What’s FREE in New York City this weekend? Parades, street fairs, Shakespeare in the park, and more. Here are some free family-friendly events and activities to enjoy, outdoors and in:
Parade – The NYC Sikh Parade is on Madison Avenue, from 39th Street south to Madison Square Park, where it ends in a street fair and festival with Asian food, music and crafts. Saturday, starting at 1 p.m. Event website
Street Fair – Spring Crafts on Columbus offers top level artwork, multi-media work and jewelry by artists chosen by the American Arts and Crafts Alliance. Not your regular street fair schlock. Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., on the sidewalk, not in the street blocking traffic. On Columbus Ave. between 77th and 81st Streets. The fair repeats again next weekend, May 4/5, and the weekend after, May 11/12.
World Tai Chi-Qigong Day – Join or watch thousands of enthusiasts in Central Park’s East Meadow on Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Hike-a-Thon in Van Cortlandt Park – Join the Friends of Van Cortlandt park to explore the walking trails of this sprawling NYC park. Chose from trails of one, three or five miles. The guided walk is free, but donations are requested. Money will be used to maintain and preserve the park’s walking trails. Event website.
Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Swing Valley – this popular playground re-opens on Saturday after being completely rebuilt from the damage suffered during Hurricane Sandy. Remember that Brooklyn’s popular Smorgasburg is back for the season on Sundays, also in Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Shakespeare in the Park – See Taming of the Shrew, Shakespeare’s rollicking comedy, performed by the student acting ensemble of NYU, at the university’s outdoor Gould Plaza, on Fourth Street between Mercer St and LaGuardia Place. Saturday and Sunday, at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. both days.
Shakespeare in the Library — Taming of the Shrew also is being performed Saturday indoors, by the group Instant Shakespeare, at the Epiphany Branch of the NY Public Library, 228 East 23rd St, 3rd floor. At 1 p.m.
As always, there are lots of NYC free events to enjoy this weekend.
What do you think about this? We welcome your comments.