Hi everyone! January is flying by and Monday is Martin Luther King Day so we get to enjoy a long weekend.
This weekend check out The 36th Annual Brooklyn Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at BAM, Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at Brooklyn Children’s Museum, The Schomburg Center’s 10th Annual Black Comic Book Virtual Festival, Winter Nature Photography in Central Park, Hot Peas ‘N Butter YouTube Video Premiere, Seal Exploration in Lemon Creek Park, Outdoor Skills: Fire Building in Fort Greene Park, The Muppets at the Museum of the Moving Image, Just Kidding Livestream: Jomion & The Uklos, Walter with Jeanine Odom at Staten Island Children’s Museum, Family Art Project: Freedom Quilters of Gee’s Bend at Wave Hill, Fyütch presents Black History is Everyone’s History! at Sugar Hill Children’s Museum of Art, Astronomy: Phases of the Moon in Parade Ground, Virtual Events for Youth & Families: Gates of Equality, Living History @ Home: Voter Suppression Then and Now and Viva Chinese Opera: An Afternoon of Chinese Theater in Celebration of Lunar New Year at Flushing Town Hall.
Also check out long running events like The Thurderbird American Indian Dancers at the Theater for the New City, The 3 Wishes and 3 Little Lambs at Puppetworks, Origami Holiday Tree at the American Museum of Natural History, Ice Skating at LeFrak Center at Lakeside in Prospect Park, “A Wonderful, Awful Idea”: Animating the Grinch Who Stole Christmas at Museum of the Moving Image, Holiday Express: Toys and Trains from the Jerni Collection at New-York Historical Society and Governors Island Winter Village Ice Skating Rink.
These are just some of the weekend events so check the calendar to see everything going on. Also like us on Facebook for updates.
Enjoy the long weekend and have lots of fun with the family!
~ Deirdre (mom to O & C)
Friday January 14th
The Schomburg Center’s 10th Annual Black Comic Book Festival (virtual)
Friday-Saturday January 14th-15th 10a-8p. Free. Register here. The 2022 Black Comic Book Festival marks a decade of bringing together animators, Blerds, bloggers, cosplay lovers, fans, families, illustrators, independent publishers, and writers to celebrate Black comic books and graphic novels and provides a platform to get the works directly to readers. This annual event features panel discussions, workshops, cosplay showcases, and highlights the work of creators from across the country. Due to the changing circumstances with regards to COVID cases, this event will now be fully virtual. Patrons can still register for events and panels online.
The Muppets at the Museum of the Moving Image (Astoria)
Friday January 14th 3p. Tickets: $15, $11 senior and students, $9 youth (ages 3–17) & discounted for MoMI members ($7–$11). Order tickets. Please pick up tickets at the Museum’s admissions desk upon arrival. All seating is general admission. Review safety protocols before your visit. It’s been just over ten years since the Muppets returned to the big screen with the story of their fictional return to the small screen. As the movie begins, Gary (Segel) and his Muppet-like brother Walter take a trip to Hollywood with Gary’s sweetheart Mary (Adams) and soon find themselves on a mission to reunite the Muppets, who have all gone their separate ways. Will they get everyone together in time for a telethon to save The Muppet Theatre from evil oil man Tex Richman (Cooper)? This was the first Muppet movie to win an Academy Award, with composer Bret McKenzie taking home the prize for Best Original Song for “Man or Muppet.” Introduced by Jim Henson Legacy President Craig Shemin.
Hot Peas ‘N Butter YouTube Video Premiere (virtual)
Friday January 14th 4-445p. Free with RSVP, one ticket per household. Shake and sizzle to the multicultural rhythms of Hot Peas ‘N Butter. Hear a lively mix of beats, from vibrant Puerto Rican folk music to soulful American blues, and in honor of Tu B’Shevat (birthday of the trees) dance to tunes from award-winning albums including Back to The Land, which celebrates our connection to the earth. YouTube link sent with email confirmation. If you do not receive your email confirmation within ten minutes, please check your spam folder. This concert will be available on the Jewish Museum’s YouTube channel through January 21, 2022.
The Thurderbird American Indian Dancers at the Theater for the New City (East Village)
Fridays-Saturdays at 8p and Saturdays-Sundays at 3p until January 23rd. Tickets: $15. For the 3p performances only, Tickets for children under 12 are $1. They must be accompanied by an adult paying regular $15. Traditional music, dances and stories of the Native Peoples of North America. For more information and reservations please call the box office at 212-254-1109. All patrons must be vaccinated in order to see shows. Please provide proof before purchasing tickets. Everyone must wear a face mask for entry into the theater or when moving around. Purchase tickets here.
See all the Friday events here.
Saturday January 15th
Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.at Brooklyn Children’s Museum (Crown Heights)
Saturday-Monday January 15th-17th 10a-1p & 2-5p. Included with Museum admission. Join us to celebrate the life and legacy of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through interactive performances, protest marches, community art programs, and volunteer projects! Each day features shadow puppet performances and puppet-making with Nehprii Amenii, poster-making and protest marching with Brooklyn-based musician Fyütch, and the creation of a community dream cloud in BCM’s ColorLab art studio. On MLK Day, Monday, January 17, participate in a volunteer project led by non-profit Repair the World where families will help out by packing diapers and baby essentials to be donated to Little Essentials. See the website for full schedule of events and to purchased timed entry tickets.
Fyütch presents Black History is Everyone’s History! at Sugar Hill Children’s Museum of Art
Saturday January 15th 11a & 1p. Free with Museum admission. Admission: $7 adults, $4 youth 9-17, seniors and students, Free for children 0-8. Music Artist Fyütch performs empowering and engaging songs about Black history, culture, and accomplishments, and shares facts about some lesser known current and historical Black figures. We invite you to dance, learn sign language, and hear a story about the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Note: Sugar Hill Children’s Museum will require all adults and children ages 5 and above to show proof of vaccination.
Seal Exploration in Lemon Creek Park (Staten Island)
Saturday January 15th 11a-12n. Free. Location: Sharrott Avenue and Hylan Boulevard. New York City is home to an amazing abundance of wildlife. Our Urban Park Rangers will guide you to the best wildlife viewing spots in the urban jungle. Winter is an amazing time of year to observe seals our waters. You may be surprised by what looks like a rock in the distance, is actually a healthy seal.
Outdoor Skills: Fire Building in Fort Greene Park
Saturday January 15th 12n-1p. Free. Location: Fort Greene Park Visitor Center. What can you use to build a fire? Explore this site with the Urban Park Rangers as we use different materials and ways to construct a fire. All programs are family-friendly, but are recommended for ages 8 years and older.
Events for Youth & Families: Gates of Equality (virtual)
Saturday January 15th 1-145p. Free. This dynamic one-man presentation chronicles the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, from his early childhood through his involvement in the Civil Rights Movement. The fictional dialogue is interspersed with real excepts from Dr. King’s press conferences and speeches and the practice of nonviolent protest. Presented by Urban Stages. For ages 5 and older.he program will air on the Brooklyn Public Bushwick Library Facebook.
See all the Saturday events here.
Sunday January 16th
Winter Nature Photography in Central Park
Sunday January 16th 11a-1230p. Free. Location: 81st Street and Central Park West. Calling all shutterbugs! Winter can create some great scenes for pictures. Join us for a winter walk through Central Park and bring your camera. We’ll?take you to some scenic spots and hopefully see some critters along the way.
Viva Chinese Opera: An Afternoon of Chinese Theater in Celebration of Lunar New Year at Flushing Town Hall
Sunday January 16th 130p. Tickets: FREE with online RSVP. Please join us for an afternoon of music, culture, and arts in celebration of Lunar New Year and to welcome of the Year of the Tiger. Presented in partnership with Chinese American Arts Council, this performance includes seven renowned and popular Chinese opera plays, each with its own unique storyline, music, vocal performance, mime, and dance. Note: All individuals must show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 and matching identification to attend this event. For those unable to attend, virtual audiences from across the globe can still join the livestream and tune in for free via Flushing Town Hall’s YouTube Channel.
JUST KIDDING Livestream: Jomion & The Uklos (virtual)
Sunday January 16th 2p. Free. Journey to a land rich with history, art, and culture with Jomion & The Uklos’ joyful music, melding traditional rhythms from Benin with reggae, salsa, and Caribbean styles. This is a free livestream event. Sign up to receive event reminders and the link to watch.
Astronomy: Phases of the Moon in Parade Ground
Sunday January 16th 6-7p. Free. Location: Bowling Green Cottage. Urban Park Rangers will be your guides to the solar system, discussing the science, history and folklore of the universe. Observe the nearly-full moon and learn how the movements of the moon and sun appear to us as we watch from Earth. Astronomy programs feature the use of telescopes and binoculars to observe astronomical events. This program will be held outdoors.
See all the Sunday events here.
Monday January 17th
The 36th Annual Brooklyn Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at BAM (Fort Greene)
Monday January 17th 1030a. Free. RSVP here for in person or livestream link. Join us at BAM or via livestream for this beloved Brooklyn tradition, which rings in a new year with music, dance, and an invigorating call to action. Led by keynote speaker Dr. Imani Perry, this year’s tribute encourages us to continue in Dr. King’s radical spirit: relentlessly pressing forward in pursuit of justice—even against the odds—and celebrating the strength and power of community to create change. This free event features speeches by civic leaders and activists and performances, including live appearances from singer Nona Hendryx with Craig Harris & Tailgaters Tales and Sing Harlem and a recorded dance piece by choreographer Kyle Marshall. Join us in hope and in solidarity! All visitors ages 5+ must present proof of vaccination to attend, visitors ages 18+ must also show a valid photo ID with proof of vaccination. For the in-person event, please note that admission is first-come, first-served, and RSVP-ing does not guarantee entry. See the website for all the event details.
Walter with Jeanine Odom at Staten Island Children’s Museum
Monday January 17th at 1145a, 1230p, 245p & 330p. Included with Museum admission. Walter Rutledge and song stylist and pianist Jeanine Odom will share civil rights era songs and stories honoring Dr. Martin Luther King. Come learn about Dr. King the civil rights era; while learning and singing songs that Dr. King, and his followers exactly sang during the turbulent 1960’s.
Living History @ Home: Voter Suppression Then and Now (virtual)
Monday January 17th 1p. Free. For all ages. Register here. Join Historical Interpreters on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day to learn about the fight against voter suppression in the early 20th century. Discover how early civil rights activists like T. Thomas Fortune and Ida B. Wells fought against voter intimidation and discrimination. Explore a copy of the literacy test used to prevent thousands of Black Americans from voting. Then, discuss with educators and your family the impact of voter suppression, both in the past and today.
See all the Monday events here.
All Weekend
Governors Island Winter Village Ice Skating Rink
Rink hours: Fridays 12n-5p, Saturdays-Sundays 10a-5p through February and Monday January 17th 10a-5p. Rink admission: $11, skate rental $8. Admission is free Fridays (walk up only). Purchase advance tickets here. The Governors Island Winter Village, in Colonels Row, features fun activities and winter vibes for visitors of all ages! The Village includes a 5,000-square-foot ice skating rink open Fridays-Sundays and daily attractions and activities including more than a dozen lawn games, fire pits, sled and bike rentals, twinkling holiday light displays and delicious cold-weather food and drinks.
The 3 Wishes and 3 Little Lambs at Puppetworks (Park Slope)
Saturdays-Sundays 1230p & 230p until January 16th & Monday January 17th 1230p & 230p. Tickets: Children $10 each, Adults $11 each. Suggested for 2 and up. The 3 Wishes a double-feature with 3 Little Lambs (a reimagining of The 3 Little Pigs) adapted for Hand Puppets by Nicolas Coppola. Call for reservations: 718-965-3391 or e-mail to: puppetworksinfo@gmail.com. Masks required to protect the unvaccinated (especially children). New York City requires you to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter Puppetworks. Those 12 years of age and older must show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Masks are required.
Family Art Project: Freedom Quilters of Gee’s Bend at Wave Hill
Saturday-Sunday January 10a-1p. Free with admission. Admission: Adults $10, Students & Seniors 65+ $6, Children 6+ $4. Wave Hill Members – Free. In 1966, Dr. Marin Luther King, Jr., visited the Gee’s Bend community in rural Alabama and the Freedom Quilting Bee was established. Create your own brilliant compositions using bountiful squares of fabric scraps to honor Dr. King’s birthday and the inspiring women quilters of Gee’s Bend.
The Rink at Brooklyn Commons (Downtown Brooklyn)
Daily until February 27th. Hours: Monday-Thursday 2-8p, Friday 2-9p, Saturday 10a-9p & Sunday 10a-7p. $15 public skating admission, $5 skate rental. Situated in Brooklyn Commons Park, residents, families, professionals and tourists alike can enjoy a festive winter skating experience in Downtown Brooklyn! The Rink features an outdoor skating rink and offers daily public skating as well as upscale ice skating programs for men, women, and children.
Sharks at the American Museum of Natural History (UWS)
Museum hours Wednesday-Sunday 10a-530p. Included in General Admission+One. See website for all the details.The new exhibition Sharks features dozens of life-sized models ranging from 33 feet to 5.5 inches long, fossils from the Museum’s collections, touch-free interactive exhibits that challenge visitors to hunt like a hammerhead, and more for visitors of all ages. Older than dinosaurs—and more threatened than threatening—sharks are spectacular, surprising, and often misunderstood. Discover the incredible diversity of this ancient and fascinating group of fishes. Note: In accordance with the New York City vaccine requirement, you must be vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter the Museum.
Ice Skating at LeFrak Center at Lakeside in Prospect Park
Hours for covered rink: Monday-Thursday 9a-430p, Friday 9a-7p, Saturday 1-9p, Sunday 1-430p. Open air rink hours: 9a-7p, Friday-Saturday 9a-9p & Sunday 9a-7p. Admission rates: $8 weekday per person, $12 weekend per person. Reserve your desired 90-minute skate session for access to one of our two available ice rinks online now and guarantee your ice time. Skate rentals are available at an additional cost or feel free to bring your own skates. Purchase online today as capacity is limited. To help our young skaters, helpful Skate Aids are available and can be rented in advance or on the day of your visit, on a first-come, first-serve basis. Reserve open air rink tickets here and covered rink tickets here.
“A Wonderful, Awful Idea”: Animating the Grinch Who Stole Christmas at Museum of the Moving Image (Astoria)
Ongoing until February 27th. Museum hours: Fridays 2-8p, Saturdays-Sundays 12n-6p. Included with Museum admission. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a made-for-television short by legendary animation director Chuck Jones, based on the 1957 book by Theodor Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss). First aired by CBS in 1966, this 24-minute animated story of a grouchy curmudgeon who tries to ruin Christmas has become an enduring holiday classic. The sketches, animation cels, and backgrounds on exhibit—40 selections from the extensive private collection of Bill Heeter and Kristi Correa—illustrate Jones’s approach to adapting Geisel’s story for the screen. In contrast to the book’s black, white, and red palette, Jones unleashed a riotous array of vivid colors to depict the story’s settings and characters. The film showcases Jones’s unparalleled character animation and comic timing, creating an utterly believable, villainous—but ultimately redeemed—Grinch that became the standard for all subsequent adaptations. See the website for information on Covid 19 protocols.
Origami Holiday Tree at the American Museum of Natural History (UWS)
On exhibit until January 17th. Location: Grand Gallery, first floor. Free with Museum admission. Museum is open Wednesdays-Sundays with timed entry tickets are available 10a-4p (museum closes 530p). The Origami Holiday Tree returns to view November 24, 2021 (closed 12/25). The theme of this year’s 13-foot tree is Gems of the Museum, featuring 50 specially created gold-colored models in recognition of the “golden anniversary” 50th Origami Tree and this Museum tradition, which started in the 1970s. Among the more than 1,000 origami pieces decorating the tree will be models of dazzling specimens from the new Allison and Roberto Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals, “jaw-some” pieces inspired by the new special exhibition Sharks, and those depicting iconic Museum exhibits like the Blue Whale, Titanosaur, and Tyrannosaurus rex. In accordance with the New York City vaccine requirement, you must be vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter the Museum. See the website for all the information.
Holiday Express: Toys and Trains from the Jerni Collection at New-York Historical Society (UWS)
On exhibit until February 27th. Museum hours: Wednesdays-Thursdays 11a-5p, Fridays 11a-8p and Saturdays-Sundays 11a-5p. Free with Museum admission. This year Holiday Express goes to the amusement park! Joining a selection of toy trains, figurines, and miniature models from the renowned Jerni Collection, this year’s festive display includes never-before-seen toy rides. Visitors can marvel at a miniature Ferris wheel, carousel, blimp ride, and roller coaster.The carnival toys on display recall the colossal machines that have fascinated and delighted the American public for decades, like the Ferris wheel, which was introduced in the U.S. at Chicago’s World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893, and early American roller coasters, like the ones introduced at Coney Island in 1884. New York’s favorite amusement ground was also the site of one of the United States’ first carousels, a musical merry-go-round appointed with colorful mechanical horses. The display also includes a variety of toy train stations dating from the turn of the 20th century to the World War II era, showcasing the evolving designs of American and European toymakers. As part of New York City’s Key to NYC program, all visitors to New York City museums ages 12 and over are required to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19. For more details, go to the FAQ page. Note: the Museum will close 3p on 12/31 and be closed 1/1.
Ice Skating at Winter Village in Bryant Park
Open daily until March 6th. Hours: Monday-Thursday 8a-10p, Friday-Sunday and holidays 8a-1130p. Winter Village at Bryant Park is Manhattan’s winter wonderland. Enjoy New York City’s only free admission ice skating rink, the Holiday Shops, and rinkside eats and drinks at The Lodge by Prime Video. Reserve timed entry tickets here.