It’s mid-February, and NYC is awakening from its early winter slumber with a jam-packed line-up of Presidents’ Day activities and events across the boroughs. Take advantage of everything that’s happening around the city by exploring some of the events that New York City has to offer this three day weekend.
No matter what you’re looking to do with the extra day off, whether it’s checking out a new exhibit or dressing up like George Washington, here are 11 activities that will spice up your Presidents’ Day Weekend.
New York Presidents’ Day Yacht Cruise Around Manhattan
February 16, 9:00-12:00 pm, prices start at $30
Celebrate this Presidents’ Day Weekend by snagging a few selfies with the Statue of Liberty, dancing the night away and mingling with new people. Hornblower’s Yacht cruise is a great way to spend your Saturday night if you want to see New York from a whole new perspective.
Nearest subway: Take the 1 or 2 to the Houston Street Station.
Presidents’ Day Race
February 18, $22
If frigid temperatures have you holed-up inside until spring hits, then it may be time to get out of your funk by running a race! There isn’t a set course so participants choose from a 5k, 10k, 13.1-mile or 26.2-mile run or walk and simply submit their time once finished. The best part is you can choose your own route and run during Presidents’ Day or any time in February—so don’t worry about chasing a triathlete who doesn’t even break a sweat.
Presidents’ Day Brunch
February 18, 10:00AM – 3:00 PM, $10-$17
If your party days are behind you, consider waking up early to enjoy seasonal, local food at Loosie’s Kitchen & Cafe. The menu features an original cast of Asian and American fused comfort foods, with everything from avocado toast and tofu to fried tempura skate wing beignets, generously drizzled with nutella for that final mouth-watering touch.
Nearest subway: Take the J/M train to Marcy Avenue and walk ten minutes
Presidents’ Day Family Bowl
February 18, 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Grab your family and spend Presidents’ Day bowling! Take advantage of Brooklyn Bowl’s brunch and kid’s menu. Their brunch has classic comfort food with a spin like pancakes with fried chicken and shrimp and grits. After filling up on brunch, grab your bowling shoes and find out who’s lucky enough to get a strike. It’s a fun activity with hearty food that the whole family can join in on.
Nearest subway: Take the G to Nassau Avenue.
The Original Barbershop Comedy Show
February 15, 8:30-10:00 pm, $8
Start your weekend by laughing off your problems at a comedy show. It’s BYOB and takes place in a small barbershop where you can actually get your hair cut during the day. Every Friday it transforms into a room with mismatched chairs and a quaint stage where comedians take the stage in an intimate setting. It’s a great way to start off your weekend with a good laugh and maybe a joke or two about presidents.
Nearest subway: Take the F train to the Second Avenue Station in the East Village or take the F, J, M or Z to Delancey Street Station.
See a Couture Fashion Show
February 14-15, $50-$1500
This fashion show only happens twice a year in New York City, so prepare for an exciting and entertaining night of exquisite garments from up and coming international designers and sporadic shows from dancers and singers. Explore the world of high-end New York fashion by checking out the newest, hottest style of current fashion.
Nearest subway: Take the 7 train to the 5 Avenue-Bryant Park Station.
Lunar New Year Parade and Festival
February 17, 1:00 pm
This family-friendly parade and festival meanders its way through Chinatown and Little Italy, welcoming the Year of the Pig. According to Chinese horoscopes, each year belongs to a different animal and The Year of the Pig will bring luck to anyone born in a previous Year of the Pig and offer varying fortunes for the rest of the horoscopes. Walk the streets, enjoy performances and sample tasty street food.
Nearest subway: Take the F train to Second Avenue Station on the Lower East Side or take the J or Z train to Bowery Station.
Go to a Chinese Art Workshop
January 6- March 31, $120 per group
Explore the art of calligraphy in this festive workshop celebrating the Lunar New Year. The DCTA Chinese New Year Program offers a 30 minute lesson on the spring festival before teaching their students the proper brushstrokes that help to make up lucky new year decorations.
Nearest subway: Take the 4 or the 5 to Bowling Green.
Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Times Square
Ongoing
This “Pay With Presidents Week” comes just in time for those short on funds but still looking for a fun way to spend the holiday. Online purchased tickets save 30% when using the promo code PRESIDENTS19 at checkout, or pay with cash in person and mention “Pay With Presidents” to save $5 off adult tickets. This oddball exhibit’s bound to have something to make your jaw drop, whether it be the largest lock of George Washington’s hair or the massive portrait of Abraham Lincoln made entirely out of pennies. Grab your tickets while you can!
Nearest subway: Take the IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line to 42 street
The Butterfly Conservatory
Ongoing, $23 for Adult, $13 for Child, $18 for Senior and Student
Pretend that it’s finally spring by exploring a conservatory filled with butterflies. While this exhibit goes until May 27th, there’s no better way to warm up than with an exhibit with hundreds of live butterflies in a tropical 80 degree environment.
Nearest subway: Take the B or C to 81st Street.
Casey studies Comparative Literature and Mathematics at NYU. In her free time, she is typically figure skating, hiking, trying new eclectic NYC foods, hanging out with her roommates or snuggling with her cat Aya.
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