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Memorial Day: Things to do in the LES + Local Getaways

May 19, 2027 · Alice Lee
Lower East Side Memorial Day 2017
Lower East Side Memorial Day 2017

Memorial Day weekend is just around the corner- and if you haven't yet, it's time to start planning your weekend of activities. The best parts about living in New York City is that there are endless things to do, and that you're within a few hours of some beautiful places to travel to. Along with paying a tribute to those who fought in our armed forces, we've compiled some fun activities to do in the Lower East Side if you're staying local or if you want to get away for a quick getaway.

 

LOWER EAST SIDE HIGHLIGHTS

 

 

Lower East Side Festival of the Arts 2017: FREE ADMISSION: May 26 - May 28

Annual celebration of the cultural art and ethnic diversity in the Lower East Side. This event is a cabaret-style festival with over 100 performers.

  • Friday @ 6 pm - 1 am: Theater for the New City

  • Saturday @ 12 pm - 5pm: Outside the Theater for the New City

  • Sunday @ 6pm - 1am: Theater for the New City?

 

East River Park Picnic:

Grab some friends and enjoy a small picnic by the East River Water side! With plenty of greenery and a beautiful view, it makes a great picnic spot in NYC. They even have BBQ grills that you could use if you have a permit.

  

BBQ & Beer!:

No time for a do-it-yourself BBQ? Luckily for you the LES is the location of one of the best BBQ spots in NYC! Georgia's Eastside BBQ is a small barbeque joint that serves authentic southern barbeque; known best for its delicious pulled pork and ribs!

  

Nightlife:

The Lower East Side is known for some of its best nightlife. Here are a list of lively bars for dancing and a great time:

  • Pianos: 158 Ludlow Street 

  • Bowery Ballroom: 6 Delancey Street

  • Mercury Lounge: 217 E Houston Street

  • Arlene's Grocery: 95 Stanton Street

  • Nurse Bettie: 106 Norfolk Street

 

WEEKEND GETAWAYS

 

Long Island: You can get to any of these places just by taking the Long Island Rail Road from Penn Station on 8th Ave and 34th Street.

  • Montauk: Fishing, surfing, and the famous 200-year-old Montauk Point Lighthouse

  • South Hampton: Sandy beaches, luxury dining, and shopping!

  • Jones Beach State Park: Have a BBQ right on the beach!

  • Port Jefferson: Amazing water views, seafood restaurants, and ice cream parlors!

 

 

Upstate New York: With a short drive above New York City, you can get to some of the most beautiful, scenic areas in New York:

  • Lake George: Camping, picnic facilities, and mini-golfing!

  • Saratoga Springs: Horseback riding, museums, shows

  • Mohonk Preserve: Hiking with breathtaking views