Festivals and events in New York: Cheap NYC activities

There's nothing more "summer in NYC" than taking in a movie in the great outdoors, under the hardly-seen stars and set to the humming soundtrack of the city. New Yorkers love to take in films on the nicest rooftops, on the best beaches, and in our city's greatest parks (preferably with a drink or popcorn in hand). Luckily, NYC has no shortage of places to catch outdoor movie screenings you can attend in the warmer months. Looking to see a new movie any night of the week? Check out the best movie theaters in NYC. And for some at-home inspiration, you can always catch up on the best NYC movies of all time. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to things to do in the summer in NYC  

It might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about summer in the city, but when you need to beat the heat, why not give free kayaking in NYC a try? We’ve got plenty of water, from the Hudson River to the East River, and these waterways offer some of the best views of many of New York’s attractions. If you own your own kayak, you’re all set to paddle. For the rest of us, there are many organizations around the city that aim to reconnect urbanites to nature and the aquatic ecosystems that surround us. Groups of boaters and paddling enthusiasts lead small groups around New York’s waterways, offering a cool, relaxing and educational adventure. Best of all? It’s free! NYC Parks also hosts one-off free kayaking and canoeing events throughout the summer!  Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island and Long Island City all have boating opportunities for you this summer. Most are first-come-first-served or by reservation only, so be sure to check before you head out. After all that paddling, you can absolutely treat yourself to a hearty NYC brunch afterwards. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to things to do outside in NYC

Free and cheap tickets to NYC's best museums? It's possible! One of the benefits of living in or visiting New York City is all the incredible cultural institutions and museums are at your beck-and-call like The Metropolitan Museum Of Art, MoMA or the Guggenheim. They are among the finest in the world—there’s just one hitch: They’re often pricey to get into. Unlike cities such as London or Washington, D.C., New York isn’t big on publicly funded museums, which is too bad, especially if you actually live here and have to pay most of your wages on food and rent. Granted, there are senior and student discounts, and memberships that let you get in gratis if you’re willing to pay for the annual fee. There is one alternative, however: most museums offer free hours or days and pay-what-you-wish admission. You just have to know where and when they are. We’ve got the info you need in our guide to all the free museum days and cheap admission in NYC you should know about. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best museums in NYC

Economy Candy has been bringing sweetness to NYC for 85 years and to celebrate, the beloved shop is throwing a block party with free treats and candy-inspired cocktails this weekend. On Saturday, July 30, guests to the party will be greeted by a penny candy cart outside the store and a sidewalk full of other local shops celebrating the anniversary, including Restocked NYC, Edith Machinist and El Castillo. Serafina LES, Verlaine, Welcome to the Johnson’s and Pretty Ricky’s will serve Economy Candy-inspired cocktails for those 21 and older. RECOMMENDED: New Yorkers react to the potential closure of Papaya King View this post on Instagram A post shared by Economy Candy (@economycandy) Sweet tooths will be in their element—there will be free tastings from Gotham Bar & Grill behind Gotham Chocolates, Tony’s Chocolonely as well as Tazzy Candy and Zweets. Mikey Like’s It Ice Cream will also be there to celebrate and offer scoops of an Economy Candy-inspired flavor. Jellio will do a special birthday giveaway, Ring Pop will host a guessing game and Economy Candy will have its own prize wheel full of free passes to CandyTopia, Color Factory, Jellio World and sweet treats from Jomart and Tony’s Chocolonely. And while it isn’t a pairing we’d normally go for, there will be free pickles from The Pickle Guys. For the anniversary, there will also be limited edition merch and Kossar’s Bagels & Bialys will be serving up specialty Economy Candy sweet cream cheese spreads. There

Let’s face it: NYC is expensive, both for visitors and locals. For those of us living here in the city, we’re constantly choosing between going out and, say, paying rent. While it’s certainly nice to splurge on one of the best restaurants in NYC, the reality is that we mostly have to focus on cheap eats and happy hour deals. We’re here to help: when it comes to going out in the city, you can still have fun without facing a hefty price tag. There are plenty of cheap things to do in NYC to fill your days without emptying your wallet. Some are even worthy cheap date ideas, if you’re looking. Simply walking the streets of New York can make for an entertaining day out, but if you look closely you can find fabulous things to do for cheap. Did you know that some of NYC’s top attractions are also affordable? Or how about comedy — a good laugh doesn’t have to cost much. Manhattan and Brooklyn have beautiful parks to stroll, and for a small fee you can get around on a bike or a boat. You can catch free shows from up-and-coming bands, or catch a movie for under $10. Entertainment in NYC can be cheap, or even free, so get out there and have some fun! RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best things to do in NYC

New York is a hotbed of artistic expression. The city’s art museums—including The Metropolitan Museum Of Art, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum—display some of the best artists spanning centuries. And with more than 1000 galleries, you can check out the latest and greatest artists at any time, in all mediums from painting to sculpture. You’ll find the best galleries in NYC concentrated in Chelsea, but also Brooklyn and Queens to the Upper and Lower East Sides of Manhattan. Visit NYC’s legendary art galleries and you’ll see some of the best artists from around the world. These galleries are at the forefront of the latest trends in art and design, so you know you’re catching a glimpse of the cutting edge. You can also see work from big name artists, from Andy Warhol and Damien Hirst to Yayoi Kusama and Richard Serra. Whether you’re looking for gorgeous paintings, mind-boggling sculpture or thought-provoking installations, these galleries have the goods. The best part? While you may not be able to afford to make a purchase, perusing these galleries to enjoy amazing works of art is completely free. And if you’re inspired? Check out the best art classes in NYC.

Every summer, the Public Theater produces a beloved NYC democratic tradition and one of the best free things to do in NYC: Shakespeare in the Park, presented at the open-air Delacorte Theater in Central Park. There’s nothing quite like hearing the Bard’s immortal words performed outside in New York, with a backdrop of natural splendor and the Belvedere Castle looming in the background like the world’s most impressive set decoration. Shakespeare in the Park’s popularity means that tickets aren’t easy to come by—but if you persevere, you can get seats. Here’s our guide to navigating the system in 2022. What is Shakespeare in the Park? Created by the late Joseph Papp in 1962, the Public Theater's series offers free, large-scale productions of works by William Shakespeare (as well as the occasional musical or non-Shakespearean drama). The productions often feature some of the most talented actors of our day. Past casts have included including Meryl Streep, Kevin Kline, Al Pacino, Philip Seymour Hoffman, George C. Scott and Denzel Washington. What is being performed this season? Shakespeare in the Park's first show in 2022 will be new production of the blood-soaked history play Richard III (June 21–July 17). In this version, directed by Robert O'Hara (Slave Play), the title role will be played by the formidable Danai Gurira. The summer's second offering will be director Laurie Woolery and songwriter Shaina Taub's enormous musical adaptation of As You Like It (August 10–September

We really like eating around the city, and we're guessing you do, too. So lucky for all of us, we've packed all our favorite restaurants under one roof at the Time Out Market New York. The DUMBO location in Empire Stores has fried chicken from Jacob’s Pickles, pizza from Fornino, inventive ice cream flavors from Sugar Hill Creamery and more amazing eateries—all cherry-picked by us. Chow down over two floors with views of the East River, Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline.  RECOMMENDED: The best things do in NYC

A 6-foot platform has taken residence smack-dab in the middle of one of Brooklyn’s most iconic blocks by Washington Street in Dumbo. The podium, dubbed the Six Foot Platform, functions as a stage for 11 different interactive art exhibits that run the gamut in terms of genre. Expect dance performances, music-related shows, painting installations, poetry sessions and much more to make use of the platform as a home base through September 10 from 1pm through 8pm.  You can a calendar of performances right here, including the upcoming show "A Day in Dumbo," led by artist MingLiang Lu. Throughout his time on stage, Lu will ask spectators to volunteer as models for 3D paper portrait cuttings. Photograph: Courtesy of the Dumbo Improvement District Photograph: Sean J. Rhinehart Two weeks after, on August 20, Vanesa Alvarez Diaz will combine painting and poetry when working on two large live canvases on each side of the platform. Poet Marcos de la Fuente will then appear on stage to recite poetry while Diaz will paint his white jumpsuit. "The artist's intention is to make the viewer curious, first about the creation of a live art piece, second about the mix of disciplines and finally about the use of poetry," reads an official press release about the series. In September, artist Sarah K. Williams will deliver a sculptural performance that involves the "slicing and sampling of a collection of invented fruits," reads the press release. "Each fruit, constructed out of an array of ed

The dance world tends to take some time off in the summer, as major companies ramp up for their upcoming fall seasons, but that doesn’t mean that fans of gorgeous human movement have nowhere to turn in August. On the contrary: Dance is more accessible to everyday New Yorkers than ever this month, thanks to free dance festivals in scenic outdoor locations around the city. Here is a quick guide to some of what you can see in the weeks ahead. (Click on the links for full details.) BAAND Together Dance Festival (Lincoln Center, August 9–August 13 at 7:30pm):Five of New York City's most prestigious dance companies—Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, American Ballet Theatre, Ballet Hispánico, Dance Theatre of Harlem and New York City Ballet—perform together at Lincoln Center's Damrosch Park in five free shows. Each lineup is slightly different, but they all include a performance of Annabelle Lopez Ochoa's One for All, which features dancers from all five troupes. Admission is mostly first-come-first-served, but advance reservations are available; the window for making them starts at noon on Monday, August 8. Battery Dance Festival (Robert F. Wagner Park, August 13–20 at 7pm):This beloved annual fest takes place way downtown at Robert F. Wagner Park, in front of the sparkling New York Harbor. The 41st edition's lineup includes multiple U.S. or world premieres, and the participating companies include visiting groups from Singapore, Spain, Denmark, the Netherlands and Canada. The firs

If you need another reason to get outside this summer, NYC street fairs take over various blocks in all five boroughs when the weather gets warmer. While frolicking through these vehicle-free roads, snack on sensational eats from the best restaurants in NYC and score stellar throwback wares and antiques as you would find at our city’s finest vintage clothing stores. As enjoyable as eating and shopping can be, there are many more things to do outside, from rocking out at outdoor concerts to peeping at some street art. Take advantage of the beautiful weather, including awesome free things to do, while the streets are full of fun. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to things to do in the summer in NYC

Some of the biggest names in barbecue and blues are coming to Hudson River Park (Pier 76) on Saturday, August 13, to help send the summer out in style. Enjoy ribs, pulled pork and more from eateries including Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, Blue Smoke, Big Papa Smokem Gourmet BBQ, Jases BBQ and more as well as brews from Allagash Brewing, Sunday Beer, Two Robbers and more. It's a full-sensory experience as you listen to terrific blues while you stuff your face. Performers include Dwayne Dopsie & The Zydeco Hellraisers, Jackie Venson, Walter "Wolfman" Washington, Bette Smith and Don Bryant.

When anyone asks where my favorite place in NYC is, the answer is obvious: Governors Island. The 172-acre island, partially made from the cast-off rocks from the Lexington Avenue Subway, is the verdant backyard that New Yorkers desperately need. It's completely car-free so cycling is a breeze, the views of the harbor, the city and the Statue of Liberty are breathtaking and its acres of open land give beleaguered city residents a chance to spread their limbs without clobbering the person next to them. In recent years, the island has woken from its slumber as a former military site—an identity it's held since 1995 when the Coast Guard left—and has become a destination for culture with a burgeoning arts program as well as an oasis for recreation in a city where open space is extremely limited. It has become especially a summer activity for those seeking an escape from the concrete, but in 2021, The Trust for Governors Island announced that the park would be open year-round for the first time. Now, New Yorkers and tourists can enjoy the giant park any time of year. With this major change, the island is staying open later and has way more to offer than ever before, from multiple dining options with bars to the new QC NY Spa and the Collective Retreats glamping grounds. It's becoming a New York City neighborhood in its own right. Below, we've created and tested out a 24-hour itinerary for those who want to spend a full day at Governors Island. Note: It takes multiple visits to see

Navigating New York City is something of a thrill ride in its own right. But when it comes to classic fun with family and friends, look no further than one of these amusement parks near NYC. Within screaming distance of the city (hey, Coney Island), you can partake in jaw-dropping thrill rides and dizzying roller coasters, the kind of heart-palpitating drops that make the G train at rush hour look like child’s play. Or go a little further to New Jersey or Pennsylvania for your thrills. Hordes of teens be damned—whether it's a peak holiday weekend or a lazy summer’s day, hitting up one of these top-rated amusement parks will always provide a most thrilling excursion. Just remember to pace yourself, and don’t scream yourself hoarse. If a lower-adrenaline kind of getaway is your kind of thing, opt for one of the best day trips from NYC or drop the thrill-seekers off and head out for some shopping at the best outlets near NYC.

Every summer, people flock to Central Park in New York to score Shakespeare in the Park tickets. This beloved free annual tradition is produced by the Public Theater at the open-air Delacorte Theater. Sure, you could stay at home and stream Shakespeare movies, but the live outdoor theater experience is unique—and certainly one of the best free things to do in NYC. This year’s Shakespeare in the Park productions are Richard III (June 21–July 17) and a musical adaptation of As You Like It (August 10–September 11).  As has been the case since Shakespeare in the Park began in 1962, the Public distributes free tickets, but it takes some dedication to get your hands on them. After two in which distribution shifted largely to a digital lottery, the traditional in-person lineup in Central Park has returned in 2022 as one of six different ways to get tickets. Here are the full details.RECOMMENDED: Complete guide to Shakespeare in the Park 1. In Central Park at the Delacorte Tickets are distributed in front of the Delacorte Theater on a first-come, first-served basis at 12pm on the day of the show, so you’ll have to wait in line—likely for a long time—if you want to get in. But it's worth it. Before you go, you'll need to register for a Public Theater Patron ID. Click here do that. Central Park doesn’t open until 6am, and although the Public Theater doesn’t condone it, it is legal to camp out before then by the park entrance at Central Park West and 81st Street. A line monitor from the

New York comes to life in the summer, when the world is truly a New Yorker’s stage and the streets often become alive with performance and energy. If you’ve been lucky enough to scope out or stumble upon a performance by The Opera Next Store, an opera company created in summer 2020 to help bring live performance back to New York, you know that this immersive live music is what makes the heat of the city worth staying in.  And while air-conditioned theaters are back up and running with some safety precautions, The Opera Next Door is continuing its outdoor performance legacy with a Summer Stoop Concert Series, free for all to enjoy. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do this summer in NYC “To honor our beginnings, we created the Summer Stoop Concert Series, a space which brings opera to the masses in working-class neighborhoods and where we collaborate with artists of different musical genres to explore the possibilities of creating a place for opera in this new day and age,” says Opera Next Door founder and artistic director Sasha Gutiérrez. “We are overwhelmed by the positive response from our audiences! Most of the people that have seen our concerts are new to the genre of opera and we love sharing it with new audiences because we love this art form deeply. However, we understand that it has always been considered a ‘high art’ and we are working hard in blurring the lines when it comes to the type of people that can enjoy this art form. We are sure that if the general public ar

No matter where you are or where you work in New York, you’re probably stressed out. As great as our fair city is — with so many amazing things to do, fabulous restaurants and top-notch bars — it’s hard to find time to chill out. Taking a weekend getaway or relaxing on a nearby beach are good ways to relax, but often we need serenity NOW (and let’s face it: sometimes planning that beach trip or weekend getaway can lead to even more stress!). A relaxing spa treatment can be just the thing for a quick fix. Problem is, most of us can’t afford the luxurious spas that promise instant bliss. Fortunately there are a number of spots for affordable spa treatments in NYC. Whether it’s a facial, a massage, a mani-pedi or a body scrub, one to two hours at a spa will give you the re-set you need. You’ll feel refreshed and glowing in no time. When was the last time you treated yourself? We think now is the time to get that affordable spa treatment. If you’re looking for more affordable ways to unwind, take a calming stroll through one of New York’s parks, or get a scoop of sweet, refreshing ice cream and tune out for a while before getting back to the hustle and bustle. RECOMMENDED: Find more spas in NYC

One of the city's most popular summertime pursuits, free Bryant Park Movie Nights, is officially back for the season—and this year's lineup is looking stellar. Kicking off on June 13, the beloved outdoor screenings will take place every Monday for 10 weeks. The lawn opens at 5pm but the films won't start until 8pm. This year's presentations will focus on the beauty of movie sequels, so do expect a lot of "part twos" in the schedule, which we reproduce below: June 13th: Indiana Jones and the Last CrusadeJune 20th: Creed IIJune 27th: HairsprayJuly 4th: Mission: Impossible — Rogue NationJuly 11th: Wayne’s World 2July 18th: Scream 2July 25th: Beverly Hills Cop IIAugust 1st: Star Trek: First ContactAugust 8th: Grease 2 As is the case every year, you're encouraged to bring your own blanket, but you can also buy one at the park directly. There are no dogs allowed in the area and neither are chairs or tables. It will just be you under the beautiful New York City skyline, watching a great flick and snacking on food you bought from a selection of vendors curated by Hester Street Fair. As mentioned earlier, these are very popular events—so do plan to get there early and expect a lot of people to be there as well. With the announcement of the lineup, we can officially say that summer in New York as begun!

Don’t scoff, jaded New Yorker—there are a lot of free things to do in NYC today. We understand: When you live in one of the most expensive cities in America, it’s hard to imagine how anything in this town could be gratis. But guess what? Every event on this list is free, and actually awesome! That’s right, we found the best concerts, free art exhibitions, comedy shows, cultural celebrations and events happening in NYC parks, so you can have the time of your life without paying a dime. Whether you’re looking for free date ideas or something to do with visiting relatives, we got you. Do you want more great stories about things to do, where to eat, what to watch, and where to party? Obviously you do, follow Time Out New York on Facebook for the good stuff.RECOMMENDED: See all free things to do in NYC

Lincoln Center is about to reclaim summer! A giant outdoor dance floor is coming to Josie Robertson Plaza for a season of free dance, music and performance as part of Lincoln Center's second iteration of its Restart Stages program. Lincoln Center stunned New Yorkers last summer when it opened a massive lawn, The Green, to host its free performances (under Restart Stages). Now, building on last year's success, "Summer for the City" will include 300 artistic and civic activations across 10 outdoor stages. RECOMMENDED: A festival inspired by "Summer of Soul" is coming to NYC in 2023 Of the stages, "The Oasis" will be the city’s largest outdoor dance floor with a massive 10-foot disco ball. Costume and set designer Clint Ramos will create a blue, mural/installation with a sea of mirrors that reflect performers and dancers who will move to live music, silent discos, adapted dance lessons, dance parties, salsa, swing, soul and more under lighting designs by Andrew Grant. The dance floor will be free and open to the public during the day in case you'd like to take a mid-day dance break. There will also be a mini film festival from Film at Lincoln Center projected at the "Outdoor Cinema" in front of the under-renovation David Geffen Hall. Those who attend will get popcorn and drinks with movie audio transmitted via Quiet Event headphones. Photograph: courtesy Access Magic, Lincoln Center Following the hot trend of speakeasies in the city, "The Speakeasy" will be tucked under the d

A popular destination on Columbia Street’s restaurant row, three-story Alma serves fancy regional Mexican food in a giddy, casual atmosphere. Although the ground floor bar and midlevel dining room are great, diners clamor for a seat on the rooftop patio (open year-round!) for inspiring views of the Manhattan skyline and the glittering, accidental beauty of cargo-loaders below. The food ranges from old standards (fresh, cilantro-heavy salsa and creamy, addictive guac) to sophisticated dishes like huachinango a la naranja, a red snapper with orange sauce, which is as airy and light as the view.

Five of New York City's leading dance companies—Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, American Ballet Theatre, Ballet Hispánico, Dance Theatre of Harlem and New York City Ballet—perform together in the second annual edition of the BAAND Festival, sharing an outdoor stage at Lincoln Center in a run that consists of five free shows. Each lineup is slightly different, but they all include a performance of Annabelle Lopez Ochoa's One for All, a world-premiere commission that features dancers from all five troupes. Admission is free and mostly first-come-first-served, but a limited number of advance reservations are available; the window for making them starts at noon on Monday, August 8. Find out more about advance reservations here. In addition to the evening performances in Damrosch Park, the companies offer educational afternoon workshops throughout the festival, by general admission on a first-come-first-served basis. New York City Ballet: Allegro Brillante | Photograph: Courtesy ​Erin Baiano​ Here is a full list of the works that are scheduled for  each night of the BAAND Festival:Tuesday, August 9:One for All by Annabelle Lopez OchoaAlvin Ailey American Dance Theater: Cry by Alvin AileyBallet Hispánico: Con Brazos Abiertos by Michelle ManzanalesDance Theatre of Harlem: When Love by Helen PickettAmerican Ballet Theatre: Children's Songs Dance by Jessica LangNew York City Ballet: Red Angels by Ulysses Dove Wednesday, August 10:One for All by Annabelle Lopez OchoaBallet Hispáni

New Yorkers might know their city like the back of their hand, but there are some hidden pockets of NYC still to be discovered. There's always something new taking the place of something old in NYC, but luckily for us, there's still a plethora of old places to explore, you just have to know where to look. From historic residential groves and tiny roads that have been left behind by the requirements for vehicle traffic to alleyways that were only used for horses and carriages back in the day, below are 10 amazing hidden streets in NYC you can visit right now. RECOMMENDED: You can now search through 1,500 fascinating historical maps of NYC  1. Washington Mews (Greenwich Village) Photograph: Shaye Weaver/Time Out A private, gated (but often open) street just north of Washington Square Park, between Fifth Avenue and University Place, is a trip back in time to the day of row houses and stables. These mews (a row of stables) serviced horses from homes in the neighborhood during the 18th and 19th centuries and some were also were homes. Around 1950, NYU rented most of these buildings and converted them into faculty housing and offices.  2. Doyers Street (Chinatown) Photograph: Shutterstock Once known as the Bloody Angle, Doyers Street is a 200-foot-long curved street between Pell Street to Bowery that was once one of the deadliest streets. Sure, it's full of restaurants like Nom Wah Tea Parlor, barbershops and other stores now, but during the early 20th century, it was the site

The free annual Battery Dance Festival, formerly known as the Downtown Dance Festival, takes place outdoors at Robert F. Wagner Park, in front of the sparkling New York Harbor. For its 41st edition this year, it is offering both in-person and streaming options. The lineup includes multiple U.S. or world premieres, and the participating companies include visiting groups from Singapore, Spain, Denmark, the Netherlands and Canada. The first seven shows are general admission, but reservations are required for the 6pm finale on August 20 (which is held indoors at the Schimmel Center). Here is a full schedule of the artists and companies that will be performing. Visit the festival's website for additional details. Saturday, August 13 (Young Voices in Dance):Sydney Burtis, The DifferenceZachary Seto, Nostalgic Beings of SynesthesiaCamryn and Courtney Spero, DistanceKate Louissaint, Bird’s EyeLerato Ragontse, In Between ChangeAnya Susan, In ConversationMyles King, The Last FoundryShannon Harkins, Dreams and Nightmares of a Mutant People Sunday, August 14:Dancing Wheels Company, Unconquered WarriorsBallet Nepantla, Let Down and Huasteca SuiteLinotip, Diagonal & CainGaudanse, nanibuPeridance Contemporary Dance Company, Just Above the SurfaceThe Vanaver Caravan, Vanaver Caravan Retrospective Dancing Wheels | Photograph: Courtesy Steven Pisano Monday, August 15 (India Independence Day):Lineup to be announced Tuesday, August 16: Christina Carminucci, The Solidarity Series IV: Free Spirit

The West Indian Day Parade and carnival, the culmination of New York Caribbean Carnival Week, is consistently one of the best things to do over the summer. The event draws close to two million people, so, yeah, you could consider this the most exciting Labor Day Parade NYC has to offer. Spend Saturday and Sunday milking what's left of summer at one of New York's beaches, then use Monday to fully immerse yourself in rich Caribbean culture and heritage. It’s bound to be one of the best summer parties in New York this year. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Labor Day weekend When is the West Indian Day Parade? The West Indian Day Parade is Monday, September 5, 2022. The march starts at 11am. Where is the West Indian Day Parade? During the seven-hour New York carnival, steel-pan and calypso bands in elaborate costumes march down Eastern Parkway, and vendors sell homestyle island grub along the route in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. The parade starts at Schenectady Avenue and ends at Grand Army Plaza. What can you do before the West Indian Day Parade? The pre-parade parties begin at 6am with J’ouvert (daybreak in French), an irreverent festival held before the parade. What happens during the West Indian Day Parade? The procession always features skin, feathers and sequins, with flags and music that celebrate the heritage of Trinidad and Tobago, Haiti, Barbados, Dominica, Saint Lucia, Jamaica, Saint Vincent and Grenada, Guyana, Suriname and Belize, among others. Revelers often dress up as pol