Five of the best things to do during Bronx Week

The Bronx, otherwise known as the Boogie Down, celebrates its extensive cultural offerings during Bronx Week (May 11–21), when the borough presents dozens of events (many of them free). Here are five of the best items on the menu.

“Susan Schwalb: Metalpoint Paintings”
The exhibition showcases 15 of Schwalb’s metalpoint paintings created by etching fine lines of copper, tin, silver, gold and platinum onto gesso-painted surfaces.
Elma and Milton A. Gilbert Pavilion Gallery, 5901 Palisade Ave. May 11 10:30am–4:30pm; free.

The Amazing Bronx River Flotilla
Take a five-mile paddle along the river and its diverse landscapes. Prefer to kick it on dry land? Then meet the fleet at Hunts Point Riverside Park at 3pm for free activities, live music and rowing with the Rocking the Boat team.
Starts at Shoelace Park, E 219th St and Bronx Blvd (bronxriver.org). May 13 8:30am–3pm; flotilla registration $50.

Bronx Rising!: Dance in the Diaspora
BX musical groups the Bambara Drum & Dance Ensemble and Hamalali Wayunagu Garifuna Folkloric & Modern Dance Company will have the crowd shaking it to West African and Central American beats.
Bronx Music Heritage Center, 1303 Louis Niñé Blvd (thisisbronxmusic.org). May 20 7–9pm; free.

Wave Hill History Walk
Explore the Riverdale estate on a tour featuring its architecture, public gardens and history of notables including Mark Twain and Theodore Roosevelt, both of whom once called it home.
649 W 249th St (wavehill.org). May 20; with admission free, adults $2–$8.

The final day’s festivities
Cap off the week on May 21 with the annual Bronx Week Parade (reviewing stand at Mosholu Pkwy East at Van Cortlandt Ave, noon; free). Nosh on food and shop at the Bronx Food & Arts Festival (Mosholu Pkwy between Van Cortlandt and Bainbridge Aves, noon–6pm; free). Also dance to up-and-coming hip-hop, R&B and salsa artists along with established acts like TKA, Doug E. Fresh, Slick Rick and Los Adolescentes at the Grand Finale Concert (Mosholu Pkwy at Bainbridge Ave, noon–6pm; free). They don’t call this the Boogie Down for nothing!