If you ever wanted a family-friendly way to explore Lincoln Center, now is your chance! On Sunday, October 26, Lincoln Center’s Open House is a full day of free programming that showcases the creativity of the country’s largest performing arts complex.
There are 18 events over the course of the day, giving visitors the chance to stop by many different venues. The logistics could not be easier: Each event is first-come first-served and no registration is required. Here is a sample itinerary to help you plan your day:
Open House kicks off with several events at 10:30am across Lincoln Center. One place to start is at Alice Tully Hall (1941 Broadway at West 65th Street), where teaching artists from the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center are hosting an Instrument Petting Zoo. This interactive event allows guests of all ages to try out string and percussion instruments in a hands-on setting, ask questions, and discover the sounds and stories behind them.
Next up, let your imagination run free with a visit to Hearst Tier 1 at David Geffen Hall (10 Lincoln Center Plaza) for a Costume Try-On. Throughout the day, guests of all ages can play with costumes and fabric alongside teaching artists from Lincoln Center Theater.
At this point, it’s time for a lunch break! There are several options nearby for salads, sandwiches, and more, including: Italian bakery Rosetta (1928 Broadway at West 64th Street); vegan restaurant Le Botaniste (156 Columbus Avenue at West 67th Street); prepared food classics Dig (100 West 67th Street) and The Independent Café (61 West 62nd Street); and French café Maman (152 Columbus Avenue at West 67th Street).
Feeling refreshed, head to Lincoln Center’s Hearst Plaza (30 Lincoln Center Plaza) at 1:00pm for SANTÉ!, an outdoor acrobatic show by Cirque Kikasse. This mobile circus features a range of daring trampoline, balancing, and juggling acts.
Next, for something completely different, duck inside to Wu Tsai Theater at David Geffen Hall for a 3:00pm performance of Who is Thelonious Monk? Hosted by acclaimed actor and tap dancer DeWitt Fleming Jr., the concert explores Monk’s legacy and how he reshaped jazz.
As the performance wraps up, dash outside to Josie Robertson Plaza at 4:00pm to catch the Green Feather Puppet Parade. Led by an Atlantic Sturgeon created by the Jim Henson Creature Shop, the parade celebrates the Hudson River with dancing water flags and music from FunkRust Brass Band.
Last but not least, capping off the day at 5:00pm is Come & Sing. Back at the Wu Tsai Theater, artist Jeanine Tesori will lead an interactive cross-disciplinary performance featuring masters of tap dance and percussion. Composer Ben Wexler will then invite people of all ages and singing experience to join in to create harmonies together.
After a full day of exploring and learning, unwind with a fantastic dinner. Steps from Lincoln Center are two neighborhood classics, both located in the iconic Empire Hotel building (44 West 63rd Street): Rosa Mexicano (2nd floor) and P.J. Clarke’s. Also nearby are The Smith and Café Fiorello (both at 1900 Broadway between West 63rd and 64th Street). For a full listing of the restaurants and shops in Lincoln Square, be sure to check Lincoln Square BID’s Neighborhood Guide.
With this plan or your own, Lincoln Center’s Open House will be one to remember!
Photo credit: Lincoln Center
