All events are in Brooklyn unless noted and most are free. Many are bars so check if under age. If you can’t drink you might be able to eat there.
Saturday, April 29: Sakura Matsuri, Cherry Blossom Festival at Brooklyn Botanic Garden, many from the college will be there, it offers over 60 events and performances that celebrate traditional and contemporary Japanese culture. It has fields of pink blossoms. It has a fashion show, sword ceremony, a lot of dances, drumming and ancient Japanese instruments not seen in the NY. Also there are usually a magician, kiminos, pinwheels and puzzle events. The lily pond is a must and everything there depicts tranquility like the bridge. To buy food there are 20 minute lines at one of the areas (near the buildings) so you may want to bring your own if they let you. The 2 and 5 train stops right there at the Eastern Museum/Brooklyn Museum stop. I heard it is free for CUNY but it says $20 students. Run for the Wild, 7 am-1 pm, $50 (registration for adults; $40 registration for children 3-15 and seniors 65 and older) Zoo Admission is included. Music and dancing, face painting, rock climbing wall, a visit at the zoo and of course the 5K run to help your favorite animal. Become a sponsor or just come for the fun. The Family Fun run begins at 8:45 am, (strollers permitted), then the run begins with costume characters, sea lion feedings, give-aways, and more. Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Blvd. at Boston Road. Spring Kite Fest, 11:00 am-2 pm. Bring your own kite or create one while supplies last, Gertrude Ederle Recreation Center Accessible, 232 W. 60th St, Manhattan. National Independent Bookstore Day, 9 am, visit the borough’s many independent bookstores, including Greenlight Bookstore, 686 Fulton St. between S. Elliott Place and S. Portland Avenue. World Tai Chi and Qigong Day, 9:30 am, free instruction and demonstrations given by Sifu Tzyann Hsu, chief instructor at Qi Tao at the Grand Army Plaza, Union Street between Flatbush Avenue and Prospect Park West. Brooklyn Folk Arts Day, $10, 10 am-5 pm, classes, conversations, and folk art performances and demonstrations at the New York Foundation for the Arts, 20 Jay St., Suite 740, between John and Plymouth Streets. South Street Seaport Museum Anniversary Celebration, 11 am-5 pm, with tours of its current exhibitions Street of Ships: The Port and Its People, The Original Gus Wagner. The Maritime Roots of Modern Tattoo, and The Architecture of Trade: Schermerhorn Row and the Seaport; tours of the historic ships Ambrose and Wavertree; printing demonstrations at the Bowne print shops at 209-211 Water Street; and fun family activities and music on Pier 16, a special bell-ringing ceremony aboard the lightship Ambrose’s 110 year old bronze bell at 1 pm, 12 Fulton Street, Manhattan. Fifth Avenue Family Festival, 11 am–3 pm, crafts, games, and activities as well as live performances and giveaways. The Old Stone House, 336 Third St. between Fourth and Fifth Avenues. Earth Day at BC, 3 pm, live music, arts and crafts, and street performers at this free community festival, interactive family activities. Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College. Music in Motion, BargeMusic, see last weekend’s description. This Won’t Hurt: A Benefit for The Brooklyn Free Clinic, 7 pm, $20 ($15 in advance). Comedians night of comedy to benefit the student-run free clinic. With Jo Firestone, Aparna Nancherla, Marina Franklin, Julio Torres, and more. Bell House, 149 Seventh St. at Third Avenue. House of Waters, 9 pm, Part of the free performance series featuring rock, jazz, R&B, world, pop, and more. BAM Café, 30 Lafayette Ave. between Ashland Place and St. Felix Street. The Rub, An electronic music dance party, 10 pm, $10 before midnight, $15 after. Bell House, 149 Seventh St. at Third Avenue. High Rock Challenge, 9 am-3 pm, two-member teams run together along Greenbelt trails competing in mystery events and physical obstacles, which are located throughout the approximately 10K course. Events are cleverly designed and encourage teamwork as well as physical and mental stamina. Events are not revealed until race day when you’re on the course. Volunteers are needed to assist with refreshments and directing runners with challenges. Henry Kaufman Campgrounds Accessible, 1130 Manor Road, Staten Island, $120-$200. Register. Earth Day & Arbor Day Events.
Sunday, April 30: Historic New York: Coney Island, 1-2 pm. Between about 1880 and World War II, Coney Island was the largest amusement area in the United States, attracting several million visitors per year. At its height, it contained three competing major amusement parks, Luna Park, Dreamland, and Steeplechase Park, as well as many independent amusements. Join the Urban Park Rangers for a walking tour of this famous amusement park at the Parachute Jump. Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day, 12-4 pm. Take your own pinhole photos on the museum’s grounds and process them in our pop-up darkroom. Alice Austen House Museum in Alice Austen Park Accessible, 2 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island. Seining with the Park Rangers, 2–3:30 pm, Catch-and-release fishing, get ready to get your hands wet, seining programs use nets to catch fish. All equipment is provided; this program is recommended for ages 8 years and older. Participation is first-come, first-served. Burnett Street and Avenue U in Marine Park.
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