These listings were compiled by DNAinfo's Manhattan reporters: Lisha Arino, Gustavo Solis, Lindsay Armstrong, Emily Frost, Danielle Tcholakian, Irene Plagianos and Shaye Weaver.
All Weekend
Where: Robert F. Wagner Park, 20 Battery Pl., Downtown
When: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., every evening from Aug. 15 to Aug. 20
Dance fans can take in some culture — and lovely Hudson River views — during a festival of free nightly performances on an outdoor stage set along the waterfront in the Battery Park City park. The shows will feature a variety of dance companies and styles, including post-modern, classical ballet and Indian.
► The New York International Fringe Festival
Where: Various locations
When: Aug. 14 through 30
Catch more than 200 shows from emerging theater troupes and dance companies from around the world when FringeNYC returns this weekend. Productions range in topics and genres, including drama, comedy and satire. It's $18 per ticket, with discount passes for multiple shows.
Where: Grounds of Morris-Jumel Mansion, 65 Jumel Terrace, Washington Heights
When: Saturday and Sunday 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Come hear jazz classics by Duke Ellington and Charlie Parker played by a six-piece ensemble. The free event, now in its 23rd year, takes place on the lush grounds of the Morris-Jumel Mansion, Manhattan’s oldest house.
Friday, August 14
► "The Wiz: A Celebration in Dance and Music"
Where: Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem
When: Show starts at 8 p.m.
George Faison, who was the first African American to win a Tony Award for Best Choreography for his work in "The Wiz," will celebrate the production’s 40 year anniversary with a presentation of original performances and songs from the Broadway classic. Members of the original cast, including Phylicia Rashad will be joining the show.
Saturday, August 15
Where: Dyckman Street Entrance to Highbridge Park, Washington Heights
When: 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Meet at the Dyckman Street sitting area for a free, guided tour of Highbridge Park’s forested slopes. Look for wildflowers, birds and some of Manhattan’s last freshwater springs.
Where: Riverside Park South near West 68th Street
When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Fly a kite at this fun, free kite-flying festival. There will be live music throughout the day and kite-making kits available for kids.
► Worm Release at Elizabeth Street Garden
Where: Elizabeth Street between Prince and Spring, Nolita
When: Noon
Lend a hand to Elizabeth Street gardeners as they set hundreds of “night crawlers” loose in their garden beds. The community garden’s organizers promise fun for the whole family, and a great way for kids to learn how earthworms help plants grow. Get there early to take part in the weekly community gardening session.
► #DevourTheDumpling Eating Contest at Hester Street Fair
Where: 25 Essex St., Lower East Side
When: 4 p.m.
Dumpling lovers with a competitive streak can try to eat as many dumplings as possible in five minutes and win a number of prizes, including bottles of Vietnamese Nuoc Cham sauces from The Saucey Sauce Co. and pastries from fair vendor Scones Alone.
► Museum of American Finance Walking Tour of Financial District
Where: 48 Wall St., Financial District
When: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Get a 90-minute walking tour of the Financial District, and learn about the neighborhood's long and imporant New York City history. Tickets are $15 and include a admission to the museum.
Sunday, August 16
► Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito 25th Anniversary concert and documentary film screening
Where: Central Park’s Rumsey Playfield
When: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito Garcia will celebrate their 25th anniversary in the music industry with a concert featuring DJ sets and guest artist appearances. They'll screen a documentary, titled “Stretch and Bobbito: Radio That Changed Lives,” about Armstrong and Garcia, who in the 1990s, signed a number of major hip hop artists.
