Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Easter Parade.
Once upon a time, New York's gentry came out to
show off their tasteful but discreet toppers. Today, if you were
planning to slip on a tasteful little number—say something deli-
cately woven in straw with a simple flower—you will
not
be the
grandest lady in this springtime hike along Fifth Avenue, from
48th to 57th streets. It's more about flamboyant exhibitionism,
with hats and costumes that get more outrageous every year, and
anybody can join in for free. It generally runs Easter Sunday from
about 10am to 3 or 4pm. Call
&
212/484-1222.
April 12, 2009.
April
New York International Auto Show.
Here's the irony: You don't
need a car in New York, yet this is the largest car show in the U.S.
Held at the Javits Center, many concept cars that will never roll
off the assembly line but are fun to dream about are on display.
Call
&
800/282-3336
or visit
www.autoshowny.com
or
www.
javitscenter.com
. Call for dates.
TriBeCa Film Festival.
Conceived in 2002 by the unofficial
mayor of TriBeCa, Robert De Niro, the festival has grown in popu-
larity and esteem every year. In 2008, the 12-day festival featured
over 250 films and included such events as a Family Festival Street
Fair, music performances and art exhibitions, and outdoor “drive-
in” films. Call
&
212/941-2400
or visit
www.tribecafilmfestival.
org
. Last week in April/early May.
May
Fleet Week.
About 10,000 Navy and Coast Guard personnel are
“at liberty” in New York for the annual Fleet Week. You can watch
the ships as they dock at the piers on the west side of Manhattan,
tour them with on-duty personnel, and watch some dramatic
exhibitions by the U.S. Marines. Even if you don't take in any of
the events, you'll know it's Fleet Week because those 10,000
sailors invade Midtown in their white uniforms. It's wonderful—
just like
On the Town
come to life. Call
&
212/245-0072,
or visit
www.fleetweek.navy.mil
(your best source for a full list of events)
or
www.intrepidmuseum.org
. Late May.
June
Parades, parades, parades.
During the summer there is a parade
for almost every holiday, nationality or ethnicity. June is the
month for (among others) the sometimes raucous but very color-
ful
Puerto Rican Day Parade
and the
Lesbian and Gay Pride
Week and March,
where Fifth Avenue goes wild as the LGBT
community celebrates with bands, marching groups, floats, and
plenty of panache. The parade starts on upper Fifth Avenue
