The African American Day Parade and its dazzling array of marching bands returns to Harlem for its 55th year—plus more fun things to check out this weekend.
Pre-event processional: Friday, September 13 4:30pm-5:30pm; Saturday, September 14-Sunday, September 22 at 4pm FREE
Central Harlem The Apollo Stages at the Victoria, 233 W 125th St between Adam Clayton Powell Jr and Frederick Douglass Blvds
A collaboration between the Apollo and the National Black Theatre, this work by performance artist Ebony Noelle Golden features a series of rituals, processions and installations that connect themes such as climate change and Harlem's heritage.
September 14-February 16; Thu 1pm-5pm, Fri 10am-5pm, Sat & Sun 10am-3pm
Sugar Hill Sugar Hill Children's Museum of Art & Storytelling, 898 St. Nicholas Ave at W 155th St
Two new exhibits open this Saturday at this beloved children's museum, including "Order/Reorder: Experiments with Collections" from the Hudson River Museum and "David Antonio Cruz: When the Children Come Home." Plus, there's still time to see "Conduit," featuring a series of egg tempera portraits of mothers by artist Douglas Safranek.
Saturday, September 14 noon-8pm FREE
Central Harlem Morningside Park, Morningside Ave between W 112th and W 115th Sts
Stop by this all-day festival with free food (hot dogs, popcorn and cotton candy) and activites including face painting, a marionette puppet theater, lawn games, and an Afro-Congolese dance class. Head to the main stage on Morningside Avenue for live music from a series of performers including David Lee and the Harlem Groove Jazz Band.
Saturday, Septmber 14 at 6pm
West Harlem Montefiore Park, Broadway and 137th St
This outdoor jazz fest, which has been extended through the end of September, continues with a performance by Kalí Rodríguez.
Sunday, September 15 12:30pm-6pm
Parade route: Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd from W 111th to 137th Sts
This legendary annual parade celebrating Black American heritage—its first grand marshals were Adam Clayton Powell Jr. and Shirley Chisholm—showcases HBCU marching bands, community-based organizations, politicians, fraternities and sororities, and more. This year's participants include New York Attorney General Letitia James as one of the grand marshals and New York City Council Member Yusef Salaam as one of the marshals. Don't miss the pre-parade show on Sunday at 11am on 125th Street, plus the second annual "Get Involved" community literacy, health, and culture celebration on Saturday from 11am-5pm at the State Office Building Plaza.
Sunday, September 15 2pm-5pm FREE
West Harlem Ralph Ellison Plaza, Riverside Drive and W 150th St
A mix of local musicians and vocalists performs at this outdoor community jazz concert in leafy Ralph Ellison Plaza.
In case you missed it:
September 3-November 16; Tue-Sat 11am-6pm
Central Harlem Claire Oliver Gallery, 2288 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd between W 134th and W 135th Sts
The fall season kicks off at this gallery with an exhibition featuring Carolyn Mazloomi's large-scale quilts that tell the stories of Black civil-rights figures like Fannie Lou Hamer.
August 2-February 28, 2025; Mon-Sat 10am-6pm FREE
Central Harlem Schomburg Center, 515 Malcolm X Blvd at W 135th St
The Schomburg, home to the archives of James Baldwin, is celebrating the Harlem-born novelist's 100th birthday with highlights from his literary career.
July 19-September 21
West Harlem Riverside Park, W 143rd St and Riverside Drive
Come check out the four goats (down from seven) that are tackling the weeds this summer in the area around W 143rd Street in Riverside Park.
June 15-October 6; Saturdays & Sundays noon-9pm
Central Harlem Frederick Douglass Blvd between W 112th and W 121st Sts
Nine traffic-free blocks on Frederick Douglass Boulevard, featuring live music, food and more.
Through October 26; Saturdays 9am-3pm FREE
Central Harlem Harlem Grown 134th Street Farm, 116 W 134th St between Malcolm X and Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvds
Harlem Grown's 134th Street farm features free programming every Saturday through October, including student movement, adult morning yoga, cooking lessons, farm tasks, and more.
June 1-November 23; Saturdays 9am-3pm
Central Harlem St. Nicholas Park, St. Nicholas Ave and W 137th St
This seasonal farmer's market in St. Nicholas Park returns for its second year, featuring fresh produce, meat, seafood, a clothing drop-off and even a kid's "fun zone." Find more farmers markets in Upper Manhattan here.
Through September 29; Saturdays & Sundays noon-11pm
West Harlem Riverside Park, bottom of the 151st St Entrance (take the ramp or stairs down from Riverside Drive or cross the 151st St pedestrian bridge)
Look for this new seasonal concession, featuring food, drinks, games, and live music, at the bottom of Riverside Park's 151st Street entrance.
Mon & Tues 4pm-7pm, Wed & Fri 5:30pm-8:30pm (18 and older only), Sat & Sun 12:30pm-3:30pm & 5:30pm-8:30pm
West Harlem Roller Skating Rink at Riverbank State Park, entrance at Riverside Drive and 145th St
Lace up your skates: roller skating season is here at the outdoor roller rink at Harlem's Riverbank State Park.
Wednesday-Sunday 10am-5pm FREE
Hamilton Heights 414 W 141st St between St. Nicholas and Convent Aves
Go on a free tour of founding father Alexander Hamilton's historic uptown home, including a stroll through the parlor, dining room and study.
Weekends until 3:45am
Central Harlem Shrine, 2271 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd between W 133rd and W 134th Sts
This gem of a live music venue kicks into high gear on the weekends with a mix of jazz, funk, blues, and even comedy—ending with DJ sets that run into the early morning.
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