Chinatown’s Lunar New Year parade returns Sun., Feb. 22.
BY VICTORIA GRANTHAM | To survive the barrage of snowy, sleety winter weather and the inevitable indoor confinement that comes with it, we’re going to have to focus on our love for one another. Thankfully, there’s ample opportunity for that given Valentine’s Day. Options for celebrating cupid’s holiday this year include Valentine’s Day parties at Broad Street Ballroom in the Financial District and at Citibabes in Soho and a card making event at the Battery Park City Library.
For something totally unexpected there’s the 30th Annual Half Moon New York Sword Ale. Apparently this is a winter celebration centered around sword dancing that’s taking place at locations across the city. I’m not quite sure what a sword ale has to do with professing love, but anyway, there it is. For a cushioned come down after all the fun, there’s a post-V-Day Baby Loves Disco ball at Le Poisson Rouge.
In addition to hearts and hugs, it’s also time to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Relevant events range from Chinese New Year craft making at the B.P.C. Library, to the Asian American Festival at the Children’s Museum of the Arts. On Sun. Feb. 22, the 16th Annual Lunar New Year Parade will run through Chinatown and Little Italy.
Options for live shows for young kids continue this season with “Rapunzarellawhite,” a musical princess fairy tale mash up and Jazz for Kids at the Jazz Standard. Penny Jones & Co. is performing their sweet puppet show at Westbeth. The latest is “Three Little Pigs” and “Boswell, the Polar Bear.” Also, the Film Forum Jr. Sunday matinee series continues with “An American in Paris” and “Go West.” Additionally, there’s a Sweet Love and Lullabies tour at Rockwood Music Hall.
For teens there’s a teen collective night at the Abrons Arts Center on Grand St., which is a free evening of “videoke.” There’s also teen volunteer time at the library.
For the particularly hearty among us, there are still some outdoor activity options, believe it or not. “Frozen” fans can strap on some skates and head to the Seaport ice rink to glide alongside Elsa on Feb. 18. Winter afterschool sports and games continues on the B.P.C. ballfields.
Cuddle up and stay warm! If you know of something coming up that should be included in these listings, drop me a suggestion in the comments below.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12
NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY BATTERY PARK CITY BRANCH
175 North End Ave, 212-790-3499, nypl.org/locations/battery-park-city
Baby Laptime for Pre-Walkers: Enjoy simple stories, lively songs and rhymes, and meet other babies in the neighborhood. Limited to 50 babies and their caregivers; first-come first-served.
Ages 0-18 months | Free | 11:30 am
Teen Volunteer Time: Teens can meet new friends and earn community service credit by volunteering at the library.
Ages 14-18 | Free | 4:00 pm
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13
WINTER AFTERSCHOOL SPORTS AND GAMES
Battery Park City Ball Fields, West Street between Murray and Warren, twitter.com/BPCParks/status/542046263207026689/photo/1 fbelliard@bpcparks.org
Kids can come play soccer, flag-football, hockey, and more at the Battery Park City ballfields. Find winter activities organized by parks programming leaders or play independently. Equipment will be provided.
Ages 7+ | Free | 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
WE MAKE FOR US: TEEN COLLECTIVE NIGHT
Abrons Arts Center, 466 Grand Street (at Pitt Street) EZurer@HenryStreet.org www.abronsartscenter.org
Planned for teens by teens, this is a free evening of “videoke,” a participatory installation in-progress, DJ NoNo, bubble tea, and dumplings. Explore exhibitions curated by Amanda Parmer.
Ages 13-19 | Free | 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm
VALENTINE’S WEEKEND “SWEET LOVE AND LULLABIES” TOUR
Rockwood Music Hall 196 Allen St., www.rockwoodmusichall.com/
Suz Slezak has assembled an ensemble to present all the songs from “Watching the Nighttime Come.”
All ages | $5 suggested donation | 7:00 pm
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14
NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY BATTERY PARK CITY BRANCH
175 North End Ave, 212-790-3499, nypl.org/locations/battery-park-city
Craft Your Own Valentines: Bring your imaginations and get crafty. For children of with a grown up to help them.
All ages | Free | 10:30 am
ASIAN AMERICAN FESTIVAL
Children’s Museum of the Arts, 103 Charlton St., cmany.org/events/aroundtheworldwithcma/
The museum’s sixth annual series of Multicultural Festivals that celebrate the artistic and cultural traditions of different communities.
All ages | Free with paid admission | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
VALENTINE’S DAY PARTY
Citibabes, 52 Mercer St., 3rd Fl., www.citibabes.com, soho@citibabes.com
On Valentine’s Day Citibabes will have live music, cookie decorating, and arts and crafts.
All ages | $15 per family | 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
LITTLE CLUB HEADS VALENTINE’S DAY KIDS DANCE PARTY
Broad Street Ballroom, 41 Broad Street
The Valentine’s Day celebration at Little Club Heads dance party will include 9-year-old twin sister DJs, dance contests, face painting, balloon twisting, and more.
Ages: 2-12 | $15 | 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
‘RAPUNZARELLAWHITE’
50 West 13th Street
www.13thstreetrep.org/
Mixing Bullwinkle with Carol Burnett, “RAPUNZARELLA WHITE” follows three baby triplets, Rapunzel, Cinderella, and Snow White that are kidnapped by an angry witch..
Ages: 4+ | $35/ticket | 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
30TH ANNUAL HALF MOON NEW YORK SWORD ALE
Various locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn, at 1:00 at Chatham Square Library 33 East Broadway (near Catherine St.), www.halfmoonsword.org, halfmoonsword@gmail.com
Sword dancing is a winter celebration that has come down through the ages from the coalmining regions of northern England. The festival will feature both mystical, stately long sword and lively rapper sword dancing, accompanied by live music.
All ages | Free | 1:00
ULTIMATE FRISBEE
Battery Park City Ball Fields, West Street between Murray and Warren,
Come to the B.P.C. ballfields for a game of Ultimate Frisbee. The game is great fun for novices and experts alike. Newcomers are welcome. Co-ed/Pick-up. Discs are provided.
All ages | Free | 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15
PENNY JONES & CO. PUPPETS: ‘THE THREE LITTLE PIGS’
Westbeth Home to the Arts, 155 Bank St., www.pennypuppets.org
Tales include “Three Little Pigs” and the story of “Boswell, the Polar Bear” (who happens to drift south on his iceberg to chance upon friendly southern animals before he is blown back to the North Pole). With participation, fun and games for young audiences.
Ages: 3-8 years | $10 for everyone including babies | 11 am and 2:30 pm
FILM FORUM JR. SUNDAY MATINEE SERIES
Film Forum, 209 West Houston St., filmforum.org/series/film-forum-jr.-series-page
A weekly Sunday matinee series for kids and families through 3/29. February 15: An American in Paris
Age 5+ | $7.50 | 11:00 am
NYC AUDUBON’S WINTER SEALS AND WATERBIRDS OF NEW YORK HARBOR ECOCRUISES
Pier 16 at 89 South Street
The winter ecocruises depart from South Street Seaport’s Pier 16 aboard NY Water Taxi’s eco-friendly vessels. A NYC Audubon naturalist provides a narrated tour of the surprising wildlife of the harbor: Look for harbor seals.
All ages | $35 for adults $25 for children 3-12 | 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
WOMEN’S AND GIRLS’ SOCCER
Battery City Ball Fields, West Street between Murray and Warren Street,
Women’s and Girls’ Soccer at the Battery Park City Ball Fields is good for aspiring athletes or simply those wanting to try a new sport.
Ages 12+ | Free | 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
EVERY SUNDAY UNTIL 2/22
JAZZ FOR KIDS
Jazz Standard, 116 East 27th Street (between Park & Lexington Aves.) www.jazzstandard.com/
The weekly session (which runs all throughout the school year) is packed with family and friends grooving to music by the Jazz Standard Youth Orchestra and eating ribs from Blue Smoke.
All ages | Free, suggested $5 donation | 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm (doors open at 1:00 pm)
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16
WINTER AFTERSCHOOL SPORTS AND GAMES
Battery Park City Ball Fields, West Street between Murray and Warren
See 2/13 for info
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17
NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY BATTERY PARK CITY BRANCH
175 North End Ave, 212-790-3499, nypl.org/locations/battery-park-city
Baby Laptime for Pre-Walkers: Enjoy simple stories, lively songs and rhymes, and meet other babies in the neighborhood. Limited to 25 babies and their caregivers; first-come first-served.
Ages 0-18 months | Free | 11:30 am
Chinese New Year Craft: Come make a Chinese New Year craft. Your child should be able to use scissors or have a grown up willing to do the cutting for them.
All ages | Free | 4:00 pm
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18
COMMUNITY CUBE
South Street Seaport, 14 Fulton Street, www.southstreetseaport.com/events
Dance.Laugh.Learn: combines music, dance, and theatre. It aims to spark creativity and establish an early love for the arts.
All ages | Free | 10:00 am
Mandarin Seeds: Mandarin Seeds’ vision is to create a playful Mandarin immersion environment where children will fall in love with learning Mandarin through creative and stimulating curriculum.
All ages | Free | 10:00 am
FEBRUARY FUN AT THE COMMUNITY CUBE ELSA’S WINTER WONDERLAND
South Street Seaport Ice Rink, www.southstreetseaport.com/events
Elsa’s Winter Wonderland with Dance.Laugh.Learn
All ages | Free | 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY BATTERY PARK CITY BRANCH
175 North End Ave, 212-790-3499, nypl.org/locations/battery-park-city
Toddler Story Time: A librarian will share lively picture books, finger plays, and action songs with toddlers and their caregivers.
Ages 12-36 months | Free | 10:30 a.m. | EVERY WEDNESDAY AT 10:30 am
WINTER AFTERSCHOOL SPORTS AND GAMES
Battery Park City Ball Fields, West Street between Murray and Warren
See 2/13 for info
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19
NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY BATTERY PARK CITY BRANCH
175 North End Ave, 212-790-3499, nypl.org/locations/battery-park-city
Baby Laptime for Pre-Walkers: See 2/12 for info
Bilingual Storytime: Enjoy classic stories, songs and rhymes in French and English! For children of all ages.
All ages | Free | 4:00 pm
Teen Volunteer Time: Meet new friends, earn community service credit, by volunteering at the Library. For ages 14-18.
All ages| Free | 4:00 pm
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20
WINTER AFTERSCHOOL SPORTS AND GAMES
Battery Park City Ball Fields, West Street between Murray and Warren
See 1/19 for info
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21
ULTIMATE FRISBEE
Battery Park City Ball Fields, West Street between Murray and Warren
See 2/14 for info
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22
16TH ANNUAL LUNAR NEW YEAR PARADE AND FESTIVAL
Chinatown and Little Italy, betterchinatown.com/upcoming-events
The parade begins at Canal & Mott Sts. to Chatham Square at East Broadway, down East Broadway under the Manhattan Bridge, proceeding down Eldridge St. to Grand St. at Forsyth Street, ending at Sara D Roosevelt Park.
All ages |Free | 1:00 pm
THE ANNUAL BABY LOVES DISCO (AFTER) VALENTINE’S DAY BALL
Le Poisson Rouge, 158 Bleecker St , babylovesdisco.com/events/
At Baby Loves Disco there’s music spun by the DJ with bubbles float-ing over the dance floor– to get the mamas, papas and little ones moving.
Ages: 6 months-7 years | $20 per person $60 Four Pack | 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
FILM FORUM JR. SUNDAY MATINEE SERIES: ‘Go West’
Film Forum, 209 West Houston St., filmforum.org/series/film-forum-jr.-series-page
A weekly Sunday matinee series for kids and families.
Age 5+ | $7.50 | 11:00 am
NYC AUDUBON’S WINTER SEALS AND WATERBIRDS OF NEW YORK HARBOR ECOCRUISES
Pier 16 at 89 South Street
See 2/15 for info
WOMEN’S AND GIRLS’ SOCCER
Battery City Ball Fields, West Street between Murray and Warren Street
See 2/15 for info
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23
COMMUNITY CUBE: TEDDY BEAR CLINIC
South Street Seaport, 14 Fulton Street, www.southstreetseaport.com/events
Join NY Presbyterian Hospital for a Teddy Bear Clinic at the Community Cube.
All ages | Free | 10:00 am
NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY BATTERY PARK CITY BRANCH
175 North End Ave, 212-790-3499, nypl.org/locations/battery-park-city
Baby Laptime for Pre-Walkers: Enjoy simple stories, lively songs and rhymes, and meet other babies in the neighborhood. Limited to 50 babies and their caregivers; first-come first-served.
Ages 0-18 months | Free | 9:30 am
Toddler Story Time: A librarian will share lively picture books, finger plays, and action songs with toddlers and their caregivers.
Ages 12-36 months | Free | 4:00 pm
WINTER AFTERSCHOOL SPORTS AND GAMES
Battery Park City Ball Fields, West Street between Murray and Warren. See 2/13 for info
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24
NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY BATTERY PARK CITY BRANCH
175 North End Ave, 212-790-3499, nypl.org/locations/battery-park-city
Baby Laptime for Pre-Walkers: Enjoy simple stories, lively songs and rhymes, and meet other babies in the neighborhood. Limited to 25 babies and their caregivers; first-come first-served.
Ages 0-18 months | Free |11:30 am
Picture Book Time: A librarian will share classic picture books and new stories.
All ages | Free| 4:00 pm
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25
COMMUNITY CUBE: KIDVILLE
South Street Seaport, 14 Fulton Street, www.southstreetseaport.com/events
Kidville demos its creative classes for babies, toddlers, and kids up to five.
All ages | Free | 10:00 am
NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY BATTERY PARK CITY BRANCH
175 North End Ave, 212-790-3499, nypl.org/locations/battery-park-city
Toddler Story Time:
See 2/18 for info
WINTER AFTERSCHOOL SPORTS AND GAMES
Battery Park City Ball Fields, West Street between Murray and Warren.
See 2/13 for info
