New York City Kids Weekend Events for August 14-16: Free Food, Woodstock Celebrations, Car-Free Streets, Storytelling & More

8/13/09 - By charlotte

This weekend marks the 40th anniversary of Woodstock, and although we can't promise a 3-day event where kids camp out, play marathon games of Guitar Hero and drink all the juice they want, we can tell you about all the cool events gong on that can make this weekend (almost as) memorable. After all, wouldn't you rather be enjoying car-free Manhattan, rockin' out to kid-friendly Beatles tunes, chowing down on international food, and catching the last few movies under the stars, anyway? 

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MANHATTAN

Summer Streets
Saturday, August 15, 7AM-1PM
Brooklyn Bridge, through Manhattan
FREE

Enjoy the car-free streets of New York, as this event opens them up to people to play, walk, bike, and breathe. Summer Streets provides more space for healthy recreation and is a part of NYC's greening initiative. Plus, there's a ton of events going on throughout the streets, like kids' dance classes, musical performances, and more. Be sure to check out the site. 

Bubbles Does the Beatles
Sat, Aug 15, 3PM-5PM
Damrosch Park
FREE 

New York pop band Bubble exposes young ears to the music of the Beatles by recreating their greatest records, here reprising their sellout performance of the record Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, which was never intended to be performed live, complete with a rock orchestra of strings, horns, sitars, tablas, harp, and more. 

Family Day Puppet Pageant
Sat, Aug 15, 2-4PM
Damrosch Park
FREE

Like the event above, this pageant party is part of the Lincoln Center Out of Doors Family Day celebrations. Beautiful Princess Rat of the MTA is a performance by the Puppeteers’ Cooperative, with support from the Lincoln Square Neighborhood Center, and Red Hook Community Center.

Madagascar 2: Escape from Africa Screening
Fri, Aug 14, sundown, doors open at 6PM
Pier 46 at Charles St.
FREE

Due to an increase in attendance, they will no longer be providing chairs, so definitely don't forget to BYO. 

The NYC School Of Rock 40th Anniversary Woodstock Tribute Concert
Sunday, August 16, 2009, 2PM-5PM
The Ritz Plaza Park
235 West 48th Street (bet Bway/8th Ave) 
FREE

In celebration of the 40th anniversary of Woodstock, there will be food vendors, as well as special Woodstock merchandise, and even yoga before the show. And of course, NYC kids from the School of Rock will be performing your favorites form '69. 


BROOKLYN

5th Annual International Food & Film Festival
Sat, August 15, 2PM-10PM
Hattie Carthan Garden
FREE

Join the community percussion circle and create organic music, share international food recipes, meet community cooks, learn about seed saving, canning the harvest, and food and farm issues that affect our community. All foods are prepared by the garden members. The Future of Food and local film shorts will begin at 8 p.m. BYO blanket.
 

Seining the River Wild

Sat, Aug 15, 11AM

Beach under the Manhattan Bridge
FREE


Join experts from the Coastal Marine Resource Center as they use a 30 food seining net to catch fish and other East River creatures.  Families and kids can take a good look at the fish before they release them back to their homes and keep a tally of the catch.  They provide field guides and identification keys. Reservations are a good idea for this event. 

 

Summer Songs and Stories
Sun, Aug 16, 2PM-3:30PM
Lefferts House, Prospect Park
FREE


Settle under the big tree at Lefferts Historic House and  hear Tammy Hall and other guest artists tell tales and sing songs from different cultures that have enchanted audiences for generations.

QUEENS

Astoria Water Walk Day
Sun, Aug 16, 11AM-4PM
Astoria Park
FREE

The DOT is also getting in on the car-free business, particularly in Astoria this weekend. Scheduled activities will include Punk Rope, belly dancing and other exercise classes offered for free, walking tours with the Greater Astoria Historical Society, music by local artists, martial arts demos and more! Spontaneous relaxation, as well as fun & games on Shore Blvd is expected and encouraged. 

Science Farmers' Market
Sun, Aug 16, 10AM-4PM
NY Hall of Science/Flushing Meadows Corona Park
FREE

The 3rd annual NY Hall of Science farmers' market will feature produce from local farmers, this open-air exhibit also will allow visitors to purchase fresh fruits and veggies as well as take part in a learning experience through handouts and live demonstrations that discuss the benefits of a balanced diet and the importance of supporting these community farms through handouts and demos. 

STATEN ISLAND

If your kids missed boy/girl scout camp this year, or are looking to refresh their skills before heading to school, check out these two events on Staten Island:

A Little Dabble Do Ya
Sun, Aug 16, 10AM
Willowbrook Park
FREE

Practically anyone can catch fish using an easy to learn technique called ‘dabbling.’ They'll teach you how to do it and instructions, poles, and lures provided. 

Knot for Nothing
Sun, Aug 16, 1PM
Blue Herron Park
FREE

Ever been in a ‘bind,’ not knowing which knot to use or how to tie something down, up, or together? Learn and practice some of the most basic & practical knots, to avoid knotty situations, of course.

THE BRONX

Gardens 'Round the World at The New York Botanical Garden
Saturday, August 15, 1PM
NY Botanical Garden
Aduts $20, Kids $8

Learn about the Global Garden, which was created and maintained by community volunteers, with special cultural crafts and activities.  On weekends, also learn about and sample special food of each region featuring homegrown produce and native recipes.

OBFit with the New York Sports Club
Sat, Aug 15, 10AM-Noon
Orchard Beach
FREE
 

As part of BeFitNYC, join in at the stage at Orchard Beach with free certified fitness instructors from the New York Sports Club, for one or two upbeat work outs including yoga, core, pilates, cardio cross-training, and kick boxing. Kids are encouraged to get in and participate, plus it's great exercise for you. 

 

Also visit the New Jersey Events or Long Island Events for more things to do this weekend, or stop by our events calendar.