Whether you're running for a good cause or snapping selfies with picturesque blooms, New York City is giving you all the reasons to keep your weekend plans outdoors. <h5>Performance</h5> Legendary columnist and <a href="https://staging.whatshouldwedo.com/blog/author/mustoman2yahoo-com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">WSWD contributor Michael Musto</a> is bringing back one of America's favorite game shows—with a theatrical twist! In a hilarious updating of <a href="http://www.spincyclenyc.com/index.php/drag/490-times-squares" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Times Squares</em></a>, (based on the old TV game show <em>Hollywood Squares</em>) contestants are chosen from the audience to compete and join Musto and two special celebrity guests. <em>Friday, April 26; Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 West 42nd Street (between Ninth and Tenth Avenues), Hell's Kitchen; 10 p.m. </em> [caption id="attachment_106689" align="alignnone" width="1000"]<img class="wp-image-106689 size-full" src="https://wswd-wordpress-staging.s3.amazonaws.com/content/uploads/2019/04/24145629/Times-Squares-NYC-FB.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="731" /> Photo by James Eden/Courtesy of Times Squares[/caption] <h5>Eating + Drinking</h5> Break your Passover fast stylishly this year, courtesy of the Jewish Food Society. The non-profit has teamed up with Happy Cooking Hospitality's Fairfax for a <a href="https://www.fairfax.nyc/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">North African–inspired feast</a> perfect for your sweet tooth. (Marzipan-stuffed dates, anyone?) <em>Saturday, April 27; 234 West 4th Street (between Charles and West 10th Streets); 7–11 p.m.</em> [caption id="attachment_106682" align="alignnone" width="960"]<img class="size-full wp-image-106682" src="https://wswd-wordpress-staging.s3.amazonaws.com/content/uploads/2019/04/24143508/Jewish-Food-Society-NYC-FB.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="641" /> Photo courtesy of Jewish Food Society/Facebook[/caption] <h5>Family Fun</h5> "They're iconic. They're majestic. They're endangered. They need your help." <a href="https://my.wcs.org/event/wcs-run-for-the-wild-2019/e216014" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Run for the wild</a> and save animals at risk of going extinct (10,000 times faster than ever before!) only at the Bronx Zoo's annual 5K family run. <em>Saturday, April 27; 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx; 8 a.m.</em> [caption id="attachment_106677" align="alignnone" width="960"]<img class="size-full wp-image-106677" src="https://wswd-wordpress-staging.s3.amazonaws.com/content/uploads/2019/04/24142412/Wildlife-Conservation-Society%E2%80%8E-NYC-FB.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="640" /> Photo courtesy of Wildlife Conservation Society/Facebook[/caption] <h5>Art</h5> Now in its 17th year, the <a href="https://www.duafnyc.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Downtown Urban Arts Festival</a> is back with a diverse lineup of independent film, live theater, poetry slams, 90s music, and so much more. <em>Through Saturday, May 18; multiple locations</em> <h4><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-106680" src="https://wswd-wordpress-staging.s3.amazonaws.com/content/uploads/2019/04/24143213/Downtown-Urban-Arts-Festival-NYC-FB.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="640" /></h4> <h5>Festival</h5> It's that time of year again—the Brooklyn Botanic Garden highlights Japanese culture in its most stunning and long-awaited annual event, the <a href="https://www.bbg.org/visit/event/sakura_matsuri_2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival</a>. In addition to taking in the vivd pink blossoms (which will be at their peak during these two days), visitors will also be treated to taiko drumming performances, demonstrations by samurai-sword masters, and shopping opportunities at a mini flea market. <em>Saturday, April 27–Sunday, April 28; Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 990 Washington Avenue, Prospect Park</em> [caption id="attachment_105851" align="alignnone" width="2000"]<img class="size-full wp-image-105851" src="https://wswd-wordpress-staging.s3.amazonaws.com/content/uploads/2019/04/16132717/Spring-McCarren-Park-NYC-11.jpg" alt="" width="2000" height="1333" /> Photo by Sayaka Ueno[/caption] <h4><strong>Seeking more weekend inspo? <a href="http://staging.whatshouldwedo.com/offers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">You’ve come to the right place</a>.</strong></h4>
Stop to smell the (<a href="https://staging.whatshouldwedo.com/blog/celebrate-cherry-blossom-nyc-season/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">resplendent, opulent</a>) flowers this weekend. 1. Set your iPhone cameras to portrait mode, because the weekend-long <a href="https://staging.whatshouldwedo.com/blog/sakura-matsuri-cherry-blossom-festival-nyc/">Sakura Matsuri Festival</a> at Brooklyn Botanic Garden is upon is. Take loads of family photos under the pink blossom–heavy branches—and enjoy the taiko drumming, samurai sword demonstrations, anime game shows, and tea ceremonies. (Buy your tickets now; the festival <em>will</em> sell out.) [caption id="attachment_106831" align="alignnone" width="2000"]<img class="size-full wp-image-106831" src="https://wswd-wordpress-staging.s3.amazonaws.com/content/uploads/2019/04/25133620/Sakura-Matsuri-BBG-Taiko-Masala-Taiko-Drumming-for-Families-workshop-NYC-PC-Julie-Markes.jpg" alt="" width="2000" height="1283" /> Photo by Julie Markes/Courtesy of Brooklyn Botanic Garden[/caption] 2. Get glassy! <a href="https://urbanglass.org/events/detail/open-studios-sparkles">Urban Glass in Fort Greene</a> is opening up its 17,000-square-foot glass studios on Saturday for a behind-the-scenes look at how to blow glass, bend neon tubes, and flame work. (Oh, hey, that reminds us of the time we took a <a href="https://staging.whatshouldwedo.com/blog/family-saturday-brooklyn-glass/">family glassblowing class</a> at Brooklyn Glass!) [caption id="attachment_66633" align="alignnone" width="1500"]<img class="size-full wp-image-66633" src="https://wswd-wordpress-staging.s3.amazonaws.com/content/uploads/2018/06/15123613/On-Reflection-8-of-29.jpg" alt="" width="1500" height="768" /> Photo courtesy of Urban Glass[/caption] <blockquote> <h4>3. ’Tis the season for outdoor eatin’! <a href="https://staging.whatshouldwedo.com/blog/best-picnic-spots-in-nyc/">Picnic like a pro</a> at some of NYC’s most picturesque parks with a basketful of our <a href="https://staging.whatshouldwedo.com/blog/best-picnic-spots-in-nyc/">preferred foods</a> from nearby gems.</h4> </blockquote> 4. If your kids are into soccer, head to Brooklyn Bridge Park on Saturday to watch the five-on-five matches at the <a href="http://www.nyfest.org/">annual NYFest</a> for charity. Kids don't play in the actual tournament games (the teams are all from NYC media companies), but there will be a youth soccer showcase, 9 a.m.–1 p.m, plus sideline activities, food trucks, and live music. [caption id="attachment_106840" align="alignnone" width="960"]<img class="size-full wp-image-106840" src="https://wswd-wordpress-staging.s3.amazonaws.com/content/uploads/2019/04/25134335/NY-FEST-Film-and-Entertainment-Soccer-Tournament-NYC-FB.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="640" /> Photo courtesy of NYFest Film and Entertainment Soccer Tournament/Facebook[/caption] 5. End a Saturday visit to the New York Hall of Science with dinner from the food vendors at the <a href="http://www.queensnightmarket.com/">Queens Night Market</a> (think: an after-hours <a href="https://staging.whatshouldwedo.com/blog/nyc-outdoor-food-markets-smorgasburg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Smorgasburg</a>) on the grounds of the museum. [caption id="attachment_62899" align="alignnone" width="890"]<img class="size-full wp-image-62899" src="https://wswd-wordpress-staging.s3.amazonaws.com/content/uploads/2018/05/15131044/use-Queens-Night-Market-Eemes-Cuisine-credit-Charles-Sturges.jpg" alt="" width="890" height="593" /> Photo by Charles Sturges/Courtesy of Queens International Night Market[/caption] 6. Choose your own dino-venture: <a href="https://staging.whatshouldwedo.com/blog/t-rex-the-ultimate-predator-amnh/">Run with the mighty T. rex</a> at the American Museum of Natural History or journey on a <a href="https://bronxzoo.com/dinosaur-safari">dinosaur safari</a> at the Bronx Zoo. (If you pick the latter, pass your time in the borough with our <a href="https://staging.whatshouldwedo.com/blog/family-day-the-bronx-zoo-arthur-avenue/">Bronx family day plan</a>.) [caption id="attachment_101576" align="alignnone" width="2000"]<img class="size-full wp-image-101576" src="https://wswd-wordpress-staging.s3.amazonaws.com/content/uploads/2019/03/11103321/American-Museum-of-Natural-History-CPW-NYC-1.jpg" alt="t. rex: the ultimate predator" width="2000" height="1334" /> Photo courtesy of American Museum of Natural History[/caption] 7. Let the kids go crazy building with cardboard, recycled materials, old tires, and more at the Earth Day <a href="https://industrycity.com/event/playgroundnyc-earth-day-event/">pop-up adventure playground</a> (also described as a "junkyard for kids" by the hosts, Play:groundnyc) at <a href="https://staging.whatshouldwedo.com/blog/family-saturday-industry-city/">Industry City</a> on Sunday, 1–4 p.m. [caption id="attachment_106841" align="alignnone" width="960"]<img class="size-full wp-image-106841" src="https://wswd-wordpress-staging.s3.amazonaws.com/content/uploads/2019/04/25134342/playground-NYC-FB.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="484" /> Photo courtesy of Play:ground/Facebook[/caption] 8. Play stickball, cornhole, double Dutch, street hockey, lemon twist, and other classic street games at Saturday's <a href="https://www.nycgovparks.org/highlights/festivals/street-games">Throwback Street Party</a> in Harlem's Thomas Jefferson Park, 11 a.m–3 p.m. [caption id="attachment_106834" align="alignnone" width="2000"]<img class="size-full wp-image-106834" src="https://wswd-wordpress-staging.s3.amazonaws.com/content/uploads/2019/04/25133915/Street-Games-Harlem-NYC-NYC-Parks-M.-Pickney-1.jpg" alt="" width="2000" height="1333" /> Photo by M. Pickney/Courtesy of NYC Parks[/caption] <blockquote> <h4>9. Eat dim sum, shop for nunchucks, and play Sound Voltex. We’ve got your whole <a href="https://staging.whatshouldwedo.com/blog/best-video-game-nyc-sound-voltex/">family day in Chinatown</a> planned out.</h4> </blockquote> 10. Are your kids clowns? Make it official with a <a href="https://tickets.newvictory.org/single/PSDetail.aspx?psn=9503">Family Clowning Workshop</a> at the New Victory Theater on Saturday at noon. Sip "crazy shakes" at <a href="https://blacktapnyc.com/midtown-menu/">Black Tap</a> afterward. [caption id="attachment_106838" align="alignnone" width="1000"]<img class="size-full wp-image-106838" src="https://wswd-wordpress-staging.s3.amazonaws.com/content/uploads/2019/04/25134320/Black-Tap-Craft-Burgers-Beer-NYC-FB.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="753" /> Photo courtesy of Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer/Facebook[/caption] <h4>Discover more of our favorite family events and activities—they’re just a click away on the <a href="http://whatshouldwedo.com/offers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">WSWD app</a>.</h4>
Call the babysitter, clean the sandbox grit out of your pockets, and step out for a posh night in Park Slope. <h4><strong>EAT:</strong> Try Innovative Korean Cuisine at <a href="https://staging.whatshouldwedo.com/blog/haenyeo-park-slope-brooklyn/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Haenyeo</a></h4> New Orleans meets Seoul at this charming new restaurant from chef Jenny Kwak, former co-owner of the dearly departed West Village hot spot Do Hwa. <em>239 Fifth Avenue</em> <h4><strong>DESSERT:</strong> Indulge in Innovative Gelato Flavors at <a href="http://www.alberodeigelati.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">L’Albero dei Gelati</a></h4> Craving arugula gelato? Rose rhubarb? How about olive oil flavor? You will be after you try the sumptuous scoops at this Park Slope favorite. <em>341 Fifth Avenue </em> <h4><strong>DO:</strong> Catch Innovative Live World Music at <a href="https://staging.whatshouldwedo.com/blog/barbes-brooklyn-park-slope/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Barbès</a></h4> Eclectic musicians take over the back room of this beloved bar, filling the intimate space with everything from Balkan funk and Guinean jazz to South American electronic beats. <em>376 9th Street </em> <h4>Find date night plans in <em>your</em> neighborhood on <a href="http://whatshouldwedo.com/offers">our app!</a></h4>
You can do better than a tub of hummus and some baby carrots. To make the most of your picnic, take a walk through some of our favorite parks with a basketful of our preferred eats from nearby gems. <h4><strong>Picnic in Socrates Sculpture Park, Queens</strong></h4> Socrates is a quintessential New York City park—it’s big and hosts tons of <a href="http://socratessculpturepark.org/programs/all/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">community-organized events</a>, and it has <a href="http://socratessculpturepark.org/exhibitions/current/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">plenty of edgy eye candy to admire</a>. The park is often bustling with people when it’s warm out—and with complimentary yoga sessions, kayaking, and cultural performances, it’s no wonder. The view of the Manhattan skyline might also be one of our favorite sights in all of New York City. <h4><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-63291" src="https://wswd-wordpress-staging.s3.amazonaws.com/content/uploads/2018/05/17111605/Socrates-Sculpture-Park-use.jpg" alt="" width="890" height="548" /></h4> <h3><strong>Fill your picnic basket at:</strong></h3> <strong><a href="http://astoriabierandcheese.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Astoria Bier + Cheese</a></strong> It’s not a picnic without cheese and charcuterie. Astoria’s wide selection of meats and cheeses is insane, but if you prefer your curds grilled and stuffed between two slices, you have to get the Mr. Crispy, made with rosemary ham and Gruyére. It always hits the spot. 3<em>5-11 Ditmars Boulevard</em> <strong><a href="http://nycbch.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">New York City Bagel and Coffee House</a></strong> Don’t limit your picnics to lunch; grab an enormous breakfast bagel from this urban-chic establishment. Yes, it has a solid variety of bagels to choose from, but the cream cheese selection is on another level, with flavors ranging from plain to wasabi to bacon scallion. So you really shouldn't limit yourself to <em>one</em> bagel either. <em>29-08 23rd Avenue</em> <h4><strong>Picnic in Prospect Park, Brooklyn</strong></h4> This gigantic park, the largest in Brooklyn, has oh-so-many spots that are perfect for an outdoor meal—or <a href="https://staging.whatshouldwedo.com/blog/new-york-obsessions-prospect-park-trees/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">existential contemplation</a>, if that suits your fancy. My favorite place to eat during the summertime is the strip of Long Meadow right behind the Prospect Park Bandshell. The open space makes way for a breeze that will refresh you even on the stickiest of summer nights. Plus, you can’t beat the free tunes coming from <a href="https://www.bricartsmedia.org/events-performances/bric-celebrate-brooklyn-festival" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn</a> (which opens on June 4 with a concert from none other than Patti LaBelle!). <h4><img class="aligncenter wp-image-66634" src="https://wswd-wordpress-staging.s3.amazonaws.com/content/uploads/2017/06/15125132/Audubon-Center-Prospect-Park.jpg" alt="" width="890" height="483" /></h4> <h3><strong>Fill your picnic basket at:</strong></h3> <a href="https://www.hancosny.com/"><strong>Hanco’s</strong></a> We don’t normally associate picnics with Vietnamese food but, oh, we should. Toasty banh mi, refreshing rice paper–wrapped summer rolls, and bubble tea are the ultimate basket fillers in our opinion. <em>350 Seventh Avenue, Park Slope</em> <strong><a href="http://www.ladybirdbakery.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ladybird Bakery</a></strong> No picnic is complete without dessert. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a double-crust apple pie or pecan tart from Park Slope local-favorite Ladybird. <em>1112 Eighth Avenue, South Slope</em> <h4><strong>Picnic in Fort Tryon Park, Manhattan</strong></h4> This park is like Central Park’s calmer <em>and </em>prettier younger sister. Nestled at the top of Manhattan, it boasts beautiful gardens, pathways, and <a href="https://www.metmuseum.org/visit/met-cloisters/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the Cloisters</a>. The best part about picnicking here? Eating a selection of these appetizing Inwood options while taking in dramatic views of the Hudson River and Palisades. <img class="size-full wp-image-70047" src="https://wswd-wordpress-staging.s3.amazonaws.com/content/uploads/2017/05/22085702/Fort-Tryon-Park.jpg" alt="" width="890" height="653" /> <h3><strong>Fill your picnic basket at:</strong></h3> <strong><a href="http://www.chocnyc.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Choc NYC</a></strong> Stop in to get the caramelized croissant, red velvet raspberry cupcake, or apple streusel bar…or surrender to your sweet tooth and get all three. <em>4996 Broadway (between West 211th and 212th Streets)</em> <a href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/broadyke-meat-market-new-york"><strong>Broadyke Meat Market</strong></a> You must order the sublime homemade roast beef sandwich at this outstanding meat shop. If you’re in the mood for something to feed an entire tribe, its meatball and eggplant parm sandwiches aren’t bad either. Nope, not bad at all. <em>4767 Broadway (between Dyckman and Cumming Streets)</em> <h4><strong>Picnic in Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx</strong></h4> If you’re planning on having an outdoor meal in New York City’s third largest park, venture to Gun Hill Meadow, accessible via West Gunhill Road and Jerome Avenue. It’s a peaceful area with plenty of flora and (sometimes) hummingbirds. There, you can laze on a blanket with your food and Moleskine notebook. Pro picnic tip: After you nosh, go play some golf on Van Cortlandt’s 16-hole course (the first municipal course in the country!). <img class="aligncenter wp-image-70048" src="https://wswd-wordpress-staging.s3.amazonaws.com/content/uploads/2017/05/22090353/Van_Cortlandt_Park_2012.jpg" alt="" width="890" height="627" /> <h3><strong>Fill your picnic basket at:</strong></h3> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/monamourcoffeewine/?hl=en"><strong>Mon Amour Coffee & Wine Bar</strong></a> Stop into this charming shop prepicnic to grab a coffee and a quick bite to go. Rumor has it that the prosciutto arugula flatbread is too good to miss. <em>234 West 238th Street</em> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tilila.nyc/?hl=en"><strong>Tilila (or La Casita Azul)</strong></a> Spice up your picnic with Dominican food from this neighborhood favorite. Order some Riki Taki sliders (made with ground beef and topped with a grilled tomato), bring them to the park, and take a bite: You’ll soon be transported to the beaches of Punta Cana. <em>3648 Bailey Avenue</em> <strong><a href="http://www.gardengourmetmarket.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Garden Gourmet Market</a></strong> Not sure what you’re in the mood for but want lots of options to choose from? Go to Garden Gourmet—it has an amazing selection of…everything. Vegetables of all kinds? Check. Organic cookies and Oreos? Check. Artisanal hummus and Sabra? Check. Tip: Spoil your taste buds with one of its feta-based dips. <em>5665 Broadway</em> <h4><strong>Picnic in Willowbrook Park, Staten Island</strong></h4> After I took my driving test in Staten Island several years ago, I went to Willowbrook Park, one of the most popular outdoor spots on the island, for a celebratory picnic. I popped a squat near the <a href="https://sigreenbelt.org/carousel-opening-day-saturday-may-6-12-noon/">Carousel for All Children</a> (which conveniently opens for the season on May 4), enjoyed the best Sicilian sandwich I have ever had (to this day) from Enzo & Tino’s Bake Shop, then drove to <a href="http://snug-harbor.org/botanical-garden/new-york-chinese-scholars-garden/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Snug Harbor's Chinese Scholar's Garden</a> to plot out my future road trips. You wouldn’t be wrong if you did the same. <h4><img class="aligncenter wp-image-70050" src="https://wswd-wordpress-staging.s3.amazonaws.com/content/uploads/2017/05/22090849/Willowbrook_Park.jpg" alt="" width="890" height="598" /></h4> <h3><strong>Fill your picnic basket at:</strong></h3> <strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/enzotinosbakeshop/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Enzo & Tino’s Bake Shop</a>, 1949 Richmond Avenue</strong> I repeat: The Sicilian Best, which is served on toasted French bread with prosciutto di Parma, fresh mozzarella, roasted red papers, baby arugula, and roasted garlic mayo, will ruin every other Italian-style sandwich you might encounter in your lifetime. And the sweet treats? Well, it has a Straw-Brie grilled cheese on the menu. If that doesn’t win you over, then I don’t know what will. <h4>Picnic provisions in parks! Find more alliteration (and delicious places to eat) on our <a href="http://staging.whatshouldwedo.com/offers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mobile app</a>.</h4>