May 25, 2018
The Best Memorial Day Weekend Plans in NoMad
In case you hadn’t noticed, Memorial Day weekend is a big deal here in NYC. Parades, observances, Fleet Week, barbecues galore – not to mention opening weekend at the New York beaches! But if you prefer to stay around NoMad this holiday weekend, you’ll find plenty to do right here in your neighborhood. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
IDACO nyc
The annual IDACO nyc dance event is being held Thursday through Sunday, May 24-27, 2018 at the Baruch Performing Arts Center at 55 Lexington Avenue. Hosted by the Italian Dance Connection IDACO nyc celebrates Italian artists and explores the connection between contemporary dance and other art forms. It’s a great opportunity to experience the arts here in the neighborhood! Tickets to each evening’s events can be purchased here.
Barbecue at Blue Smoke/Jazz Standard
Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend barbecue the NoMad way. Located at 116 E. 27th St., Blue Smoke offers Louisiana-inspired barbecue dishes with a sophisticated New York spin, thanks to the talents of Executive Chef Jean-Paul Bourgeois. You can also hear some of the best jazz music in town while enjoying Blue Smoke Barbecue at the Jazz Standard located just below the restaurant. The only caveat: Come dine (and listen) anytime Friday through Sunday. Blue Smoke and Jazz Standard will be closed on Memorial Day itself so employees can spend the day with their families.
Memorial Day on the Rooftop
Another way to enjoy Memorial Day in NoMad is to celebrate at one of the neighborhood’s numerous rooftop bars. Among the area’s most popular open-terrace spots are Gramercy Terrace, atop the Gramercy Hotel; Sir Henri Penthouse Rooftop, at the Hotel Sir Henri; and The Heights, situated on the 31st floor of the Arlo Hotel. If you don’t have a rooftop of your own, enjoy the day with friends at one of these great NoMad spots. (Weather permitting, of course.)
Fleet Week (May 23-29)
Okay, so it’s not in NoMad per se, but Fleet Week in NYC coincides perfectly with Memorial Day weekend, and it’s a great way to honor our men and women in uniform while remembering the fallen. Fleet Week events happen all across the city, including some in walking distance or a short subway ride from NoMad. Check out TimeOut’s Guide to Fleet Week to get the scoop on events happening across town.
Picnic in Madison Square Park
Of course, you can always celebrate Memorial Day the old-fashioned way: with a picnic in the park. Madison Square Park is lovely this time of year, so pack a blanket and frisbee (or football, or baseball, or something else to throw), grab some sandwiches or chicken wings, and enjoy the day in the park with your family and/or significant other. While you’re there, wander the park and enjoy Delirious Matter by artist Diana Hadid, a series of six sculptures installed across the park grounds, on display now through September 3, 2018.
Whatever you do to celebrate this holiday weekend, in NoMad or elsewhere, take a moment to remember the men and women in uniform who have made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our right to enjoy this day in freedom. Happy Memorial Day, everyone!