Has Memorial Day snuck up on you? I mean, 60 degree weather doesn’t help. No worries though, we have you covered with 10 great things to do this Memorial Day weekend!
10. Wear White
I work in fashion and had no idea that Memorial Day signifies that you can start wearing white for the summer, but if there’s any time to start wearing the trend, it’s now. No longer reserved for weddings or undergarments, white made an appearance in many Spring 15 collections and looks great in any style and fabrication, making it available at all price points. Gender neutral recommendations: white tees, white jeans and white slip-ons and sandals.
#9 Meow Day (SUN 12PM-5PM, $FREE)
The Silent Barn’s Meow Day honors our feline friends with a cat and kitten adoption and a market with cat-themed artists and vendors. The event benefits the volunteer cat rescue group, A Tale of Two Kitties.
#8 Visit the Rockaways
Although the weather outside is frightfully annoying and moody and cold, then hot, Memorial Day weekend is expecting high 70s-low 80s, the perfect opportunity to dust off your cut-offs and catch the A-Train to Queens. Besides the necessary escape from the city, two highly-anticipated parties are happening this weekend: The Locals Summer Kick Off and the Rockaway’s relaunch of Brooklyn Night Bazaar: the Riis Park Beach Bazaar.
#7 Shop Memorial Day Sales
As a consumer, it seems like every holiday equals a new sale and all of the emails pushing “Springtime Sales” can start to blur. What makes Memorial Day different however, is that it is the first holiday after Quarter 1 reporting which means that businesses have evaluated their first three months of sales and are marking down current merchandise a) based on performance and b) to make room for new deliveries compared to sales for end-of-season items. Even better news: this clearance strategy is universal so expect to see discounts from local businesses as well.
#6 See A Show
You may have a long weekend but you know who doesn’t: your favorite musicians. Go see some shows locally, or venture all over the tri-state area to catch TV on The Radio and The Pixies at Stone Pony (NJ) and many more. Check out StubHub, Craigslist and Ticketmaster for last minute tickets.
#5 Tiki Disco (SUN 2PM-10PM, $10)
If concrete beaches are more your thing, check out Tiki Disco, which kicks off its summer season this Sunday at The Well in East Williamsburg. They have expanded to include 60 beers on tap, a tent for the dance floor and an expanded food menu. In addition, they are now offering limited edition season passes for $90 which gets you into 10 parties (for the price of 9) with a free pint of Modela at each one. *swoon*
#4 Eat BBQ
Whether you want to grill yourself or enjoy it in the comfort of AC, Memorial Day is synonymous with BBQ like Bushwick is with the mason jar. If you’re DIY, visit one of Bushwick’s many taquerias–most of them double as Mexican grocers and sell already seasoned meats and vegetables. Plus, you can stock up on your own spice rubs and blends at lower costs than nearby grocery stores. For restaurants: The Shop, Dish Ridgewood, Arrogant Swine and Tchoup Shop are highly recommended.
#3 Get Weird (MON 12PM-9PM, $20)
I have heard stories about the party and DJ collective The Deep’s Might Get Weird parties and am excited to attend my first one. I expect dancing, great beats, attractive people – hopefully some making out? Details are slowing trickling out: the lineup was announced yesterday and tickets are $20. To build further excitement, they are hosting a Scavenger Hunt on Facebook where winners will receive two free tickets, two complimentary cocktails and two vouchers. RSVP at [email protected] for location and advanced tickets.
#2 Visit a Cemetery
Desire scenic views, fresh air and serenity? Then commemorate Memorial Day by visiting one of Brooklyn’s nation cemeteries. It’s an unusual destination, yes, but cemeteries are great spaces for meditation, an idyllic stroll or inspiration. Historic national landmark, Green-Wood Cemetery where Basquiat is buried has an annual concert, Civil War reenactment and special trolley tour ($15) on Monday. Also worth checking out, the Bronx’s Woodlawn Cemetery or Ridgewood’s Linden Hill.
#1 Eurovision (SAT 3PM)
I’m always shocked at how few people have heard of Eurovision. I guess unless you are an expat, have studied abroad in Europe or Googled Conchita Wurst, it’s easy to not have heard of the greatest–and largest non-sports-related–television event of all time slash the birthplace of ABBA and Celine Dion. Eurovision is an annual concert where members of the European Broadcasting Union perform original songs then vote for each other, 10% based on merit, 90% based on The Great War i.e. studies have shown that countries tend to vote in politically aligned cliques and clusters. Past celebrity guests like Dita Von Teese for Germany and Andrew Lloyd Webber for the UK, and the rule that the winning country hosts next year’s event (huh?), make it a MUST if you love camp, hot messes and nationalism. You can stream it Saturday here.
