As always, there’s plenty to do in NYC free and cheap on weekends, and this final weekend of May is no exception, with lots of street fairs and the One World Observatory opening today and the Celebrate Israel Parade on Sunday.
Unless a price is mentioned, events are FREE, unless you buy stuff. Street fairs are normally 10am to 5pm.
The best free things to do in NYC
any time of year
Today in New York:
One World Observatory Opening Day: On a clear day you can see forever, but unless you already have tickets for today’s opening day, forget it. Here’s how to get tickets for another day.
East Side Spring Fair: 54th Street between Third and Lexington Avenues, 10am to 4pm
NYC Craft Beer Festival: Tickets are still available for three-hour tastings today and tomorrow. Tickets are $55. Event is at Pier 15, South Street Seaport.
Saturday in New York
Third Avenue Community Benefit Festival: Third Avenue between 66th and 86th Streets
St. Nicholas Avenue Festival: St. Nicholas Avenue between 181st and 188th Streets
6th Annual Multicultural Festival: Also on St. Nicholas Avenue, between 141st and 145th Streets. Event website.
Lexington Avenue Spring Spectacular: Lexington Avenue between 34th and 42nd Streets
Taste of Stuy Town: Stuyvesant Town Oval, 20th St and First Ave, 3pm to 7pm.
Essex Street Market 75th Birthday Block Party: Celebrate with local chefs from Cafe Katja, Spur Tree and An Choi who will be ‘cue-ing up the grill alongside the world’s biggest birthday cake, 75 years in the making! In true block party form, the fiesta will also include DJs, live music, raffles, giveaways and games and pushcarts full of Essex Street Market favorites. Essex Street between Delancey and Rivington, noon to 5pm. Event website
Old Seaport Alliance Night Market: This special night market at the Fulton Stall Market features local artisans, wine, beer and light refreshments from our local restaurants, plus a raffle with great prizes. The $10 suggested donation goes directly to support the programs of the Old Seaport Alliance. 6pm to 9pm. Old Seaport Alliance website
Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit: Paintings, sculpture, jewelry and more, in this famous art exhibit that turns the streets of Greenwich Village into an outdoor museum. Saturday and Sunday. Event website.
Sunday in New York
Celebrate Israel Parade: An annual NYC favorite, this is the world’s largest celebration of Israel. On Fifth Avenue from 57th Street to 74th Street, starting at 11am to 4pm. Celebrate Israel website.
22nd Annual Spring Crafts Festival: Broadway between 66th and 72nd Streets
Bleecker Street Festival:
Bleecker Street between Christopher and Eighth Avenue
Sixth Avenue Spring Fest: May 31, 2015 10am-6pm Sixth Avenue between 34th Street and 42nd Street
Sweet Spot Festival: A day of music and dance performances and more at the West Harlem Pier at 125th St. See this previous NYCOTC posting for full details.
Bowling Green Park Fair: , Broadway and Whitehall Street
NYC weekend flea markets and food fairs:
Smorgasburg: The popular Brooklyn foodie festival is back outdoors every weekend through fall, with more than 75 local vendors selling top quality sodas, gluten-free sodas, seafood and more. Saturdays are in in East River State Park, and Sundays in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Full details on the Made In Brooklyn Tours website.
Vendy Plaza: Food trucks return to the famous El Marqueta area at 125th St. and Park Avenue. Details here.
Fulton Stall Market at the South Street Seaport: A new farmer’s market and more. The more includes FREE Saturday morning cartoons for the kids and cooking demonstrations for the grownups. Details here.
#NYCfree @nyccheap
Also, check the list of best free things to do in NYC any day of the week, including weekends.
What do you think about this? We welcome your comments.