LES BID Annual Events
New York City Apple Day – Apples on Orchard
New York City Apple Day – Apples on Orchard is a unique street fair where visitors can experience all things apple related. Right in the heart of the Big Apple, visitors will feel like “urban farmers” with countless varieties of apples – many transported from upstate New York from farms including Red Jacket Orchards. The day also includes many of the Lower East Side’s culinary venues (all getting in the apple spirit and incorporating the ingredient into their cuisine) retailers, cultural institutions, live music, and more.
New York City Apple Day – Apples on Orchard pays tribute to the neighborhood’s historical connection to apples. The Lower East Side was an apple orchard farm in the 1700s, owned by a French farmer named Delancey.
New York City International Pickle Day
A favorite of foodies, history buffs and savvy locals, Pickle Day celebrates the rich history of pickle vendors of the Lower East Side. Each year, Pickle Day becomes more diverse, informative, creative, exciting and delicious, with exhibitions, music, activities and cooking demonstrations. Hosts NY Food Museum (www.nyfoodmuseum.org) and the Lower East Side Business Improvement District (www.LowerEastSideNY.com) welcome everyone to one of the most popular food events in New York, with anticipated attendance between 15,000 and 20,000. There are activities for kids of all ages, and, of course, free pickle samples from around the world. The event is free and open to the public.
In its historical heyday, the Lower East Side neighborhood was home to well over 100 pickle businesses helped supply pickles to New York City. Now, pickle adventurers can taste radishes, tomatoes, okra, cabbage, lettuce, fish, meat, carrots, beans, onions, eggs, limes, mangos, beets — a host of foods creatively and traditionally preserved in brine, a perfect balance of new and old enterprises.
Pride Goes East
Pride Goes East unites Fourth Arts Block (FAB) theaters with Lower East Side (LESBID) businesses as they celebrate Pride in the way that only such a unique, diverse, culturally-rich neighborhood can! Each year during Pride season (May–June), FAB theatres such as PS122, Dixon Place and La MaMa present LBGT performances, while Lower East Side shops and restaurants offer hot deals and special events.
Annual Meeting for BID Members
The Annual Meeting for BID Members is held each December to provide LES BID members with an update on activities of the BID, a financial update, and an opportunity to socialize with fellow BID members.
