New York City is a cultural hotspot…Well duh, it’s not the city that never sleeps for nothing. Few people take advantage of some of the little known and affordable outdoor events occurring until the end of summer. Here’s a quick look at what’s happening in the Big Apple until we have to whip out our Fall jackets and boots:
- NYC International Fringe Festival, aka Fringe NYC: If your have a passion for funky art, street art, modern art, comedic art…or any kind of art, this is the event for you. From August 10th to the 26th, Fringe celebrates art by hosting around 1000 different performances that showcase all different kinds of art, including absurdist comedies, social commentaries, and even hip-hop musicals. It is one of the major multi-art celebratory occasions in this country. Boasting over 75 thousand people in attendance in 2009, it takes place over many stages across New York City….And just to make ensure that only the best people perform, all of the acts that are showcased have been selected by a well-respected jury of artists.
- Historic Richmond Town Faire: Make your way onto the Staten Island ferry on Sunday September 1st – 3rd because the days of wondering how people lived before the age of Facebook, cell-phones, and central air conditioning, are over. This authentically historic town is hosting their annual County Faire. Historic Richmond is a living history village, where visitors can relive American life in the colonial period. Equipped with a working farm and 30 historic buildings, it literally allows guests to live in the days of olde, yester years, ‘before your granddaddy was born.’
- Monet’s Garden; exhibit at the New York Botanical Garden. While this picturesque garden is, in fact, open year round, summer is one of the most exquisite times to visit. The exhibit pays tribute to Monet showcasing two of his original and rare paintings, Irises and The Artist’s Garden at Giverny. Through the garden’s stunning display of flowers taken from the painter’s works, they also recreate many of his most famous impressionisms. Plain and simple, the Botanical gardens bring art to life by its breathtaking assortments of the same flowers Monet painted. The current exhibit will be opened until October 19 when they switch to the winter exhibit, so make your way over to the Bronx before it closes.
- Delocarte Theatre in Central Park: For over 50 years, natives and tourists alike have been able to take pleasure in a magical experience where they can enjoy wonderful performances of some of Shakespeare’s classics like Into the Woods and As You Like It. But what is even more impressive is the famous actors and even more famous directors that took part in making it all happen. This summer, Daniel Sullivan has the honor of directing a talented cast of stars that will ensure onlookers’ satisfaction. Catch it before its gone in October.
- Fashion Night Out: September 6th. Experience fashion like the movies make it out to be. This event allows shoppers, models, designers, and celebrities, to participate in a remarkable night of shopping and exclusive events – including live music acts and celebrity appearances. Only five years old, this event has risen to the top of the social calendar – compelling some of the biggest stars of the industry to come out and meet fans. Its tough to know where to hang out though—there are just so many options! We’ve got the inside scoop for you right here. See you there?
- Downtown Boathouse: This is a great and financially un-burdensome way to enjoy one of New York’s most precious rivers. The Downtown Boathouse is a non-profit organization that encourages working out by offering free public kayaking on the Hudson River. They even offer lessons and tours – for free. The organization operates on a first come-first serve basis – so get try to arrive at 5 pm on weeknights (opening)…weekends are a bit more flexible though—they’re opened from 9 am- 6 pm. They wont be open for much longer though so get there before its too cold.
- Atlantic Avenue Fair: On September 30th, the mother of all street fairs will be fully operational in the heart of Brooklyn. This is not any regular run-of-the-mill street fair either: it spans over a mile and displays thousands of shoppes and street vendors. The entire day the street is closed to traffic, giving room to hundreds of vendors selling everything from food, to art, to jewelry, and even pottery. Add on some awesome concerts, raffles, and dances – and you’ll have yourself a great day activity.
Get psyched because even though school might be starting—doesn’t mean you have to sleep! Hello New York City culture.