The Wander List

a daily guide to wanderlust in the city

Watch ‘Sex’ in the Park August 18, 2009

Filed under: Budget Friendly,Entertainment,NYC Upper East Side,Outdoors,Summer — thewanderlist @ 7:21 pm
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One of many great things about summer in New York is art in the parks. You can find dancers in Prospect Park, classic films in Bryant Park, and this week, modern movies in Central Park.

 

Tonight, reels start rolling at the Central Park Film Festival and the first movie up is Sex and the City. I’ve already seen it, but who can resist the chance to watch an homage to NYC on an outdoor screen in the heart of Manhattan? The only thing better would be Annie Hall (note to organizers). 

 

Bloomberg L.P. is sponsoring a movie every night this week, 8 p.m. at Rumsey Playfield near Fifth Avenue and 69th Street. The gates open at 6 p.m. so you can stake out the perfect picnic spot. Pack a dinner, bring a blanket and the rest is free.

 

Today’s the last day to vote on the viewer’s choice movie, which organizers will show on Saturday. The options aren’t spectacular, but I’m pulling for Desperately Seeking Susan starring Madonna, or the James Bond classic Goldfinger.

 

Central Park Film FestivalOther films showing this week are:

Wednesday, August 19: Shaft (1971), 100 minutes

Thursday, August 20: Ocean’s 11 (2001), 116 minutes

Friday, August 21: Twilight (2008), 122 minutes

Saturday, August 22: it’s up to you!

 

Meet Fleet Week May 21, 2009

Filed under: Budget Friendly,Entertainment,NYC Midtown,Spring — thewanderlist @ 10:59 pm
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I might have believed Fleet Week was a myth conjured by writers of Sex and the City, another excuse for Samantha to have a rendezvous or two.

 

Then today, I noticed that every other man walking down 10th Avenue wore Navy whites. I asked my dinner companion what it was about. “I’ve heard of something called Fleet Week,” she said, then admitted she saw the ”sailor” episode. (It comforts me to know New Yorkers’ knowledge of their city rests as heavily on SATC as mine does.)

 

The official Parade of Ships sailed through the Hudson River yesterday, docking for New York’s 26th annual Fleet Week. It’s a time for sailors to have a little fun exploring the city, and for residents to learn about the naval forces.

 

Any sailor would adore Miss Turnstiles.

Any sailor would adore Miss Turnstiles.

The idea of sailors in the Big Apple predates Fleet Week. If you’re a musical buff, you’ll remember the 1949 film On The Town, inspired by the musical about three sailors who make the most of a 24-hour leave in the city. Gene Kelly’s character falls for “Miss Turnstiles of the Month,” and as a kid I longed to be queen of the subways. Not so much anymore.

 

The sailors are in town until Wednesday, and judging by the calendar of events it will be a great week for free entertainment. Here are a few highlights I’m interested in checking out:  

 

Friday-Tuesday, 8 am-5 pm
Free Tours of Navy & Coast Guard Ships
Where: Pier 88, 48th St/West Side Highway, Manhattan

 

Saturday, 7:30-9 am
Tug Of War – USN vs. USMC on the NBC Today Show
Where: Rockefeller Plaza, 49th Street, 5th/6th Avenues

 

Sailors on their way to the ballet at Lincoln Center Thursday, May 21, 2009.

Sailors on their way to the ballet at Lincoln Center Thursday, May 21, 2009.

Saturday, 5-8 pm
USMC Band Performances
Where: Central Park Band Shell

 

Monday, 1-2 pm
Manhattan Memorial Day Parade
Where: Broadway/Dyckman streets

 

For a full schedule of events, check here. For Daily News coverage, here.

 

 
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