Birthday Weekend!

Wow, I haven't been in NY over a weekend for a while, and I'm leaving again later this weekend for work...sorry, will have to hold on my China update, but in a few words, it was eye-opening, intriguing, fattening and cheap, all at the same time.  Pics should say it all.

Anyways, it is my birthday weekend, and I'm getting a haircut from Justin @ Bloom Beauty Lounge today! Donating my hair to Wigs for Kids too, which is just what I was hoping to do.  Finally, it has been so long, literally: ).  It's not free (I know, gasp!), more like half off, but I figured I was allowed to splurge - even for me, hehe.  It's still a good deal, ok!

Again, skimpy weekender for you b/c of my travels (the more I post about events I can't go to b/c I'm away, the more sad it makes me...but I do it for you!!: ).  Have a good one, for me!

SAT  6/19

• 12-4p - Adventures NYC @ Central Park/72nd - free event promoting having fun outdoors, and grab a free helmet while you're at it!  Would be cool to see "The Last Airbender" shaolin performance too (I want to see the movie too, hehe: ).
• 2p - 28th Annual Mermaid Parade @ Coney Island!  It's mermaids and mermen and a bunch of other sea creatures coming out to play!
• Toy Story 3 is out!  Rotten Tomatoes gave it 100%, heard good reviews about it so far!

SUN 6/20 - Happy Father's Day

• DADS!  Get free ice cream at Tasti-Dlite today!
• 11a-4p - (Ends Today!) Speaking of which - check out this neat UES exhibit on the history of ice cream: "What's the Real Scoop?" (Mount Vernon Hotel Museum - 421 E 61st).  Free w/ museum admission ($8 adults, $7 students).
• $1 Cupcakes @ Billy's Bakery Tribeca (75 Franklin St) tomorrow, for it's 1 year anniversary - sweeeet.
• FREE Salsa Nights Sun and Wed every week! - Found a great FREE salsa party that happens 2 times a week, we'll go again soon, so stay tuned!

MON 6/21

• Make Music NY - Sounds fun! "Free concerts in public spaces throughout the five boroughs of New York City, all on Monday, June 21st, the first day of summer"

ONGOING

• Thru 9/12 - "Andy Warhol's The Last Decade" @ BK Museum - p.s. FREE on First Sat = next one is July 3!

Be back soon for more fun and adventures - HAPPY SUMMER, officially!!

Get your SUMMER ON!

To get in the perfect summer mood: currently listening to (and loving!) -

• HOME:WORD - Magnetic North and Taiyo Na's latest and greatest album, just released this summer!  I LOVE "Summertime"- you have to listen to it.  Click HERE for the sampler.

• ROMANCE & ROOFTOPS - DJ Lani Love summer mix tape - doesn't get much better than her beats!

Truly amazing local artists and even cooler as friends - congrats, so happy for you!!

Weekender: 5/29-31 - Happy Memorial Day (Via Bypremier)!!

This weekender I turn it over to fellow free lover, Bypremier, who shares his pics for Memorial Day weekend!  I'm also away in China for 2 weeks, so be prepared to get right into birthday week fun when I return (I know you're excited too!: )  


Thanks so much to Bypremier for kicking off the summer for us! - NYChar


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Hello Everyone. Guest blogger, bypremier, here.


Wishing everyone a happy and safe Memorial Day weekend! This weekend of course is a big one: The unofficial start of summer, a long weekend for most of us, (hopefully) some nice weather, and lots of fun things to do.


So if you’re looking for what’s happening in NYC this weekend (which is why you come to this wonderful site), then allow me to give you a few ideas.

• For those looking for a little nostalgic fun, then come on down to the grand opening of Luna Park in Coney Island (W 10th St between the Boardwalk and Surf Ave, Coney Island, Brooklyn; lunaparknyc.com; 11am–midnight). Pick up a wristband and access up to 19 new rides.

• Of course, if you prefer your fun more intrepid and naval. Then the amazing, NYChar, has already detailed the upcoming Fleet Week events (see below 5/28 post). Please do check out some of the fun events scheduled (I’m most looking forward to the cast members from the Broadway musical “Wicked” performing at Noon on Saturday, May 29^th).

• Since most of you are probably familiar with Fleet Week thanks to some small, little show called “Sex and the City”, then I’m sure you’re all anxiously waiting to throw on your best dress and take those Manolo’s out of the box, because “Sex and the City 2” is coming to a theater near you. But if you’re like me, then you have to save up just to pay for those ridiculous movie prices.

That’s why I found this great deal for $4 AMC movie tickets (click HERE).  

• After a night of fun (or for some of you, while preparing for a night of fun) with Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha…you’ll probably need this.

Sign up for America Apparel’s email newsletter, get a free thong. 

• Or if a chick flick is not your style and you don’t want to spend your weekend indoors, then go out and BBQ it up like a regular grill master. Burgers, hot dogs, chicken wings, and if you’re high class…a little bul-go-ki. And after you’re done shoveling down all that meat…nothing goes better than some nice, cold ice cream.

If you like it free, then try and find the Ben and Jerry’s truck.

Otherwise, Cold Stone Creamery has a 20% off coupon.

So there you go…a little something for everyone.


Thanks to NYChar for letting me guestblog. Everyone be safe and have a fun filled and relaxing weekend.


Bypremier
Author of Random thoughts, the illustrious captain of bankruptcy, Resident sports and movie expert, and Lover of all things free - especially movies and food. Because we shouldn't have to pay $20 for a movie, $4 for pinkberry, and $6 for jamba juice. 


Please follow me at http://bypremier.blogspot.com.

Fri 5/28 Fun - Big Ships and 39 Steps!

Woo-hoo - mom and brother are in town, just in time for FLEET WEEK 2010!

From About.com: What is Fleet Week?:

Since 1984, New York City has held Fleet Week to honor the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. The week features extensive military demonstrations, as well as the opportunity for the public to tour some of the visiting ships. The Memorial Day commemoration is a highlight of the week's festivities, featuring the singing of Taps and a military aircraft fly over in honor of those who lost their lives in service to the United States.

I'm planning to stop by and take them to a few things...but check out the rest of the schedule HERE!

• 8 am-5 pmFree Ship Tours
  Where: Pier 88, 48th St/West Side Highway
  Where: Stapleton Pier, SI
• 8 am-6 pmF-18 Flight Simulator
  Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Display
  USCG Static Displays
  Paramount Top Gun Video Kiosks
  ONR Static Display
  Where: Pier 88, 12th & 46th St
  Where: Homeport Pier, SI (Static Display)
• 9 am-4 pmUSMC Day in Times Square
  Where: Times Square
• 5-6:15 pmNavy Band Northeast performs at Times Square
  Where: Times Square

In the evening - planning to take them to see the off-broadway play 39 Steps, an Alfred Hitchcock "comedy thriller" of sorts...looks great, plus tix are cheap (either $39 for 39 seats or $26.50 for rush, 2 hrs before the show!).

Come along for the fun! 

-NYChar

nycolor.is.life@gmailcom

Wed 5/26 - FREE Kerastase treatment + blow out (with donation)

Wed 5/26 - Donate $10 to Loves of Love, get a FREE Kerastase treatment and blow out - get the invite HERE!

Weekender 5/22-23: "For Kids"

A new friend in town from LA asked me last night where he could take his wife and cute daughter for some fun this weekend, and I found out some great FREE/cheap events on TimeOut Kids that I think you and I can definitely enjoy too!  No shame in getting your face painted, I'm all about that: ).

Have a great time in NY, Gary, Susan, and Jesslyn!


SAT 5/22

• 10a: Touch-a-Truck Street Fair - YMCA 64th and Central Park West
• At this extravaganza, youngsters are free to explore police cars, fire trucks and other vehicles. Kids who aren't as enthused about automotives can jump around in bouncy castles, listen to AudraRox jam at 11am and 1pm, get their faces painted, create crafts, enter raffles and munch on food from Magnolia, Crumbs, Alice's Teacup and other yummy vendors. Event will go on rain or shine. All ages.
• 1030a-130p: Spring Kids Fest - Madison Square Park
• Time Out Kids teams up with the Madison Square Park Conservancy for this outdoor fair chockfull of arts activities, live music and theater, storytelling, face painting, tasty treats and more. All ages.
• 1p: Hudson River Pagent - Hudson River
• This parade of puppets, costumes, music, dance and performances celebrates the Hudson River’s plant and animal life, history and future. The pageant starts at the World Financial Center, and other events will take place along the Hudson River (check website for details). All ages.
• 12-3p: Highland Park's Strawberry Festival - Jamaica, Queens -
• Enjoy a family day of all things strawberry! The festival includes music, crafts, games, and a horse & carriage ride around Highland Park!
• 1-7p: Dance Parade - Tompkins Sq Park -
• The procession starts at Broadway and 21st Street, with floats and 5,000 dancers moving to everything from African to zydeco beats, wending their way past Union Square, through the East Village via St. Marks Place and ending up at Tompkins Square Park, where the party continues with free dance lessons and performances. All ages.

Starting 5/22 - exhibit at Amer Mus of Nat'l Hist: "Wild Wild World: Raptors"

SUN 5/23

• 10a-2p: Farm in the City Fair - 14th St Y
• Kids should arrive at this carnival dressed like farmers or farm animals. There will be games, live music, a hoedown, potato sack races and more. Ages 1 to 6.

6/29-7/17: Midsummer Night Swing is Back!

I am SO excited about Midsummer Night Swing @ Lincoln Center!  Where else can you get amazing live music and dancing all in one place...here you go, check out the SCHEDULE!

I'll be sending out the dates I plan to go via email (aka the list that I send out info about all my adventures and special deals just for subscribers!), so if you're not on the list yet, email me and I'll put you on!

Summer ON - see you soon!