One of the best things about Summers in NYC are the abundance of fun-filled street fairs, block parties and festivals in some of the best neighborhoods on the weekends. The Urban Lawn Party hosted by the Greenwich Village-Chelsea Chamber of Commerce is by far a great one to check out for kid-friendly activities, tasty treats {even for your fury friends} and lovely vendors providing services and giveaways. Oh and not to mention, everything was absolutely FREE!
As soon as we arrived the boys jumped right in and grabbed colorful paints and a few brushes to contribute to the Sherwin Williams mural. They also took out the time to write, cheerful notes that they decorated for the elderly that received food deliveries from Meals on Wheels {pictured in middle,top row of first collage}.
One of the most popular activity tables for the kiddies was the milkPOP shop, where mini artists used puffy paints and vibrant hued markers to decorate their own tee's and totes that were illustrated with fun characters and doodles. The founder, Jena S. was extremely encouraging and sweet with the kids and would create drawings right on the spot. I really loved that through their promotion of cultural unity milkPOP had the children help decorate a mural in honor of Trayvon Martin and unity through creativity.
Giggles, high jumps + a teary eyed monster in the bouncy house.
This monster was so not amused by all the stunts his big brother CJ attempted while he got jolted around uncontrollably from side to side. To cheer him up he suckered his daddy into standing on line for some yummy frozen treats from Imperial Woodpecker Sno Balls.
It didn't take long at all for those crocodile tears to fade. We tried out the Cotton Candy and Tiger Blood flavors and can't wait to indulge in the other 44 choices from their menu. Grabbing sno balls was a great relief from the city heat.
Since we were just hangin' out on the stoop we figured it would be a great time for some family pics and these are by far our favorites. We've been told the photo of the four of us at the top of this page reminded people of a modern day "Cosby ShowFamily" and ironically we've been on a Cosby show mararthon on Hulu.
Sweet Generation had some of the moistest and sweetest cookies and cupcakes we had ever tasted. The boys really enjoyed getting to sit down and decorate these scrumptious baked goods. The online bake shop is known as 21st century bake sale, on steroids {I love it}! and was created to help fund the art programs in the community.
Visitors at the Urban Lawn party got to enjoy massages and beautifully designed henna tattoos, while others got their hair colorfully spray painted and participated in games, leisurely strolled & lounged around on imported grass.
Even the Pets could get in on the fun with some pampering from the doggie boutique and organic treat shoppe withloveivan .
Since he was really little, CJ has always begged us to let him ride on one of those double-decker buses we always see around the city and although this one was stationary he was fine with just being able to head up to the top and thought it was pretty awesome that he had the entire bus to himself.
Even though it was scorching hot that day, I'm sure everyone who stopped by the Urban Lawn party truly enjoyed themselves with all there was to do. It was the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon and a great stay-cation memory for us and the monsters!
There's nothing like opening day of a street fair in NYC, all five senses are on high alert for a day of enjoyment. The sounds of the DJ bumping oldie but goodies and chart toppers as the crowds try to maneuver pass the stroller traffic that have started to form early on. You can't help but follow the sweet and savory aroma traveling through the breeze that's calling your tummy to every food vendor you pass and your taste buds are pleased to sample one or more tasty treats from each one. I can't think of a better way to walk off all that grub then by perusing through wonderful vintage finds and handmade goods to buy the perfect gift for a loved one or trinket for yourself. The boys and I were accompanied by Rach and her daughter Emily for Opening day on April 28th, 2012 it was our first time there and certainly won't be our last!
The Salted Crack Caramel ice cream from Ample Hills Creamery surely got it's name for it's taste being highly addictive. I certainly would've tried every flavor if I weren't already eyeing where all the other city hot spot eateries were stationed to try out their culinary treats. The Hubby thought he might have saw a glimpse of heaven when he chowed down on his first Pies ~n~ Thighs chicken and biscuits.
It was a bit chillier than normal opening weekend but on warmer days I'd think the best part for the kids would be the gated area at the end of the fair. Hester St. Fair provides mats laid out for visitors to stretch their limbs and chat while enjoying their food while the kiddies are free to feel the grass between their toes and run around.
Refinery 29 named Hester St. Fair one of the Top 5 flea markets in the U.S.A and here's a few reasons why I know we'll continue to visit:
Hester St. Fair is open from now until Oct. 27th every Saturday from 10am - 6pm. Head over to the Lower East Side and soak in the culture, grab some good eats and shop till you drop! I Hope you enjoyed this lil peek into the fair, the Hubby and I are planning to stop by this weekend to pick up our prize for being one of the winners of their Instagram contest hash tag #openingday2012.
There's nothing like a weekend filled with festivals, movies and events in preparation of Halloween. My family and I can't decide which ones we are going to check out yet. My hubby has a great fascination for including ghost peppers in his creations so i know the Chili pepper fiesta is on his must do. CJ has a new found interest for drawing and coloring so a visit to the newly located Children's museum of Art would be fitting (he's reading this as I type and gasps in excitement).
Friday Sept. 30th ~ Strangers on the Train ~ (7:00pm) {D} {C} {F}
Join Friends of the High Line for an open-air film screening glamorously playing homage to the industrial history of the High Line. This Hitchcock classic is about a murder plot hatched on the tracks. 28 minute survey of famous hollywood railroad scenes follows. Location: Enter at 10th ave at 14th street.
For more event information: http://www.thehighline.org/events/all/2011/9
Friday Sept. 30th - Sunday Oct. 2nd ~The 9th Annual NY Burlesque Festival~ (various times) {D} {C} {F} Who doesn't love the glamour of sequins, pasties and feather boas?Join in the fun of celebrating the art of teasing. Burlesque and variety show hotties from all over will be performing Friday Night at The Brooklyn Bowl and Saturday @ BB King's. The Golden pastie awards will be hosted at The Highline Ballroom Sunday night, where performers will be judged in categories like "Positively perfect posterior". Location: Various Locations
For more event information:http://www.thenewyorkburlesquefestival.com/index.php
Saturday Oct.1st. ~ Artisan Market @ Williams Sonoma~
(12pm-4pm) {E}
Enjoy meeting local producers while sampling and purchasing their signature food products. The Beekman brothers who host the Planet Green TV series The Fabulous Beekman Boys will have everything from goat milk honey soap to savory onion jam from Beekman 1802. Brooklyn Brine (pickled organic creations), Crown Maple (maple syrup), Sarabeth's Kitchen (Baked goods, jams), Tumbador Chocolate (chocolate sweets) and a few other vendors will be there with their tasty goods. Location: Columbus Circle Ten Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10019
For more event information: (212) 581-1146
Saturday Oct. 1st. ~ Chile Pepper Fiesta @ the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens ~
(11am-6pn) {E}
At this Annual Fiesta, listen and watch Mariachi bands and Mexican folk dancers. Circus masters Robbins and Ringold juggle chili peppers and do fire eating tricks. Meet chocolate and chili treat makers and sample their spicy sweet products. Kids can participate in a workshop where they can make their own spiced hot cocoa mix. Vote for your favorite amateur chefs in the Chocolate + Chili Takedown and enjoy. $15 for Chili pepper event. Garden Admission $10 for adults Free under the age of 12. Location: 900 Washington ave at Eastern Pkwy, prospect heights.
For more event information: http://www.bbg.org/
Saturday Oct. 1st - Weekends in October ~ Boo at the Zoo @ the Bronx Zoo ~ (Events go on throughout the day) {E}
Celebrate a New York Halloween tradition! October weekends are packed with activities, including hay mazes and hayrides, costume parades, musical theater, magic shows, and live music. Embark on a Haunted Safari to explore their B.O.O. Labs where Dr. D. Zaster is putting the final touches on Expedition Earth–his top secret experiment. Best of all, come visit with their bats, cats, and creepiest critters. And don't forget, kids in costume get in free!* Location: Bronx River Parkway and Boston Road, Bronx, NY
For more event information: http://www.bronxzoo.com/plan-your-trip/events-calendar/boo-at-the-zoo.aspx
Saturday Oct. 1st ~ Grand Opening Block Party @ The Children's Museum of the Arts ~ {E}Inside: 10-6pm, General Admission Price $10 and kids under 12mos free Outside: 10-3pm, FREE.
CMA is having a Grand opening party to celebrate their new space. There will be Studio art projects, puppetry, music time, drawing, and interactive Photo booths among many other exciting things to do. Check the site for opening weekend workshops and for information on the innovative classes they will provide throughout the year for children ages 1-15. Location:103 Charleston street between Hudson and Greenwich Street
For more event information and general info: http://www.cmany.org/index.php
Saturday Oct. 1st ~ The 4th Annual Ronald McDonald House Block Party ~ (11am-5:30pm) {E}
Come out for this Friend-raiser event in support of the pediatric cancer patients and their families who temporarily reside at the RMH in NYC. There will be food, live music, games, rides, shopping and Ronald himself may stop by. FREE food, rides and merchandise available for purchase. Location: 405 East 73rd Street
For more event information: https://www.rmh-newyork.org/block-party
Sunday October 2nd ~ The 37th Annual Atlantic Antic Festival ~ (12pm-6pm) {E} FREE There's nothing like a diverse crowd of thousands of people enjoying a NYC street fair. Known to be the largest street fair in NYC it's a great event to stimulate all your senses. Great performances from belly dancers, story-tellers, jazz bands and more. Delish neighborhood eats, fabulous unique finds from 500 vendors and 100 local merchants. The oh-so popular casual clothing company Uniqlo will even have a pop-up shop.There is a block for kids entertainment where they can ride ponies, have their face painted, and bounce around in bouncy houses (make sure you do this before they stuff their face full of funnel cake and cotton candy). Last year our favorite part of the Antic was the New York Transit Museums presentation of vintage buses which will be showcased this year too! See you out there. Location: Atlantic Avenue from Hicks st. to Fourth ave.
For more event information: atlanticave.org
CJ taking a seat in one of the old school buses
Sunday Oct. 2nd ~ The Medieval Festival ~ (11:30am-6pm) {E}
The Medieval Festival brings to life the customs and spirit of the Middle Ages. Manhattan's Fort Tryon Park is transformed into a medieval market town decorated with bright banners and processional flags. Performers, guests and festival goers dress in medieval costume. Visitors are greeted by authentic medieval music, dance, magic, and minstrels, as well as jugglers and jesters. The afternoon is concluded with a thrilling joust between four knights on horseback. Costumed vendors will be on hand to demonstrate and sell a wide variety of medieval crafts as well as food and drink. FREE Location: Margaret Corbin Circle/190th Street and Fort Washington Avenue.
For more event information: http://www.whidc.org/home.html
Sunday Oct. 2nd ~ Dan Zanes & Friends Concert ~
(3:00pm) {E}
We are big fans of Dane Zanes in our house so we'd recommend all of his shows just because we love him. Dan Zanes and Friends perform exuberant, handmade "21st century social music" for enthusiastic crowds of kids and kids-at-heart. Filled with irresistible grooves drawn from a wealth of musical traditions, Zanes, his Brooklyn based band and his surprising and eclectic special guests, create an interactive experience where people of all ages sing and dance without a care in the world. It's a big musical party and everyone's invited! $25.00 Location: NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts, 566 LaGuardia Place at Washington Square
For more event information: http://www.skirballcenter.nyu.edu
Chris with Dan Zanes @ Battery Park concert
Key to Events: {E} for everyone {D} for a date {C} for the Chicas {K} for the kiddies {F} for the Fellas {P} for the pets
If you are just visiting for the weekend or you are an everyday New Yorker, whatever you decide to do just enjoy the moment and Revel in all that is *NYC*
XOXO, Dellah
Looking for other great things to do this weekend? Check out Time out New york and Time Out Kids online and in news stands. One of my absolute favorite go to sources for things to do around NYC!!
~ Dellah's Jubilation is only suggesting events that are thought to be fun and interesting based on opinion. Dellah's Jubilation is not responsible for cancelled events or any other event changes (time, location etc.) due to mother nature or those running the event. Please double check all links to event for updates and changes. Dellahs Jubilation is not affiliated with Time out New York or Time Out Kids New York or any other magazine. I just love their magazine and site when on the hunt for things to do. Dellah's Jubilation always intends to give proper attribution if a credit was foreseen, it was purely accidental and credit will be given where it's due. Most importantly hit the streets and have fun!
