Samurai in New York: The First Japanese Delegation, 1860

From June 25 to Oct. 11, Samurai in New York at the Museum of the City of New York will time travel visitors to the New York 150 years ago—a time when the city was excited about the visit of a delegation of more than 70 samurai from Japan—the first Japanese to leave the island country in over 200 years. During that period, New York took the opportunity to promote itself as the “Edo (modern day Tokyo) of the West” with two weeks of parades, balls, and newspaper coverage. The exhibit includes rare photographs, artworks, and costume items that reflect the fusion of different cultures of the time. The museum, located on 5th Avenue at 103rd Street, is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Tuesday to Sunday. Suggested donation is $10 for adults, $6 for seniors and students, and free for children under 12.

Bike to Governors Island

Just in time for summer, Governors Island opened to the public earlier this month. On Saturday, June 26, the Department of Transportation will guide a bike ride to Governors Island—the city’s newest park in the New York harbor. Upon arrival, bikers can either ride along the park’s magnificent 2.2-mile promenade or sit down for a picnic. Brooklyn bikers will meet at Grand Army Plaza (Union Street at Plaza Street West) at 10 a.m. and Manhattan bikers will meet at Madison Square Park (23rd Street at 5th Avenue) at 10 a.m. Please RSVP to rsvp.bikes@dot.nyc.gov or (212) 839-7211. For a full list of events and activities, visit http://www.govisland.com/.

Bronx River Festival

On Saturday, June 26 at River Park, New Yorkers are invited to enjoy a beautiful day in nature at the Bronx River as part of the Bronx River Festival. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the crowd will be provided with games, canoe rides, live performances, and food. River Park is located at 180th Street at Boston Road, Bronx, and is accessible with the 2 or 5 train.

Leonardo Le San Celebrates Colombia’s Bicentennial

In celebration of Colombia’s bicentennial, pianist and composer Leonardo Le San will make his New York debut at Carnegie Hall on Saturday, June 26, at 2 p.m. He will perform works by Beethoven, Chopin, Liszt, Rachmaninoff, himself, and others. General admission tickets cost $40.

Central Astoria's Waterfront Concert Series?Independence Celebration

For the bombastic patriot in all of us, the Central Astoria’s Waterfront Concert Series is holding its Independence Celebration next week. Running from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 30, the free event features Big Band Music with Joe Battaglia and the New York Big Band, followed by a Grucci fireworks display. The event is located at Astoria Park in Queens (On Shore Blvd., between Hell Gate Bridge and the Pool).