Welcome back,
We’ve got another guide for our fellow foodies, adventurers, free spirits and New Yorkers. This weekend is full of festivals and social celebrations centered around good vibes. Enjoy some new food at Fancy Food Festival or listening to music you’ve never heard by heading to Taste Of Harlem. If you’re looking for Sunday plans, we’ve got that covered too with Drums Along The Hudson. If you make it out to one of our suggested plans, feel free to tag the fun in a photo.
Friday, June 21st
Taste Of Harlem (237 E 104th Street, Manhattan @ 6PM)
The “Buy Local Initiative,” from Union Settlement is announcing their 2nd annual Taste Of East Harlem event, a collective of El Barrio’s finest goods and vendors. The food and beverage showcase will include tastings, goods for sale and samples from the Caribbean, Mexican, Puerto Rican, Italian, Dominican cuisine and beyond. Music from the Ochun Afro-Latin Band will enhance the experience as you investigate bites, cocktails, and brews.
Queen Of Hearts Burlesque Show (383 Troutman Street, Brooklyn @ varying showtimes)
Jump down the rabbit hole and leave your inhibitions at the door. As would any successful seductress, the XIV company disarms the audience with charm, enchants them with costumes and decor and invites them into the realm of wonderland for a night. Aside from the typical musical accuracy any good burlesque possesses, the Queen Of Hearts performance adds familiarity in the form of the childhood classic “Alice In Wonderland,” which inspired the show.
River To River Festival (119 W 57th St, Manhattan @ varying exhibit times)
The Lower Manhattan Cultural Council is holding their 18th annual River To River festival, delivery deeply satisfying and perplexing experiences to the public at no cost. This completely free art festival is being held at numerous locations downtown, with convenient times and venues for art lovers across the boroughs. Some exhibits will include live art as well as installations dedicated to reflection, imagination, and introspection.
Saturday, June 22nd
Coney Island’s Mermaid Parade ( W 21st Street Surf Ave, Brooklyn @ 1 PM)
The sea has a secret and it’s walking on two legs this weekend as NYC celebrates mermaids, silkies and sea lore. The 37th annual Mermaid Parade is returning again this weekend! The sea of flippers, tassels, pasties, moss green wigs, glitter, and all the charm one parade could possibly possess will be marching down surf avenue, equipped with the mythological and celebratory spirit that gives the event its magic.
Spectators can view the floats, dancers, artists, models, and performers as they progress through the parade route decorated in fish netting, costumes, artistic replicas of adored marine life both real and fantastical.
Essex Market Block Party ( 115 Delancey Street, Brooklyn @ 12 PM)
The whole family is invited out to the Essex Market Block Party, a rare and delightful combination of artisan vendors, fresh fire-grilled dishes, and activities. Broome Street will host vendor tents to shade yummy goods, protect the fiery grills and envelope the live tunes echoing the instrumental elements of Cuban and Colombian culture. Don’t forget to catch a flick at the photo booth setup and partake in the face painting service!
Superhero Science Fiction Festival (121 Scholes Street, Brooklyn @ 2 PM)
The NYSOM Superhero Festival at Martinez Playground is back for their 3rd annual installment, inviting the public to attend the only festival of its kind which celebrates comic culture in such a small and accessible setting.
The free festival will feature figures from popular animes, DC, Marvel, and classic video games. Those who attend can take part in segments such as creating a superhero, making anime and manga and the superhero artisan market selling themed goodies.
Sunday, June 23rd
Drums Along The Hudson (218 Street Indian Road, Manhattan @ 11 AM)
The 17th Annual Drums Along the Hudson festival, a celebration of Native American culture, is being held during rain or shine at upper Manhattan’s Inwood Hill Park. The free event highlighting traditional crafts, the art of storytelling and authentic cuisine is presented by Lotus Music & Dance, along with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation.
The gathering of Native American people, headed by Louis Mofsie and the Thunderbird American Indian Dancers features instrumental performances from Heyna Second Sons and Silver Cloud. The event seeks to educate the public on aspects of Native American cultures, the importance of environmental protection and sustainable living.
Renegade Craft Fair (72nd Noble Street, Brooklyn @ 11 AM)
Approximately 200 local and nationally successful vendors are popping out for the Renegade Craft Fair for their 15th year running strong. The Brooklyn Expo center will house the summer goods sale event highlighting independent designers, artisans, and small businesses.
Tracks from Black Gold Brooklyn will set the mood, complemented by drinks from the Donna Cocktail Club as shoppers chow down on eats from featured food trucks or participate in hands-on good making activities.
Fancy Food Show (655 W 34th Street, Manhattan @ 10 AM)
North America’s biggest progressive beverage and food event is returning to New York. With displays of specialty items in such a personable setting, foodies and entrepreneurs get to mingle with industry leaders and innovators on all of the topics that matter.
Demonstrations in cooking techniques and styles from all over the world inspire and inform attendees, educational segments accompanied by tastings make the programming exciting. The day will wrap up with several cuisine centered award ceremonies and shout outs.