Saturday, Sep. 30
WHERE: The Shed at Hudson yards, 20 Hudson yards, The Shed at Hudson yards, The Shed at Hudson yards
WHAT: The West Side Cultural Network—a group of more than 19 museums, parks, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions located within a half-mile portion of historic New York—is presenting the first-ever West Side Fest, a day of free admission, special indoor and outdoor programming, crafts for kids, artmaking for all ages, an evening dance party, and more to welcome all New Yorkers to their vibrant, exciting, cultural village along the waterfront. The September 30 event highlights the city’s newest cultural destination on the western edge of Manhattan, a historic area with a welcoming and unique mix of fresh, fun activities, open gathering spaces, and more. The neighborhood—a gathering space for New Yorkers still recovering and coming back together—includes organizations that have been on the West Side
for decades as well as newer arrivals with more to come—including the soon-to-open 5.5-acre Gansevoort Peninsula in Hudson River Park.
Some events planned for the day include:
● Free admission, neighborhood tours, and artmaking for kids from 11 am to 3 pm at the Whitney Museum of American Art. Several exhibitions on view, including a permanent collection show with works by Edward Hopper, Georgia O’Keeffe, Jay DeFeo, Alexander Calder, Lee Krasner, Jasper Johns, Andy Warhol, and more.
● Free admission and tours of newly opened exhibitions for the fall season, Art Deco: Commercializing the Avant-Garde and We Tried to Warn You! Environmental Crisis Posters, 1970–2020 will be available at Poster House, plus live performances and printing activities for all ages at Hudson River Park’s Pier 63 (at W 23 St.)
● The SUBMERGE Marine Science Festival at Hudson River Park’s 84 (at S 44 St.) is free and open to all! Come experience wildlife art projects, family-friendly live entertainment, and more.
● A puppet show, open studios, and live music at Westbeth Artists Housing
● A Creative Break, free art-making activities for all ages at Little Island
● An Open Rehearsal with Rattlestick Playwrights Theater at West Village Rehearsal Co-op
● An evening block party at The Shed featuring dance sets by The Dragon Sisters in partnership with Poster House and Ladies of Hip-Hop in partnership with Chelsea Factory, as well as ongoing DJ sets by Riobamba, BEARCAT, and Ashley Venom
● A free film festival at The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Community Center in partnership with Queer Voices NYC that centers & celebrates Queer-BIPOC voices
● A presentation of Arthur Russell’s 1973 composition “City Park” at the New York City AIDS Memorial Park
● A free exhibition of paintings, archival materials, audiovisual elements, and ephemera by multidisciplinary artist Matthew Lutz-Kinoy presented by The Kitchen
● Free admission and exhibition tours at the Rubin Museum of Art, and a drop-in art workshop from 1 pm to 3 pm led by art therapy graduate students from New York University
● A poetry reading on the High Line inspired by Pamela Rosenkranz’s Plinth commission Old Tree, featuring New York-based poets
● The opening of solo exhibition by artist and choreographer Ligia Lewis at Center for Art, Research and Alliances (CARA), featuring a live performance of the artist’s newest work West Side Fest is conveniently accessible by subway, bus, the High Line, bike, or car.
See website for complete schedule and all locations.
WANT TO GO?
Free
WHEN: Saturday, Sep. 30
WHERE: Pier 83, , Pier 83, Pier 83
WHAT: Take a forty-mile cruise up the Hudson River near Hook Mountain for the ultimate leaf peeping adventure, all while enjoying autumnal sights and Oktoberfest-themed experience, including German food specials, Oktoberfest beers (available for purchase) and live music.
The huge, outdoor decks are perfect for getting some fall sun, fresh air and 360-degree views.
The Hudson River Cruise goes under two of the most impressive bridges in New York State, the mighty George Washington Bridge and the modern Mario Cuomo Bridge, aka Tappan Zee Bridge. We’ll reach as north as Hook Mountain, which rises to nearly 800 feet straight up from the Hudson River with sheer cliffs, covered in bright autumn foliage, surrounded by ravens, hawks, ospreys and the occasional Bald Eagle before turning back to Pier 83.
WANT TO GO?
$59
WHEN: Saturday, Sep. 30
WHERE: New York City Ballet Rehearsal Studios Samuel B. & David Rose Building, , New York City Ballet Rehearsal Studios Samuel B. & David Rose Building, New York City Ballet Rehearsal Studios Samuel B. & David Rose Building
WHAT: During these one-hour movement workshops designed especially for children with physical disabilities, NYCB Dancers will guide young movers in a ballet-based warm-up and choreography inspired by some of the ballets being performed this season. Children will be partnered with volunteer medical/PT/OT students who will provide support during the event, and modifications, including standing and seated movement options, will be offered.
Intended for children with Cerebral Palsy, Dystonia, Spina Bifida, SMA, and other physical disabilities. No prior dance experience is necessary and siblings are encouraged to participate.
WANT TO GO?
$8 per participating child. Please note that accompanying family members/caretakers do not need a ticket to attend.
WHEN: Saturday, Sep. 30
WHERE: Little Island NYC, , Little Island NYC, Little Island NYC
WHAT: Come out for a special Creative Break: Visual Arts & Music! Teaching artists Georgie Flores and Martin Urbach will provide the art supplies and music makers, so you only need to bring your creativity. If you need a bit of inspiration, look around you at our lush landscape as it begins to change from summer to fall.
WANT TO GO?
Free
WHEN: Saturday, Sep. 30
WHERE: Italian American Museum, , Italian American Museum, Italian American Museum
WHAT: Over a century ago, Italians were told that in America the streets were paved in gold, but when they arrived they found this to be far from the truth, and many even ended up paving the streets themselves. And building their own places of worship, businesses, and community. Renowned for its important place in American history, Little Italy in Manhattan is one of New York’s most iconic and intriguing neighborhoods.
On this tour you will learn about the exciting history of the neighborhood, once the largest Italian American social enclave in the nation at the turn of the 19th century, home to thousands of immigrants and their families for generations to come.
The treasures of Little Italy include the original site of the Order of the Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, the Church of the Most Precious Blood, beloved businesses kept in families for generations, and even the home of Italian American hero, NYPD Lieutenant Joseph Petrosino.
Join your guide in front of the Italian American Museum’s new entrance at 151 Mulberry Street and walk back in time to see splendid examples of Italian American achievement.
WANT TO GO?
$35
WHEN: Saturday, Sep. 30
WHERE: The Joyce Theater, , The Joyce Theater, The Joyce Theater
WHAT:
BalletX, Philadelphia’s Premier Contemporary Ballet whose dancers were named “among America’s best” by The New York Times and hailed as “technically brilliant…with vibrant personalities” by The Boston Globe. The company returns to The Joyce with repertory that will surprise and delight you, including co-Founder Matthew Neenan’s Credo and the New York premieres of Honey by Jamar Roberts and Exalt by Jennifer Archibald.
Founded in 2005 by Christine Cox and Matthew Neenan, BalletX is led by Cox, whose tenure as Artistic & Executive Director has produced over 120 world premiere ballets by 70 choreographers, a record “few companies can match” (The New York Times). BalletX has been hailed as a “place of choreographic innovation” (The New Yorker) and an “epicenter of creation” (Dance Magazine), commissioning choreographers from around the world to create dance that is “fresh, inclusive, and connects to what people want” (Philadelphia Citizen).
WANT TO GO?
$10 kids ticket ages 5-15 with an adult ticket purchase.
WHEN: Saturday, Sep. 30
WHERE: Museum of Chinese in America, , Museum of Chinese in America, Museum of Chinese in America
WHAT: Mooncakes, magic, and the Jade Rabbit on the moon! Join the museum for an afternoon of storytelling, drop-in arts & crafts, mooncake making, and more. Register online,
WANT TO GO?
Free
WHEN: Saturday, Sep. 30
WHERE: Galli Theater NY, , Galli Theater NY, Galli Theater NY
WHAT: A wicked fairy is upset at not being invited to a princess’s birthday celebration and casts a sleeping spell on the entire kingdom for a hundred years. Will the perfect prince come and bestow the kiss that alone can break the curse and wake the sleeping princess and the kingdom?
WANT TO GO?
$25; $20 kids
WHEN: Saturday, Sep. 30
WHERE: BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center, , BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center, BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center
WHAT: Inspired by the world’s greatest visual art masterpieces and by the artists who created them, ART OF CIRCUS features dazzling circus performers, dancers, acrobats, and an original score by award-winning composer, Jesse Elder (Post Modern Jukebox). Audiences enter the worlds and iconic works of Da Vinci, Van Gogh, Warhol, and more in an acrobatic fantasy vision. Something for everyone: music lovers, dance lovers, art lovers, and circus lovers alike. It’s an art museum come to life! Good for All Ages.
WANT TO GO?
$40
WHEN: Saturday, Sep. 30
WHERE: The Players Theatre, , The Players Theatre, The Players Theatre
WHAT: Tumble down the rabbit hole with the wonderfully wild, wacky and whimsical cast of characters in the musical adaptation of Alice in Wonderland by Michael Sgouros and Brenda Bell. Frolic with Alice as she dances her way through Lewis Carroll’s legendary tale. In addition, meet the White Rabbit – if you can catch him! Don’t forget to bow to the Queen of Hearts or it’s off with your head – oh my! Sixty minutes of marvelous mayhem. After all, it’s sure to be a mad tea party and you’re the guest of honor!
WANT TO GO?
$42-$62
WHEN: Saturday, Sep. 30
WHERE: BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center, , BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center, BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center
WHAT: Inspired by the world’s greatest visual art masterpieces and by the artists who created them, ART OF CIRCUS features dazzling circus performers, dancers, acrobats, and an original score by award-winning composer, Jesse Elder (Post Modern Jukebox). Audiences enter the worlds and iconic works of Da Vinci, Van Gogh, Warhol, and more in an acrobatic fantasy vision. Something for everyone: music lovers, dance lovers, art lovers, and circus lovers alike. It’s an art museum come to life! Good for All Ages.
WANT TO GO?
$40
WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 1
WHERE: The Players Theatre, , The Players Theatre, The Players Theatre
WHAT: Tumble down the rabbit hole with the wonderfully wild, wacky and whimsical cast of characters in the musical adaptation of Alice in Wonderland by Michael Sgouros and Brenda Bell. Frolic with Alice as she dances her way through Lewis Carroll’s legendary tale. In addition, meet the White Rabbit – if you can catch him! Don’t forget to bow to the Queen of Hearts or it’s off with your head – oh my! Sixty minutes of marvelous mayhem. After all, it’s sure to be a mad tea party and you’re the guest of honor!
WANT TO GO?
$42-$62
WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 1
WHERE: Galli Theater NY, , Galli Theater NY, Galli Theater NY
WHAT: A miller’s son inherits a cat and soon comes to find out he has a true friend by his side. The Puss in Boots has a plan to turn the ordinary miller’s son into an extraordinary prince!
WANT TO GO?
$25; $20 kids
Looking for more events in your area? Search our comprehensive events calendar.
There’s a lot to do this weekend with your family, whether you're planning a day trip that's close to New York City or are looking for the best things to do with kids in Manhattan this weekend. After all, weekends are the best because you get to spend time with your kids, so make the most of your time together and check out our picks for the best kid-friendly activities in Manhattan! From storytimes and concerts to museum exhibits, crafts activities, seasonal events, and more, you're sure to find something to do that keeps everyone happy and having fun. Look no further for ideas and plan your weekend in New York City with our guide that highlights the best family-friendly (virtual and in-person) events happening in and around your neighborhood, including family fun in Central Park, the Lower East Side, the Upper West Side, Harlem, Midtown, the Upper East Side, Greenwich Village, Battery Park, Bryant Park, Tribeca, the Bronx, and Lower Manhattan. You can also find weekend fun in ourBrooklyn, Queens, Long Island, Westchester, and Rockland—and check out our Manhattan calendar for hundreds of things to do each month!
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