Manhattan Fencing Center is hosting its first open house to celebrate the opening of its newest location, 84 Honeck Street in Englewood, NJ,...

Manhattan Fencing Center is hosting its first open house to celebrate the opening of its newest location, 84 Honeck Street in Englewood, NJ, on Friday, April 26th from 3pm - 7pm with free classes for families.

They will offer free classes, drinks and snacks for families with mini sessions aimed for beginners for kids and adults with professionally trained coaches.

Kids will learn the basic footwork and have the opportunity to fence for free with trained, Olympic coaches. There will be three mini sessions at the following time slots: 3:20pm, 4:40pm and 7pm. The first two are 20 min sessions and the 7pm is a 30-minute session.

The Manhattan Fencing Center is known for its trained Olympic medalist coaches in foil and saber fencing for children and adults in New York City.

Before they head off to the 2024 Olympics, coaches will be available May through July to give a full demo on fencing basics, leaving you feeling energized and strong from an amazing workout all while learning self defense in a fun way.

All qualifiers, Elizabeth Tartakovsky, Feres Ferjani, Pascaul Di Tella, Colin Heathcock, and Maia Chamberlain were trained by MFC Founder, Yury Gelman and Vladimir Lukashenko.

Manhattan Fencing Center offers classes for musketeers (ages 4-6), youth (7-12), teens (13-16), competitive and elite.

Their classes are unique in that they are broken up by both age and skill unlike most other fencing clubs where kids are grouped together all in one big class.

They offer small classes and extra personalized attention to fencers which results in the #1 saber rating in the country so far and top college placements.

For more information visit - www.manhattanfencing.com

This year solar eclipse on April 8 was an extra special phenomenon, in part because it included New York City area, but mostly because I was...

This year solar eclipse on April 8 was an extra special phenomenon, in part because it included New York City area, but mostly because I was able to experience it with my teen son at the American Museum of Natural History.

Note: While I paid for tickets into AMNH for this event, I sometimes work with the museum to highlight special programs. However any personal views expressed are always 100% my own.

The AMNH hosted a Solar Eclipse Day, which included getting a pair eclipse glasses, along with family-friendly educational activities.

While we missed the activities, we did get our eclipse glasses and joined other families on the Arthur Ross Terrace.


Being on Arthur Ross Terrace gave us a clear amazing view as we watched the moon eclipse the sun. Even at 90 percent coverage, it was truly one of those rare life experiences.

Made more rare when I heard my teen said this was "cool" and later that he enjoyed sharing that moment with me. A truly phenomenal day.

Hopefully my son can see the next total solar eclipse in 2044, when he's 35 y/o with his teen child!

While Solar Eclipse Day is over, the still has lots of Spring and Summer events families can enjoy, including upcoming EarthFest Celebration.

EarthFest Celebration

To commemorate Earth Month, the American Museum of Natural History's "EarthFest Celebration" will happen on Saturday, April 27 with a full day of family-friendly activities and performances celebrating our planet.

Free with Museum admission, EarthFest will include hands-on science and art activities, engagements with Museum scientists, and a “bioblitz,” where participants will join scientists in Central Park to discover the amazing variety of local insects.

EarthFest Schedule and Activities

Milstein Family Hall of Ocean Life

10 am–4 pm

In Search of Earth’s Secrets

The International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) is an international marine research collaboration that explores Earth's history and dynamics. Learn about the real science that happens on the IODP ship through the pop-up science experiment “In Search of Earth’s Secrets.”

Our Earth’s Ecosystems

The Museum’s Science Visualization Group in collaboration with teams from Columbia University’s LEAP and Brown Institute have produced a smartphone-based augmented reality experience that will enable visitors in the Hall of Ocean Life to learn about the vital role that ocean ecosystems play in Earth’s climate system.

In addition to bringing some of the hall’s most beloved dioramas to life, the experience will demonstrate how animals help plants grow faster, slow the release of greenhouse gases, and store carbon in their bodies.

Microscopic Marvels: Exploring NYC's Urban Ecosystem (noon–3 pm)

Meet our tiny neighbors! Use a variety of microscopes to get a sparkling introduction to plankton swimming in NYC’s ponds and winged critters that glide on the breezes of our urban habitats.

Become Part of Nature with InHerBeauty (10 am–3 pm)

At this marine-themed station, attendees can immerse themselves in hair, makeup, and nail art, drawing inspiration from the vibrant hues and intricate patterns found in oceanic species.

EarthFest Myth-Busting Workshops From Climate Exchange and the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science

Engage with dynamic activities focused on climate science communication and improvisational theater. Using techniques from improv, role-playing, and other theater games, participate in hands-on exercises designed to foster understanding and action on climate issues.

Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation

10 am–4 pm

Performance: Bees by Polyglot Theatre
10:30 am, noon, 2:15 pm, and 3:30 pm

Life-sized bees take over the Museum’s galleries, inviting children to explore their dynamic world through movement, sound, and play. This performance creates community through exploration and encourages young audiences to discover the fascinating life of these tiny insects.

Build Your Own Solar Car with Solar One

Curious about how solar power works? Join environmental STEM educator Solar One for a workshop to build your own solar car. Become a solar technician and install solar panels on your vehicle, which will move at different speeds depending on how the panel is positioned on the car.

City Nature Challenge: InsectBlitz

The City Nature Challenge invites participants to document urban biodiversity through citizen science, fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world thriving amidst bustling cityscapes. This year, EarthFest is joining Team NYC to showcase the richness of our local insect species, celebrating the biodiversity thriving just outside the Museum.

Visit the Solomon Family Insectarium to explore local biodiversity, learn how to use iNaturalist, and practice taking photos of live insects in tanks. Then sign up for a 4 pm InsectBlitz excursion into Central Park and compete with other cities for the most observations!

Ask An Expert

Visit “Ask an Expert” stations, where you can engage with knowledgeable scientists and educators to satisfy your curiosity about the wonders of the Earth. Whether you have burning questions about mammalogy, biology, or geology, our experts are here to provide insightful answers.

BEEcome Part of the Hive

Join the hive by crafting your own antenna, wings, or bee stripes in this hands-on art-making activity! Find this station under the Gilder Center staircase, near the Museum shop.

Screening for Solar Rays

In this activity, learn about the importance of sunscreen through interactive experiments, like using UV rays and special camera lenses to reveal the invisible protection it provides while you’re having fun in the Sun.

Learn more, visit - www.amnh.org/calendar/earthfest

The year of the dragon soars into summer 2024 as the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival returns to Franklin Square from June 20 – August ...

The year of the dragon soars into summer 2024 as the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival returns to Franklin Square from June 20 – August 18, 2024 with magnificent steel-framed and silk-wrapped giant lighted artistic sculptures.

The popular 200-foot-long dragon returns along with never-before-seen giant lantern displays.

In addition to the light installations, visitors can enjoy live cultural stage performances, see the choreographed fountain light show in the historic Rendell Family Fountain, taste expanded food and drink options including Asian cuisine and American comfort food, drink a toast at the Dragon Beer Garden, and shop for Chinese folk artists’ crafts created on site as well as Festival-themed merchandise.

Tickets Info

Monday through Thursday tickets:

· $25 for adults
· $16 for children (ages 3-12, 2 and under are free)
· $23 for youth (13-17), senior (65+), and active military (with I.D.)

Friday through Sunday tickets (timed tickets required):

· $28 for adults
· $16 for children (ages 3-12, 2 and under are free)
· $26 for youth (13-17), senior (65+), and active military (with I.D.)


The Festival will illuminate Franklin Square nightly at 6th & Race Streets in Historic Philadelphia from June 20 - August 18, 2024. During the Festival, Franklin Square is open and free during regular daytime hours.

The Franklin Square Playground will be fully open and free both daytime and during the evening hours, accessible from 7th Street. The lanterns are able to be viewed for free during daytime, while a ticket is required for nighttime entrance after 6 pm (no re-entry). The park will close daily at 5 pm to prepare for the nightly Festival. Advance tickets are strongly recommended.

Guests can also play Philly Mini Golf and ride the Parx Liberty Carousel at a discounted rate. A portion of the proceeds from the Festival benefits Historic Philadelphia, Inc. for the programming and care of this important public space and its many year-round free events.

Student Design Contest

The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival Student Design Contest presented by Temple University gives area students the opportunity to design a lantern for the 2024 Festival. Children ages 8-14 are invited to submit a drawing of a dragon to celebrate the Year of the Dragon.

Winning drawings will be crafted into lanterns and displayed during the Festival. The students will be able to take the lantern home with them at the conclusion of the Festival.

Deadline for submission is May 28, 2024.

Learn more, visit - www.phillychineselanternfestival.org

American Ballet Theatre (ABT)’s 2024 Summer season performances will run from June 18 through July 20, 2024. Featuring the New York Premie...

American Ballet Theatre (ABT)’s 2024 Summer season performances will run from June 18 through July 20, 2024.

Featuring the New York Premiere of Wayne McGregor’s Woolf Works, as well as repertory favorites Onegin, Swan Lake, and Romeo and Juliet, plus the return of Tony Award® winner Christopher Wheeldon’s Like Water for Chocolate.

Tickets go on sale Monday, April 22 at 12:00 P.M. at the Metropolitan Opera House box office.

Family Programming

ABTKids, American Ballet Theatre’s annual one-hour introduction to ballet for families, is scheduled for Saturday, June 22 at 11:00 A.M. with ABT Principal Dancer Misty Copeland set to host.

A limited number of $150 VIP tickets are available for purchase that include premium seating, a souvenir gift bag, and a post-performance meet-and-greet with an ABT dancer.

All other tickets for the ABTKids performance are $30. ASL interpretation will be provided.

Pre-Performance Workshop

The 2024 Summer season will also include the return of ABT’s Pre-Performance Workshop series at the Metropolitan Opera House.

Young fans will have the opportunity to participate in an hour of hands-on activities, designed as an introduction to the works they will see on the Met stage.

Workshops will take place at 9:15 A.M. before the ABTKids performance on Saturday, June 22, and at 11:00 A.M. before the matinees of Swan Lake on Thursday, July 4 and Saturday, July 6.

Workshop tickets are $20 and require a corresponding performance ticket.

New York Premiere

ABT will present the New York Premiere of Wayne McGregor’s Woolf Works on Tuesday evening, June 25 at 7:30 P.M. featuring ABT Guest Artist and former Principal Dancer Alessandra Ferri.

Woolf Works, an award-winning ballet triptych, re-creates the emotions, themes, and fluid style of three of Virginia Woolf’s novels: Mrs. Dalloway, Orlando, and The Waves. Enmeshed with elements from Woolf’s letters, essays, and diaries, Woolf Works expresses the heart of an artistic life driven to discover a freer, uniquely modern realism.

In addition to the opening night performance, Ferri will make a guest appearance on Friday, June 28, during ABT’s 2024 production of Woolf Works at the Metropolitan Opera House. This performance, as one of ABT’s 2024 Summer season celebratory evenings, will be dedicated to honoring Ferri and her career.

2024 Summer Season Celebratory Evenings

This season, ABT unfolds a series of celebratory evenings, complete with a post-show toast on the Grand Tier of the Metropolitan Opera House. Admission is extended to that evening’s ticket holders with the purchase of an additional reception ticket.

In the month of June, ABT will celebrate Opening Night of the Summer season on Tuesday, June 18, the New York Premiere of Wayne McGregor’s Woolf Works on Tuesday, June 25, and an evening honoring Guest Artist and former ABT Principal Dancer Alessandra Ferri on Friday, June 28.

During July, the Corps de Ballet Celebration will take place on Friday, July 5, while Herman Cornejo’s 25th Anniversary Toast will take place on Friday, July 19.

Reception tickets can be purchased for $98.

For more information, visit www.abt.org/SummerEvents

ABT Masters Series

This summer, ABT launches the ABT Masters Series, a day long immersive experience for ballet fans to study one of ABT’s 20th century classical works.

Designed for adults 20-years or older with beginner to advanced-beginner ballet experience, participants will start the day at ABT’s 890 Broadway studios for body conditioning and ballet technique classes before diving into a 90-minute repertoire workshop, exploring the history of the session’s ballet, its movement, and characters, all taught by ABT Artistic Staff members and notable ABT alumni.

That evening, participants will attend a pre-show talk with an ABT dancer before watching the corresponding ABT performance in an Orchestra seat at the Metropolitan Opera House.

The 2024 ABT Masters Series will run on Saturday, June 22 and Saturday, July 13 alongside performances of Onegin and Romeo and Juliet, respectively.

The day-long experience can be purchased for $250, including workshop fees, pre-performance talk, and one Orchestra ticket to attend the evening performance at the Metropolitan Opera House.

For more information, visit ABT’s website.

Tickets

Single Tickets

Tickets start at $30. Single tickets for American Ballet Theatre’s 2024 Summer season at the Metropolitan Opera House will be on sale beginning Monday, April 22 at 12:00 P.M.

Ticket holders for the 2024 Summer season at the Metropolitan Opera House may exchange tickets up until noon the day of the performance at no charge, minus any difference in the ticket price. We regret that there are no refunds or cancellations.

Discounted Tickets and Student Ticket Policy

American Ballet Theatre offers $12-30 advance tickets and day of rush tickets for any full-time undergraduate or graduate student. A valid student ID is required.

Tickets are subject to availability and require advance registration on the Met website. Limit two tickets per person, per performance.

American Ballet Theatre offers $35 orchestra day of rush tickets to the general public for all performances. Two tickets may be purchased for one performance every seven days. Tickets are subject to availability and require advance registration on the Met website.

American Ballet Theatre offers theatergoers under 30 years old $30 advance tickets to select performances. A limited number of tickets are available.

Tickets are subject to availability and require an ID for pick up. Limit two tickets per person, per performance.

*All casting, programming, and pricing are subject to change.

On April 30, the American Indian College Fund will highlight Indigenous cuisine at New York City EATSS (Epicurean Award to Support Scholars)...

On April 30, the American Indian College Fund will highlight Indigenous cuisine at New York City EATSS (Epicurean Award to Support Scholars) event from 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at The Lighthouse Pier 61, Chelsea Piers.

A world without chocolate, blueberries, or guacamole seems unthinkable, yet these favorite foods we enjoy were unknown outside the western hemisphere before 1492.

Indigenous foods have added delicious and nutritious dimensions to cuisine for nearly six centuries—yet if you had wanted to try high-end cuisine prepared by Native chefs, there is not one restaurant in all of New York City featuring Indigenous cuisine.

The following Indigenous celebrity chefs will serve up their favorite creations to guests:

• Chef Ben Jacobs (Osage Nation), a nationally renowned chef and co-founder of Tocabe, An American Indian Eatery, the largest Native American restaurant chain.
• Chef Andrea Murdoch Condes (Andean Native; Caracas, Venezuela), the owner of Four Directions Cuisine, uses food to trace her own culture while educating the public about the expansive world of Indigenous food systems.
• Chef Bradley Dry (Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma) has been a chef for 12 years, cooking traditional Cherokee dishes. He specializes in preparing food for special events and people, including powwows, Folklorama, and the cast and crew of Reservation Dogs.
• Chef Sherry Pocknett (Mashpee Wampanoag Nation) specializes in the Bounty of the Season, Native American Indigenous food, and New England cooking.
• Chef Anthony Bauer (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa) is the owner of Traditional Fire Custom Cuisine and has 25 years of experience in the food service industry.

President and CEO Cheryl Crazy Bull and her daughter and granddaughter will be on hand to discuss how a higher education is a revolutionary act for Native people along with their own transformative college experiences.

Raye Zaragoza of the Akimel O'otham Nation will headline the event with an exclusive concert for attendees and Native dancers will perform.

Attendees can also shop original Native artwork created by students attending the premiere Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

For tickets, visit - www.standwith.collegefund.org/new-york-eatss

The American Indian College Fund

The American Indian College Fund has been the nation’s largest charity supporting Native higher education for 33 years. The College Fund supports a variety of academic and support programs at the nation’s 35 accredited tribal colleges and universities, which are located on or near Indian reservations, ensuring students have the tools to graduate and succeed in their careers.

The College Fund believes “Education is the answer" and since its founding in 1989, the College Fund has provided more than $284 million in scholarships, programs, community, and tribal college support.

Learn more, visit - www.collegefund.org