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No travel plans? No problem. We curated an insanely-fun checklist comprising local Memorial Day Weekend events, which prove New York is where the party’s at this year. From concerts at one of the city's best beaches to outdoor dining, here's how to kick-off the unofficial start of summer with a bang!
RECOMMENDED: Memorial Day Weekend Guide
Brooklyn Pig Roast
Wear your stretchy pants so you can pig out on celebrity chef Michael Psilakis’s Korean bo-ssam– or Southern-barbecue–style porker and wash it down with booze. The Hall at MP, 470 Driggs Ave, Brooklyn (718- 387-4001, cegpresents.com). Fri 27 6–10pm; $15–$40.
Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Summer Movie Series: Top Gun
Give a proverbial salute to the U.S. military (and Maverick) by watching a free outdoor screening of this pro-American classic on the flight deck of a historic aircraft carrier. Pier 86, Twelfth Ave and W 46th St (212-245-0072, intrepidmuseum.org). Fri 27 at 6pm; free.
Lower East Side Festival of the Arts
Poets, musicians, thespians, dancers and comics of the Lower East Side and the East Village show off their talents during this three-day multicultural performance. 155 First Ave at 10th St (theaterforthenewcity.net). Fri 27–Sun 29 at various times; free.
Memorial Day Weekend Yacht Cruise
Set the tone for the long weekend by guzzling all the alcohol you can drink, dancing until your legs give out and waving to Lady Liberty.Pier 16, South Street Seaport, 89 South St (iclubnyc.com). Fri 27 9pm–midnight; $30.
CookOut NYC food party on the pier
This alfresco festival with gorgeous East River views has all the makings of a kick-ass picnic: beer, cider, grilling and live music. SolarOne, 24–20 FDR Dr, Service Road East (eventbrite.com). Sat 28, Sun 29 at various times; $10–$75.
Nathan’s Hot Dog Anniversary
Coney Island’s high-energy spirit makes the destination a great spot to ring in the unofficial start of those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer. The extra incentive? Nathan’s Famous hot dogs are going for five cents a weiner in honor of the food chain’s 100th anniversary. Nathan’s Famous, 1310 Surf Ave, Brooklyn (718-333-2202, nathansfamous.com). Sat 28 11am–2pm; free.
Dance Candy Spectacular
Gorge on sweet treats like cotton candy, take out your aggro impulses on a piñata, and groove to funky house music during this sugar-high extravaganza. House of Yes, 2 Wyckoff Ave, Brooklyn (houseofyes.org). Sat 28 9pm–4:30am; $15, before 11pm free.
Riis Park Beach Bazaar
If sandy shores are calling your name, go stick your toes in the Atlantic and catch live music from bands such as Simon & the Bar Sinisters, the Supertones and the Shipwrecks while munching on seaside eats and frozen treats.16702 Rockaway Beach Blvd, Queens (riisparkbeachbazaar.com). Sat 28–Mon 30 noon; free.
Memorial Day Weekend Tour, Tasting & Beer Flight
Get a private tour and tasting of Bronx Brewery’s delicious suds, then sober up with soft pretzels and beef jerky. Or, hell, just keep drinking—it’s a holiday! Bronx Brewery, 856 E 136th St (718-402-1000, nyadventureclub.com). Sun 29 2–3:30pm; $12, $15.
Annual Memorial Day Concert
Bask in the beauty of Green-Wood Cemetery while listening to a free orchestra concert led by the ISO Symphonic Band. Green-Wood Cemetery, 500 25th St, Brooklyn (eventbrite.com). Mon 30 2:30–5:30pm; free.
YES Memorial Day Pig BBQ
No gril? No worries. Head to House of Yes on Memorial Day, where its outdoor patio will feature 90lbs of pork roasted over 10-hours, plus hot dogs and vegetarian options, too. After pigging out, dance off the calories with local music talents and deep house favorites.
House of Yes, 2 Wyckoff Ave, Brooklyn (houseofyes.org). Mon 30 at 2pm; No cover.