fairs and events
Make museum memoriesMuseum Mile Festival
Free
June 12, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Fifth Avenue, 82nd to 105th Streets
It’s the night of a million museums. No, it only feels that way, but it’s now a great New York night, one with open museums and openly enthusiastic visitors embracing them. Free access to famed institutions along Fifth Avenue, complete with art activities for kids and live musical entertainment. Also, an additional benefit for walkers: no cars.
Still proudThe March
Free
June 24, stepping off at noon
The first march was in 1970. There’s been progress — from the Supreme Court on down — but challenges remain. Expect both a political message and also enthusiasm when the march kicks off on June 24, with more than 450 continents and over 100 floats.
The big pictureManhattanhenge at American Museum of Natural History
Tickets: $15, $12 members, $13.50 for students and seniors)
July 12, 7 p.m.
Hayden Planetarium, enter at 81st Street
Manhattanhenge is our local take on Stonehenge, when the sun sets in a special way in our big city. Yes, you can see it for free on the crosstown streets, or you can head to the American Museum of Natural History, where astrophysicist Jackie Faherty will explain the history and astronomy behind it all.
Greet the futureRubin Museum Block Party
Free
June 17, 1 to 4 p.m.
West 17th Street, between Sixth and Seventh avenues
<URL destination="http://rubinmuseum.org/events/event/future-we-make-the-future-06-17-2018">rubinmuseum.org/blockparty
</URL>The Rubin Museum’s annual bash mixes family art-making with live musical performances. And don’t forget the free museum admission. With an emphasis this year on the museum’s yearlong theme of “The Future,” expect multigenerational activities, futuristic art-creating stations, drone demos and activities led by community partners. Jane Hsu, the head of interpretation and engagement at the Rubin, promises: “At the Block Party, families and kids of all ages will be able to make the future with art-making activities, performances, and intergenerational learning.”
Downtown’s delightRiver to River Festival
Free
Various downtown venues
<URL destination="https://www.nycpride.org/">lmcc.net/public-programs/river-to-river-festival/
</URL>June 15 through June 24
It’s time to expect the unexpected again. At the 17th annual River to River Festival, all events are free and open to the public — and there are plenty of events, and musical styles, to choose from. Expect to be on the move, since this festival utilizes more than 40 different venues. Genres blend here, with dance, music, theater and the visual arts mixed together. Check the website to make a plan.