MANHATTAN

Life on a Desert Island
Sat, Aug 22 at 4:30PM
Central Park (next to Mineral Springs Café, W. 68 St)
FREE

In his adventures in the wilderness, Robinson Crusoe reincarnate follows the path from gather of plants, to hunter, to farmer and to craftsman. He explores nature and life on a desert island, but it’s really a guide for unity with the environment. You’ll see him make a shelter, bow and arrow, boat and more; it’s really down-right entertaining.

Back to School Kick-Off 2009
Sat, Aug 22, 10AM-3PM
Central Park (Bandshell Area)
FREE

OK so maybe the kids are dreading school, but they won’t even be thinking about it at this event. With student performances, arts & crafts, free popcorn and PBS characters Maya & Miguel, school will be the furthest thing from their minds. If it’s on yours, pick up some information at the DOE info tables on preparing both academically and socially for the upcoming year.

28^th Annual Downtown Dance Festival Annual Downtown Dance Festival
Sat, Aug 22 at 1PM
Battery Park
FREE

See ethnic, classical and contemporary dance from around the world—all on the lawn in Battery Park, as part of the River to River festival.

Lincoln Center Out of Doors Festival
Sun, Aug 23 at 2PM
Lincoln Center (outside)
FREE

Enjoy an afternoon of some true American early rock, R&B and blues. At 2pm check out the amazing campers from the Willie Mae Riock Camp for Girls on the North Plaza and then at 4pm the BRC Orchestra, Louisiana Renegades, Texas Tornados, Mazel Tov, Mis Amigos, and the Arturo O’Farrill Afro-Cuban Sextet take to the Damrosch Park Bandshell for what’s sure to be a rocking and inspirational show.

For even more blues, and some BBQ and bluegrass, head over to 3rd Ward Bluegrass BBQ (Sun, Aug 23, 4-9PM). Or check out the Willie Mae girls in concert on Saturday too.

Japan Street Fair
Sun, Aug 23, 11AM-6PM
Madison Ave b/w 43^rd and 44^th Sts
FREE

The NYC Japan Fair is a one-day showcase of all things Japanese - food, products, games, performances, and more food. There’s jazz, ballet with karate (woah), anime booths, books, games, ceramics, hot and cold udon, Japanese drums, and be sure to check out the site for even more. FYI, don’t knock sushi from a cart; the grub is awesome!

BROOKLYN

RITUALS and Dancewave’s Kid Company
Herbert Von King Park
Sat, Aug 22, 4PM-6:30PM
FREE

New York’s got canned heat in her heels this weekend. Join nathanrice/RITUALS dance company for a show they claim is “Neo-Nior,” and then watch kids ages 12-18 take the stage from Dancewave Kids Company.

Celebrate Local Food
Sat, Aug 22, 3PM-12AM
1287 Atlantic Ave
FREE

Live music, DJs, original artwork, dance, games, cooking demonstrations and displays, and of course, local food and drinks are all at this Brooklyn Farmyards fundraiser. Kids get to run around and play, you get to support local farms and help create more farmyards here in New York. That’s a green win-win.

5^th Annual Fort Greene Park Sumer Literary Festival
Sat, Aug 22, 3PM
Fort Greene Park
FREE

The festival celebrates the end of their free summer-long series of creative writing workshops, and is a day full of music and poetry in the park. This year, generations are brought together when young writers, ages 7-17, will read alongside Fort Greene residents Colson Whitehead, Tourè, and Nelson George.

QUEENS

Summer Fun in the Garden
Fri, Aug 21 at 11AM
Highland Park Children’s Garden
FREE

Take a trip back this weekend, when the Urban Park Rangers show you how the local Native Americans lived and farmed. Hint: it didn’t always involve eating turkey…

Romeo & Juliet
Sun, Aug 23 at 5PM
Forest Park, George Seuffert Bandshell
FREE

This week, we let you in on the big Shakespearian secret in Queens: there’s plenty of family-friendly shows happening, and they are free. Look back on the post for some tips (you don’t need blankets or chairs, for example; there’s bench seating) and check out Romeo & Juliet’s passionate young-love tale this weekend.

STATEN ISLAND

Early Birding
Sun, Aug 23 at 9AM
Wolfes Pond Park
FREE

They say the early bird catches the word, but in this case, you'll be catching glimpses and views of the birds themselves. Bring comfy shoes, and binoculars if you have them. There's so many different species at Wolfes Pond Park, so keep your eyes peeled!

Bringing Up Baby: Children's Furniture & Family Life Exhibit
Sun, Aug 23, 1PM-5PM
Historic Richmond Town
Free with regular admission

For tweens, almost tweens, and of course, you, this exhibit sounds really unique. It illuminates aspects of 19th century childhood that are still relevant to parents today, including children's safety, diet, social skills and hygiene. An audio tour is also included with regular admission.

THE BRONX

Wildlife Walk
Sat, Aug 22 at 11AM
Seton Falls Park
FREE

Newly renovated Seton Falls Park is one of the Bronx' Forever Wild parks. Come for an afternoon of enjoying the natural beauty and celebrating the hidden jewel.

The Last of Outdoor Movies:
Since outdoor movie season is winding down, don't miss your last few opportunities to watch free flicks by the water, under the stars and the bridge, and next to the skyline. (All start around sundown, get there a bit earlier with beach chairs, blankets, picnic baskets, etc.)

Curious George, Fri Aug 21, Pier 46
Apollo 13, Fri Aug 21, Intrepid's Flight Deck
The Lion King, Sun Aug 23, Michaelis-Bayswater Park (Rockaways, Queens)
Alice in Wonderland (Disney version, free with $7 bar minimum), Fri Aug 21, Rubin Museum of Art

For even more events, see our calendar, or check out what's going on in New Jersey and on Long Island.