Book & Blog Festival

What: As a part of its annual conference,“The Fashion of Food,” the International Association of Culinary Professionals will be opening its doors to the public for a Book & Blog Festival, which is expected to be the country’s largest gathering ever of top cookbook authors, culinary writers, and food bloggers.
The event gives both IACP members and the public a chance to meet, greet, and discover top culinary writers in a festive, fun environment with music, giveaways, and, of course, books. Already renowned for its book authors, this year’s event adds prominent bloggers and new apps to the Festival.

When: Sunday April 1, 1:30pm - 4:30pm

Where: 82 Mercer St. New York

How much: $10

Spring Fling Mega Tasting

What: The Spring Fling Mega Tasting is set to highlight crisp, refreshing whites and lean, ethereal reds as savvy sippers begin to shed the richness of winter for lighter elixirs to accompany the sustenance of springtime. Attendees may look forward to expressions from Italy, Spain, France, South Africa, and Greece.

When: Sat, Mar 31 at 2pm - 5pm

Where: Union Square Wines & Spirits: 140 Fourth Avenue

FREE

2nd Annual Brooklyn Springtime Guitar Show

When: Sunday April 1st 11am - 5pm

Where: Brooklyn Bowl: 61 Wythe Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11211

FREE

Red Hook Ramblers Play Bootlegger Social

What: Come in your finest 1920s & 1930s vintage or vintage inspired evening attire and celebrate in style with live hot jazz, vintage cocktails and good times!

This party is the Bootlegger Social, so channel that inner Prohibition-hating American and get your hip flask out… 

**Vintage attire required** 

Free dance lesson at 8:30 pm from Jeri Lynn Astra & Neal Groothuis. Learn the steps that your great-grandparents knew so well. Live music to follow.

Tickets are $12 each and can be purchased at the door or in advance online via Ticketweb.

Table reservations are available and encouraged; call Flute Midtown reservation line at 212.265.5169 to reserve a table.

When: Saturday, March 31, 7pm-Midnight

Where: Flute Midtown, 205 West 54th Street, near Broadway

The 'Write' Of Spring

What: Spring into writing with Gotham Writers' Workshop! Join us for one (or two) of our 42 free writing workshops. 

These one-hour sessions will introduce you to the Gotham faculty and give you a glimpse of how our classes work. While we're at it, we'll try to help you discover your muse and make a fresh start with your writing. Join us! 

When: Tuesday, April 3 and Wednesday, April 4, 2012

For More Info: Website

Network at 3RD WARD

What: Spring is here and what better time to start new projects and meet new people? Come mix, mingle and swap ideas with 3rd Ward Members at our next networking event on March 29! Friends and non-Members are more than welcome, too.There will be snacks from the ABCD's of Cooking  and free beer!

When: Thursday March 29 7:30pm - 9:30pm

Where: 3RD Ward: 195 Morgan Ave. Brooklyn
RSVP

Springtime Soiree

Ivanka Trump Ready-to-Wear

What: Well, looks like Ivanka is turning into a dealmaker like her dad - she's out with her own Ready-to-Wear line! Come to this event and with any purchase of her sportswear, shoes, handbags, fine jewelry, or outerwear meet Ivanka in person and receive a signed sketch....just don't ask her about Donald's latest hairstyle!

When: Wednesday, March 28th at 7pm

Where: Fifth Avenue at 39th Street 5th Fl

Website

ASKING FOR IT

What: Asking For It follows one woman’s hysterical and heartbreaking journey from “Outstanding Catholic Youth of the Year” to the stage of Radio City Music Hall to the cast of A Chorus Line. She experiences repression and redemption, faith and femininity, and finds humor and humility on a journey to create her own life. With song, dance, and deeply felt words, Joanna Rush portrays that woman, along with a colorful cast of characters ranging from uptight clerics to sexy chorines and growing boys. Hilarious, irreverent, and deeply moving, Asking For It leaves audiences—male and female, of all ages—inspired and renewed.
When: Thursday, March 29th, 2012 at 8:30 
Where: David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center

Target Free Thursdays

Website 

 

Pop Shopping Into Spring Market

The creators of the Astoria Market and Design for You invite you to join a night of fun and shopping at the Pop Shopping Into Spring Market.

Sissy McGinty’s will be offering drink specials, while a freelance makeup artist will do a FREE 10 minute makeup consultation. So, please come by and check out the 20 plus vendors that will be featuring their unique handcrafted wares. You’re sure to snag some great finds for spring such as art, jewelry, body care, bags, tees, chocolates and more!
When: Thursday, March 29th from 6pm to 10pm
Where: Sissy McGinty’s located on 25-67 Steinway Street in Astoria
FREE
Website 

Macy's Flower Show

What: Spring is in bloom at the annual Macy's Flower Show! Step into

Towers of Flowers and discover a magical world of soaring
floral architecture, magnificent rolling landscapes and specialty
gardens bursting with color, fragrance and imagination.

When: Tuesday, March 27th - Tuesday, April 10th

Where: MACY'S HERALD SQUARE | NEW YORK CITY

Website

2012 Bridal Expo

What: The Robert Ross Johnson Family Life Center will be hosting its first Bridal Showcase in Southeast Queens. The Family Life Center is operated under the auspices of St. Albans Congregational Church. The Bridal Showcase will showcase wedding products and services to brides and grooms prepared to make planning decisions for the 2012 2013 wedding season. For additional information, contact Loleta Nicholson at SgntrEvent@aol.com or (718) 657-8282 or (646) 250-7556.
When: Sunday, April 15th - 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Where: Robert Ross Johnson Family Life Center - 172-17 Linden Boulevard (near Merrick Boulevard)
How Much: $8

Jamaica Welcomes the Fourth Annual Queens Art Express

What: The Queens Art Express is coming to Jamaica. QAX is a spring festival that promotes dance, film, literature, music, performance, theatre, and visual arts throughout Queens, NY. QAX 2012 will promote events throughout the borough to audiences citywide, with a special focus on cultural activity in Flushing, Jamaica, and Long Island City. They'll also commission 12 creators to produce new collaborative works that imagine a world where artists remix public policy, in response to the question, "What If We Made a New World?". That initiative will be presented at three partnering galleries: JCAL in Jamaica, Artists Wanted in Long Island City, and Crossing Art in Flushing. This year's QAX will take place between June 14 and June 16th. The event is a project of the Queens Council on the Arts, and is being co-developed/produced by marketing strategist Brian Tate of The Tate Group. If you'd like to know more about how you can participate, then attend this upcoming information session. For additional information, email Brian at brian@tatestrategy.com
When: Tuesday, March 27th - 11:00 am
Where: Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning - 161-04 Jamaica Avenue (between 160th & Union Hall Streets)
How Much: Free

Skate/Freestyle Park Meet-Up

What: Would you like to see a skate/freestyle park here in southeast Queens? Then come out and speak your mind at a meet-up of folks who are also interested in seeing the same. Come on out and bring a friend. There will be food!
When: Saturday, March 24th - 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Where: Bellitte Bike Shop - 169-20 Jamaica Avenue
How Much: Free

Bloomingdale's Soho

What: Bloomingdale's Soho men's department got a brand new makeover and you can check it out during their special event! And if you drop 300 bucks or more during the event, you’ll enjoy a gift bag* stocked with Skullcandy headphones and an iTunes Store gift card.
When: Wednesday March 28 6-8pm
Where: Bloomingdale's Soho

MEET TWILIGHT STAR ASHLEY GREENE!

What: The first 300 customers to make a &50 DKNY or DKNY Jeans purchase will meet the Twilight star and face of DKNY, Ashley Greene and get an autographed headshot.** 
*Limited to the first 300 customers who purchase 450 or more DKNY merchandise on March 29th at Macys Herald Square. **Bring your purchase receipt to the DKNY shop on the 5th floor to receive your wristband.
When: 03/29/2012 @6pm
Where: MACY'S HERALD SQUARE: Womens on 5 - 151 West 34th St New York

RALPH LAUREN DENIM AND SUPPLY EVENT

What: Denim and Supply Ralph Lauren with NYLON magazine invite you to a special live performance by WATERS. Be sure to get your place in line to meet the band!* Shop and get styled in NYLON editors favorite Denim and Supply spring looks for men and women. While you are there be sure to enter to win 2 VIP tickets to a NYLON red carpet event in New York City, courtesy of Denim and Supply Ralph Lauren. 
When:  03/28/2012 - 03/29/2012 @6pm
Where: MACY'S HERALD SQUARE: Mens on 1 1/2 - 151 West 34th Street New York

Target Free Thursdays

What: Honoring tradition while embracing the present, Vlada Tomova’s Balkan Tales aims for the heart with earthy sophistication. Called a “Bulgarian vocal sorceress” and "one of the most exciting voices in the New York global music scene", Brooklyn's exquisite Bulgarian songstress carries haunting, otherworldly energy in her voice.
When: Thursday March 22, 2012 @8pm
Where: David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center

Harley Davidson Open Bar Party

What: It's time to get on your bikes and join us for the Harley Davidson of NYC Custom Motorcycle Launch Party with a free open bar - well cocktails AND PBR! There will be an awesome photo booth, Harley giveaways and more. Must RSVP. 21+
When: Thur, Mar 29 at 8PM -12PM 
Where: Santos Party House: 96 Lafayette Street

The Free Candy Block Party

What: Free Candy is teaming up with Brooklyn Brewery to host an All Night Block Party! There will be free beer from Brooklyn Brewery and drink specials all night. Awesome jams all night - make it happen! Open Bar is free 7-8pm.
When: Thursday March 22, 2012  | 7pm - 11:59pm
Where: Free Candy: 905 Atlantic Ave. Brooklyn
FREE with RSVP

New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade

What: Green face paint, hats and clothing are all standard for this day, but you'll also find green beers, bagels, water fountains and even a green Empire State Building. Irish pageantry, bagpipers and high school bands make this a parade not to be missed.
When: March 17, 2012
Where: Starts at 44th Street and Fifth Avenue, Manhattan
FREE

Talk of the Town Toastmasters Club's Open House

What: Interested in becoming a more confident and effective communicator? Then come to Talk of the Town's Friends & Family Night. Talk of the Town is an enthusiastic, fun Toastmasters Club with Members from all walks of life, who share the desire to learn how to be better leaders and communicators. All guests interested in improving speaking or leadership skills, while meeting fun friends and neighbors are welcome!! There is plenty of free street parking available after 7:00 pm.
When: Tuesday, March 20th - 7:15 pm
Where: Robert Ross Johnson Family Life Center - 172-17 Linden Boulevard (near Merrick Boulevard)
How Much: Free

Hands-On History: When the Lights Go Out

What: The King Manor Museum's Hands-on History Workshops are free drop-in programs designed for families with children. Imagine what life was like without electricity! When Rufus King lived at King Manor they only had candles for light! Children will dip their own candles and enjoy other fun crafts!
When: Saturday, March 17th - Noon to 3:00 pm
Where: King Manor Museum - Rufus King Park (153 Street at Jamaica Avenue)
How Much: Free 

Come to Fashion. Come to Network.

What: Calling all local fashionistas, photographers, stylists, models, bloggers, and agents. Come on out for a fashion filled evening at downtown Jamaica's pop-up lounge -- Apple Lounge. Bring your portfolios and get ready to network and socialize with other fashion industry professionals. Learn more about the opportunities to have your talents featured in an upcoming fashion extravaganza taking place at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center. Food and beverages will be served. Be fashionable, but don't be late. Contact (718) 526-2422 for more information.

When: Thursday, March 22nd - 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Where: Applebee's Apple Lounge - 161-19 Jamaica Avenue

How Much: Free

Author Event: Ree Drummond

What: Bestselling author, blogger and television personality Ree Drummond presents her latest book, The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Food From My Frontier.
When: Tuesday March 13, 2012 7:00 PM
Where: Barnes & Noble Union Square: 33 East 17th Street, New York
Special Instructions: Event space opens at 5:00 pm. Please do not arrive for this event prior to 5:00 pm. Priority seating available with purchase of The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Food From My Frontier. Standby customers who do not wish to purchase the book will be seated at management's discretion as space allows.

St. Patrick's Day Craft at Central Park

What: Create a Shamrock Pinwheel to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. No advance registration. Families only; no groups, please. All ages welcome. For more information, call 212-794-4064.
When: Thursday, March 15, 2012  |  2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Where: Central Park: At the Chess & Checkers House (mid-Park at 64th Street, rain or shine)
FREE

MTV Free Comedy Show

What: Join MTV and Nikki Glaser for a night of laughs at the fantastic comedy show at Webster Hall. Some of NYC's best comedians, including Joe Pera and Anthony DeVito will be present...plus one very famous special guest we are told... who will that be??
19 years and over
When: Tuesday, Mar 13, 2012 8:00 PM EDT (7:30 PM Doors)
Where: Marlin Room: Webster Hall 125 E 11th St

Chinatown Restaurant Week

What: Starting tonight, participating restaurants will offer both their regular menus plus their special 3-course prix fix  for $18.88 per person. 23 restaurants participating thus far.
When: Fri, Mar 09 at 5PM - Sat, Mar 17 at 11PM
Where: Chinatown

31st Annual Making Brookyn Bloom

What: Kick off the spring gardening season at Brooklyn Botanic Garden with this daylong conference exploring the many ways we can cultivate and celebrate sustainable innovation in the face of environmental degradation, climate change, and making do with less.

This free event features exhibits and workshops on the cutting edge of sustainable urban gardening—from growing food on roofs and windowsills to reducing your garden’s carbon footprint.

No preregistration is required, but you must arrive at 10 a.m. to register for the day’s workshops.

When: Saturday March 10  |  10am-4pm
Where: Brooklyn Botanic Garden Palm House

The USA vs Swiss Chocolate Battles

What: Join us for the ultimate chocolate smack down! Just purchase one drink and you can participate in the chocolate wars of USA vs Switzerland. Each guest gets a small pack of chocolate from each country and votes and a winner is announced!

This is the ultimate fun interactive party so don't miss it. Limited to 150 participants!
Drink Specials and interacive group fun with introductions all night.

When: Friday, March 9, 2012 from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM 
Where: NighinGale Lounge: 213 2nd Avenue New York
FREE RSVP

UniPro Presents "Speak and Be Heard: Evolution"

What: Speak and Be Heard! Evolution will be a performance showcase that highlights the progressive trajectory seen in local art groups, primarily within the Filipino and Filipino American community. The event celebrates the outgoing spirit that emboldens Filipinos to pursue their careers in the arts, theater and film industries.

When: Thursday March 8, 2012  |  7pm-11pm

Where: Gerwshin Hotel: 7 East 27th Street, New York, NY

Cost: $10 General Admission

NYC Vegetarian Food Festival 2012

What: Foodies, locavores, vegetarians, vegans, flexitarians, and those who simply want to find out more about living a healthy, sustainable lifestyle, this is the festival for you! Vegetarian food companies, restaurants, and health and wellness vendors will congregate in New York City to celebrate the delight of vegetarian food and cruelty-free living at the NYC Vegetarian Food Festival.
This highly anticipated festival is now a two-day festival and will feature food sampling and meals from New York City’s top vegetarian restaurants and food companies, health and wellness vendors, vegetarian/animal welfare information tables, and live entertainment and activities throughout the weekend.

When: Saturday March 3, 2012-Sunday March 4, 2012 10am-5pm
Where: The Metropolitan Pavilion: 125 West 18th Street New York
Cost: $5 at the door

Queens World Film Festival: Opening Night

What: World premiers of challenging films around the world and around the corner.
When: Thursday March 1, 2012. Doors open at 5:30pm. Program begins promptly at 6pm.
Where: Museum of Moving Image: 36-01 35th Ave. (at 37th st. ) Astoria
Suggested donation: $25

Party at Studio Square following the program: 35-33 36th St., LIC, NY 

Japan Week

What: Mark your calendars! Beginning on March 1, 2012, join the celebration of Japanese food and culture in Japan Week, a festival to be held in NYC.

The Japan Week Kickoff welcomes New York to a taste of Japanese food and culture, hosting a unique selection of restaurants and companies as well as cultural performances and cooking demonstrations by renowned chefs.

Some of New York's most popular Japanese restaurants will be selling their specialties at booths throughout the week, including Otafuku and Curry-Ya, which will be offering takoyaki and curry bowls, respectively. Japanese brands such as Marukome, Ito En, and Minamoto Kitochoan will also be presenting their delicious fare including green tea, miso beef, wagashi sweets, and mochi ice cream.

Not only about Japanese food, Japan Week will also showcase music and cultural performances, Japan tourism deals, and more.

Japan Week will also be celebrated throughout the city in other related events. Taking place concurrently with the Kickoff Event at Grand Central on March 1st will be an event in Times Square commemorating the National Cherry Blossom Festival Centennial. Several restaurants will be supporting additional events, including Dine Out for Japan, which encourages restaurants and patrons to voluntarily raise money for Japan's recovery from the Great Tōhoku Earthquake.

For more information, visit our website at http://japanweek.us

When: March 1, 2012 10:00 am - Saturday, March 3, 2012 6:00 pm
Where: Grand Central Terminal: Vanderbilt Hall 42nd St & Park Ave. New York, NY 10017

Best of all, it's FREE to attend!!