Queens County St. Patrick’s Day Parade: On March 4, head to Rockaway Beach for the 42nd annual Queens County Parade. The day begins with Mass at St. Francis de Sales church at 129th Street and Rockaway Beach. Following Mass, there will be a parade breakfast brunch at the Knights of Columbus Hall (333 Beach 90th Street) from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The parade begins at 1 p.m. at Beach 130th Street and Newport Avenue, and heads down Newport Avenue. There will be a viewing stand on Beach 105th before the parade ends at the St. Camillus parking lot. Following the parade, there will be an award ceremony at St. Camillus school hall. For more information, visit queenscountyparade.org.
Kids Food Festival: This weekend long event (from March 5-6) aims to use fun activities to teach families about making balanced food choices. The goal is to help children establish healthy, lifelong eating habits and avoid childhood obesity. The event will include activities for all ages and samples of delicious, family-friendly foods. Enjoy a scavenger hunt, cooking classes, cooking demos and live entertainment. Visit kidsfoodfestival.com for the full schedule of events.
Spamilton: “Hamilton” might be the hottest ticket on Broadway, but it’s not above mockery. “Spamilton” is a hilarious, satirical revue of the award-winning musical. It includes references to classic shows such as “Camelot” and “Gypsy.” Lin-Manuel Miranda and the original cast of “Hamilton” are satirized as well in the show’s 70-minute run, as are caricatures of other Broadway actors and writers like Patti LuPone, Bernadette Peters and Stephen Sondheim. The show is performed at The Triad and runs through April 30. Visit spamilton.com for more information.
The Fest for Beatles’ Fans: From March 3-5, take part in the longest running Beatles celebration, which first took place in 1974. The twice-annual festival celebrates the legacy of the Beatles. The weekend features live music, exhibits, art contests, vendors selling Beatles themed merchandise and discussion panels with experts and authors. This year celebrates the 50th anniversary of the release of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. The weekend takes place at the Hyatt Regency Jersey City on the Hudson. Visit www.thefest.com for more information.
Orchid Evening: On March 4, wander through the New York Botanical Garden’s newest orchid show. This year honors Thailand. The first Orchid Evening is from 6:30-9:30 p.m. (entry times are at 6:30, 7 and 7:30 p.m.). While you take in the beautiful flowers, a live deejay will spin tunes and you’ll be able to see traditional dances brought to you by the Somapa Thai Dance Company. This year features The Dancing Lady cocktail created especially for Orchid Evenings. Tickets are $35 ($25 for members). Visit www.nybg.org to purchase tickets.
