1. Smorgasburg
Smorgasburg is probably the front runner of all NYC food festivals. With hundreds of popular vendors including Dough, Piece of Velvet, Ramen Burger, The Good Batch and my absolute favorite, The Bolivian Llama Party. It’s open every weekend from April to November in several locations. Saturdays, this Brooklyn Flea Festival is located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn at 90 Kent Ave. (at N. 7th St.) and Sunday’s it’s located in Brooklyn Bridge Park,Pier 5. Two new locations have just been added as well. They are Coney Island, 1320 Bowery St. (At Stillwell Ave.) and South Street Seaport 11 Fulton St. (at Front St.) For more information and festival hours, visit smorgasburg.com
2. LIC Flea
This year I experienced the Long Island City Flea & Food market for the first time. I can say I really enjoyed it. It’s located at 5-25 46th Avenue and is open every weekend beginning April 11 from 10am to 6pm. My favorite vendors were Luke’s Lobster and Booqoo Beignets. It was my first time having a lobster roll, I had been wanting to try one for a long time, it was absolutely delicious. I also had been craving beignets, and since I couldn’t make a trip to Louisiana, these were a great substitute.
3. Urban Space Markets
Urban Space creates several markets in NYC that offer great food, shops and other things to enjoy. This summer their markets include Madison Square Eats located in the Madison Square Park Conservancy taking place from May 1-28th, Broadway Bites in Greeley Square Park which runs from June 1st to July 26th and Garment District beginning at 41st Street and Broadway which runs between May 4 and June 14th. These markets include vendors like Momofuku Milk Bar, Nunu Chocolates, Red Hook Lobster and People’s Pops. 
For more food festivals, street fairs and markets, visit nycgo.com
The Auto Show Returns To NYC
The New York International Auto Show is a favorite event of all car lovers and it has returned to the Jacob Javits center. The Auto Show showcases some of the hottest new cars, motorcycles and trucks. They have a outdoor Toyota Camry Driving Experience and each day there are different events that you can participate in. If you’re in the market for a new car or want to sit in your dream car and inhale the smell of fresh leather seats, this is the event for you.
This event runs from April 3 to April 12 so luckily you still have time. It’s a great event for couples, families and even kids. There are three levels of cars, activities, and vendors open to the public. Mercedes Benz, Ford, Audi, Porsche, Acura, and Infiniti are just some of the cars that you will see at this event. They also display concept cars, Car of the Year and just revealed cars to the public at this event.
If you plan to attend this event I suggest you bring a camera or camera phone and wear sneakers. You will be walking around a lot and you will want to take pictures. If you have already been to the auto show, tell me what you thought about it in the comments below. I also would love to see your pictures on Instagram. Tag me at @simplypamarie!
Location: New York International Auto Show Jacob Javits Convention Center 11th ave between 34 & 40 Streets
Public Show Dates: April 3-12, 2015
Hours: Monday – Saturday 10am-10pm and Sunday 10am-7pm
Tickets: $16 Adults & $7 Child
A Breathtaking Day At The Orchid Show
I have been impatiently waiting for Spring time for the past few weeks now. But apparently, it’s been Spring time at the Botanical Garden since February 28th. Inside the New York Botanical Garden is the annual display of my favorite flower. This display is called The Orchid Show. There are hundreds of species of the orchid flower showcased all throughout the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. There’s only one word that describes this beautiful flower world, it’s “breathtaking.”
When I entered the Orchid Show, I didn’t know where to look. Throughout the show are hanging flower baskets, colorful column displays and the biggest flower chandelier you’ve ever seen. For a girl like me who always keeps an orchid flower pot at her desk at work. This was like orchid heaven. I didn’t even know there were so many different species of orchids and it was amazing to see them all in one place.
One of my favorite displays was the huge chandelier of white orchids. It actually gave me some wedding ideas while standing under it. It reminded me of a huge halo, and would be a gorgeous focal piece for a wedding. My most favorite part of the show was in the rainforest room. There is one room that has a waterfall statue that falls into a pool in the center of the room. All around the room are different flowers and plants. It also has benches for you to sit and absorb the experience. This room is peaceful and soothing. I sat on a bench for over a half hour and it was the most relaxing moment I’ve had in a while. I want to return just to sit in that room again.
The Orchid Show is perfect for a date, they also have select dates for this purpose called Orchid Evenings. You can listen to music, toast your cocktails and receive beauty treatments from a Guerlain make up artist during these evenings. The Orchid Show event runs from February 28th to April 19th so you have two more weeks to experience this breathtaking orchid presentation.
Locations: The Orchid Show 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10458
Price: Weekday Adults: $20, Weekend/Monday Adults: $25 (Other Pricing)
Orchid Evening Dates: April 11, 17, 18 from 6:30 pm to 9pm
Orchid Evenings: Non-Member $35/Member $25 (Adults 21 and over)
Living Social Deal: Orchid Evening $29
All Star Weekend 2015 Is Here!
All Star Weekend is here in New York City! The city that never sleeps will be alive and thriving with your favorite basketball players, all your favorite rappers and celebrities and so many pop up events and parties for you to experience. Here are some of the best events you should attend:
Pearl Pavilion
Pearl Pavilion is located across the street from Madison Square Garden. It offers a once in a lifetime interactive experience that celebrates the Jordan Brand’s 30 years of achievements. There are photos of Jordan Brand professional athletes, Iconic images of Jordan himself, skills training courses and a retail store.
Pearl Pavilion is open to the public starting Feb. 12, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and continues Friday, Feb. 13th – Sunday, Feb. 15th at 10am
Photo via news.nike.com
NBA House (Manhattan and Brooklyn)
There are two NBA Houses one is located at Skylight at Moynihan Station (360 West 33rd Street Between 8th & 9th Avenues) in Manhattan from Feb. 10 to Feb. 16 and LIU Brooklyn Paramount Theatre in Brooklyn (1 University Plaza (Entrance located on Dekalb & Hudson Avenues) from Feb. 11 to Feb. 15. These sites are fan hubs designed for families of all ages who want to participate in the All Star Weekend 2015 experience.
Admission to Brooklyn’s location is $10 Here, Manhattan location is $20 Here Purchase tickets
Photo via NBA.com
Zoom City Sneakers Station
The ultimate destination to pick up the latest in Nike sneakers. Performance and style take over at the Zoom City SNKRS Station. Located at 348 Bowery (at Great Jones Street) from February 12-15, (8:00am-10:00pm), the Zoom City SNKRS Station will feature exclusive Nike footwear, apparel and accessories.
Registration has been closed but there is a waiting list Here
Photo via NikeNYC Twitter
Terminal 23
Terminal 23 is the most exclusive basketball court in NYC. There are two “Open Run” events on Feb. 14. Tickets were available Here but registration is closed. Either way, you should visit once it becomes available.
Photo via hypebeast.com
166 Flatbush Avenue Pop Up
In celebration of the Air Jordan Laser collection and the 10th anniversary of the Air Jordan XX the Jordan Brand has created a Pop Up located at 166 Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn. This huge sneaker boutique located across the street of the Barclays Center will allow customers to add a customer laser design to their sneakers, and it displays rare and unique Jordan sneakers.
Photo via complex.com
Niketown
Niketown located at 6 East 57th street is your go to for the hottest sneaker drops and athlete guest appearances.
Parties
For a full list of all NBA All-Star Weekend 2015 games and events visit NBA.com
Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Spring 2015
It’s New York Fashion Week! Some of your favorite fashion designers will be displaying their new Spring 2015 Collections in a seven minute fashion show during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. Under the tents of Lincoln Center in New York City are showcases by designers like Tadashi Shoji, Rebecca Minkoff, Herve Leger, Michael Costello and many more. New York Fashion Week (NYFW) runs from February 11th to February 19th. If you aren’t able to attend a show you can still go to Lincoln Center and catch celebrities walking around, you can view some of the most unique street styles and be amongst one of the most amazing events that New York has to offer.
HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
When the weather outside is frightful…you know the holidays have arrived. Have you gotten into the holiday spirit yet? If not, I’ve compiled a list of ways to bring you some holiday cheer. If you’re already excited about the holidays and ready for all of the food and celebrations, this list will add to your joy.
HOLIDAY SHOPS
What: Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
Where: Bryant Park, between 40th and 42nd Streets & Fifth and Sixth Avenues
When: October 21, 2014 – January 4, 2015
They offer a skating rink, holiday shops and food to celebrate the holidays. For more information. hours of operation and pricing, visit wintervillage.org
What: Union Square Holiday Market
Where: Union Square
When: November 20, 2014 – December 24, 2014 from 11am to 8pm
Hours: Weekdays 11am-8pm, Saturday 10am-8pm, Sunday 11am-7pm (Closed Thanksgiving)
Union Square Holiday Market is powered by Urban Space and includes over 100 vendors of food, clothing and gifts. For more information visit urbanspacenyc.com
What: Columbus Circle Holiday Market
Where: Columbus Circle at 59th Street and 8th Ave
When: December 2, 2014 – December 24, 2014
Hours: Weekdays 10am-8pm, Saturday 10am-8pm, Sunday 10am-7pm
Shop over 100 vendors at the Columbus Circle Holiday Market. For a list of vendors visit urbanspacenyc.com
What: Grand Central Holiday Fair
Where: Grand Central, Vanderbilt Hall (42nd St. and Park Ave.)
When: November 17, 2014 – December 24, 2014
Hours: Monday to Saturday 10am-8pm, Sunday 11am-7pm (Closed Thanksgiving)
Enjoy an indoor shopping experience with 76 vendors that offer all of your holiday needs. For further details visit grandcentralterminal.com
CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING CEREMONIES
What: Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
Where: Rockefeller Center, 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY
When: December 3, 2014 from 7pm-9pm
What: Bryant Park Tree Lighting Ceremony
Where: Bryant Park Bryant Park, between 40th and 42nd Streets & Fifth and Sixth Avenues
When: December 2, 2014 at 6pm
What: South Street Seaport Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Where: Fulton Street
When: December 2, 2014 at 5:45pm
Who: Performances by QuestLove, Harlem Gospel Choir, DJ Prostyle & more
What: Washington Square Park Tree Lighting
Where: Washington Square Park
When: December 10, 2014 from 6pm-7pm
SKATING RINKS
What: Winter Village Skating Rink at Bryant Park
Where: Bryant Park, between 40th and 42nd Streets & Fifth and Sixth Avenues
When: October 21, 2014 – March 1, 2015
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 8am – 10pm
Price: FREE (There is a fee for rentals)
What: The Rink at Rockefeller Center
Where: Rockefeller Center, 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY
When: October 11, 2014 – April 2015
Hours: Click for Session Hours: Skate
Price: Click for Rates: Skate
What: Riverbank State Park Skating Rink
Where: Riverbank State Park, 679 Riverside Drive New York, NY
When: November 2014 – March 2015
Price: $5 Adults, $3 children, Skate Rental: $6 per day
What: Trump Rink in Central Park
Where: Central Park, mid-park between 62nd and 63rd Streets
When: October 2014 to the first week of April 2015
Price: Adults $11.25 (Mon.–Thurs.), $18 (Fri.–Sun.); kids 11 and under $6; seniors $5 (Mon.–Thurs.), $9 (Fri.–Sun.); skate rental $8
What: LeFrank Center Ice Skating
Where: LeFrank Center at Lakeside, Prospect Park: 171 East Dr, Brooklyn, NY
Hours: Click for Session Hours: Skate
Price: Click for Rates: Skate
For more ice skating locations, visit nycgo.com
Mercedes Benz Fashion Week
It’s only the most important time of the year in New York City right now, what time is that you ask? It’s New York Fashion Week! What does that mean? That means you need to get out, get dressed and get with it! This is a time when all the fashion designers that you love display their new Spring Collections in a seven minute fashion show at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week at Lincoln Center in New York City. These designers include Tadashi Shoji, Rebecca Minkoff, Herve Leger, Michael Costello and many many more. New York Fashion Week (NYFW) runs from September 4th to September 11th which means you have more than enough time to experience it. If you aren’t able to attend a show you can still go to Lincoln Center and catch celebrities walking around, you can view some of the most unique street styleS and be amongst one of the most amazing events that New York has to offer.
What: Mercedes Benz Fashion Week
Who: Various Designers
Where: Lincoln Center 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023
When: September 4-11, 2014
Outdoor Fitness Is Always Fun
Imagine being outdoors amongst 200 people inhaling fresh air and exhaling stress while stretching your muscles to make your body feel amazing. Bryant Park Yoga is one of the most relaxing things I like to do during the summer. It’s an activity that I’ve been doing for years. Each year Bryant Park provides free yoga classes each and every week. The mats are provided free and various instructors spend an hour of their time coaching you in various yoga poses, breathing and meditating exercises. I’ve also decided to include some other free outdoor yoga and fitness classes. They are the perfect way to power down from a stressful day or week and hey…it’s free!
What: Bryant Park Yoga
Where: Bryant Park
When: May 20, 2014- September 18, 2014 on Tuesdays 10am-11am and Thursdays 6pm-7pm
What: Early Morning Yoga at Brooklyn Bridge Park
Where: Brooklyn Bridge Park at Pier 6
When: June 30, 2014 – August 18, 2014 on Mondays at 7:30am
What: Zumba Brooklyn Bridge Park
Where: Brooklyn Bridge Park
When: July 6, 2014 – August 17, 2014 on Sundays at 4pm
What: Sunset Pilates Brooklyn Bridge Park
Where: Brooklyn Bridge Park
When: June 18, 2014 – September 24, 2014 on Wednesdays at 7pm
For More Outdoor Fitness and Recreational Activities visit nygovparks.org
The best time in New York City is rapidly approaching. Summer time in NYC is filled with free concerts, free movies and other free outdoor events. Every summer from late-May to late-August NBC’s The Today’s Show, ABC’s Good Morning America, Fox News South Street Seaport and the CityPark Foundations Summerstage provides free concerts for the city. A collection of all of these free concert events can be found on MyFreeConcert.com.
Also, Bryant Park, Hudson RiverFlicks for Grown-Ups and Hudson RiverFlicks for Kids and other locations provide free movies for the city. A full list of all these movies can be found at NYCGo.com.
Lastly, what’s the summer without street fairs? To walk down the street eating and shopping at all of the different vendors is always enjoyable. So I will also include some of the fairs listed here: Street Fairs.
These events are my favorite ways to enjoy NYC during the summer so I’ve decided to make your summer more enjoyable by providing this information for you on a weekly basis. Weekly, I will post who, what, where and when for each of these events. If I miss something, please let me know. If you’d like to tell me about your experience, please comment under any post or tag me on Instagram @simplypamarie or hashtag #simplypamarie. Summer is around the corner, there are events happening in NYC nonstop. Don’t miss it!
A Sublety
“A Sublety” is Kara Walker’s first large scaled projected made open to the public. “A Sublety” also titled the “Marvelous Sugar Baby” is an enormous statue of a woman mixed with an animal.The interesting and unique part about this statue is that it is created entirely of sugar. This idea of Kara Walker’s came from the desire to pay homage to the unpaid and overworked workers who transferred sugar from the cane fields to homes.
Along with the humongous statue of this sprawled out being are several small statues of young children carrying baskets of sugar. These statues are placed throughout the Domino Sugar Factory where this exhibit is located. They represent to me the most sensitive and informative description of this exhibit. They describe the unjust and unfair life of the artisan.
This exhibit is open and free to the public. This means that you should absolutely attend this event. This exhibit tells a story and also intrigues your mind on the very many levels and dimensions of art. A thorough visual description of this exhibit can be found at Creativeorg.com. Please click the link, the video is extremely intriguing and informative. I absolutely commend Kara Walker on designing something that opens the mind as well as the eyes.
Note: The line will be very long but the wait time is about 25 minutes. The line moves very quickly so don’t be discouraged. Also, you must sign a waiver to experience the exhibit. I highly suggest you use comfortable shoes and use the restroom before you attend.
What: “A Sublety” by Kara Walker
Where: Domino Sugar Factory, South 1st Street at Kent Ave Williasburg, Brooklyn
When: May 10, 2014- July 6, 2014 ONLY on Friday 4pm-8pm and Sat/Sun 12pm-6pm
The Bethenny Show
I’ve always been a fan of crazy Bethenny, so I decided to attend a taping of the Bethenny show. Bethenny’s blunt, raw and fun personality is what keeps her watchers like myself entertained. So I invited a friend and we went to see her show live and in full action. We were able to enjoy a few different segments for her show including an interview with R&B artist Keisha Cole and fashion consultant George Kotsiopoulos.
Bethenny’s show is great for friends, couples and pretty much everyone. But unfortunately, Bethenny’s show will not be airing for another season. So what does that mean? It means that if you want to be entertained by Bethenny, you need to request tickets as soon as possible. There are tickets available for February 27th and various days in March. Click here: Bethenny Show Tickets
Note: The studio was chilly so make sure you have a sweater or something to keep you warm. Also, you may sit through a few different segments so don’t make plans directly after the show because you may be there for a while.
Museum of Sex
A museum based on sex? Sounds pretty interesting right? Well “interesting” is definitely the word for this museum located in Midtown, Manhattan.
I’ve visited this museum twice, it wasn’t quite what I thought the museum would be about but it opened my mind to dimensions of sex that I didn’t really pay attention to. So if you are an open-minded individual, this museum would be fun for you and your partner.
The exhibits change ever so often, you won’t experience the same thing every time you go. Also, as soon as you walk in there are plenty of gadgets, toys and accessories to heighten your sexual experience. Go, explore, have fun and try somewhere different!
Where: 233 Fifth Avenue (@ 27th Street) New York, NY 10016
When: Sunday – Thursday: 10am–8pm and Friday & Saturday: 10am–9pm
Price: Adults (18+): $17.50 and Students & Seniors: $15.25 (Get $3.00 Off)
Website: http://museum.museumofsex.com
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies
It is that time again in New York City! The time when Christmas trees go up, 5th avenue store windows come alive and everyone begins to get excited about the holidays. What better way to kick off the holidays than by attending a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony? Well, I have all the information you need to know:
What: Bryant Park Tree Lighting Show
Where: The Rink at Winter Village: Between 40th – 42nd street and 5th and 6th avenue
When: December 3, 2013 5:15pm-Preshow and 6:00pm Ceremony
Who: Various music and Skating performances
What: Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
When: December 4, 2013 from 7:00-9:00on
Who: Various Performances
AfroPunk Fest
AfroPunk Fest is an extremely live free music festival in Brooklyn with live concerts and performers, art, vendors, food, music, free giveaways, a rock climbing wall and thousands of people attend to experience the event and enjoy themselves. This was my first time attending AfroPunk, I had no idea what to expect but it was really interesting. There are about three different stages with performances, one stage was geared to Soca/Calypso/Reggae, another one had Hip Hop and the other played Rock. If you know me, you know which area I enjoyed most. 🙂 Anyway, it’s definitely an event to attend if you enjoy being outdoors and enjoying different cultures. A few tips, bring cash if you want to buy food or shop at the vendor market. Also, if you plan to chill and relax bring a blanket to sit on. Lastly, don’t get too dressed up or wear heels ladies.
What: AfroPunk Fest
Where: Commodore Barry Park at Fort Greene New York, NY 11201
When: August 24, 2013- August 25, 2013
The Summer is coming and what is a summer in New York City without free concerts, free movies and other free outdoor events. Every summer from late-May to late-August NBC’s The Today’s Show, ABC’s Good Morning America, Wingate Park and the CityPark Foundations Summerstage provides free concerts for the city. A collection of all of these free concert events can be found on MyFreeConcert.com Also, Bryant Park, Hudson RiverFlicks for Grown-Ups and Hudson RiverFlicks for Kids and other locations provide free movies for the city. A full list of all these movies can be found at NYCGo.com Lastly, what’s the summer without street fairs? Walking down the street eating and shopping at the different vendors is always enjoyable. So I will also include some of the fairs listed here: Street Fairs. These events are my favorite ways to enjoy NYC during the summer so I’ve decided to make your summer more enjoyable by providing this information for you on a weekly basis. Weekly, I will post the who, what, where and when’s for each of these events. If I miss something, please let me know. If you’d like to tell me about your experience, please share. Summer is around the corner, there are things happening in NYC nonstop. Don’t miss it!
42
42 is definitely a true story of an American Legend. It’s a story of challenge and triumph, will power and true strength. Chadwick Boseman plays the late great Jackie Robinson, a courageous baseball game changer. The movie will have you rooting for Jackie and his teammates. At the end of the movie, the entire movie theater gave it a round of applause. That to me signified how great of a story it was and also how far we have come as a country. Sometimes we forget how heroic people before us have paved the way for the lifestyles we have now. That we can all sit together in the same movie theater and celebrate the life of another, together.
The New York International Auto Show
Every guy likes a nice car and every girl likes the guy with the nice car. Right or wrong? Well every year The Jacob Javits Center hosts The New York International Auto Show which displays all of the newest, hottest cars and motorcycles. You have the opportunity to sit in some of the cars, take pictures, ask the reps from the different dealerships questions and enter a contest to win a Honda. Don’t forget to enter that, I did that as soon as I walked in.
What: The New York International Auto Show
Where: The Jacob Javits Center 655 W 34th St New York, NY 10001
When: March 29 – April 7, 2013
Monday- Saturday: 10am – 10pm
Sunday 10am – 10pm
Price: Adult: $15.00
Child: $5.00
Temptation
Tyler Perry really put his foot in this one! Temptation is an absolute must see. No, it’s not his usual Madea movie with a few good laugh, this movie will have you laughing, holding your breathe, clapping, sighing, lusting, praying and daydreaming. Yes, praying and lusting at the same time. 🙂 Jurnee Smollett-Bell who plays Judith has really blossomed as an actress and the love of my fantasy life, Lance Gross who plays Brice displays a true growth in courage and strength. And Harley, oh Harley, played by Robbie Jones you handsome devil you, kept us on our toes the entire movie. The best thing about the movie to me was the twist and turns that made you realize that everything that seems good isn’t necessarily good for you and don’t always believe the hype. All in all, I advise you to take your girl, your man, your sister, your mother or your best friend to see this movie. There’s a lesson in temptation for everyone!
Dead Man Down
I got the pleasure of volunteering at a Q&E Press Event for Terrance Howard and his new movie Dead Man Down. Definitely go see thismovie, its a nice combination of action, love and revenge. And for those inquiring minds… Terrance’s eyes are as beautiful in person as they are on screen.. Haha
simplypamarie.wordpress.com 
he is soo fine!!! i must see this movie!! your so lucky you got to meet him
Lol! I met him but one day I’m trying to marry him