LES, The Lower East Side Festival of the Arts, is an annual celebration of this area's rich artistic culture and ethnic diversity. Since 1996, the festival has provided a platform for artists to showcase their work and engage with the community.
The Film Program
The Film Program is a 10-hour-long film festival featuring art-house, experimental, and independent films. Each year, the Film Program continues to highlight unique and thought-provoking cinematic works that challenge conventional storytelling and push creative boundaries.
Festival Events & Activities
For three days over Memorial Day Weekend, TNC produces a cabaret-style festival featuring over 100 performing groups from the Lower East Side. All cultures and disciplines are represented.
On Saturday afternoon, a Street Fair is held on East 10th Street. It features food and goods sold by local merchants, as well as performances by local poets, musicians, and performance artists. Inside, there is a children's program performed for and by students from local schools, along with a Film Festival running throughout the afternoon and evening.
A Poetry Reading is held on Sunday evening, showcasing local and emerging voices.
This highly anticipated and popular event has grown tenfold since its inception, attracting over 3,000 attendees annually. The festival's purpose is to unify the community, create a positive image for the Lower East Side, and discover new writing talent.