Best Things To Do In New York City This Weekend
Opportunities abound this weekend for giving your brain a workout: from learning about African cinema to supporting your friendly local bookstore to watching sheep get sheared (say that three times fast), there is, as always, so much to do on Saturday and Sunday in NYC. Here are our picks. 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 challenge your expectations. Friday, May 1, through Monday, May 25, see schedule for details, tickets required
A student film festival? Before you say "no thanks," consider the students: they attend the prestigious Columbia University School of the Arts Film Program. Put another way: these are the future Spielbergs, Malles, Kaels, and Feys. The week-long celebration includes panels (tons of info about making your own movies), readings of screenplays and teleplays, and screenings. Friday, May 1, through Thursday, May 7, see schedule for details, tickets required
The first-ever holiday devoted to Independent Bookstores is May 2. How will you celebrate? You could wander the 18 miles of titles at the Strand, stop into Greenlight for a children's book, or mosey on over to Astoria Bookshop for a look at the latest in nonfiction. After your day of browsing and attending events at one of the participating stores, head to the afterparty at the POWERHOUSE Arena in DUMBO. RSVP to info@bookstoredaynyc.com. Saturday, May 2, see participating stores' hours, free
Two feet good, two wheels better. Are we right? Just think of how much you'll see while pedaling through not one, not two, but all five boroughs, as part of the annual TD Five Boro Bike Tour. Join 32,000 or so other hearty souls as you ride 40 miles through the streets of Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Staten Island, from the very urban to the kind of suburban. Just don't forget your helmet. Or your sunscreen. Or your padded shorts. Sunday, May 3, first wave of riders goes at 7:30 am, registration required
An actual working farm! In New York City! It's true: the Queens County Farm has vegetables and fruit and livestock aplenty. The homestead dates to 1697, and indeed the 47 acres are the city's largest remaining tract of undisturbed farmland. It's impossible to wander the grounds and not be taken back to a time when most of NYC was pastoral. Celebrate spring this weekend by watching the sheep get (painlessly) sheared, ogling the produce for sale, and just soaking up the weather. Sunday, May 3, 11 am to 3 pm, $5
