New York Chinese Character Festival

This fest's debut event packs musical performances by Chinese artists, professional calligraphy demos, make-your-own postcards, a character scavenger hunt, a flash mob and giveaways for kids (think Chinese character tattoos). After the day's over, artsy little ones and their parents can enter online contests all month long, like the Best Chinese Calligraphy Photo Contest, the Best Chinese Character T-Shirt Design Contest and others before celebrating at the closing ceremony on November 3, which includes a Chinese tea reception, more performances, a fashion show for the T-shirt contest finalists and games for youngsters. Ages 5 and up.