MANHATTAN – Part of Museum Mile will become a museum block party filled with activities, musical performances, talks, food and behind-the-scenes tours as the Metropolitan Museum of Art hosts the first ever ‘MetFest’ on its plaza, online and inside The Met itself, this Saturday, October 2nd.
MetFest kicks off at noon with an all-women’s samba reggae percussion band performing from The Met’s Iconic steps and runs through 6:00 pm. It’s free for everyone to participate in the outdoor activities and inside the building, special programs are included with the cost of admission— which for New York State residents is ‘pay what you want.’
ALSO READ: The Top Meatless Sandwiches on the Upper East Side
“MetFest channels the energy and excitement of a neighborhood block party, bringing together different generations, interests, cultures, and talents,” said The Met’s Chairman of Education, Heidi Holder.
“It’s The Met’s love letter to New Yorkers and to visitors from far and wide,” she added.
The party continues with classic Trinidad & Tobago style traditional characters, steel pannists, stilt walkers and Double Dutch teams.
You’ll also find plenty of family activities this Saturday, including an artist-led sidewalk chalk art program on the plaza in front of the Met and special guest puppets at the welcome desk inside.

For a behind-the-scenes experience you can tour conservation studios, study rooms and rarely seen spaces— a reservation is required in advance— or listen to gallery talks featuring a number of Met curators and staff members.
“MetFest is an important moment for the Museum,” said Max Hollein, French Director of the Met, “to invite everyone to celebrate together the joy, inspiration, and sense of community that art and music can bring to our lives.”
ALSO READ: When Trader Joe’s Opens and What We Know About the New UES Target
Proof of at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine is required for entry to the museum for those 12 years old and older, as required by New York City’s indoor activity vaccination mandate.
Virtual programming will be available on The Met’s website and social media accounts.
For updates around the clock, follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook