Finding Peace In The City

August is the International Month of Peace. Now is a great time to reflect on harmony, mindfulness, and community connection. In New York, finding moments of tranquility is more than challenging, but I have found several events which provide opportunities to slow down, breathe deeply, and connect with others in peaceful ways.

“When you do the right thing, you get the feeling of peace and serenity associated with it. Do it again and again.”
― Roy T. Bennett

MANHATTAN

poetry me, please: Stories That Make You Smile | Friday, August 22 | 6:00pm-10:00pm 21+ NYC's largest poetry platform presents a vibrant celebration of spoken-word poetry, musical acts, and community. Hosted by Young Prince with sounds by DJ COMPLETE, this showcase features poets from their 2500+ member community spanning the US, Ghana, and UK. Includes full-service seated dinner, drinks (two drink minimum), and high-quality content creation for performers. Doors open at 6pm, show starts at 7pm. Tables first-come, first-serve. From $33.85 | Sound Of Brazil, 204 Varick Street | eventbrite.com/e/poetry-me-please-stories-that-make-you-smile-tickets-1332659363029

Kids In Motion: Gertrude Ederle Playground | Friday, August 22 | 10:00am-6:00pm Kid Friendly NYC Parks staff leads four to seven hours of free active outdoor play including organized sports, games, fitness demos, and board games in this drop-in program for children. No registration required—kids can join anytime during operating hours for supervised playground activities. Guardians recommended to accompany children as this is not a childcare program. Occasionally cancelled due to harsh weather. Perfect for keeping kids active and engaged with structured outdoor fun. Free | Gertrude Ederle Recreation Center Play Area | nyc.gov/main/events

Weekly mindfulness meditation meet-up in Central Park | Saturday, August 23 | 10:00am-11:00am Ages 12+ Join certified New York Mindfulness teachers for guided meditation and community sharing in the heart of Central Park. Weekly sessions include grounding meditation, dharma talks, longer themed meditations, and small group sharing to cultivate presence and connection. Suitable for teenagers and adults with some meditation experience. Bring yoga mat/cushion/blanket, comfortable clothing, sunscreen, and water. Meet under the large tree on the grass in front of the second field at the Central Park Lawn Bowling and Croquet Greens (West 69th Street entrance, north of Sheep Meadow). Canceled in case of rain. Free | Donations welcome | The New York Lawn Bowling Club, Central Park | eventbrite.com/e/weekly-mindfulness-meditation-meet-up-in-central-park-tickets-1482224656849

Quaker Meeting for Worship | Sunday, August 24 | 11:00am & 9:30am Kid Friendly Join a Quaker congregation for peaceful silent "waiting" worship, welcoming newcomers and those seeking peace. The main 11:00am service is held both online and in-person with the largest attendance, while the 9:30am service is in-person only and technology-free. First Day School (Sunday School) available during the 11:00am meeting for children five and above, with play-based childcare for younger children in the same room. Families with children of all ages are encouraged to attend. Free | 15th Street Meeting, 15 Rutherford Place (at 15th Street) | nycquakers.org/events/quaker-meeting-for-worship/2025/08/24

My Real Estate Investing Newsletter (ad):

BROOKLYN

Brooklyn Poets Summer Workshop Showcase | Friday, August 22 | 6:30pm-8:30pm Kid Friendly Teachers and students from Brooklyn Poets' summer workshops share their work in this celebratory showcase featuring over 20 readers including hannah keziah agustin, Diana Cao, Erik Hinton, Ellen Kombiyil, and many more talented voices. Reception starts at 6pm for in-person guests, with the reading beginning at 6:30pm. Also livestreamed via Zoom with closed captions available. Masks required for all in-person attendees regardless of vaccination status. Advance online tickets end at 5pm day-of, then available at door until capacity. Free | Brooklyn Poets, 144 Montague Street, Brooklyn | brooklynpoets.org/events/all/bpws-82225

Prospect Park Bird Walk with that quirky bird girl | Saturday, August 23 | 3:00pm-4:00pm Kid Friendly Join "That Quirky Bird Girl" podcast host for a joyful, community-centered birding adventure that welcomes everyone from first-timers to longtime pigeon admirers. Expect goofy bird facts, heartfelt conversations, and spontaneous dance moves or bird impressions in this safe, welcoming space where curiosity is celebrated. Binoculars provided if needed - just message ahead. Meet outside the Q Prospect Park subway stop. Registration Required | Prospect Park, Brooklyn | lu.ma/cok4hplz

Sunday Open Meditation | Sunday, August 24 | 11:00am Kid Friendly Join a group guided meditation session designed to help you unwind and let go of stress, negative thoughts, and busy mind patterns. Learn about deeper meditation practices aimed at finding inner truth and breaking free from mental stress to achieve freedom and liberation. Sessions use a specific guided method with participants sitting on floor cushions, so wear comfortable clothes and come with an open mind. Free | Brooklyn Meditation Studio | meetup.com/brooklyn-meditation/events/310358761

My Hudson Valley Events Newsletter (ad):

BRONX

Summer Streets: The Bronx | Saturday, August 23 | 7:00am-3:00pm Kid Friendly Grand Concourse transforms into a car-free playground from East Tremont Avenue to Mosholu Parkway, celebrating NYC's 400th anniversary with over 400 blocks of fun, fitness, and live entertainment. Features public art installations, interactive NYC Art Stop Letters, free samples from sponsors like Coca-Cola and siggi's, plus programming partners offering activities throughout the route. Rain or shine event with eight hours of street exploration and community celebration. Free | Grand Concourse between East Tremont Avenue and Mosholu Parkway | nyc.gov/html/dot/html/pedestrians/summerstreets.shtml

Pelham Bay Park Scavenger Hunt | Saturday, August 23 | 10:00am-1:00pm Kid Friendly Join the Natural Areas Conservancy for a relaxing walk and scavenger hunt through the Siwanoy Trail in NYC's largest park. Explore the forest using simple plant guides while learning to identify native and invasive species and spot signs of wildlife along the way. This educational outdoor adventure combines nature exploration with hands-on learning, perfect for families and nature enthusiasts of all ages. Meet at the historic Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum for this three-hour guided forest experience. RSVP required. Free | Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum, Pelham Bay Park, 895 Shore Road, Bronx | nycgovparks.org/events/2025/08/23/pelham-bay-park-scavenger-hunt

My Real Estate Investing Newsletter (ad):

QUEENS

Idlewild Trail Walk! | Friday, August 22 | 10:00am-11:00am Kid Friendly Join this free weekly nature walk along the Idlewild Trail, perfect for curious explorers of all ages. This family-friendly outdoor activity welcomes everyone to discover the natural beauty of Idlewild Park through guided exploration. Final walk of the summer series that has been running weekly since July 18th. Registration recommended through the Idlewild Environmental Center's summer workshop series. Free | Idlewild Park, Entrance at Springfield Lane and 149th Avenue, Queens | nycgovparks.org/events/2025/08/22/idlewild-trail-walk

Astoria Heights Active: Salsa at the Park with Salsa in Queens | Saturday, August 23 | 12:00pm-2:00pm Kid Friendly Free beginner salsa class at Astoria Heights Playground with no experience or partner needed. Led by experienced instructors from Salsa in Queens, featuring six 20-minute mini-sessions throughout the event so you can drop in anytime that works best. Learn fundamental steps, rhythm, and movement in this fun, welcoming outdoor environment. Part of the SPARCS initiative bringing community-driven activities to neighborhood parks. Note: Event will be filmed for documentation. Free | Astoria Heights Playground, 30th Road, Queens | eventbrite.com/e/astoria-heights-active-salsa-at-the-park-with-salsa-in-queens-tickets-1435019675479

Jazz Brunch feat. "Jazzy Nancy G." + Special Guest | Saturday, August 23 | 2:00pm-4:00pm Kid Friendly Start your weekend with cool jazz sounds at Historic Neir's Tavern, featuring talented NYC musicians in the heart of Woodhaven. Enjoy a delicious brunch with a complimentary cocktail (Mimosa, Bloody Mary, or Aperol Spritz) included with every brunch entree. This weekly Saturday series showcases some of the most talented jazz musicians in the city at one of NYC's oldest establishments. Free admission | Neir's Tavern, 87-48 78th Street, Queens | allevents.in/queens/jazz-brunch-feat-jazzy-nancy-g-special-guest/100001513617333189

Performances at Queensbridge Park LIC | Saturday, August 23 | 5:30pm-7:00pm Kid Friendly Multi-cultural dance showcase featuring seven diverse performance companies including Cucala Dance Company, Kofago Dance Ensemble, Gotham Dance Theater, Silvana Brizuela Weigel, NK&D/a movement company, Saylit Dance Collective, and Manhatitlan. Experience hip hop, salsa, West African, contemporary, house, street jazz, Argentine folk dance, tango, Mexican folklore, and modern dance styles in this outdoor celebration. Pre-show at 5:30pm with Jacob Riis and Urban Upbound. ASL interpretation provided. Enter at northern end of park on Vernon Blvd by 41st Ave. Free | Queensbridge Park, Vernon Blvd, Long Island City | queensborodancefestival.org/calendar

AmpSurf NY Learn to Surf Clinic | Saturday, August 23 | 7:00am-12:00pm Kid Friendly Adaptive surf therapy clinic for people with disabilities, veterans, and first responders at Rockaway Beach. Participants receive dry land instruction (8:30-9:00am) followed by in-water surf instruction (9:00-11:00am) with provided surfboards, wetsuits, rash guards, and beach wheelchairs if needed. Volunteers needed for instruction, water assist, beach support, and booth help. Mission: Promote, Inspire, Educate, and Rehabilitate through adaptive surfing to focus on abilities, not disabilities. Look for the AmpSurf van and pop-ups on the beach. $25 for participants (grants available for veterans/first responders) | Free for volunteers | Beach 67 Rockaways, 144 Beach 67th Street, Queens | allevents.in/queens/ampsurf-ny-learn-to-surf-clinic-august-23rd-rockaway-beach-new-york

— Bridge & Borough