Best Things To Do In New York City This Weekend
So much to do, sure, but there are only so many hours in the weekend (sob). Lucky for you, we're here to offer our picks for the best eating, drinking, and merrymaking happenings in New York City on Saturday and Sunday. By Jessica Allen.
The 14th annual New York Asian Film Festival opened a few weeks back, bringing a slew of cool films and a slate of special guests. Among the 50+ films scheduled to be screened are genre and popular movies like The President's Last Bang, with a focus on five programs, including New Cinema from Japan and Myung Films: Pioneers and Women Behind the Camera in Korean Film. Awards will be given out to Aaron Kwok, Ringo Lam, and others. Friday, June 26, through Saturday, July 11, tickets required, see schedule for details.
Sure, so the Bronx might have invented hip hop, but there's no doubt about which borough has the best festival. The largest hip-hop event in New York City includes educational programs, local vendors, family events, block parties, talent shows for young artists, and, of course, concerts, designed to build community, inspire social change, and showcase the wide range of talent within this genre. This year's scheduled headliners include Common and Mobb Deep. Wednesday, July 8, through Saturday, July 11, tickets required, see schedule for details.
The fifth annual 4Knots Music Festival promises to bring the Village Voice's signature clout, creativity, and discernment to Hudson River Park on Saturday. Once again, this festival will offer live music by new and established performers. Suitable for all ages, rain or shine. Scheduled bands include Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks, Twin Peaks, Super Furry Animals, and Meatbodies. Don't forget the sunscreen! Saturday, July 11, 1 to 10 pm, $25, tickets required.
This family-friendly (i.e., "slow") event winds its way through 20 miles of glorious Queens. Beginning and ending in Astoria Park, the bike ride will take you through Long Island City, Sunnyside, Rego Park, Forest Hills, and Corona. The charity event benefits the nonprofit Transportation Alternatives, which lobbies for better bicycling, walking, and public transit in the city. Sunday, July 12, check in begins at 8 am, registration required.
Calling all Francophones! Every year, Bastille Day on 60th Street takes an Upper East Side road and transforms it into a wonderland of French culture. You can eat eclairs, crunch crepes, sip wine, nibble cheese, mimic mimes, applaud dancers doing the cancan, shop crafts, and just soak up another culture. This event is the largest public celebration of friendship between the US and France, and commemorates the latter's independence day on July 14, 1789. Sunday, July 12, 12 to 5 pm, free.
