As we head into this holiday weekend, check out our lively list of excellent event picks. Frida fascinates, Fleet Week wows, big cats of Asia amaze, and two different festivals fulfill your every family fun wish. Attending any one of these will guarantee a memorable Memorial Day.
Through Sunday, November 1
Frida Kahlo: Art, Garden, Life
New York Botanical Garden
10am-6pm; closed Mondays
Explore the art, gardens, and life of legendary artist Frida Kahlo at the New York Botanical Garden. Visitors can view 14 original Kahlo paintings and some of her artwork on paper that focuses on botanicals and plant life. The Haupt Conservatory will be transformed into a re-creation of Kahlo’s home garden, and will showcase garden plants from Mexico. Children’s activities include performances at Frida’s Puppet Theater, arts and crafts, Mexican food cooking demos, and more. Free with garden admission.
Beginning Wednesday, May 20
Fleet Week
The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Various times
Celebrate Fleet Week at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum! Enjoy hands-on activities led by NASA, the Office of Naval Research, and other military partners; hear from astronaut and naval pilot Scott Altman, who served as Tom Cruise’s flight double in “Top Gun,” as well as other former astronauts and military aviators at a special Meet the Pilots event. Fleet Week pier activities are free. Museum activities are free with museum admission. Runs through Tuesday, May 26.
Friday, May 22-Sunday, May 24
20th Annual Lower East Side Festival of the Arts
The Theater for the New City
Various times
This weekend join the Theater for the New City for the 20th Annual Lower East Side Festival of the Arts. All ages can enjoy film screenings, food, children’s programming, poetry readings, theatrical performances, street vendors, and more. This event is free.
Saturday, May 23
Spotlight Asia: Big Cats
American Museum of Natural History
12pm-5pm
Take a walk on the wild side this Saturday at the American Museum of Natural History during Spotlight Asia: Big Cats. Learn all about lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, and snow leopards through theater and musical performances, as well as hands-on activities that highlight the fearsome wild cats of Asia. Plus, get a sneak preview of Saung Budaya’s Topeng Blantek (mask) dance, a traditional Indonesian dance ceremony. Free with museum admission.
Sunday, May 24
11th Annual Family Festival
Governors Island
12pm-4pm
Hop on a ferry to Governors Island this Sunday for its annual Family Festival! This year’s festivities include puppet-making, flower planting, live music, face painting, ice cream, and performances by The Story Pirates, the Central Park Zoo’s Wildlife Theater, Arm of the Sea, and others. This event is free.
