Harlem is the place to be this weekend, with some of the neighborhood's biggest cultural institutions and landmarks inviting you to come on by. There is truly something for everyone–shoppers, literature buffs, dancers, history hounds, kids and, yes, even your fur friends:
Gallery 8, 2602 Frederick Douglass Blvd and W 139th St
Friday, Oct 23 2pm-9pm; Saturday, Oct 24 11am-9pm; Sunday, Oct 27 10am-6pm
One of Harlem's best shopping events–packed with local vendors selling fashion, beauty, treats and more–is back for the holidays. Don't miss happy hour on Friday and Saturday evening starting at 5pm.
Apollo Theater, 253 W 125th St between Frederick Douglass and Adam Clayton Powel Jr Blvds
Friday, Oct 25- Monday, Oct 28
Featuring a rotating cast of actors and activists, this live performance brings Ta-Nehisi Coates's book exploring black life and death to the stage with projections and live music. Live in Harlem? Get 50% off your ticket directly at the box office.
Various locations
Friday, Oct 25-Sunday, Oct 27
Celebrate the Lindy Hop during this weekend-long festival, with dance-filled events including Black Lindy Hop Matters: Tribute to Mama Lu Parks & Her Dancers and A Harvest Moon Ball Stomp.
Photo: Marcus Garvey Park Alliance
The Acropolis in Marcus Garvey Park, W 122nd St between Mt. Morris Park West and Madison Ave
Saturday, Oct 26 noon-3pm; ribbon cutting is at 1pm; Free
Climb up to the top of the Acropolis in Marcus Garvey Park and stand in awe of the newly renovated Mt. Morris Fire Watchtower, designed by Julius B. Kroehl in 1857 and used by volunteers to spot fires in pre-telegraph New York.
Jackie Robinson Park Bandshell, 85 Bradhurst Ave and 148th St
Saturday, Oct 26 noon-2:30pm; Free
Head to the bandshell at Jackie Robinson Park for this afternoon party where you can dress your pup in your cleverest costume, then capture the moment in a photo booth.
Sugar Hill Children's Museum, 898 St. Nicholas Ave and 155th St
Sunday, Oct 27 10am-5pm
Kids ages 3 to 8 and their families are invited to this all-day event packed with face-painting, story-telling, a pumpkin patch, a slime library and a Halloween performance and parade. Children 8 and under are free, so bring a bunch. (While you're there, don't miss the new exhibitions from Frederick J. Brown and Tatiana Arocha.)
Dance Theatre of Harlem, 466 W 152nd St between Amsterdam and St. Nicholas Aves
Sunday, Oct 27 12:30pm-5:30pm
This legendary ballet school is offering free dance classes for tots, kids and adults (the intermediate ballet class is even being taught by Artistic Director Virginia Johnson), plus mini demonstrations and cake.
