Festivals and Events in New York
Hey there
A trip to New York sounds fantastic. with regard to you question, I will be suggesting some interesting events occurring during the period of your stay as well as some off-beat things to do in the city.
New York Sunset, New York (Source: Stuart Pinkney)
New York is the city that never bores , it always offers something interesting to delight its visitors . Besides the famous historic and landmark places to visit , there are many events and festivals going on throughout the year in this city. While some are seasonal and focus on a particular activity there are also events running round the year. Below are some of the popular events and festivals going on during the period of your trip.
River to River festival is an art festival which is held throughout the summer season at various locations in Downtown New York. Founded after the tragic 9/11 attack, this festival is the largest free arts festival in New York history . It features hundreds of cultural & musical events and performances by famous artistes. Although many of the events are free, some may require tickets. It kicks off from 19 June and runs till 16 July . Major venues are :
- World Financial Center
- South Street Seaport
- Clinton Castle
- Battery Park
River To River Music Festival in South Street Seaport (Source: River To River Music Festival in South Street Seaport)
Here is a Snippet :
The River to River Festival takes place each summer from June through September, in a variety of public venues that canvas all of Downtown New York - from Chambers Street down to the southern tip of Manhattan and across the island from river to river.
The partners founded the Festival following September 11, 2001 with the intention of using the arts as a tool for the revitalization of Lower Manhattan. Our effort, now in its 6th season, has not only assisted in renewal, but has transformed Downtown into a major cultural destination during the four months of summer.
(Source: River To River Festival Volunteer Opportunities - VolunteerMatch)
Event date : 19 Jun - 16 Jul 2011
Cost : Free
Location : New york city
Click here for event schedule on various dates
Here is their website for more information
Enjoy the fun of picnicking on the beautiful lawns of Bryant Park and delight your eyes with some classic movie screenings in the open air. Also called the HBO Bryant Park Summer Film Festival, this event is held on Monday nights throughout the summer season at Bryant Park Manhattan. The films are projected on a 20 foot high and 40 foot wide screen. The film usually begins after sunset(typically 8pm-9pm) though the lawns are opened to public at 5pm in order to occupy their desired places. There are various snacks and food kiosks for refreshments. What's more, this spot is Wi-Fi enabled too.
A sea of humanity in Bryant Park (Source: André Natta)
Here is what lonelyplanet has to say:
Nestled behind the grand New York Public Library building is this lovely square of green-once a patch of squalor, referred to as 'Needle Park'throughout the 1980s where local Midtown workers gather for lunchtime picnics on warm afternoons. Among its offerings are impressive skyscraper views, European-style coffee kiosks, the Brooklyn-constructed, French-inspired Le Carrousel offering rides for $2, and frequent special events, from readings to concerts. This is also the site of the wonderful, outdoor Bryant Park Summer Film Festival, which packs the lawn with post-work crowds lugging cheese-and-wine picnics. The Bryant Park Grill & Cafe, a lovely restaurant and bar situated at the eastern end of the park, is the site of many a New York wedding come springtime. And if you've got your laptop and its a nice day, grab a seat and surf the web in the park, which is a free wi-fi hotspot.
(Source: Bryant Park in New York City, USA - Lonely Planet)
Event date : Jun - Aug 2011; Monday only
Cost : Free
Location : Bryant ParkBehind New York Public Library, 6th Avenue (between 40th & 42nd Streets) 10018
Click here for schedule of film screenings
Though New York has lots of world famous landmarks like the Statue of Liberty or the Empire State building, but exploring off the beaten path has its own fun and charm. So as per your request I will stick to some interesting off-beat things to do while on a trip to this wonderful city.
Here's an idea, why not go on an offbeat tour which also makes you satisfy (or rather tantalize!) your taste buds at the same time? Yes? I agree, and that's why a Food Tour tops my list of NY offbeat destinations!
A traveler recounts his experience with Foods of New York:
Learn about the city like you would on a regular tour - BUT WITH FOOD!
I took two Foods of NY tours in October during my visit: The Chelsea Market/Meatpacking District Tour and the Greenwich Village Tour. I enjoyed them both, but if I had to recommend only one it would be the Chelsea Market.
Our guide on the Chelsea Market tour was Cindy. I've been on dozens of food tours across the country, and when I meet guides that tell me their other job is acting, I usually cringe. This can mean that they are canned and impersonal, and focused more on the "performance" than the tour guests. NOT the case with Cindy! She was exuberant, hilarious, and very guest-focused.
The building that hosts the Chelsea Market is rich with not only delicious food, but fascinating history. We visited many different restaurants and eateries, so the cuisine was varied. We learned about food, cultural traditions, and New York City as a whole.
The Greenwich Village tour was also tasty and fun. It was cool to learn about the way neighborhood residents live and the foods they eat on a daily basis. There definitely seemed to be an Italian focus.
Next time I'm in town I plan to take another tour with Foods of NY!
(Source: TripAdvisor)
You can also check out other recommended food tour operators as per TripAdvisor's reviews.
Besides the food ones, you can even go for other types of tours. Check out the best ones from here.
Contact: 917 408-9539 | info@foodsofny.com
Tickets at USD $35 per person
Click here for more information
(Source: Andy L)
Don't go by the name - it may sound creepy but a visit to the Museum of Sex turns out to be very educational! Post the visit, you can treat yourselves in the adjacent Oralfix Aphrodisiac Cafe if time permits (the joint's got some really wacky but thought-provoking menus!).
Check out a visitor's review on the Museum:
Very interesting with some room for improvement
The main negative comments we saw were to the extent that this is nothing more than an excuse to display porn. We feel that couldn't be further from the the truth! But, we've also noticed that museum goers fall in to two categories generally. One that just looks and one that looks and learns. If you take the time to look at the displays and read the accompanying material, it's very informative and contextual.
When we went, there was an area under construction so that was a bummer, but there was still a lot of cool stuff. If you go just to look, you can be done in 30 minutes. But if you take time to read and discuss, it will take several hours.
(Source: TripAdvisor)
Do read this very interesting take on the Oralfix Cafe, which even includes some recommended menu options!
Buy your tickets online to avail a $3 discount! The entry is restricted to adults above the age of 18 only, so remember to carry a valid age proof.
Museum of Sex! (Source: Peiling Tan)
Address : 233 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY | Ph: (212) 689-6337
Hours:Sun - Thu: 10am - 8pm | Fri - Sat: 10am - 9pm
Price: $17.50 + tax
You can book your tickets here
Click here for a complete list of offbeat NYC sightseeing spots and here for the Top 10 picks. You can take your pick based on the time you have in hand.
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How about enjoying the delicious food at some of the best restaurants of New York City and that too for a fraction of the usual price. Well this dream comes true during the "Restaurant Week" event held twice a year in this wonderful city where some of the finest restaurants of the city participate to offer a three course lunch for a mere USD $ 24.07 and dinner for USD $ 35. The summer restaurant week starts from 11 JULY and usually stretches upto two weeks. Enjoy some of the best French cuisines, exquisite American meals or Japanese delicacies without burning a hole in your pocket.
rack of lamb with green wheat and smoked eggplant (Source: Alexis Lamster)
Here is a review :
(Source: Restaurant Week - New York City - JimsDeli NYC Guide)
Event Date : 11 July - 24 July 2011 , Not on saturday
Cost : Three-course lunch USD $24.07; three-course dinner USD $35
Location : New York City
Bookings start from 30 June 2011. Book your table as early as possible.
Click here for bookings
Here is the official website for more information