Best Things To Do In New York City This Weekend
Wish the #1 Mom in your life a Happy Mother's Day by taking her to a film festival, a beer festival, a garden party, or one of our other picks for the city's best eating, drinking, and merrymaking events this weekend. 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
The beat definitely goes on, and on, and on, at the second annual Global Beat Festival this weekend. For three days (and nights), musicians from around the world will be making their US or NYC debuts at the Winter Garden. Scheduled performers include the Feedel Band, which merges R&B and jazz from the 1960s with traditional Ethiopian instruments and songs (a genre known as Ethiojazz). Thursday, May 7, through Saturday, May 9, see schedule for details, free
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
Leave it to the New York Botanical Garden to fete Mom in beauty, grace, and style. On Saturday or Sunday, you can have a picnic among the blooms, listen to live music, play games (including cricket, just about the most civlized game around), or simply inhale deeply while wandering among the spring flora. Activities for the kids range from chalk drawings to fun with bubbles. Saturday, May 9, and Sunday, May 10, 10 am to 6 pm, $30, tickets required
To celebrate Moms, the Central Park Zoo will be hosting a special party on Sunday. Kids (ages 3-10) and their caregivers will get the chance to see mommy and baby animals up close, participate in an age-appropriate scavenger hunt, eat some treats, and make some crafts. Check the schedule so that you can be sure to be around for the penguin and sea lion feedings. You'll also want to watch the snow monkeys bask and revel in the new bear exhibit. Sunday, May 10, $75, tickets required
