Memorial Day typically results in a mass exodus of NYC each year, but if you're sticking around on the homefront this weekend, there are plenty of free events and activities of which to take advantage. From a Central Park walking tour of monuments that pay homage to fallen heroes to a potato-planting spree, read on to see all of the fun things you can do this weekend in the Big Apple!
Image credit: Becksguy
Central Park Memorial Day Walking Tour – Monday, May 26, 2014
Did you know that Central Park is home to many beautiful monuments memorializing those that gave their lives serving our country? We didn’t (as if the name “Grand Army Plaza” wasn’t a good enough clue to tip us off). The Central Park Conservancy will be treating people to a fascinating stroll through the city’s most famous park exploring how different generations of New Yorkers viewed it as a place to remember their veterans. For more information, click here. Groups of seven or more must schedule a custom tour three weeks in advance at [email protected]
Potato Planting at the Lefferts Historic House – Monday, May 26, 2014
You probably never imagined yourself planting potatoes as part of a holiday weekend, but it’s definitely something to cross off your bucket list. Head on over to the Lefferts Historic House to help plant their annual potato crop and then challenge your family and friends to a potato sack race afterwards!
Green-Wood Cemetery Memorial Day Concert and Mini Trolley Tour – Monday, May 26, 2014
Filling a Brooklyn cemetery where many veterans are laid to rest with melody, this free annual Memorial Day concert is a favorite way for many New Yorkers to pay tribute to our troops. Bring a blanket and enjoy the summer performance featuring the ISO Symphonic Band and the food and refreshments that will be on sale all day. Feel free to stick around afterwards for a trolley tour ($10) of Green-Wood featuring De Witt Clinton’s bronze statue, Battle Hill and the Civil War Soldiers’ Lot.
Top Gun Screening on the Intrepid Flight Deck – Friday, May 23, 2014
Enjoy the weather and catch a flick on the Intrepid Museum’s flight deck! Friday’s feature film is a classic – Top Gun. Bring your own blankets, chairs and snacks as well as non-alcoholic beverages. Doors open at 7:30pm (weather permitting) and the film, which will begin at sunset (8:13PM), is free with admission. Or you can be a few minutes late for the opening credits and get free admission after 8:30PM. Seating is on a first come, first served basis.
Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 2 Recreation Complex – Open Daily from 6am-11pm
Finally, if you feel like working off some of what you ate at all of those Memorial Day weekend BBQs, head over to the newly opened Pier 2 recreation complex at Brooklyn Bridge Park. Whether your game is bocce ball, shuffleboard, handball, basketball, frisbee, working out or just sitting and lounging, the pier covers all the bases – all with a breathtaking view of Lower Manhattan.
Have a fun, safe Memorial Day weekend everyone and don’t forget to check out some of these other NYC events!
