Best Things To Do In NYC This Weekend
Among our picks for the best events this week are the annual spring sheep shearing extravaganza at the Queens County Farm and the New York African Film Festival. Not interested? Not to worry: we've got plenty else to do, Read on to learn more! By Jessica Allen.
The New York African Film Festival has three primary goals: to increase 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. The festival, now in its 23rd year, features Q&As, panel discussions, and tons and tons of screenings -- including full-length features and shorts. Wednesday, May 4, through Monday, May 30, see schedule for details, tickets required.
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Celebrating hops in the city, the third annual Queens Beer Week offers tours of breweries, tasting events, brewing demonstrations, "meet the maker" talks, tap takeovers, and lots more across 70-odd venues. Participants include LIC Beer Project, Rockaway Brewing Co., Bridge and Tunnel Brewing and Barrier Brewing Co. Sure, it runs for more than a week, but that just means more time to try something—or meet someone—new. Friday, May 13, through Sunday, May 22, see schedule for details.
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Organized and run by Random Access Music, a composer and performer collective based in New York, the fifth annual Queens New Music Festival features "an eclectic mix of emerging musical sub-genres ranging from minimalist ambient rock and tropical goth to flute-percussion duos and electric chamber music." Expect sound installations, concerts, and good vibes. Thursday, May 19, through Sunday, May 22, see schedule for details, tickets required.
Taste of Tribeca raises money for enrichment and arts programs at local schools P.S. 150 and P.S. 234 -- and gives you the chance to stuff your belly full of goodness from such restaurants as Bubby's Pie Co., Dirty Bird To Go, Khe-Yo, and The Odeon. The Kids' Zone will have family-friendly entertainment for young attendees, including a demo from Modern Martial Arts NYC. Rain or shine! Saturday, May 21, 11:30 am to 3 pm, tickets start at $55, tickets required.
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Here's something you don't see in NYC every day: sheep! Get up close and personal with sheep as they get their seasonal haircuts at the Queens County Farm. The working farm, the city's largest remaining tract of undisturbed farmland, has orchards, fields and livestock -- as well as a homestead dating back to 1697. The annual spring sheep shearing includes hayrides, kids' crafts, live music, cooking demos and a plant sale. Sunday, May 22, 11 am to 4 pm, $5, tickets required, all ages welcome.
