Harlem Week remains a summer festival that has something for everyone. Whether you’re a child, elder or prospective college student, the “Summer in the City” daylong event provides the public with a plethora of free activities for all ages.
As part of the monthlong celebration, the New York City Children’s Festival kicks off Saturday, Aug. 20 at noon taking place at 135th St. (bet. Malcolm X & Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvds.
Over 30,000 children and families show up over the two-day event. Kids can expect song and dance performances by children and for children, face painting, karate demonstrations, boxing exhibitions and other sports clinics. The event features a parade, exhibits, games, arts and crafts and free health testing.
The Harlem Honeys and Bears are returning to Hansborough Recreation Center with senior citizen swimming demonstrations for the entire family at 11 a.m. The group is a synchronized swim team that welcomes men and women ages 50 and over.
The third part to the “Summer in the City” event is the highly anticipated “Higher Education Fair and Expo,” previously known as the “Historic Black College Fair and Expo.” It was created to inform prospective college students that one could receive just as good of an education for a lot less money with an immense cultural experience. The name of the fair was changed slightly due to participation from non-HBCUs.
The “Summer in the City” continues along 135th Street with help from WBLS-FM Djs, along with a hip-hop, ballet and African dance class with Robin Dunn, Alvin Ailey dance instructor.
Harlem is an international community, with over 26 languages spoken by groups that exceed 2,000. The International Vendors Village does not disappoint by featuring global music, clothing, jewelry, food and corporate exhibits.
When the sun sets, the Imagination Outdoor Film Festival is just beginning on the Great Lawn of St. Nicholas Park.