science on the River @ Pier 84

Saturday, July 7, 2012 + August 18, 2012 at 11:00am

Pier 84 in Martime Entertainment District
West 44th Street at Hudson River

New York, NY

Subway: A,C,E to 42nd St.
Bus: M42

Cost: Free
For all ages

Chosen as a “Critic’s Pick” by New York Magazine and featured by Time Out New York Kids, Science on the River provides families with an enriching and fun waterfront experience. Numerous natural science organizations show their work and research on the western end of Pier 84 in a festival atmosphere. Pet a native Hudson River animal, conduct kid-friendly natural science experiments, and make crafts out of recycled materials – the event makes science fun for all ages!

Participating organizations include:
Children’s Museum of the Arts: "Recycled" crafts and digital animation workshop)
Hudson River Sloop Clearwater: Dock tours
Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum: Estuary lessons
Lamont-Doherty - Columbia University Earth Observatory: River-core explorations
Talons!: A bird of prey Experience
Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies: Water quality monitoring
NYC Audubon: Bird monitoring in NYC
Sims Municipal Recycling: Recyclarium
Bash the Trash: Live music and building instruments out of recycled materials
Floating the Apple: Boat building workshop
Hudson River Park Trust: Nine Education and Environment Dept. activities
And more!

http://www.hudsonriverpark.org/events/science-on-the-river

7/7/12 First Saturdays Family Fun: Midi My Way/Digital Music Workshop @ Schomburg Center

Saturday, July 7, 2012 from 4:00pm to 5:30pm

Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture
515 Malcolm X Boulevard
New York, NY 10037-1801
(212) 491-2200
Subway: 2,3 to 135th Street
Bus: M7, M102 to 135th Street

Cost: Free, but registration required at www.schomburgcenter.eventbrite.com

For tweens/teens aged 12 to 18

Bring your kids to the Schomburg so they can learn how to create their next hit with computers and keyboards! Participants will use a Midi controller and computer software to mix a track, add effects, and build the melody to suit their lyrics. All materials provided.

http://www.nypl.org/events/programs/2012/07/07/first-saturdays-family-fun-midi-my-waydigital-music-workshop?nref=62452

7/4/12 36th Annual Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks Show: Ignite the Night

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Hudson River between 18th & 48th Streets

Cost: Free

For all ages

The 36th Annual Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks returns to the west side with an awe-inspiring display of patriotic firepower. This year's extravaganza,  “Ignite the Night,” will feature more than 40,000 fireworks expertly synchronized to a dynamic 25-minute score that includes a mix of beloved standards and the hottest pop favorites that America voted for.

This year's performers include Katy Perry and Kenny Chesney. Grab a blanket and portable radio (you can catch the show’s original soundtrack on 1010 WINS), find your favorite spot and delight in the crackling. Wed July 4 at 9pm. Hudson River between 18th and 48th Sts (212-494-4495, macys.com/fireworks).

The best viewing location is Twelfth Ave between 26th and 57th Sts.

http://social.macys.com/fireworks/?LinkType=Homepage&cm_re=2.11.11-_-HOMEPAGE_INCLUDE_1-_-CATEGORY%20--%205125%20--%20:get%20the%20details#/show

Until 7/7/12 Free Lunch Kit/Bag @ ToysRUs

At ToysRUs, both in-store and online, get a free lunch kit (up to $9.99 value) when you buy any backpack priced $12.99 or more. Offer valid until 7/7/12.