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Best Things To Do In New York City This Weekend

It's Memorial Day weekend! That means two things: a three-day weekend, and summer. Revel in the start of the season by attending an arts festival, doing a fun run for charity, or tripping out to cutting-edge music. Herewith, our picks for the best in eating, drinking, and merrymaking this weekend. By Jessica Allen.

Intrepid
(credit: Garrett Ziegler)

The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum celebrates Fleet Week and salutes US servicemen and women with all kinds of activities this weekend, including a free screening on Friday night of everyone's favorite movie about flight—Top Gun. On Saturday and Sunday, you can attend talks, participate in hands-on activities, meet an astronaut, or wander among the museum's collection of planes aboard the Intrepid. Wednesday, May 20, through Tuesday, May 26, see schedule for details

LESFestivalOfTheArts
(credit: Lower East Side Festival of the Arts)

For the 20th year in a row, the Lower East Side Festival of the Arts offers participants the chance to celebrate the diversity, creativity, and rich artistic history of this New York City neighborhood. Scheduled performers will showcase their comedic, dramatic, poetic, filmic, artistic, musical, dance, aerialist, and video talents. Kids programs too. Best of all: every single performance is free! Friday, May 22, through Sunday, May 24, see schedule for details

ElectricDaisyCarnival
(credit: Electric Daisy Carnival)

Art and music, music and art. They go together like chocolate and peanut butter, ham and cheese, or donuts and coffee. Once again, the Electric Daisy Carnival takes over MetLife Stadium and turns it into a multidimensional, multifaceted celebration of art and music, with carnival rides, attractions, theatrical performances, fireworks, art installations, and neon, lots and lots of neon. It is super, super cool. Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24, $199 for a two-day pass, tickets required

TheColorRun
(credit: The Color Run / Facebook)

Often called "the Happiest 5K on the Planet," the Color Run combines fitness and fun. You start the race wearing white, and finish covered in a multitude of colors. (You get doused every kilometer or so.) The 2015 Shine Tour promises surprises, and even more fun. The event benefits Back on My Feet, a national nonprofit that helps people experiencing homelessness develop independence and self-sufficiency. Saturday, May 23, $59.50, tickets required

2015-NYAFF
(credit: New York African Film Festival)

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

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