New York City Kids Weekend Events for September 18-20: Free Fall Festivals, Feasts, Harvests, and Fairs, Books, Chess and More
If the chill in the air doesn’t give it away, the abundance of apples, pumpkins, corn and hay sure does: Fall is here. Though we’ve said goodbye to the beach, there’s even more to do outside this season, like playing in pumpkin patches right here in New York City, enjoying fall foods at all the street fairs and festivals, learning how to play chess (OK, not a typical outdoor activity), biking, readings, and celebrating various cultures. Get a taste (literally!) of all that this weekend offers at events like the Irish Fair, San Gennaro feast, Native American Festival, Queens County Fair, Tasty Harvest, Tour de Parc and even more.
The Feast of San Gennaro
Fri, Sept 18; Sat, Sept 19; Sun, Sept 20, 11:30AM-Midnight
Mulberry St (between Hester and Grand Sts)
FREE
One of my favorite fall events, “The Feast,” is always super crowded, but one of the only times I visit Little Italy all year, since it's bustling with Italian flavor (both figuratively and literally). There are some rides and music, but the big draw is il cibo (the food). Come hungry, leave overly satisfied, then head to another one of this weekend’s events. [Expect crowds]
Fri, Sept 18, 3PM
Bryant Park (40th St at 5th Ave)
FREE
Not your typical fall activity, but (for older kids) still lots of fun. Learn strategies, tactics, unexpected attacks, and unusual combinations from the experts at Midtown Backgammon and Chess. Beginners welcome!
Sat, Sept 19 at 10AM
Battery Park Esplanade Plaza
FREE
Tricyclists, bicyclists and scooter riders 9 years old and younger show their pedal power in an "everyone wins" cycling tour of the parks. There are lots of stops along the way, too, like bicycle decorating. Helmets required.
I SPY a Good Time
Sat, Sept 19 at 3PM
The Scholastic Store
FREE
Celebrate all things I SPY--families can play I SPY board games, test their skills in an I SPY scavenger hunt and enjoy a reading of the latest release, I SPY A-Z!
Rosh Hashanah Family Service
Sat, Sept 19 at 10AM
92nd St Y
$25
Celebrate the Jewish New Year with your family and others at this intergenerational Rosh Hashanah experience. Listen to traditional and creative music, live the prayers, sing songs and renew your meaningful connections to the holiday.
Little Red Lighthouse Festival
Sat, Sept 19, Noon-5PM
Fort Washington Park
FREE
Join the New York Restoration Project and City of New York/Parks & Recreation for an afternoon of live music, lighthouse tours, arts and crafts, hayrides, festive food, and a reading of The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Grey Bridge. There will also be a performances by Hot Peas ‘N’ Butter & John Oliver and the Distinguished. [Could be crowded]
Sun, Sept 20 at 1PM, Doors open at Noon
Governors Island
FREE
The Beach Animals and other special guests read a selection of Shel’s beloved poems followed by a set of Shel’s most famous songs (the Unicorn, Boy Named Sue, etc) performed by Jack Grace.
Sat, Sept 19, 12:30PM-7PM
Coney Island Boardwalk
FREE
Get your lord-of-dance on at this family-friendly event that celebrates New York City’s great Irish-American heritage and culture with music, food, dancing, and Irish goods.
Apple Festival
Sun, Sept 20, Noon-4PM
Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum
FREE
Turns out you don’t even need to leave the big city for some old-fashioned fall fun. There will be games and crafts, apple fritters and cider pressing, and workshops on cooking fresh produce from their weekly Farmers Market and an authentic local Brooklyn jug band.
Sat, Sept 19; Sun, Sept 20, 11AM-6PM
Queens County Farm
Adults $7; children (12 and under) $4 A traditional county fair with blue ribbon competitions in livestock, produce, home crafts, arts and crafts, and more. Enjoy the Amazing Maize Maze, pie-eating and corn-husking contests, Big Apple Circus Variety Acts, make-your-own-scarecrow, hayrides, petting zoo, carnival rides, and midway. There’s also the Bavarian Garden, Irish and German bands, and craft and food vendors. Get there early to avoid long lines.
Tasty Harvest
Sat, Sept 19, 1PM-4PM
Detective Keith L. Williams Park
FREE
If you can’t make the fair, or haven’t gotten your harvest fill, check out this event that wants you to savor the bountiful flavors of the garden at summer’s end. Yummm.
Sat, Sept 19 at 1PM
High Rock Park
FREE
Sit by the swamp for a spell and enjoy a story about the critters that live nearby. Includes a short hike. Meet in the High Rock Park parking lot (Nevada Avenue off Rockland Avenue). Suitable for age 3-6 with adult chaperone. Registration required; call (718) 351-3450 to register.
1776 Peace Celebration
Conference House Park
Sat, Sept 19 at 11Am
$3 for adults, $2 for children and seniors
A recreation of the attempted peace talks between the British and the Americans, with Colonial-era music and dancing, crafts booths, outdoor cooking demonstrations, and children’s games and crafts. (Rain date September 20.)
Grand Opening Celebration at New Gateway Center
at the Bronx terminal Market
Sat, Sept 19, 9AM-6PM
FREE
Hang with Target’s Bullseye, Toys “R” Us’ Geoffrey the Giraffe, clowns and circus acts from Big Apple Circus, Bronx Zoo picture stations, family-friendly live musical performances and entertainment, and workshop stations throughout the Center. There will also be an “around the Center” passport program, where families can get stamps from each store in order to receive a surprise gift.
Native American Festival
Sun, Sept 20, Noon-5PM
Pelham Bay Park
FREE
The Bronx Native American Festival is a celebration of the indigenous cultures of all the Americas. Music, dancing, and storytelling highlight this family-oriented gathering that is both entertaining and educational.
Photo: joiseyshowaa
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