Celebrate the Columbus Day weekend in NYC with all kinds of free and cheap family-friendly events and activities, including street fairs, craft fairs and a parade. As always, nothing on this list is more than $10, because NYCOTC believes you can be cheap and still have fun in the greatest city in the world.
NYC cheap things to do today:
LEGO Store Flatiron opens today, with giveaways and special events through Monday. See this recent NYC on the Cheap posting for full information.
Greenmarket Night Market: A special autumn food event celebrating Italian food, with vendors offering cheap eats from pizza to pasta. 4 PM to 8 PM in Union Square. Event website.
NYC cheap things to do Saturday, Oct. 11th:
Family Oktoberfest: Sunnyside Gardens Park is hosting it’s 8th Annual Oktoberfest with wine and beer for the grown-ups and a pumpkin patch, climbing wall and other rides for the kids. Noon to 5 PM. Free admission. Sunnyside Gardens Park is at 48-21 39th Avenue. Event website.
My Dog Loves Central Park Fair: doggie fashion show, a pooch parade and more, at the Central Park Bandshell, mid-park at 72nd St., 11 AM to 3 PM. Event website
Astor Place Festival: street fair on Astor Place between Lafayette St. and Broadway
Nigeria Independence Day Parade: starting at 11 AM and marching up Second Avenue from 44th to 54th Streets. Event website.
NYC cheap things to do Saturday and Sunday:
American Crafts Festival at Lincoln Center: Paintings, sculpture, jewelry and more that’s far better than the usual street fair schlock at this juried crafts fair, both Saturday 11am-8:30pm and Sunday 10am-6:30pm at Lincoln Center Plaza, Columbus Avenue between 63rd and 65th Street. Event website.
Broadway Bites: the outdoor food market is back in Greeley Square through mid-November, with quick bites and take-away meals from some of NYC’s top restaurants and food vendors. See this recent NYC on the Cheap posting for full information.
There’s simply too much happening this weekend, so check back Saturday morning for the Sunday and Monday events, including the Columbus Day Parade.
What do you think about this? We welcome your comments.