This year, Bronx Week is in May rather than June. From May 12 to May 23 (yeah, it’s more like a week and a half), the borough highlights the best that it has to offer for natives and visitors alike. There are more than 100 events listed at BronxWeekEvents.com, but here’s a sampling of the main events. It all ends up with a parade and festival along Mosholu Parkway. Bronx Week is organized by the Bronx Tourism Council and the Bronx Borough President’s Office and is sponsored by Montefiore Medical Center, Health Plus, and many other businesses and Bronx institutions. 

Wednesday, May 12

Kickoff Press Conference: Join Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer at Deegan Rock Park on the Grand Concourse and East 138th Street at 11 a.m. as they kick-start Bronx Week 2010 by celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Madison Avenue Bridge. The event will feature salsa and merengue music by Bronx and Manhattan marching bands, as well as important announcements about Bronx Week 2010.

Thursday, May 13

Bronx Homeowners Forum: A panel of experts, organized by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. and Senator Jeff Klein, will provide Bronx homeowners with legal advice regarding mortgages and homeownership. One-on-one discussions with counselors will also be available. The event will take place from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Fordham University’s McGinley Center, 557 E. Fordham Rd. For more information, call (718) 590-8088.

Friday, May 14

12th Annual Bronx Bankers Breakfast: The Business Initiative Corporation of New York, and the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation, will be sponsoring the largest networking event in the Bronx, bringing brokers, local business owners, and leaders from top financial institutions to the Villa Barone Manor at 737 Throggs Neck Expressway. The event begins at 8:30 a.m. Registration is $50.00 in advance and $60.00 at the door. RSVP at (718) 590-4588

Saturday, May 15

Bronx Day at the New York Botanical Garden: Pack a lunch and join Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. for the official start of Bronx Week 2010 at the New York Botanical Garden, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. To get your free required tickets, send your request to: Elizabeth Figueroa, Director of Community Relations, New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, NY 10458 (limit 6 tickets).

Sunday, May 16

Bronx Veterans Appreciation Day: Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. and the Bronx Veterans Advisory Council will be hosting a special salute to Bronx veterans who have served in the armed forces. For more information, call Tom Lucania at (718) 590-6005

Monday, May 17

DiVA Spa: This year’s DiVA Spa will provide unisex service to both men and women. Haircuts and manicures will be available, as well as important information about domestic violence and abusive relationships. Learn how to get help or how to help a friend. The event starts at noon at the Bronx County Building on the Grand Concourse and East 161st Street.

Green Roofs Tour: Did you know the Bronx has more green roofs than any other borough? Come see several examples and learn about the technology that is transforming the Boogie Down. Meet at the BOEDC reception desk at the Bronx County Building, Room 123 at 10 a.m. Lunch is provided. To reserve a free seat, call Kate Shackford, (718) 590-3498.

Tuesday, May 18

How to Market your Business with Facebook, Twitter, & More: Bring your company to the next level of online marketing. Jennifer Abernethy, author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Social Media Marketing will lead a free workshop that will teach the tricks of the trade behind social media. Bring your laptop, iPad, or Blackberry. The event is at the Bronx Zoo’s Schiff Family Great Hall, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Enter at the Southern Boulevard Gate. Register by calling (718) 590-6032.
Franchise Fair: Want to open a franchise? Go to the Veterans Memorial Hall at the Bronx County Building on Grand Concourse and 161st Street at 5:30 p.m. to learn all the information you need. For more information, call (718) 590-6415.

On Tuesday, May 18 at 6:30pm Monroe College Online will host a special Bronx Week event to demonstrate how adult students can earn a college degree while maintaining family and employment responsibilities. The event, which will take place in the Monroe College Annex at 2426 Jerome Avenue (one block south of Fordham Road on the east side of the street), will feature a demonstration of the course management system that provides 24/7 access to classes, faculty, and other students. For more information or to reserve a seat, call 800-55-MONROE and ask for Sharon Albert.

Wednesday, May 19

Trolley Tour of the Bronx: Bronx Historian Professor Lloyd Ultan will lead a trolley tour through some of the borough’s historic districts and neighborhoods. Tours will begin at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Seating is limited. To register, call (718) 590-3047.

Bronx Premiere of Grandmother to Grandmother: New York to Tanzania: Come see the award-winning documentary that tells the story of two grandmothers, one who lives in the Bronx, and one who lives in Tanzania, who are struggling to raise their grandchildren. A Q&A will follow the screening. The film will start at 9:30 a.m. at the Concourse Multiplex Cinemas on East 161st Street and Sheridan Avenue. To reserve a seat, call (718) 590-4412.
Zumba on the Concourse Lunchtime Concert: Check out this live Zumba performance at the Bronx Country Building, 851 Grand Concourse at East 161st Street. The show starts at noon.

Opening Night Reception: Riverdale Art Association Exhibit: The Riverdale Art Association will celebrate its 10th anniversary at the Borough President’s Art Gallery at the Bronx County Building, 851 Grand Concourse, Suite 301, at 6 p.m. The reception will feature the work of Bronx artists. For more information, call (718) 590-3989.

Thursday, May 20

Big Band Brunch: Seniors are invited to celebrate Bronx Week on the dance floor. Music will be provided by DJ Carol. For more information, time, and location, call (718) 590-6248.

The Fourth “R”: Young Bronxites can learn important lessons about relationships in their lives at this program presented by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The event is at MS 15, 2195 Andrews Ave. at 11 a.m. Parents, grandparents, and caregivers are welcome.

Friday, May 21

Bronx Bike to Work Day: Join Bronx Borough President and Transportation Alternatives in the National Bike to Work Day. A short ride down the Grand Concourse will emphasize the environmental and health benefits of biking. Afterwards, join Diaz, Jr. for a free breakfast at Lou Gehrig Plaza. Meet at Poe Cottage on the Grand Concourse and Kingsbridge Road at 7 a.m. For more information, call (718) 590-8310.

Bronx Week Health Fair: The Bronx Borough President’s Office and Bronx Health Links are hosting this huge health fair, which features on-site screenings and information on wellness, fitness, and prevention. The event takes place at the Bronx County Building Rotunda and starts at 10 a.m. For more information, call (718) 537-5268.

Saturday, May 22

The Bronx Ball: The Bronx Tourism Council hosts its fund-raiser gala, The Bronx Ball, under a tent at Orchard Beach from 6 to 11 p.m. Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. leads a welcome-home tribute to Bronx-born celebrities on the eve of their induction to the Bronx Walk of Fame.

Environmental Day:?Come to River Park on Boston Road and East 180th Street at 10 a.m. to learn the important part trees and other fauna play in our ecosystem. Bring your old clothes to be recycled and get your face painted while you’re at it.  First 300 guests will get free hot dogs!

Sunday, May 23

Bronx Volunteer Recognition Day Ceremony: Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. will honor the young people who participate in the New York Police Department Law Enforcement Explorer program. The event starts at 9:30 a.m. at the Bronx County Building, 851 Grand Concourse at East 161st Street. 

Bronx Walk of Fame: Come see Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. induct some famous Bronxites into the Bronx Walk of Fame on the Grand Concourse at 161st Street. The event begins at 11 a.m.

Bronx Week Parade: Mosholu Parkway will host this year’s Bronx Week Parade. Thousands of marchers, including bands, students, athletes, and community groups, will celebrate the Bronx in this year’s parade, which salutes Bronx kids. The parade begins at noon at Mosholu Parkway and Bainbridge Avenue.

Bronx Week Food & Arts Festival: After the parade, this festival will feature Bronx artists, restaurant samples, vendor booths, games, and a health pavilion with free screenings. The event starts at noon on Mosholu Parkway.