Things To Do This Weekend In New York City & Roosevelt Island- Auto Show, Hanami Cherry Blossom, Easter Parade & RI Magnolia Blossom Tour

You Tube Video of Easter Parade Song with Fred Astaire and Judy Garland

Looking for fun or interesting things to do on Roosevelt Island or in some other part of New York City this weekend? Here are some suggestions.

The New York International Auto Show is at the Javits Center through April 19 and today is holding a Special Public Sneak Preview tonight from 11 AM - 10:30 PM so if you like cars - this is the place to be.

The New York Auto Show is value-packed fun for the whole family combining the best place to compare the world’s finest cars and trucks with state-of-the-art displays, celebrities, prizes, giveaways, interactive exhibits and vehicle test drives.

For 109-years, NYIAS has ignited the passion and stirred the soul of car lovers with its futuristic concept cars and new vehicles and 2009 is no exception. Compare every new car on the market under one roof, in one day, without any pressure to buy. Whether you’re looking for a small car that makes a big impression, something fun, fast and frugal, or you want to get plugged into a hybrid or electric vehicle there is no better place to research your next new car, crossover, minivan, SUV, or truck.

Even if you’re not looking to buy a car until much later in the year, the Show is the only place that you can explore the technological breakthroughs that are changing the way we drive. From revolutionary safety equipment that automatically brakes the vehicle if it senses an impending crash to features that allow your car to park itself, you can guarantee that the car you buy tomorrow will be radically different from the one you are driving today. Come to the Show to find out just how different!

On Saturday visit the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens for Hanami:

... the Japanese cultural tradition of viewing and cherishing each moment of the cherry blossom season. At Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Hanami is a New York City "rite of spring."

Visitors can stroll under a canopy of cherry trees, view artwork inspired by cherry blossoms in the Steinhardt Conservatory Gallery, and savor special Japanese entrees at the Terrace Café.

On Sunday stroll up 5th Avenue with the Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival. According to the NY Post:

Grab your floppiest hat and hop over to Midtown for Sunday's Easter Parade and Easter Bonnet Festival. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., paraders -- a term we use liberally -- will be milling about Fifth Avenue between 49th and 57th streets sans floats, bands and other such things generally associated with a parade. Everyone's invited to join and watch as confused tourists get the wrong idea about Manhattanites' fashion sense

Don't forget Sunday's Roosevelt Island Magnolia Blossom Walk:

Spring is in the air -- with all its glory -- on the Magnolia Blossom Walk to be held on Roosevelt Island on Sunday, April 12, at 11:00 a.m.

Take a 90-minute tour of the historic sites on Roosevelt Island and rejoice in the abundant color of the magnolia trees in full bloom.

In addition to the Magnolia Blossom Walk, on Roosevelt Island this weekend the Farmers Market will be open as usual on Saturday as is Gallery RIVAA, the Roosevelt Island Visual Arts Association which is exhibiting a group show titled Vernissage 8. Also, RIOC has produced a great self guided tour map (PDF File) of Roosevelt Island for any visitor or resident looking to stroll the Island and learn something more about it.

Good weekend transportation news. The MTA is reporting normal Roosevelt Island F Train subway service in both directions and RIOC is not reporting any Tram service advisories either.

Check out some other ideas on what to do in New York City this weekend from the NY Times Urban Eye, Free NYC, NY Post Weekend Calendar and Newyorkology.