We are all about shows this week. With the chilly weather creeping back into our lives, we’re so down to spend the night in laughing our heads off at free stand-up, biting our nails at off-broadway thrillers, and learning something new at the city’s documentary film fest. What are you waiting for? Grab a pal and your show snacks and let’s go!
FRI 13 Variations Theatre Group presents: Wait Until Dark
Chain Theatre, 21-28 45th Rd., Long Island City; 8pm; $18
From our friends who brought us a sold-out Back to the Future 2 parody event, don’t miss this new immersive, knockout, off-broadway show. Based on the classic 60s thriller by Frederick Knott, later brought to life on screen by Audrey Hepburn, immerse yourself in the story of a blind woman trapped in her own apartment by three con men on the hunt for something hidden inside a doll. It’s suspense, romance, and surprises you can only experience in complete darkness. We’d hate if you missed this critically-acclaimed spectacle as it wraps its last weekend of performances.
SAT 14 DOC NYC Festival
Locations vary; 11:15am-11:45pm; $17
Stories about the Middle East’s first all-female race car team, seal-hunting in Canada, how a penny arcade in Chinatown has stood the test of time and gentrification, and more at this year’s NYC DOC fest. With over 30 amazing films, exclusive screenings, premieres, and workshops across three different theaters, this collection of stories on screen is selling out fast (so snag your tix now!). With eight days of festivities, hear doc moguls like Danielle Perissa (He Named Me Malala), Nancy Abraham of HBO documentary films, Mira Change (Jesus Camp), Tom Hurwitz (The Queen of Versailles) and more share their insights on capturing true life in its rawest form.
SUN 15 Holiday Festival and Brunch Market
Gottscheer Hall, 657 Fairview Ave.; 11am-5pm; FREE
If you’re a pro-holiday-festivities-in-November person, here is one of many merry markets to come. If not, well, did we mention there’s brunch? Swing by the Ridgewood Holiday Market this weekend for over 40 independent and local vendors selling artisan goods, pastries, and home decor. Plus enjoy live music and entertainment! After you’re done getting a head start on your gift list, feed your appetite with omelets, bacon, home fries and special eggs with krainerwurst and cheese. Wash it all down with mimosas, screwdrivers and Bloody Marys or keep the party going with German potato pancakes, goulash, bratwurst and a delectable selection of specialty German beers (gluten free options included!)
MON 16 Get Your Knit On
Le Midi, 11 East 13th St.; 8pm-9pm; $30-$35
Get your week off to a cozy start with this knitting night event, open to beginners and pros alike. The ladies of the NY gang knitters will be on site all evening to help you stitch along. Meet friends and snuggle in to craft an adorable take-home clutch. So, grab those needles and choose from a rainbow of colored yarn–admission tickets include all materials needed.
TUES 17 Curiosity: A sex themed variety show
Annoyance Theater, 367 Bedford Ave. Brooklyn; 9pm-10:30pm; $5
Still itching to get the real answers that sex-ed never got around to? Now’s your chance, kids. With a rockin ‘cast of sexperts, comedians, and storytellers – brace yourself for brilliant show piece of all things sexy (both weird and wonderful). Hosted by Emma Rogers and Chris Griswold, the set welcomes all birds-and-bees queries and explores them through sketches, stand-up, and game shows topped with a condom relay race. Oh, and bunch of really funny comics. Yeah, you’re welcome.
TUES 17 Harry Potter Book Trivia
Joshua Tree, 513 3rd Ave.; 8pm, FREE
Um, Harry Potter trivia? Always a yes. You know you’re not going to read all those books on your fall reading list anyways.
WED 18 Shades of Burlesque
C’mon Everybody, 325 Franklin Ave., Brooklyn; 9pm-10:45pm; $15-$25
NYC’s only all-black burlesque show graces Brooklyn this evening. With a cast of ebony bombshells, featuring Clementine Dandy, Mandarine Moon-Fly, Sweet Lorraine and more, and the brilliant and hilairous host, Ashley Brockington, come slip into something comfortable for a sensually classy night. Plus, get to your seats early to enjoy 2-for-1 beer, wine and cocktails.
THURS 19 BOMBED: Free Beer and Stand-Up Comedy
Brit Pack, 34 Pell St.; 8:30pm; FREE
How’s free beer and stellar stand-up sound for your Thirsty Thursday? Head to this cozy comedy venue to see Lizzie Martinez (from our friends at Sh*t Lit), TJ Del Reno (MTV, Comedy Central), Griffin Newman-Newman (HBO Vinyl) who’ll make beer squirt out of your nose. Hosted by local comic, podcast creator and contributor to SNL’s Weekend Update, Anne Victoria Clark, BOMBED is waiting for you to come rock its debut. See you there.
You’ve made it to the long weekend–congrats! We’ve got you covered with the sweetest holiday bashes (minus massive firework-trekking-tourist-crowds) from backyard Brooklyn barbecues to pig roasts and patriotic burlesque. Heck, we’ve even got giant scrabble, OITNB trivia and meditative dancing to get you through until next weekend. Here’s to a happy 4th!
FRI 3 The Usual Rejects: Jurassic Park Comedy Show
Chain Theatre, 21-28 45th Road, Long Island City; 7pm; $15
After their sell-out shows for “Back to the Future” and “Terminator 2,” this improv theater group is back with the 1993 adventure classic. Retelling the story through a staged parody reading, The Usual Rejects invites the audience to participate in their shows, play trivia, and win raffled prizes. Snag cheap popcorn and hotdogs for your front-row seat, then wash them down with two free drinks. Plus, there’s an optional all-you-can-eat-buffet served by the cast in costume. Get your tickets before they’re gone (it’ll happen.)
SAT 4 Might Get Weird Backyard Party
Sugar Hill Disco, 609 Dekalb Ave., Brooklyn; 12pm-9pm; $20
After their killer Memorial Day shindig, Might Get Weird is tossing up another sweet bash for the long weekend. Taking over Sugar Hill’s backyard patio with live tunes, kiddie pools, a barbecue and cheap drink specials, this party will really show you how to party. Brooklyn-based DJ collective The Deep will be spinning beats so grab your squirt gun and get ready to dance.
SAT 4 Dassara Pig Roast and Seafood Boil
Dassara Brooklyn Ramen, 271 Smith St.; 12pm-6pm; $12-$18
What better way to celebrate freedom than with an outdoor pig roast? Fill your plate up with Dassara’s crisp pork or fresh blue crabs and specialty sides, Onigri and signature Kimbab plus A B’s refreshing honeydew melon tea. Dig in to live music by Styles Upon Style then chill out with $5 draughts and $3 PBRs. It really doesn’t get any better. Though tickets are available at the door, save $3 and grab yours now.
SAT 4 America F*Ck Yeah! Burlesque Show
The Bell House, 149 7th St., Brooklyn; 8pm; $20
For a retro-glam, sexy good time, check out the 5th annual Wasabassco burlesque show where you can get in for free if you dress up as Wonder Woman. Enjoy the holiday staples–BBQ and beer–while hooting and hollering for Hazel Honeysuckle, Poison Ivory, Stache Novak, and the rest of the crew strutting their stuff. Hosted by Nasty Canasta and Doc Wasabassco as Superman, this show promises something to celebrate all night long.
SUN 5 “Orange Is the New Black” Trivia
Videology, 308 Bedford Ave., Brooklyn; 7pm; FREE
This popular Williamsburg bar brings back Sunday night theme trivia with the ladies of Litchfield. Hopefully you’ve finished binge-watching the latest season by now, but if you haven’t, we promise it won’t take long. So, grab your 3 best trivia mates and come ready to win. For game fuel, check out the menu’s homemade chorizo or Sriracha lime chicken nachos.
MON 6 Books Beneath the Bridge Series: Giant Scrabble Night
Pier 1, Granite Prospect at Brooklyn Bridge Park; 7pm; FREE
This 4th annual summer lit series is back with a mix of special events, readings, open mics and panels all sponsored by local independent bookstores. Tonight, swing by for Freebird Bookstore’s outdoor mega-Scrabble game. Watch John D. Williams Jr., former executive Director of National SCRABBLE Association, go head-to-head with three time national word play champ Joe Edley on a massive 15 x 15 foot playing board. Hear them share their craziest competitive Scrabble stories and learn a new word…or 10.
MON 6 Williamsburg Spelling Bee
Pete’s Candy Store, 709 Lorimer St., Brooklyn; 7pm; FREE
Never got to compete in middle school and wishing you still could? Count on this Brooklyn watering hole to bring your dreams to life. There’s no cover, but you’ve got to be one of the first 15 people to sign up in order to compete. If you don’t make it, no sweat; the bee–complete with nerdy prizes–takes place every month. Either way, trying to spell “puerile” after a beer or two is bound to be a good time, for someone.
TUES 7 Rooftop Films, Underground Movies: “Tangerine”
John Jay College of Criminal Justice, 860 11th Ave.; 7:00pm-11pm; $15
Shot entirely on an iPhone 5s, “Tangerine” is a story about a transgender prostitute in California. After the exclusive screening–it premieres in theaters on the 10th–talk sexual identity, race, and gender with filmmaker Sean Baker at a Q&A session. Plus, come early to enjoy a rooftop live musical performance before the show.
WED 8 Dancorcism
The Church at McGorlick Park, 129 Russell St., Greenpoint; 8pm-9pm; $15
If you’ve been looking to fill a dancing void in your life, this is probably the place to do it. This one-hour dance party combines high-energy workout routines with spiritual stretches and meditation leaving your body and soul happy, energized and strong. Be sure to arrive 10 minutes early if it’s your first time, and wear comfy clothes and sneakers you can move in.
THURS 9 Broadway Bites
Greeley Square Park, 33rd St. and Broadway; 11am-9pm; FREE
Sure, everyone’s flocking to Smorgusburg this summer, but you don’t have to leave the city for a good food fair. From the people who brought you Union Square’s Holiday Market and Madison Square Eats comes this Midtown culinary pop up market. Get your fill of artisan eats and cult-followed grub with Macaron Parlour, Milk Bar, Asia Dog, Fire Belly Korean BBQ and tons more. Vegan? Fusion food diehard? Beer? Wine? Check, check, check and check. Come very hungry.
It’s BBQ season! It’s time for tasty treats and lazy Sundays. Kick off your three day weekend with some rollerskating, African dance, and a day at the beach!
FRI 22 Free Rollerskating at Brooklyn Bridge Park
Pier 2 Roller Rink; 3:30pm-6:30pm; FREE admission, $6 skate rental
Get your long weekend rollin’ with free public skating at the park. Wheel around to Top 40s tunes while you scope out a killer view of the New York Harbor. Pack a picnic to recharge with after a few rounds then gear up to play with the rest of the Pier’s amenities like bocce ball and shuffleboard.
FRI 22 DanceAfrica 2015: Brazilian rhythms. African roots
BAM Howard Gilman Opera House, 30 Lafayette Ave., Brooklyn; 7:30pm; tickets start at $20
The nation’s largest African dance fest kicks off its 38th year with a weekend of dance workshops, an outdoor bazaar, a late night dance party and even a film festival. Led this year by Brazilian dance company, Balé Folclórico da Bahia, the fest also features local performance groups like the Bambara Drum and Dance Ensemble from the Bronx and the BAM/Restoration DanceAfrica Ensemble based in Brooklyn. See here for a complete schedule of events.
SAT 23 Lower East Side Festival of the Arts
Theater for the New City, 155 1st Ave.; 12pm-1am; FREE
Home to some of the city’s most renowned and beloved artists, performers, and poets—from Irving Berlin and Charlie Parker to Arthur Miller—the LES celebrates another year of its rich cultural history with free shows, dances, films and an outdoor market of food and local vendors.
SUN 24 The Un-Official Official Beach Day
Around New York; all day; the cost of a subway ride
You’re off tomorrow. The sun’s out today. Now, get your a** to the beach. Need pointers? Start here.
MON 25 Visit the Beer Garden at Bohemian Hall
29-19 24th Ave., Astoria; 5pm-12am; prices vary
Skip the same ol’ Memorial Day BBQs (but not like we don’t love ‘em!) and head to this quintessential Queens beer hall for authentic Czech eats, Slovak treats and craft beers galore. Quench your thirst with $6 mugs and bring your friends for a Bohemia Party Mix Grill, a delicious assortment of klobasa, bratwurst, grilled mushrooms and ribs served with sauerkraut, crispy pickles, French fries.
TUES 26 Yum’s The Word Storytelling Show: Brain Freeze
Le Poisson Rouge, 158 Bleecker St.; 7pm; $15 advance, $20 door
Created and hosted by local comedian, Robin Gelfenbien, this “old-school-birthday-meets-modern-day-storytelling” is deliciously good fun. Both a a TONY Comedy Critics’ Pick and bon appetite fave, the monthly show presents May with “Brain Freeze: Stories of Panic and Anxiety,” featuring Elna Baker (This American Life), four-time Moth StorySLAM Winner, Sandi Marx, and more. Come for the true life stories, the Mad Libs, and laughs, or even just for the nostalgic candy and homemade ice cream cake.
WED 27 Devices of Curiosity: An Evening of Early Popular Science Films
Morbid Anatomy Museum, 424 Third Ave., Brooklyn; 8pm; $8
Did you know that some cheese rinds are home to little mites? Fill up on oodles of oddities and fascinating silent films with Oliver Gaycken, author of Devices of Curiosity: Early Cinema and Popular Science. Hear about the history of popular-science shows and dig deeper into this largely unknown sphere of film history.
THURS 28 NYC Popfest 2015
Cake Shop, 152 Ludlow St.; 7:30pm; $15
Seven years after its debut, this city indie pop fest returns for another four days of live performances from indie rockers around the world, film screenings and dance parties. From Beverly and The Chandler Estate (NYC) to the UK’s Young Romance and Germany’s Brideshead, prepare for a stellar musical line-up plus two midnight afterparty dances packed with Swedish Indie, Sixties Soul, Garage Punk and plenty of cheap drink specials.
Happy Friday, Meshers! We bet you’re feeling fabulous and free about now. That’s why we’ve scoped out some of the best free events this week, just for you. We’re talking free pizza, free massages, free films, and tons of free comedy. You’re welcome.
FRI 24: The Secret Loft Show: Free Comedy, Dance Party + Pizza
255 McKibbin St., Brooklyn; 8:30pm-3am; FREE
Free laughs and cheese pies? We’re in. Jumpstart your weekend at this off-the-walls comedy show featuring Mike Recine (Conan), Sean Donnelly (Broad City), Carmen Lynch (Letterman) and more (plus a top secret guest!). Guzzle cheap drinks then dance your butt off to an after-show DJ.
SAT 25: 3rd Annual NYC Hot Sauce Expo
Brooklyn Expo, 79 Franklin St.; 10am-6pm; $10
Two words: competitive eating. From spicy tacos to burritos and buffalo wings, this annual weekend of heated festivities is a must-do. Fill up on fiery finds like hot salsas and gourmet BBQ, sample sauces, nosh on spicy meatballs and throw ‘em back with a variety of craft beers. Chef Chris Santos (Chopped) will be signing bottles of his new BBQ sauce, plus, stick around on Sunday to see who will beat the Guinness World Record of pepper-eating. Oww, oww!
SAT 25: Brooklyn Zine Fest
Brooklyn Historical Society, 128 Pierrepont St.; 11am-6pm; FREE
Curious about the makings of a food ‘zine? In the market for the best new zines under $10? Want to check out a free accordion concert? All this and more awaits you at the 4th annual BK Zine Fest. With over 150 exhibiting writers, artists and publishers from around the city and beyond, you’re in for a literary treat. Not quite familiar with the zine world yet? Not to worry: “If you’ve got an interest, someone’s probably made a zine about it!”
SUN 26: Greenpointers Spring Market
67 West St., 5th Floor; 1pm-7pm; FREE
What’s not to love about spring markets? Kick back on Sunday at this neighborhood collection of specialty vendors, tasty goodies and tons of free activities. Scope out nail art, massages, personalized haikus, face painting, and a hand drawn wildflower garden in the photo booth! Plus, check out exclusive spirits—like Strawberry Gin and “Rabbit Island, a tropical new pilsner”—with sponsors Brooklyn Gin and Greenpoint Beer & Ale.
MON 27: Celebrate the Last Week of National Grilled Cheese Month!
Locations, times and prices vary
In case you didn’t already know, April is National Grilled Cheese Month (not like you shouldn’t be grill-cheesing every day. Just sayin’.) So, why not round-off the last week with enough grilled cheeses to get you through these cruddy spring showers? Click here for the best melted sammies around the city, from hot cheddar and poblanos to a melding that includes pickled tomatoes and BBQ potato chips.
MON 27: Big Gay Ice Cream: Saucy Stories & Frozen Treats
Strand Book Store, 828 Broadway; 7pm; $35
Nominated the #1 ice cream parlor in the country (not to mention, #5 in the world), one of our fave swirly-topped sweet shops is finally debuting its cookbook (cue applause!) Meet Bryan and Doug, founders of Big Gay Ice Cream, and hear how they grew from a humble start in an old ice cream truck to winners of numerous awards. Sink your teeth into some Big Gay icy treats, snag a copy of their yearbook-inspired cookbook (included in admission price), and tune into a hilarious Q&A hosted by stellar drag personalities, Bambi Galore and Bertha Mason.
TUES 28: IMAGEnation Films & BedStuyPopUp! Cinema present: #BlackLivesMatter A Film Series
Raw Space Gallery, 2031 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd.; 6:30pm-8:30pm; FREE
Harlem-based media arts org, IMAGEnation, and BedStuyPop-Up! Cinema bring you another amazing film series shedding light on emerging filmmakers and community issues. This week’s feature film, “Easter Sunday”, is a story based on true events about a group of friends who venture to Coney Island one day and encounter an unexpected violence. See how their friendship, loyalty and lives become tested at a special screening, followed by a Q&A with the film’s director.
THURS 30: Sisters in Craft: Ladies Pint Night
Threes Brewing, 333 Douglass St., Brooklyn; 7pm-10pm; FREE
Can we get an amen! for all the women who’ve kicked butt in the history of craft brewing? Raise your glasses at this hump-day happy hour honoring many of life’s beer-reigning ladies. Sample gal-brewed specials, meet local female home-brewers, industry pros, and beer enthusiasts, plus learn the tips of the trade over tasty eats from pop-up joint Mimi’s Hummus.
THURS 30: The Let’s Read Together: Roast of Stephen King
61 Local, 61 Bergen St., Brooklyn; 7pm; FREE
Come be part of a new podcast where comics spill the beans on a book without ever flipping open the cover. “Let’s Read Together” is recording and releasing its first live episode “honoring” none other than, the King himself. Comedian Kevin Froleiks joins bi-weekly guests to tear apart famous authors who’ve “risen from the dead”—Langston Hughes, Sylvia Plath, David Foster Wallace—among others who are still writing and breathing (E.L James anyone?).
So, you’re head over heals with your cutie? Go you! Another dinner date at TGIF’s? Um, not exactly swoon-worthy. Whether you’ve been together for nine months or nine days, switching up your date routine is a must if you want to keep those sparks flying. Sure, it’s fun to grab drinks at your favorite bar, or stay in, order pizza and watch Netflix. But soon enough, these “oldies but goodies” might just get old. We’d hate to see the romance die, so here are 10 sweet ways to give your date a creative kick.
Instead of your afternoon coffee date
Bring the café home—Save the $4 slow-drips for another time. Switch things up by having your date bring over their favorite bag of beans, or tea leaves. Bake up a batch of blueberry muffins together, enjoy them over fresh home brewed joe and sit back over an old-fashioned chat. Don’t forget to play a little Norah Jones in the background, too.
Instead of going to a concert
Create soundtracks for each other—Put together a Spotify playlist of ten songs you think best describe your date. Feeling old-school? Burn your original life soundtracks onto a CD or, better yet, make each other mixed tapes. Extra points for the best doodled album art.
Instead of visiting an art museum
Be your own Jackson Pollock— Take a trip to your local craft store for some cheap canvases and paints then prepare to get messy! Rekindle your childhood love of finger painting and challenge your date to paint the best portrait of you, no brushes allowed. Or get creative with your own miniature Pollock pieces (just use plastic cups instead of buckets).
Instead of going out for dinner
Order surprise take-out—Each of you calls up your favorite take-out joint, or dare to pick a place you’ve never tried before, and don’t tell the other. Once the doorbell rings, prepare for a smorgasbord of surprise eats. Perhaps you’ll discover the next best food combo craze (General Tso’s pizza anyone?).
Instead of a walk in the park
Try geocaching—If you’re looking for a thrill time, sign up for this real world scavenger hunt. All you need is a GPS enabled device and a free account at geocaching.com. Once registered, retrieve the trail maps based on your zip code then follow the guides to various hidden caches. The adrenaline-filled trek is sure to get some hearts racing.
Instead of getting Broadway tickets
Save your money and watch the amateurs—Take a night off from highbrow theater and see what plays the neighborhood schools are putting on. Opt in for a stage of aspiring thespians at the local high school, or get a chuckle out of the elementary students belting out their fall musical. Who can resist a chorus of singing farm animals?
Instead of attending a sporting event
Host a board game marathon—Put away your Cards Against Humanity (for now) and dust off those boxes of Candyland and Mastermind. Feeling playfully competitive? Place bets on the winner over bags of Skittles and Jolly Ranchers. Or, of course, just pig out and reminisce on the good ol’ days when all that mattered was what color game piece to play with.
Instead of browsing the local flea market
Search Craigslist for yard sales—Nix the idea of oogling overpriced goods and scope out your neighborhood’s yard sales instead. Bike or walk from driveway to driveway and hunt for cheap relics, hidden antiques and those inevitable purely fun finds you secretly know you won’t use, ever. See who can snag the sweetest vintage deal for under $10.
Instead of watching a movie
Go stargazing—Check out when your local parks or science centers are hosting public stargazing nights, grab a few blankets and head over for a real star-packed show. Pick out a constellation for each of you to find or see who can count the most stars before losing track. And don’t forget to bring the popcorn.
Instead of meeting up for drinks
Take a mixology class together—You’ve already been to all the usual bars, why not create a new favorite cocktail? Search community centers, local bartending schools and sites like Groupon or Course Horse for deals on demos and workshops. More interested in craft brews? Many bars and breweries also host tours or hands-on sessions that cover the 101 on home brewing. Once you’ve both become cocktail connoisseurs, raise a glass of your creations to, well, each other!