Best Things To Do In New York City This Weekend
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to attend every festival we've highlighted below that's taking place this weekend: from a movie festival to an art festival to a food festival to a beer festival to a celebration of bacon. Can you do it? We believe in you! Details follow. By Jessica Allen.
Now in its 22nd year, the New York African Film Festival tries to further opportunities for African cinema in the United States, to develop a non-African audience for African movies, and to promote African culture in all its manifestations. In addition to screening films (duh), there will be discussions, panels, Q&As, receptions, and the truly important chance to expand your mind. Friday, May 1, through Monday, May 25, see schedule for details, tickets required
Queens Beer Week celebrates the culture of hops a-brewin' in the city's most diverse borough. Over the course of the 10-day event (more than a week, we know, but who's counting?), you can attend such events as a scavenger hunt in the bars of Ridgewood, an open house among the breweries in Long Island City, or hang out for happy hour in Forest Hills. You just might discover a new beer, or a new neighborhood, to love. Friday, May 8, through Sunday, May 17, see schedule for details
One of New York's most fun fairs, the Frieze Art Fair once again takes over Randall's Island Park beginning on Thursday. On hand will be some of the world's most avant-garde galleries, displaying work of all kinds from artists around the globe. When you get peckish, you can take a break and grab a snack from Roberta's, Morgenstern's Finest Ice Cream, Parlor Coffee, and other vendors. The views are pretty great too. Thursday, May 14, through Sunday, May 17, $44, tickets required
Hosted in part by Chef Marcus Samuelsson, the Harlem EatUp! is four days of food, music, and art, with an emphasis on neighborhood hot spots, including The Cecil (named Esquire's Restaurant of the Year in 2014), Red Rooster, Jin Ramen, Make My Cake, and The 5 and Diamond. We're probably most excited about the so-called walk-around tastings, giving participants the chance to nosh around Morningside Heights. Thursday, May 14, through Sunday, May 17, see schedule for details, tickets required
Celebrate the pig at Brooklyn's first bacon festival this weekend. The Great Bacon Picnic is, you guessed it, focused all around bacon, and features more than 100 food trucks, mixologists, restaurants, chefs, brewmasters, and other culinary notables offering their unique takes on this delicious, delicious food (plus beverage pairings). And that's not all: there's also a "bacon bar," a bar that offers different types of bacon. Really and truly! It must be seen to be believed. Saturday, May 16, and Sunday, May 17, $99, tickets required
