5 Best Eating And Drinking Events This Weekend

(credit: New York International Salsa Congress Dance & Music Festival / Facebook)

Put on your dancing shoes and head over to the 14th annual New York International Salsa Congress Dance & Music Festival. In addition to watching professional salseras and salseros perform, you can catch a competition, attend a workshop, or dance to live music from the Jimmy Bosch Orchestra and others. Make sure to check out the Old Skool Room, featuring folks who got their start at famous clubs of old. Wednesday, August 27, through Monday, September 1, see schedule for details, tickets required.

(credit: NYC Unifest)

Can you ride a unicycle? As with so many things in life, riding a bike with only one wheel takes lots of practice, some natural talent, and not a little bit of luck. See how good you do at the NYC Unicycle Festival. If you'd rather watch than ride, have a look at the professionals, who'll be riding while playing hockey and other sports, racing, and just showing off (in the best possible way). Friday, August 29, through Sunday, August 31, see website for details.

(credit: Electric Zoo / Facebook)

Spend your Labor Day weekend grooving to the sweet sounds of electronic music with more than 150,000 like-minded souls at Electric Zoo. This electronic music festival features two main stages and several tents, hosting the likes of Knife Party, Laidback Luke, Alesso, and Dada Life. When you're not nodding your head or feeling heart thump to the beat from some of the world's best DJs, you can admire the views of Manhattan, the Bronx, and Queens from Randall's Island. Friday, August 29 through Sunday, August 31, tickets required, must be 18 or older.

(credit: Historic Richmond Town)

The 35th annual Richmond County Fair gives you the chance to experience country living without leaving the city. This year's events include kiddie rides (ponies!), hot-dog eating contests, live music, crafts, potato-sack racing, a zip line, a beer garden, and prizes for the best in baking and agriculture. Aren't you curious to see who'll have the heaviest pumpkin or prettiest beet? Saturday, August 30, through Monday, September 1, 11 am to 6 pm, tickets required.

(credit: Garrett Ziegler)

Watching the mighty Hudson, it's sometimes easy to forget that this river has been an active waterway for centuries, with many types of vessels sailing its waves. The Great North River Tugboat Race & Competition will remind you, even as you participate in a spinach-eating contest, line-tossing event, or some other family-friendly activity. And, of course, there will be plenty of cheering as the tugboats race. Sunday, August 31, 10 am to 2 pm, fee to enter, free to watch from the shore.