Things To Do In New York City: Best Events This Weekend
Among the awesome things you can do in New York City this weekend are attend one of the world's largest gay dance parties, take a tot in your life to a mind-expanding film, or herald the start of spring at a flower show at one of the world's largest department stores. Read on for details. By Jessica Allen.
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New York has its fair share of film festivals, but New Directors/New Films stands out for its emphasis on movies from emerging filmmakers from around the world. Over the years, we've seen movies about Somali pirates, a rape victim-cum-vigilante in Russia, and an Iranian vampire. The films are provocative, thought-provoking, and unlikely to be shown at your local Cineplex. Wednesday, March 16, through Sunday, March 27, see schedule for details, tickets required.
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The annual Coney Island Spring Gala raises money for Coney Island USA, a not-for-profit arts organization that sponsors such events like the Mermaid Parade, Burlesque at the Beach, the Coney Island Museum and the Coney Island Circus Sideshow. In keeping with the neighborhood's vibe, the gala features snake charming, sword swallowing, "mystery boxes," go-go dancing, face-painting and performances by Baron Misuraca, Cousin Earth and others. Saturday, March 19, 8 pm to midnight, tickets required, must be 21+.
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Every March, the Black Party celebrates erotic culture, sexual expression and art in the gay community. As one of the world's largest dance parties, it attracts a huge crowd, upwards of 5,000. The entertainment includes DJs and what the website refers to as "strange live acts." The dress code is "heavy." It's fun, it's fierce -- it's not for the faint-of-heart. Saturday, March 19, from 10 pm through Sunday afternoon (yes, really.) Tickets required, must be 21+ (with ID).
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"America the Beautiful" is the theme of this year's Flower Show at Macy's, running from March 20 through April 3 and taking place in stores across the country. In New York, the Flower Show will "tell the story [of America] through fabulous flora indigenous to each of our nation's regions." Each day will feature a special bouquet made by master florists like Kenji Takenaka and Jes Gordon, as well as other events. Show kicks off on Sunday, March 20, at 11 am, free.
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If you've got a young person in your life, you'll want to go ahead and rearrange your schedule for the hugely popular International Children's Film Festival, the largest kid-focused film festival in North America. Since 1997, this festival has shown "thoughtful, provocative, and intelligent film for children and teens ages 3–18." This year, that means you can see 100 movies from 35 countries in 15+ languages over the festival's four weekends. Friday, February 26, through Sunday, March 20, subscribe for updates, tickets required.
