We’re so glad it’s the weekend and ready for some chill time. That’s why we’ve rounded up the coolest events this week from serious caturday festivities, late night comedy, vegan pies and graffiti sticker galleries. Check it out!

FRI 20 Wolf Spirit with Tom and Keele

Creek and Cave, 10-93 Jackson Ave.; 10pm; FREE

Come hang with two funny dudes at this late-night 90-minute monthly variety show. Hosted by Tom Brink (Time Out New York) and Keel Howard-Stone (Rooftop Aspen Comedy Festival), the set features stand-ups and sketches, live bands, new videos and, if you’re lucky, even drag. Munch on the comedy spot’s fab cal-mex menu, churro ice cream sammies included, then throw back some $3 beers and $9 house cocktails.

SAT 21 THANKS FOR SHARING! Vegan Shop-Up!

Pine Box Rock Shop, 12 Grattan St., Brooklyn; 12pm-6pm; FREE

Save a turkey and eat a pie next Thursday at this local vegan joint’s pop-up holiday shop. Find all your fixings and trimmings at this feast of local vendors, goods, and artisan treats from Pony Cakes, Cheezehound, Three Little Birds and more. After scoping out nut-cheeses, vegan pates, caramels, chai teas, and gluten-free sweets galore, stock up for gift season with body care products and home goodies. Plus, stick around for happy hour with market fall cocktail specials. 

SAT 21: Brooklyn Craft Company’s Catlady Craft Night

61 Greenpoint Ave., Brooklyn; 7pm-11pm; $85

Take your cat-lady obsession to the next level with this decked out night of kitties and crafting. Come with your favorite cat sweater and put your paws on sweet craft projects from coin purses and cat rings to canvas toes and purr-fect painted figurines. Snag swag at the cat tattoo bar and snuggle with the furry felines at a pop-up cat lounge. Plus, enjoy cocktails, snacks, music and all proceeds benefiting Brooklyn Animal Action. You might even find a new friend you can adopt and take home!

SUN 22 Felines of New York Book Release Party

Littlefield, 622 Degraw St., Brooklyn; 8pm; $10-$12

It’s Brandon Stanton meets bodega cat blogs. But FINALLY, amirite? Meet Jim Tews, creator of the newest HONY-like book–kitty edition–at this awesome launch event featuring funny folk and all things feline. Laugh with Todd Hanson (The Onion), Team Submarine (NPR, UCB), Mrs. Smith (she’s just been searching for her cat, Carlyle for three years), and more. Plus, get your early-released copy of the book, signed by Tews. We’ve found our new favorite fall read.

MON 23 Where The Wild Things Are @ Huckleberry Bar

588 Grand St., Brooklyn; 9pm; FREE

Grab your seats for mixed media mayhem month at this cozy Williamsburg watering hole. Featuring childhood adventure story Where the Wild Things Are, the screening also stars free buttered popcorn plus 2-for-1 beers, wings and well drinks all night. Love the evening flicks’ series? Ask the bartenders how you can join the movie membership.

TUES 24 S3 Trivia Night

Kilo Bravo, 180 N. 10th, Brooklyn; 7:30pm; FREE

We can’t pass up a good trivia night. Especially when we get to warm up with $25 beer bucket specials and free entries into bonus shot rounds when you buy a sandwich. Bring your team of five or come and mingle to find your team on the spot, then gear up for Jeopardy-style questions with a round of music and picture IDs. Winners get bar tabs and free shots.

WED 25 Slap 2: A DIY Sticker Exhibition–Closing Party

Con Artist Collection & Gallery, 119 Ludlow St., 7pm-11pm; FREE

Swing by this LES art house for a kick-ass collection of homemade slap stickers from around the city and around the world. The return of this popular show features a sick curation of stickers as graffiti, an art form that’s become core to the urban art experience. You’ve spotted them slapped on phone booths and subway cars, now immerse yourself in a gallery covered with them. Plus, grab $8 zines and throw back libations.

THURS 26 Happy Thanksgiving!

Staying in the city for turkey day? Check out these fine places (or these places) to dine at, or click here, here, and here for tips on throwing the best friendsgiving. Check this out for ideas on giving back or click here if you’re just looking for fun things to do pre-feast. Whatever you do this holiday, we’re just thankful to have such awesome readers! Cheers!

So long, summer; hello, best season ever! From fall-ware to crisp air, we’re all about embracing this sweet, sweet window of time before the city gets slushy and people get cranky winter. So until then, get out to the park, get ready for film fest season, and get yourself a pumpkin-flavored something already.  From a gypsy fest and sexual health to free comedy, beer, and interactive improv, we’ve got your week covered. (Don’t we always?)

FRI 18 The MP3 Experiment 12

Prospect Park; 7pm; FREE

Want to be part of a huge improv art show? Then pack these things in a bag and head to Prospect Park. It’s Improv Everywhere’s Experiment Twelve, a massive interactive experience that’s been described as “part mass-hypnosis, part party.” Just download the mp4 file, sync your watches, then join thousands of people as they simultaneously listen to a voice, follow instructions, and put on an amazing show. 

SAT 19 2015 Sexual Health Expo

Millenium Broadway Hotel, 145 W. 44th St.; 11am-6pm; $25

Because why wouldn’t you go to a sex health expo? Snag sex tips, toys, and finally learn how to do it right as the experts tell (and show) you how. Featuring Pleasure Chest Sex Specialists, writers, comics, and educators, come and get the blow by blow on everything you wanted to know about…everything. 

SUN 20 The Big Emmys Quiz Thing

Le Poisson Rouge, 158 Bleecker St.; 5pm; $15 door, $10 advanced, $8 students

Our favorite trivia team has got your Emmy-watching night down pat, complete with a pre-awards game show round and prizes a’ plenty. Arrive early to get front row seats, enjoy libations and friendly competition, and meet new trivia heads. 

MON 21 Brooklyn Brewery: Above Average Comedy Showcase 

79 North 11th St.; 7:30pm; FREE

Here with your Monday comedy-and-booze fix is this local brewery’s Above Average show. Hang out with SNL’s Sasheer Zamata, Wet Hot American Summer’s John Early, Josh Sharp from UCB and more, plus a surprise guest. And with all these great stand-ups, storytellings, songs and beer for free? Better RSVP now because these sweet spots are limited. 

TUES 22 Bronx Documentary Center: Inaugural Women’s Film Series

614, Courtlandt Ave.; 7:30pm; $5 for Bronx residents, $10 general 

Come join this doc center’s first annual Women’s Film Series highlighting movies made by female filmmakers. With four different screenings plus Q&A’s with the directors, the fest showcases an Oscar nominated documentary, the street ball tournaments of Chinatowns, an inner city school chess team, and the journey of undocumented immigrants.

WED 23 11th Annual New York Gypsy Festival 

Drom, 85 Avenue A; times vary; $15

Celebrate music and dance from around the globe at this eclectic collection of performances. This evening, catch a North African Brass Orchestra debut in the city along with One Dream One Light, by the Hybrid Movement Company. Then, stick around for the rest of the fest to enjoy Flamenco at the Met, Nuevo Romany-Russian Music featuring DJ Spinach, and a brass showdown at Pace University.

THURS 24 Doughnut Plant

Go to Doughnut Plant and see if they have their drool-worthy pumpkin donuts because, IT’S OFFICIALLY FALL, BABY.

Happy labor weekend, friends! We know you’ve been hardly working working hard all summer. So, don’t hold back on celebrating the fruits of your labor  this long weekend, kapeesh? We’ve got the coolest events for you to blow some steam off on like cultural parades, Gilmore Girls trivia, a Dolly Parton Party, and more. Enjoy!

FRI 4 6th Annual Brooklyn Unicycle Day

Locations vary, 2pm-10pm; FREE

Whether you’re a one-wheeled master or still learning to ride, bring your unicycle to this annual no-handlebar bash. To kick off, experienced riders are invited to join the army of balanced peddlers for a 13-mile ride across the Brooklyn Bridge. Afterwards, riders of all skill levels can rest their legs at a Coney Island afterparty. Munch on Nathan’s ‘dogs while enjoying a one-wheeled stage show by Ross Berenson for hoops, spinners, and more wrapping up with nighttime fireworks. 

FRI 4 Dollypalooza

Littlefield, 622 Degraw St.; 7pm; $15 advance, $20 at door

Featuring glittery drag, bombshell burlesque, and special musical guests, the Doll Parts, this second annual fan tribute is nothing short of perfection. Witness a live Dolly tap dance act and join a silent auction for a chance to win a trip to Dollywood, signed memorabilia, and more. All proceeds benefit Dolly’s charity, Imagination Library. Be sure to wear your best dancing shoes since festivities run late. What’re you waiting for? Go get dolled up! 

SAT 5 The Strangers Project + miLES: Evidence of Living

103 Allen St.; 10am-10pm; FREE

You may have run into these guys in Washington Square Park, asking you to write down your anonymous stories. Now, you can go see an intimate display of these handwritten entries, carefully curated from an ongoing collection of over 15,000 anecdotes. Covering the walls of this art space, The Strangers Project presents Evidence of Living, a free collaborative public exhibit sharing the stories of people you’ve both never met, wanted to meet, and have known all along. 

SAT 5 8th Annual Coney Island Beard and Mustache Competition

Surf Ave. and W. 12th St.; 8pm; $20

With categories like Hokum and Hoodwinked (Best Fake) and Carny Trash (Worst in Show), the epic facial hair face-off has arrived. Hosted by Don Jamieson of VH1’s That Metal Show, see which men (and women!) will take home the titles for best handle bar hair, curly cues, non-beard beards, and more. Judges include Katherine Turman, author of The Definitive Oral History of Metal, and Matt Chrystal of Garden State Beard and Mustache Society. Plus, stick around for more sideshow action with Miss Coney Island 2015 and magic by “Uncle” Jim Daly. 

SUN 6 Brazilian Day

46th Street between 5th and 6th Ave.; all day; FREE

Parading the streets of New York since 1984, this celebration calls one and all to raise their hands up for Brazil’s Independence. Along the sidewalks of what is known as Little Brazil, you can enjoy 26 blocks, from 42nd St. to Central Park, of delicious food, lively dancing, and fresh music. 

SUN 6 Gilmore Girls Trivia

Videology, 308 Bedford Ave.; 7pm; FREE

Seriously though, why would you not? It’s not like we’ve been waiting for our favorite themed trivia bar to finally host a Stars Hallow edition. So grab your three closest and wittiest pals, and brush up on your literary references, small-town Connecticut, and Lorlei’s list of bad dates, for all things mother-daughter duo. 

MON 7 West Indian Carnival

Eastern Parkway (in front of Brooklyn Museum); all day; FREE

Revel in your free day and get your culture on with this yearly, larger than life Caribbean Culture fest. Try tasty foods, see blurs of colors, costumes, and dancing, plus hear live steel band orchestras all along Eastern Parkway, through the front steps of the Brooklyn Museum.

TUES 8 ICARO NY Film Festival

211 E. 48th St.; times vary; FREE

This annually held Guatemala film fest launches the 4th year of its New York art post with more of the best in Central American film. Opening night features the premiere of Guatemalan award-winning thriller, 12 seconds (12 segundos), with director Kenneth Muller available post-screening for a Q&A. As a place for young and emerging filmmakers from around Central America to tell their stories, ICARO fest will also host panels on film law, international film distribution and Central American-US relations. 

WED 9 Beach Lovers Photograph Show

Ground Floor Gallery, 343 5th St., Brooklyn; 6pm-9pm; FREE

This single series by artist, Erica Reade, is about life’s many simple moments, some of which can only be stilled for a moment. Infinite yet intimate, and carefree like its sandy beach backdrop, the exhibit captures couples at Rockaway, spotlighting love at its simplest and purest state. The first either couples to attend get a lovers Polaroid portrait.

THURS 10 BEAT Festival 2015: Opening Night

Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway; 7pm-9pm; FREE

With mini museums hidden throughout this kick-ass museum, enjoy opening night of this performing arts fest by joining the many artists scattered around to share their creations. Enjoy special previews by Chinese theatre works and the Jamal Jackson dance company, in addition to opera, spoken word, and more. All attendees will also score free admission to the latest exhibits, The rise of the Sneaker Culture, and “Faile: savage/sacred young minds.” 

Summer parties come in all shapes and sizes: dance parties, outdoor parties, beer parties, slightly-naughty parties – you know what we’re talking about. So, while you still can, why not really get your summer party on? (We’re definitely not stopping you!) This week, go meet a Bollywood celebrity, sample 20 beers under one roof, or hit up the coolest 80s dance party in town followed by a sexy, underground Paris-themed party. You’ve earned it.

FRI 14 Cruel Summer 80s Dance Party

The Bell House; 8pm; $10

First, we brought you to The Bayside Tigers’ 90s dance-a-thon. Now, it’s time to tease up that hair again for a night of 80s throwback tunes and mad dance moves. Kicking the night off is Brooklyn’s raddest cover band, The Engagements, with all the best jams of your glory days. Kick your ‘sneaks around to Hall N Oats, Prince, Bowie, Journey, Pet Shop Boys, and everything else you miss about the Flashdance decade. Then, throw back Doritos with nacho cheese and $6 Bananarama cocktails until late. 

FRI 14: Dances of Vice Sin Cities: Paris

DTA, 60 Pine St.; 9pm; $25

This three-part nightlife experience transports you back to history’s most sensually sinful cities: Berlin, Shanghai, and–for this evening–the City of Lights. Grab some champagne and let the 20s’ dancehall and 30s’ cabarets of old Paris seduce you with a musically, sensory soiree and a certain je ne sais quoi. Don’t forget to slip into your best flapper fringe and slinky strings of pearls. 

SAT 15: FlyNYC Kite Flying Festival

Pier 1, Riverside Park South; 11am-4pm; FREE

Make a kite to fly or bring your own at this free afternoon of flying fun. Watch the river sky fill with colorful, soaring, spectacles while enjoying free live music all day. 

SAT 15 Might Get Weird: Endless Summer

Sugar Hill Disco & Restaurant, 609 Dekalb Ave., Brooklyn; 12pm-10pm; $20

If you’ve been to one of these Bed-Stuy bashes before, you know what’s up. But since we loved their 4th of July throw-down so much, hey, we’re sending you back. Get ready to tap out those tan lines at this summer party series’ final outdoor cookout. Get down to The Deep’s killer DJ line-up, cool off in kiddie pools, and get your face painted while sipping cheap beers and noshing on grilled pineapple burgers, all on a sweet AstroTurf-ed patio. 

SUN 16 Brooklyn Homebrew Takedown

Hill Country Barbecue, 345 Adams St., Brooklyn; 1pm-3pm; $20

Always wanted to be a food critic? Now’s your chance. After bringing us their ice cream concocting contest and taco face-off, The Takedown is back with a team of 20 competing home brewers. Sample suds all afternoon before voting for your fave brew. Then, soak up all that booze with some of Hill Country’s best hand carved meats, peppery sausages, boneless ribs, ooooooh, somebody stop us! 

SUN 16 69th India’s Independence Day Parade

Madison Ave. and 39th St.; 11am; FREE

Head over to Midtown this weekend for Bollywood, bhangra and bangles galore at the 69th annual India Independence Day parade. Stay for an afternoon of live musical and dance performances, a 40+ float parade, free giveaways, and two blocks of cool vendors and ethnic grub. 

MON 17 National Thrift Store Day

Locations, times and prices vary. 

Saving money and supporting community growth programs? We’re all for that. Hosted by Reuse NYC, this city-wide celebration of “shopping secondhand first” invites thrift shops around the area to support a bigger cause. Thrift-shopping not only reduces waste, but it also supports greener jobs, benefits many non-profit organizations, and best of all, lets you dig deep for that truly vintage find. So, bring your tote bag to the nearest Goodwill, Housing Works, Beacon’s Closet (plus a dozen other stores!) and get your thrift on.

TUES 18 Meditation in Bryant Park

Fifth Avenue Terrace, Bryant Park; 11am-11:30am; FREE

After morning yoga on the Upper Terrace, jump-start your week with 30 minutes of guided visualization, courtesy of Ziva meditation. Practice breathing techniques and mindfulness while helping your body find inner bliss, or, at the very least, half an hour of peace and quiet—because what New Yorker doesn’t want that? 

WED 19 The Mommy Show (for adults only)

The Creek and The Cave, 10-93 Jackson Ave., LIC; 8:30pm; $10

In need of a good chuckle and a mid-week drink (or three?) Then, come on over to this “nursery night for grown-ups” for some ace musical comedy all evening. Hosted by singing mommy-duo Mel and El, with original songs like “My Man Is Just the Right Amount of Gay,” the show is guaranteed to give you a side cramp from laughing, at least twice. Plus, The Creek has churro ice cream sandwiches. Yeah, you totally deserve this.

THURS 20 MAD: Pathmakers: Women in Art, Craft, and Design, Midcentury and Today

Museum of  Art and Design, 2 Columbus Circle; 10am-9pm; $12-$16 or donations 6pm-9pm

Is there ever a time when good art and powerful women aren’t the most kick-ass pair ever? We didn’t think so. Swing by MAD this evening for its latest exhibit celebrating the coolest ladies who’ve impacted the world of visual arts and design. From their contribution to modernism to their challenging of men’s once-dominated creative forms, see how women like Anne Wilson, Vivian Beer, and others around the globe changed art forever.

If things have been going well for you and your date, an invite to their personal pad is probably the next step. Sure, he may have been totally charming before, and she was nothing but cool and down-to-earth with your friends. But scoring a peek into your date’s comfort zone can reveal everything you really need to know about someone. What’s most important to them? Are they as pulled together as they appear to be in public? Do they understand the basics of regular adult hygiene? Did they clean up for you or are they comfortable letting you see their dig’s status quo?  Here are a few major signs to be on the lookout for when you step inside.

Kitchen

If the fridge has actual food inside, preferably from more than one food group, and anything decorative is present (hand towels, matching plates, a fruit bowl), you’ve probably got yourself a home cook. Go you! But if your date shows signs of Seamless being their main source of survival, that’s okay too. As long as they understand that leftover food belongs in the fridge, and not in the sink/counter/floor/bathroom. Brownie points if you notice the garbage actually does get taken out, and there are no signs of anything green, hairy or rotting anywhere.

Bathrooms

For someone old enough to have their own place, you would hope they also understand the meaning of “personal hygiene.” The biggest turn-off? A dirty bathroom. Hairs in the sink, orange rings in the bathtub, a little dust bunny hanging from a toothbrush bristle: all red flags. It doesn’t have to be Martha Stewart’s powder room with embroidered bath mats and potpourri, but for a room where he cleans himself, shouldn’t it at least be clean? Add a big plus if you can spot more than one towel (excluding roommates’), and a minus if anything that’s not toilet paper is being used as toilet paper.

Bedrooms

Bedrooms are the goldmine into figuring out someone’s true colors. A space that’s too neat might raise perfectionist tendencies, while visibly messy rooms hint at irresponsibility and laziness. You want it to looked lived in, but not altogether abandoned. Any photographs on display–because who actually prints photos and displays them anymore—will tell you what’s really important to someone. Family? Pets? Old childhood memories? Scan the bedside table for other clues on what she values the most. Perhaps it’s a book she’s reading, a journal, an ashtray or an empty coffee mug? Beware of too many styling products on the dresser; you might not really be the best-looking one in this relationship. Any attempts at bed-making are always a good thing. Excessive college memorabilia? Someone definitely wasn’t ready to graduate.

Wall décor

While posters may be, yes, a little dorky, any wall décor, from framed pictures or vinyls to cheap prints, shows your date took the time to personalize his or her space*. Maybe they have their life together enough that the essentials, like a clean bathroom and semi-stocked kitchen, are covered! Plus, who doesn’t appreciate a home that feels more inviting.  *This goes for other small decor including candles, crafted pieces, and quirky odds and ends.

Books

If there isn’t a bookshelf, please let there be at least a few rugged piles of paperbacks somewhere, because anyone who doesn’t own a single book should not be trusted. And no, textbooks from any year of education don’t count. He doesn’t have to have the Library of Congress on display but a humble collection of novels is definitely appreciated, even if he hasn’t read them all. However, beware of bookshelves void of any guilty pleasure reads, Harry Potter or recognizable fiction (we’ve all got something): your date might just be pretentious.

Other living things

Fact: Some roommates really are from hell, and you just have to suck it up until the end of your lease. But that doesn’t always mean your date didn’t have a say in their current living situation. If they did choose their roommate, does the roomie seem similar or a polar opposite?  Do they greet you kindly or avoid you entirely?  You can tell a lot about someone by who they might choose to surround themselves with.

Plants: Managing to keep something alive aside from oneself can be a good thing. It shows your date is responsible and maybe a little sensitive too.

Pets: This depends on how you feel about animals, how many your date has, and what kind. Three snakes and a bird? Maybe a little weird. A little aquarium? Kind of artsy.  A dog? Okay, everyone loves dogs. As long as you don’t feel you’re going to have to compete with your date for his affection, things will be okay.

Kick off your work shoes, swap ’em for flip flops, and send off July in style with outdoor movies at Coney Island, pin-up girl burlesque, and massive water gun fights. Don’t fret–July or not, summer is still very much alive in New York. And we’ve got you covered!

FRI 24 Fresh Fruit Festival 2015: 10 Minutes Plays

The Wild Project, 195 E. 3rd St.; 6:30pm; $15

From six 10-minute plays to “Queer Memoir,” a storytelling symposium, New York’s celebration of LGBTQ arts and culture wraps up another year. Enjoy theatre, dance, musicals, art, and cabaret all celebrating the LGBTQ’s creative community. Plus, catch the world premiere of a new, original musical about Silent Spring author, Rachel Carson: a story about environmentalism, feminism, and risking everything that matters to you for what might just matter more.

SAT 25 Central Park Water Fight

Central Park, mid-park from 79th to 85th; 2pm-5pm; FREE

Ready to cool off? Then, grab your super-soaker and squirt guns and get ready to get wet at the largest water fight in the city. Round up a team or battle new friends. Just, leave those water balloons at home. FYI: The organization states that instead of having people all congregate on the Great Lawn as originally planned, they will post different areas around the park to spread out the game.

SAT 25 Taste the World: Botanical Brew Fest

Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main St.; 12pm-7pm; $35-$50

Dating back to its World Fair days, the Queens Botanical Garden has been a host of cultural gatherings and good times for decades. This weekend, come sample international cuisine and beers from around the city and across the globe, all under the sun with live music too. Snag tickets for the morning (12-3pm) or evening (4-7pm) sessions and bring your appetite (and thirst.)

SUN 26 Harlem Week Kick-Off: “A Great Day in Harlem”

U.S. Grant National Memorial Park, W. 122nd St.; 1pm-8:30pm; FREE

Head over to Harlem on Sunday for swing dancing, song, and musical salutes under the stars. Honoring all that the neighborhood’s rich history has to offer the annual Harlem Week kicks off with a day-long festival featuring the Swing Dance Society, the Africa Center Music Series’ DJs and dancers, an international gospel choir showcase and a fashion fusion show. Plus, the night wraps up with a musical tribute to B.B King. Click here for a full list of events.

MON 27 Coney Island Flicks on the Beach: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

Coney Island Beach and Boardwalk, West 10th St., 8:30pm-10pm; FREE

So you’ve gone to all the rooftop films and foreign-indie-lawn-flicks. Next on your summer bucket list? Outdoor movies at Coney Island. And what better show to catch than Indiana Jones! Arrive early to get your Nathan’s hotdog haul and snag a a good spot, then lay back for the feature presentation projected onto a 40-foot inflatable screen. Ah, summer.

TUES 28 Eat Australian (…or Peruvian! or Korean!) at NYC Restaurant Week

Locations and times vary, $25-$38

Treat yourself (you know it’s time) and grab a date, friends, or dine solo at this annual culinary spree. Try some of the best eateries through all the boroughs with savory prix fixe menus starting at $25 three-courses lunches to $35 three-course dinners. There will never be a reason not to savor the city dining scene.

WED 29 Nurse Bettie Burlesque Show

Nurse Bettie, 106 Norfolk St.; 9:45pm-11:30pm; FREE

Produced by Calamity Chang, otherwise known as the “Asian Sexsation,” and hosted by Shelly “The Singing Siren” Watson, this weekly pin-up burlesque show is about to become your new Wednesday night go-to. Start the night with $4 happy hour until 9pm, then grab your cocktails and cozy up to the go-go dancers before the big show.  Don your best 1950s poster girl get-ups and sit back (or lean forward) for six intimately good acts you’ll simply adore.

THURS 30 In the Glow of a Breathing Sphere 

Fridman Gallery, 287 Spring St.; 12pm-6pm; FREE

Taking “Don’t touch the art!” to a whole new level, this LED light installation is activated merely by a single viewer’s breath. Accompanied by various vocal art and spoken word performance, the triggered light centerpiece explores visual energies and the interaction of nature, humans and technology. With over 13,000 lights and 5,422 feet of tubing, experience a close-up look at art like you’ve never seen it before.

Summer’s in full swing–time to dance, eat cake and travel the world without ever leaving home. We’re all for letting your sunny day plans run wild, in fact, we’re here to help.

FRI 17 REALITY TV PARTY! by TV Hangover 

Videology, 308 Bedford Ave., Brooklyn; 9:30pm-11:30pm; $5

It’s time to party with your favorite guilty pleasures (you know you want to.) Fist pump with Jersey Shore, and catch other episodes of the best in bad television from The Real World to Kid Nation while you play trivia, drinking games and more. 

FRI 17 Music Video Dance Party: Weird Science vs. Real Genius 

Gemini and Scorpio Loft, Brooklyn; 9pm; $10 suggested donation 

Join in a bash for the 30th anniversary of the 80s best geek movie releases, Weird Science and Real Genius at this Gowanus hotspot for themed costume parties. Dress up in your favorite heavy metal and mall rat get-ups and jam at an MTV styled video dance party with film tunes, 80s pop, gameshow trivia—win free drinks!—and tons of popcorn. 

SAT 18 Momofuku Bake the Book Series: Birthday Cake 

Momofuku Milk Bar, 382 Metropolitan Ave., Brooklyn; 11am-1pm; $95

Sink your teeth into the most popular David Chang dessert and learn how to build the cult-followed cake, layer by layer. Then, whip up a batch of the equally-famous b-day cake truffles to take home alongside your very own 6” confection of fresh-baked happiness. 

SAT 18 STR8 West Coastin’ Summer Party

Project Parlor, 742 Myrtle Ave., Brooklyn; 2pm; FREE

The city’s home of west coast summer vibes is throwing another party. Hit up this Bed-Stuy stage for live DJ performances by resident Still Life and DJ eleven, featuring Darling Chuck and DJ Meka. Then, chow down on Lucha Lucha San Diego-styled burritos—that’s carne asade, guacamole and french fries rolled into one. 

SUN 19 Rubin Museum Block Party 

150 W. 17th, 1pm-4pm; FREE

Spend your Sunday touring the Rubin for free with this special weekend block party featuring mask-making, origami workshops and a costume contest. In honor of its latest exhibition “Becoming Another: The Power of Masks,” enjoy performances from Anja Dance and the NY & NJ Tibetan Language School, make your own prayer beads and practice some outdoor yoga. Van Leeuwan’s will be on site with ice cream along with Cafe Serai’s Himalayan cuisine.

SUN 19 Britpop Benefit for BARC

Passenger Bar, 229 Roebling St., Brooklyn; 6pm-3am; $5

Support Brooklyn’s Animal Resource Coalition with two hours of Britpop trivia, live music, raffles and eats all for $5. Catch video clips from beloved Brit films, nosh on cheese-on-toast sandwiches and wash ‘em down with Pimm’s Cup and gin specials all night. Plus, be entered to win from a haul of sweet prizes including signed Noel Gallagher vinyl, dinner for two at the local Chip Shop, albums, museum tickets, gift basket swag  and free gin. 

MON 20 BINGO Open Mic

Creek and Cave, 10-93 Jackson Ave., Long Island City; 6pm; FREE

Ease into Monday night with some good ol’ open mic comedy. Gather your best material for five minutes of fame or just play BINGO from the audience while you laugh and sip on your fave brew. And, as always, you’re in for a chance to win some cool prizes. 

TUES 21 Rooftop Cine-Concert Series

The Czech Center of New York, 321 E. 73rd,; 7pm; $15

This summer rooftop film series celebrates the “Fallen Woman,” a popular sultry theme in early Czech films and silent American flicks. Start off with live music by musicians from the Czech Republic and around the country, and a cash bar open for delicious drinks and apps. Then, sit back for the sunset screenings with this week’s feature, “Eroticon (Erotikon),” featuring Ben Model accompanying on the piano.

WED 22 Brooklyn Museum: The Rise of Sneaker Culture

200 Eastern Parkway; 11am-6pm; $16

Fall in love with the high heeled exhibit last spring? Well, shoes are back in style with the museum’s latest collection. From the mid-nineteenth century to today, see how sneakers–150 to be exact–have traveled through time and around the globe. Study their evolution and their role today as a status symbol and urban icon with photographs, films, interactive media and designs from Converse and Nike to Prada.

THURS 23 Queens Museum Passport Thursdays—Taiwan 

New York City Building, Flushing Meadows Corona Park; 7pm-10pm; FREE

During these weekly outdoor celebrations of the borough’s lively ethnic communities, you can travel the world without ever leaving the city. From dance and film to music and art, explore different traditions in India, Korea, South Africa, and more. This Thursday, catch a free screening of The Moveable Feast, a Taiwanese story about an only child who flees her family culinary business to be a fashion model. Plus, hear native, live musical performances by the Taiwanese Music Ensemble. 

Urge June to warm up already and get outdoors this weekend for cook-outs, interactive art exhibits, museum visits, and egg rolls upon egg rolls–all for free!

FRI 5 Annual Red Hook Fest Cook-Out & Dance Party

PS 15, 71 Sullivan St., Brooklyn; 6pm-8pm; FREE

Get your weekend started with live music, DJ dancing and free food off the grill at this annual neighborhood bash. Watch the sun set over the Brooklyn waterfront then stick around Saturday as the party continues with free kayak rides in the New York harbor and trivia rounds for prizes. Plus, catch lively performances from local bands to flamenco dance all celebrating the next generation of Brooklyn artists.

SAT 6 Figment NYC

Governors Island; 10am-6pm; FREE

Loved Jeppe Hein’s “Please Touch the Art”? Then hop on the ferry to Governors Island for an afternoon of art, celebrated and created by you. Rain or shine, this free annual interactive exhibit invites you to play with sculptures, musical performances, theater shows and dance. Bring anything playful and creative from chalk to water guns and hula hoops to leave your mark, pack a picnic, and go Instagram-crazy.

SUN 7 Egg Rolls, Egg Creams & Empanadas Festival

Museum at Eldridge St., 12 Eldridge St.; 12pm-4pm; FREE

This signature LES fest brings together its cultural communities over Jewish egg creams, Chinese egg rolls and–new this year!–Puerto Rican empanadas. Learn Yiddish, Mandarin and Spanish. Make Hebrew art and Puerto Rican masks. Play a game of mahjong, dance to salsa music, or listen to Chinese opera. And, of course, fill up on the traditional festival treats. It’s a global block party not to be missed.

SUN 7 Housing Works Open Air Street Fair

Housing Works Bookstore, 126 Crosby St.; 10am; FREE

If your Sundays were made for major sidewalk sale-ing, hit up Housing Works this weekend (and for a good cause!) This shopping bazaar features thousands of books, records and CDs for $1 each, sweet finds from SoHo’s thrift shop, food specials from the Bookstore Cafe, and ice cream treats by Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream. You can even tune into live performances from Two Boots’ Americana Jamboree while you shop.  All sales proceeds go towards helping pay for housing services for low income New Yorkers living with HIV/AIDS.

MON 8 Latin Mondays at Taj

Taj Lounge, 48 W.21^st St.; 7pm; dance lessons FREE, after party $8

Named one of the top NYC dance parties by Time Out New York, these Monday night bashes have been rocking Taj for 9 years and counting. Start with a free salsa dance lesson at 7 hosted by Talia Castro-Pozo, as seen on The Today Show, then enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres and special mojitos all night for $8. Savor the lounge’s tapas deals then dine and dance to live music and spinning DJs all night.

TUES 9 Museum Mile Festival

Fifth Ave. from 82^nd-105^th Streets; 6pm-9pm; FREE

Living by some of the greatest museums in the world and still haven’t been to half of them? Take this evening to tour 9 of them, absolutely free. From the MET and the Guggenheim to The Jewish Museum and the Museum of the City of New York, sink your teeth into art, history and culture galore. In between exhibits, enjoy live musical performances, street art and interactive activities along 5th Ave.

WED 10 Northside Festival

Locations, times and prices vary

Yes, Brooklyn probably has too many festivals already but this one is worth checking out. Catch the last day of the fest’s film segment then peruse what the Innovation and Music line-ups have planned. Talk design and co-working spaces, data and the future of fashion, and capitalizing the moment. Listen to speakers from Eamonn Store from The Guardian to Ben Wilson from Refinery 29, then dig into this schedule of musical performers too sweet to even begin listing.

THURS 11 Learn an Instrument Together!

The Unicorn Music Studio, 105 Henry St.; times vary; $75/hour

We love this date night idea! Grab a cutie and learn something new together with a night of studio lessons, wine or beer, and an assortment of sweet munchies. Whether you’ve been dying to strum a ukulele or run your fingers on a keyboard, instructors are on site to provide instrumental rentals, sheet music, and one-on-one tutorials. For $15 more, you can even choose a romantic spot or surprise location. Aww.

Hi, sexy guy. Hooray, you’re just as cute in person as you were on Mesh! We exchanged some fun messages, and now we’re finally meeting at that neighborhood bar you or I suggested.

Nice to meet you. I’m a feminist. I believe in wage equality, paid maternity leave, and Black Widow’s right to sleep with or not sleep with however many Avengers as she chooses. Being a feminist is a large part of how I identify. But I still want you to pay for my drink. I know, I know, it’s an outdated representation of a reinforced gender binary.

Here are some outdated representations of a reinforced gender binary I promise you in exchange!

The First Date Level

Here’s what you’re guaranteed. Before a first date, I

• Put chemicals all over my face. My “date face” consists of foundation, concealer, eye shadow, eye liner, mascara, and lipstick. I spend about $150 on these chemicals a year, a little more than half the average rate.
• Wash my body with products that cost more than yours do and dress up in clothes that cost more than yours do. Cool button-up shirt! Oh, you bought it back in college? Literally nothing I owned in college would be considered fashionable now. No, not even the socks.
• Shave or pluck almost every inch of my body that grows hair other than the top of my head. I just pondered with happiness that our culture does not require me to shave my arms. For now.
• Trust you with my personal safety. I recently went on a date with a very odd man whose response to my disinterest was to caress me and lean in for a kiss. I have friends who have been roofied, groped, and raped by dates. This is not to malign all men, but please don’t take this trust for granted.
• Am (probably) younger than you. The minute I hit 30, my inbox shrank. Men in their 40s message me and I see that they don’t have their age range set for their own age. I always take that as a red flag and ask why. Men’s responses range from “I want to have kids” (as if male fertility didn’t also drop off) to “I like to have sex with younger women.”
• Give you massive bonus points if you make me laugh even once (all of my beloved men have been funny) while accepting that my sense of humor probably does nothing for you.

I don’t resent you for these things, sexy guy. These are part of the culture we both inhabit. Oooh- I’ll have a wheat beer. Yum. Hey, let me bend your ear a bit about the benefits you’ll get once you’re in a relationship with me.

Relationship Level

At the exclusive dating level, I will

• Have orgasmless sex with you many times. This won’t be all your fault. Women are complex and I will still definitely want to have sex with you, it’s just that you’re probably not going to get me there for at least a few weeks of trying. Please keep trying!
• Put myself at a much higher risk from STIs than you from this sex we’ll be having.
• Pay to adjust the hormones in my body to ensure that we won’t have kids. Count yourself lucky that I’ve tried just about every kind on the market and I’ve finally found the one that fucks with my body the least.
• Deal with my period (since we’re briefly on the subject, I’m so sorry) without any interruption in our daily lives, even though it’s a literal monthly trauma. This costs me around $120 a year.

Alright, I can see that you’re interested. Let me spin this into a bit of the hypothetical, while we’re still having a nice time.

Marriage Level

I know, I know, like I said, hypothetical. Here’s what you can reasonably expect from me if we get married. I will

•  Take your name. This one’s pretty much guaranteed, unless you have a name like Fartblatt or something.
•  Keep our house clean and beautiful. Please help, but I’m not counting on it.
•  Consider having your child, in which case I will utterly destroy my body in order to give you the miracle of life. I won’t even make you try on a pregnancy suit.
•  Probably be the one taking care of our little sprog.
•  Statistically, make you much happier than I will be. Who knows, maybe not, but in general men benefit significantly more than women from the institution of marriage.

Look, these are all choices. Plenty of women, better feminists than I, don’t do any of these things. I know I don’t need to wear makeup or sexy clothes or laugh at your jokes so earnestly or pluck the blond hairs that grow over my lips. But you contacted me because that’s the person I present on my dating profile, and here I am. If I have to pull out my wallet right now, it’s not a deal breaker. You’re educated, handsome and single. I ain’t running from that. I can afford to pay for this wheat beer. I will, if there’s a second date, and I’ll buy you one too! But if you don’t reach for the check tonight you will be telling me tacitly that you reject the paradigm we’re a part of and I’ve done a lot of work this evening to present the gendered romantic signals you expect from me.

So please, for this first date, just buy my drink.

Cheers!

Netflix – it’s the cheapest date around. For just $7.99 a month, you gain access to a seemingly endless library of binge-worthy content. Perfect for a marathon weekend date, or an intimate night in with your bae. Sometimes, there’s no better date than a Netflix date.

But with so many choices, it can be hard to decide what watch. To avoid any unnecessary bickering, we’ve done the browsing work for you. Here’s some of the best date movies and shows that are currently streaming Netflix:

If you’re looking to become the next big power couple…

Watch House of Cards, Season 3

Frank and Claire Underwood are not a typical couple by any means, but they understand one another and stick by each other, no matter what comes their way. It’s an odd romance, but one that will keep you hooked for a long weekend in if you and your boo feel like a binge watching session.

If you love Rom Com’s but your date doesn’t…

Watch Sleepless in Seattle

Rom coms are usually hard to agree on, but that’s not true in this case – in fact, people still bring up Sleepless in Seattle as one of the greatest romantic comedies of all time. It was even nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Film – Musical or Comedy. If nothing else, it’s worth the watch to see Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, two of America’s sweethearts, at the top of their game. If you’re gonna go rom com, you’re gonna wanna start here.

If you need something to do on Pi day…

Watch Labor Day

3/14 is Pi day, and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than by watching the pie baking scene in this flick that’s so sexy it’s been compared to the pottery scene in Ghost. Josh Brolin plays a hottie of a convicted murderer who escapes from prison and ends up shacking up with Kate Winslet’s lonely divorcee and her 13-year-old son in this drama from Director Jason Reitman.

If you and your date are ready to LOL…

Watch The Interview

Want to show off your sense of humor to your boo? Choose this controversial flick, starring Seth Rogen and James Franco as two American entertainers asked to interview (and assassinate) Kim Jong-il. The jokes are on the silly/weird side, but if want to see the reason South Korea supposedly hacked Sony a few months ago, it’s only a play button away.

If you don’t mind your date ogling naked ladies…

Watch Wolf of Wall Street

Are you ready for 3+ hours of terrible behavior, lying, cheating, stealing, sex, and lots of drugs? If you and your date answered “yes” to that question, then add Wolf of Wall Street to your Watch List, stat. Leo DiCaprio plays real life broker Jordan Belfort in this 2014 Oscar nominated film and to say that he’s a shady character is an understatement. Tune in if you and your boo are like, way into quaaludes, or if you just want to see Leo dancing like this:

If you want to feel like you’re out on the town…

Watch Aziz Ansari Live at Madison Square Garden

Watching Ansari’s special is like going on a date to a comedy show, without leaving the warmth of your apartment and the comfort of your couch. Perfect for lazy late night laughs, watching this with your date can help break the ice for new loves, or bring new fun to seasoned couples. Added bonus? The beers at your apartment are way cheaper than what you’d pay at MSG.

If you and your date are fans of 30 Rock’s odd humor…

Watch Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Season 1

NBC passed on this sitcom from creators Tina Fey and Robert Carlock because they found it too weird to air. It stars former cast member of The Office, Ellie Kemper, as a woman who moves to NYC after spending 15 years trapped in an underground bunker run by a cult leader. Now you probably understand why this never aired on primetime TV… If anything, it will give you and your date something to talk about (and hopefully make you laugh, too).

If you and your date are a little crazy about each other…

Watch Silver Linings Playbook

You can’t really go wrong with this classic about two attractive singles who are a little mentally unstable, until they find balance in each other.  It stars Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence, so there’s something for everyone to drool over in this fun romp.  Hopefully this movie will have you and your date a little more accepting of each other’s quirks, and your own.