The cherry blossoms have bloomed, the beaches have reopened and summer is slowly on its way. It's finally May! Get out and enjoy the city, you can no longer blame the weather. From discos to vegetarian festivals we've got you covered.
May 17th
Lola Star's Dreamland Disco (171 East Drive, Brooklyn @ 7:30 PM)
As the opening event of Spring Fling, the LeFrak Center at Lakeside Prospect Park is pulling out all the stops for the Dreamland Roller Disco. The immersive rollerblading experience is themed and invites you to participate in costume! This night is dedicated to the 90’s! Music will include the biggest hits from the 90’s, 70’s and 80’s. There will be a red carpet photo experience, tantalizing performers armed with light up hula hoops, go-go dancers and more. The highlight is that your roller blades are included in your ticket price so you can join in on the rink and try your own luck winning the Dance Competition of the night.
Cirque Noir (244 West 14th Street, Manhattan @ 10 PM)
The Up & Down Nightclub, well known for their elite guestlist and most recently the venue which hosted the Met Gala after-party, is opening their doors this Friday for Cirque Noir. The interior of the multi-leveled venue features lush seating, an elevated Dj booth and prime sound system, refreshing outdoor seating and stunning geometric lighting, intimate karaoke rooms on the lower level, chandeliers and a dancefloor. Music for the night will be handled by Dj Ria, Richie Quake and Mauricio. If you drop in for the free open bar from 10- 11 pm, entry is also free.
Rally For Aperol (224 Franklin Street, Brooklyn @ 4 PM)
After a highly publicized attack on the Italian apéritif Aperol, famous for it’s slightly bitter mandarin sweetness, The Springs in Greenpoint is hosting a special night dedicated to the drink. Aperol is set to reach its 100th anniversary this year so The Springs will be serving $10 Aperol Spritzes and Aperol Spritz Slushies all night to celebrate! If you show up in an orange ensemble to display solidarity, you’ll qualify for their $8 happy hour pricing. The first 50 attendees will be gifted some Aperol branded sunglasses as well.
May 18th
Dance Parade & Festival (21st Street and Broadway, Manhattan @ 1 PM)
Imagine the spectacular sounds and sights of a festival featuring nearly 10,000 dancers, live musical performances and Dj’s. In the largest display of cultural diversity and celebration of dance in New York City, the Dance Parade & Festival is making unity a beautiful reality for those participating in this year's event. The 80+ dances displayed and floats included represent different communities and organization striving for peace and recognition of dance as a global art form. Grab your best shoes, a camera and witness the magic that is movement.
SingleCut Beersmiths Present Jenny Van West (19-33 37th Street @ 9 PM)
The SingleCut Beersmiths has a reputation for some unique brews, a few to note being the slightly creamy and sweet Chocolate Milk Stout, the tart Kim Hibiscus Sour Lager and the new Plaintop Pilsner made of the finest European malt. This weekend, aside from delicious beers, there’ll also be live music from ME-based Jenny Van West. The fusion of rock, swing, country, and folk is West’s signature, delivering her songs in a memorable and rich way. The venue is inviting beer fanatics to enjoy the free live show with no cover price!
#Yo Stay Hungry Biggie Day (528 Ridgewood Avenue, Brooklyn @ 2 PM)
Returning for their 5th annual culinary competition, Yo Stay Hungry is inviting foodies and those with an appetite for Hip-Hop to join them for Biggie Day. The event opens with live performances and boasts the participation of over 50 talented professional chefs. The highlight of the event is the distribution of 2 “Chef Curry With The Pot,” scholarships for young aspiring chefs, 15 “You Got The Juice,” awards for those pursuing a career in the music industry and the development of a brand new, “For The Culture,” scholarship. If you have a love for the community, culinary arts, young talent and Biggie’s musical legacy this
celebration and their initiative is for you!
May 19th
Bell Blvd Food & Music Fest 2019 (Bell Blvd and 38th Street, Queens @ 2 PM)
The Bell Blvd Food & Music Fest is a collection of some of the most delicious cuisines in one spot, from 35 restaurants to be exact. Instead of eating out at one place, try dishes from Thai, Italian, Vietnamese, Cajun, French, Irish, Tex-Mex eateries and with a ticket priced at $35, it’s sure to please any palette, picky or adventurous. Alongside great food, there will be live music on every block as well as some dance lessons, family activities and demonstrations.
NYC Vegetarian Food Festival (125 W 18 Street, New York @ 11 AM)
The NYC Vegetarian Food Festival is pushing the limits again this year with innovative cooking demonstrations, revolutionary plant-based food, fitness classes, panels on the mental health and 100% Vegan developments. Part of the festival includes access to three fully immersive stages featuring 40 world class speakers. The ticket includes tastings of delicious vegetarian food items, drinks and all of the live entertainment.
The World’s Fare 2019 (123-01 Roosevelt Avenue, Queens @ 12 PM)
Eat your way around the world with cuisines from Western & Eastern Europe to South America to Africa, Australia and Asia. With handpicked restaurants and food vendors, The World’s Fare is a culmination of why New York City is the best city in the world to experience global cuisines. Between feasting, there will be live art like musical performances, face painting, world dance and games. For an upgraded ticket, visitors will enjoy unlimited beer tastings as well.