Friday, March 13
The Commission on the Status of Women is underway at the United Nations headquarters, running until March 20. The main focus of the session will be on the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the pivotal document created 20 years ago that continues to guide the global struggle against obstacles to the empowerment of women around the world. While this session is in progress, hundreds of side events have been organized, with more than a dozen talks and seminars happening Friday at the United Nations Headquarters, Midtown East. Free.
In the wake of the success of Rick Riordan's "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" book series and the surge in interest in Greek mythology from youngsters around the world, The Metropolitan Museum of Art has produced a great free guide for kids that shows them how to follow in Percy’s footsteps and meet the mythological characters who inspired the hit book and film. Check out other family guides produced by the Met here and pick them up in the entrance hall of the Museum, free. Open Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. 1000 5th Ave., Upper East Side.
Saturday, March 14
NYC Vegetarian Food Festival opens Saturday, offering vegetarian samples and a full program of expert speakers across three stages. Included in Saturday’s program is “Unlock Your Best Self With Plant-Based Nutrition,” presented by ultra-distance triathlete and bestselling author Rich Roll at 2 p.m., and “How to Go Vegan, The Right Way: The Basics of Vegan Nutrition” with chef and health coach Maria Marlowe. There’s also a kid's stage with fun activities, games, stories and kids' cooking classes. A one-day pass is $30 and a two-day pass is $50 for tickets purchased online in advance. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The Metropolitan Pavilion 125 W. 18th St., Chelsea.
Brooklyn Abolitionists/In Pursuit of Freedom is a long-term exhibition exploring the lesser-known heroes of Brooklyn’s anti-slavery movement — ordinary residents, black and white — who shaped their neighborhoods, city and nation with a revolutionary vision of freedom and equality. Brooklyn Historical Society, 128 Pierrepont St. in the historic district of downtown Brooklyn. $10.
Sunday, March 15
Times Square Kids' Run gives children and teenagers a chance to stop traffic while running a thrilling 1,500-meter course in Times Square. The run will be staged in three age groups: 7-10 years, (9 a.m.), 11-13 years (8:30 a.m.) and 14-18 years (8 a.m.). Free.
Opening the Way: A Women's History Walk is a 21-stop tour researched by Betsy Wade, a former editor at The New York Times, and the historian James Boylan. The tour, presented by Women’s eNews, covers the history of Manhattan and the influence women had on its development: pioneer writers, agitators, abolitionists, suffragettes as well as three heroes who gave their lives on Sept.11, 2001. A guided tour can be scheduled by contacting Meagan Butler at openingtheway@womensenews.org or calling 212-244-1720. 6 Barclay St., TriBeCa.
