Father's Day Weekend Picks

The weatherpeople are calling for a rainy weekend. So keep in mind that some of the outdoor events set for this weekend (including the 22 different NYC street fairs and festivals) may be delayed or rescheduled due to the weather. See below for some of the rain-or-shine outdoor events that are worth getting soggy for, along with plenty of fun and dry indoor alternatives.

Remember that Sunday is Father's Day! So make plans to spend some quality time with dear old Dad at one of these great events. I wish my dad was in town so we could hit the film festivals and see some mermaids in Brooklyn. Happy Father's Day, Dad!

• Midsummer Celebration in Battery Park -- On Friday evening, head downtown for a traditional Swedish celebration of the summer solstice. The event is free and features live music and dancing around the midsummer pole. Food stands will offer Swedish delicacies to fuel your pole dancing.



• Bicycle Film Festival -- Celebrate your love for bicycles this weekend at the annual Bicycle Film Festival and Bike Parade and Street Festival (still on according to the web site). Film selections include a program of bike-inspired shorts from around the globe and the world premiere of Where Are You Go, a documentary about a 7,000-mile bike expedition from Cairo to Cape Town.



• Coney Island Mermaid Parade and Extravaganza -- The famous Coney Island Mermaid Parade and extravaganza is scheduled for Saturday -- rain or shine. After all, mermaids laugh in the face of precipitation. My About.com colleague Kristen Goode in Brooklyn has all of the details.



• Nostalgia Subway Ride to the Bronx Zoo -- On Saturday, take a ride to the Bronx Zoo on the New York Transit Museum's vintage subway cars from the 1940s through 1960s. In the Bronx, you can hop off for a visit to the Bronx Zoo or stay onboard for a subway spin through the Bronx. Admission is $30 for adults ($25 for museum members) and $10 for kids 5-17. Call 718) 694-1867 for reservations and tickets.



• Make Music NY 2009 in Soho -- Check out this free art and music fest at MF Gallery in Soho. Check out Joe Simko's "punk rot" artwork and enjoy a free outdoor art rock show featuring the giant fiberglass robots of DETHRACE and the hardcore insanity of Skum City.



• Solstice in Times Square -- Spend Saturday practicing your downward dog in traffic-free Times Square to celebrate the summer solstice.



• Sustainable Planet Film Festival -- At this eco-centric film festival on Saturday, moviemakers and green activists gather to watch movies and discuss sustainable solutions in an entertaining way.



• Carnival Celebration -- Circle Line is hosting a day of food, games, and activities to celebrate the launch of two new ships. The event will take place on Pier 81 and admission is $1 (proceeds benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York).



• Beach Party in Central Park -- Spend Sunday lounging on a Tel Aviv beach in the middle of Central Park. Sand will transform the Naumberg Bandshell area into a real beach -- the perfect spot for tanning (if the sun comes out), beach badminton, and live music.