

Wow, it’s finally spring! But hey, guess what, spring is not the only good thing that happens in March. It’s also Women’s History Month, and there are so many amazing events highlighting women’s accomplishments and activism this week! From avant-guard theater standup to jazz to hiphop, this week has you covered for amazing events any woman (or man) can get behind.
Kraine Theater, 85 E 4th St, 10:30 PM, $20 (advance)/$25 (door)
Have you been to see Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind yet? If you haven’t, why are you wasting your precious New York City theater-going opportunities? If you have, you know that it’s a truly joyful, bizarre experience, as the audience and performers race to see if it is possible to perform 30 original plays in 60 minutes. There’s always a line out the door for tickets, but I’ve still managed to see it plenty of times. This week’s performance is special, with an all-female cast presenting feminist plays to benefit the nonprofit theater company Girls Be Heard.
Caffe Vivaldi, 32 Jones St, Midnight – 1:00 AM, Free
Women aren’t funny! Regrettably underwhelming documentary, or something that was insinuated at me during the years I did stand up in Seoul, South Korea? It’s both, but that’s something you’ll never say again after you check out Kaytlin Bailey’s free, all-female lineup at the charmingly intimate Caffe Vivaldi.
Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM, Free with museum admission
Yoga at the Museum is back! No need to bring a mat with you to the museum; the event coordinators have you taken care of there. Just grab some water, enjoy some sun salutations with a friend or a date, and get ready for a late morning stroll of some of the best art in New York City! If you wish, you may choose to enjoy a guided art tour that explores the connections between art and yoga, following the session.
The Strand Rare Book Room, 828 Broadway, 3rd Flr, 11:00 AM- 5:00 PM, Free
We’ve all seen friends post their coloring pages on Facebook, and as more and more people jump on the coloring train it has become clear that as far as relaxation powers go, coloring books go much further than that zombie-fighting iPhone game you’ve been playing. The Real Art Therapists of New York want you to experience the therapeutic powers of coloring with pages from their art book, which features pages from over 50 art therapists working in New York.
North and West side of Union Square, 8:00 AM- 6:00 PM, Free to sample
At a recent trip to the Union Square Market, a friend and I wondered if we could muster the confidence to return to a cheese vendor to sample all of his wares just one more time. Perhaps we would wear false mustaches; perhaps we could put on British accents. We ended up doing neither of these, but perhaps you can at this fantastic green market, which also features a lovely flower market where I bought the hyacinths that are currently making my apartment smell like a full-on funeral parlor (in a good way).
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, NY Public Library, 515 Malcolm X Blvd, $25 (members) / $30 (non-members)
Sometimes jazz music can feel like a boy’s club, with a token women singing along to an all-male group of performers. This Monday, celebrate legendary composer and civil rights activist Bernice Reagon Johnson, whose contribution to composition, songwriting and performance has spanned half a century.
Videology, 308 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, 7:00 PM, Free
Look, we get that you’re obsessed with movies. You make brackets for the Oscars every year and you write extremely long Facebook posts about movies that impact you. But are you movie-obsessed to the level that you founded movie writing for Entertainment Weekly, writing for them for twenty-four years? Probably not, but Owen Gleiberman is. Here’s your chance to hear him discuss his movie-watching memoir.
Stick around for Twin Peaks Trivia!
238 Thompson St, 4th Fl, 6:30 PM, Free
Hip hop, like jazz, is a genre of music that tends to feel distinctly male in nature, and its intersection with Muslims in the United States is a line that feels a lot less clear than, for example, the line that exists in France, where a great deal of hip hop comes from (mostly Muslim) Algerian-French. Su’ad Abdul Khabeer explores the subtle interplay between race, religion, gender and hip hop in her one woman show, Sampled: Beats of Muslim Life.


We’re at winter’s bitter tail end, and while all our events this week are indoor, things are really starting to heat up. Drink a bunch of wine, follow it with some tasty doughnuts, and dance the night away!
69th Regiment Armory, 68 Lexington Ave, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM, $65
Wine Riot isn’t just a chance to get wine-drunk (though it is) and it isn’t just a chance to try 250 wines from around the world (though it is,) it’s a highly interactive, choose-your-own adventure dive into the world of wine tasting. Download an app that lets you remember your favorite wines to buy later, or visit the bubbly bar to try different varieties of sparkling wine, or grab some temporary tattoos featuring some of the top wine brands. Jump into a photo booth, or take a crash course in wine tasting. Just make sure to take plenty of pictures because you may not remember it all on Saturday!
Kimmel Center Eisner & Lubin Auditorium, 60 Washington Square S, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM, $5
Drag Races are always fun. I say this with the full authority of having watched every single episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race, the best reality show on television in the universe. Watch drag kings and queens compete for your attention and a top prize in a night of singing, dancing, and of course, lip syncing. Proceeds support Health Outreach to Teens, a program providing medical and mental health support to LGBT youth.
All around Bushwick, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Free
By now, it’s pretty common knowledge that Bushwick is now one of New York’s most important art centers. From small performance spaces to graffiti murals to galleries, it’s the place to go to see interesting, new artists. This Saturday, most of Bushwick’s 60+ art spaces will keep their doors open until 9:00, giving visitors plenty of time to peruse and spend some time observing an arguably positive aspect of the otherwise controversial rapid change of this Brooklyn neighborhood.
QED Astoria, 27-16 23rd Ave, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Free
I’m a little bit obsessed with QED Astoria. They have awesome classes ranging from calligraphy to swing dance, and they’ve also got a slew of performance opportunities. This Saturday, they’re hosting one of my favorite things in the world: a clothing swap!
Has winter made you sick of that puffy jacket, no matter how warm it is and the fact that it was only cold enough to actually wear it twice? Are you fantasizing about spring but desperately desiring a dandy new dress? There’s no need to spend buckets of money on junk you’ll also get sick of- trade your good-quality, gently-used stuff for someone else’s! It’s the economical and environmentally choice, and you’ll get to drink $4 mimiosas while you browse. Afternoon perfection.
The Flat’s Brooklyn Speed Coffee, 308 Hooper St, 9:00 AM – the doughnuts run out, Free
Have you checked out very cool “coffee by day, cocktails by night” The Flat? There has never been a better opportunity. Every drink gets you a flight of doughnut samples, which you can vote to determine which doughnuts gets to reign over all the other doughnuts as the Doughnut King. Enjoy some DJ’d music, get your caffeine buzz, and see if you can grab a spot on that comfy couch!
Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway, 3;00 PM / 6:00 PM, $20/$100
In the mood for a ~fancy afternoon~ at the theater? Want to see some Broadway stars perform, but have no heart for the stabbing murder it would require to acquire tickets to Hamilton? Then head over to Symphony Space, where for $20 you can see performers from Broadway shows Wicked and Madame Secretary perform The Whale and the Dog Star. Stick around afterward for the 6:00 PM benefit award event, where for less than the cost of a ticket to The Lion King you can watch similarly star-studded performers enact The Public Eye. Income from these performances supports international theater collaboration, so dig deep and get yourself some VIP tickets that will let you into both events, and some champagne to boot!
Magnet Theater, 254 W 29th St, 6:00 PM, $7

Crisis is an comic book show where the performers base a highly stylized, Marvel/DC inspired-improv performance based on an audience suggestion. Object Work is a trippy journey into all of the possible functions of an audience-selected item. Scissors become eyeglasses, a picture frame becomes a boxing rink, a robot arm becomes a parrot. These two groups performing together is a mega-team of fun, and for $7 it’s certainly a better deal than whatever next Captain America vs A Scary Monster movie is coming out next.
Crisis also has the incredible good fortune to come right before improv legends Razowsky and Dohrmann and other improv legends Kornfeld and Andrews, so basically what I’m saying is that you should plan your evening around improv this Sunday. Come say hi to me in the tech booth- I’ll be there all night!
161A Chrystie St., 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM, $12-$18
It’s International Women’s Day, and this is the perfect way to celebrate it. Women from 27 countries around the world, from Bangladesh to Wales, are presenting a salon with presentations ranging from comedic to dance to to painting to poetry. All the proceeds go to support the artistry of women and girls, so you’ll be helping further the educational opportunities of women as well as enjoying all that such education as produced.
Vanderbilt Hall, Grand Central Terminal, 89 E 42nd St, 1:00 PM- 9:00 PM, Free
I am currently gnawing on my arm due to the hunger instinct inspired by seeing that conveyor belt of Japanese tasty treats, but you don’t have to. You can just head on over to Japan Week NYC, conveniently located at Grand Central Terminal!
Everyone wants to go to Japan. It’s an objective fact. I have been there twice, but I still want to go to Japan. Here’s a picture from a trip I took there a few years ago.
This expo features exhibitions from all over Japan, all with the goal of getting you to visit Japan, of course. Look at vacation packages and allow your mind to go on a trip, even if your wallet won’t allow it. Of course you can also entry the sweepstakes for a free trip to Hokkaido – I hope you don’t, though, because I want to win!
Brooklyn Wine Yard, 1114 Fulton St, 8:00 PM – 2:00 AM, Free

This event has something for everyone. There’s a free salsa lesson for those of you wanting to move your little tushes, there are drink specials for those of you economical party animals, and there are dominoes for you gambling addicts who want to lay down tiles all night long. You’ll get to hear lots of upbeat music, from hip hop to barachata, which I had to look up because I never knew that that was the name for this stuff. You’ll also have a great opportunity to check out Brooklyn Wineyard, a classy-looking place with a menu that’s got me back to gnawing at my arm.


Well, this past week has been a dreary, rainy mess, hasn’t it? Well, strap on your fun-time boots because this upcoming week’s full of fun activities that will push all that dreadful gray weather right away. Meet artists, try some new beer, and get your parkour on!
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Avenue (at 82nd Street), 6:30 PM- 7:30 PM, Free with Admission
What was the artist thinking when he or she painted this figure, used this color, left this canvas half-blank? These are questions books can answer at times, but it’s rare to have the opportunity to actually ask the artist to his or her face. This Friday, museum guests have the interview to speak with Raúl Ayala, muralist and urban artist who has worked all over the United States and abroad. Come early to see The Met’s current amazing exhibitions.
Rockaway Brewing Co, 46-01 5th St, Long Island City, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Free
Be ye not fooled. Rockaway Brewing Company is not, in fact, anywhere near Rockaway Beach. It is, however, right by the water- those sweet East River waves up against the Long Island City Shores. Featuring tasty grub from Afishonado and the launch of their Amber Lager and Beach Beer, this event promises fun, particularly those who “grab Hawaiian shirts out of storage.” They also promise something they’re calling an Ice Cream Beer Float, which simultaneously intrigues and disturbs. Try it and tell us how you like it!
Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway, 9:00 AM- 11:00 AM, $20
Have you been looking for a reason to head over to Brooklyn Museum? They’re currently exhibiting Agitprop! which you can check out afterwards, but you also might enjoy some yoga alongside a live string trio, which sounds incredibly relaxing. The price of your yoga also goes toward the price of your ticket, so basically you get to enjoy some downward dogs and a trip to the Brooklyn Museum for less than the cost of most drop-in classes. Score!
Videology, 308 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, 9:30 PM, $10
All those times your roommate made you watch The Notebook, hung over and eating leftover pizza while wishing for the sweet release of death? It’s all suddenly worth it, as the hilarious folks from Ten Bones Theatre Company deliver the entire move for you based on what they remember from watching it. Will Ryan Gosling be just as smitten with Allie Hamilton, or will a random sound effect from the sound booth make things incredibly awkward for everyone? Find out, all with the knowledge that this time, you probably won’t have to hide your miserable tears from everyone as the closing credits roll.
Mooshoes, 78 Orchard St, 2:00 PM- 5:00 PM, Free

I’m not vegan, but I will push a vegan child down a flight of stairs to get my hand on that not-hot dog pictured above. Holy hell, can vegans make some tasty treats. Why not try some out yourself, as NYC’s first vegan market celebrates its sixth anniversary with vendors selling items from nut-based cheeses to empanadas to handbags and shoes.
QED, 27-16 23rd Avenue, 6:00 PM, $10
Wanna watch the Oscars with some friends, only those friends are a funny comedian and a room full of people who want to gape over dresses and laugh at ridiculous acceptance speeches? Head over to QED to watch comedians Kambri Crews and Christian Finnegan host (they promise to only talk during commercial breaks) and enjoy Astoria’s coolest little venue. Your ticket gets you popcorn, snacks, a ballot to pick your wins and entry for a bunch of cool prizes. While you’re there, you can learn about all of QED’s cool events, from board game meetups to photoshop classes.
Boerum Pl & Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, $7
Now, don’t get me wrong. The MTA and I are not friends, though we do spend a lot of time together. I may not like everything about the way our beautiful city’s transit system works now (I utter the phrase “what is this bullshit” while commuting so often I should have it tattooed so I can just point to it) but I find its history utterly fascinating. Walk through a physical representation of the coaches of ages past, or check out exhibits about how the MTA responds to national disasters or its amusing subway etiquette campaigns. Either way, it’s definitely a more fun way to spend an afternoon than being trapped on an F train!
62 Chelsea Piers, 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM, $22
When I imagine of myself doing parkour, I look a lot like Abbi on Broad City, rolling unathletically over a car hood. Fortunately, this drop-in class at Chelsea Piers doesn’t care about your level of athleticism, because the most you can hurt is your pride as you attempt to hurl your body over foam bricks and gentle tumble tunnels. Grab a friend or lover, close your eyes, and imagine you’re Mr. and Mrs. Smith dashing about sexily as assassins chase close behind.
The Kraine Theater and Under St. Marks, Various Dates, Various Times
I have a really deep affection for fringe festivals. You can see amazing, world-class acts, and you can see somebody’s uncle tying a shoe on stage for an hour because he thinks that’s what world-class theater is. Frigid Festival is special in that 100% of the box goes to the artists, something unique in the United States (Canada doing much more of this is why so many artists prefer to tour in Canada.) Take a look at their line-up and see if anything tickles your fancy. I volunteered at Frigid two years in a row and I saw some really fun, weird stuff. Hang around The Kraine theater and listen to the gossip to find out about what’s sure to win Best of Fest.


As your food coma starts to wear off, we’ve got some of the coziest and cheeriest events around town this week to get you back on your feet and into the holiday spirit. From whiskey tours and bazaars, to gingerbread villages and origami trees, snuggle up with a date and raise a hot toddy to the season.
Kings County Distillery, 299 Sands St., Brooklyn; 3pm; $8
We know you’re probably still full of turkey (us too.) How’s warming up that belly with some whiskey sound? For just $8, head to the Brooklyn Navy Yard for a tour of the city’s oldest operating whiskey distillery. See how the folks turn New York grain from the on-site corn and barley patch into homemade moonshine and bourbon. And after you’re done checking out the cooper whiskey stills crafted in Scotland, sample three special spirits including a toasty chocolate whiskey.
Brooklyn Bowl, 61 Wythe Ave., 12pm-6pm; FREE
Time to get your tushies off the couch and shake off that food coma. Come knock some pins down at Brooklyn Bowl with this post-turkey day bash. Hydrate with a selection of local brews or keep going ham on the eats with bites from Blue Ribbon.
501 Union St.; 11am-6pm; FREE
With so many holiday markets popping up, how do we pick just one? Hint: we don’t. But in honor of #smallbusinesssaturday, we’re all for checking out the 3rd annual Brooklyn Holiday Bazaar. Curated by Brooklyn Makers, this 2-day event brings over 40 local vendors under this Gowanus roof for artsy, vintage gifts galore. Fill up on food, cocktails, cider and kombucha, jam to a live DJ and get yours hands on a photo booth and craft workshops for the young ‘uns.
The Bell House, 149 7th St., Brooklyn; 10pm; $10-$15
If you’re ready to get wasted and dance like everyone’s watching (and loving it), we got you. Don’t miss what the Village Voice has deemed the “best party in Brooklyn to dance sweatily to smart music” this weekend ringing in all music lovers and leave-me-alone-I-just-want-to-groove folk. Since 2002, this bash has been beloved for its cheap drinks over bottle service, no dress code, and mix of hip hop, disco, funk and soul. Arrive before midnight to get in for $10.
The Bronx Zoo and the New York Aquarium; times and prices vary
Grab a friend, bring an unwrapped toy and support a good cause while getting free tickets to the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, and other participating attractions. Hosted by the Wildlife Conservation Society, this annual toy drive supports families of local veterans and active military members by trading free admissions for children’s toys. Click here for more details!
47-01 111th St., Queens; 9:30am-5pm; $12-$15
Sweeten up your week with this real-life candy wonderland. Breaking his own world record for the largest gingerbread village, Chef Jon Lovitch presents his cookie creations, one year in the making. Stroll over 500 square feet (that’s more 1050 gingerbread houses) of Eggnog Bay, Rum Drop Row, Peppermint Central Park, Toffee Blvd. and even a recreated, candified version of the historic Coney Island carousel. Then, come back on January 10th as Lovitch and the museum turn the edible village into a free for all where guests are welcome to take home pieces of the display.
Impact HUB NYC, 394 Broadway; 7pm-11pm; $25
After your pockets have run dry from Black Friday and Cyber Monday, return the favor this Tuesday at the 4th annual global celebration of giving. Locally, GIV.NYC is hosting a bash with live beats, dancing, eats from Jack’s sushi and sliders, and an open local-sourced bar all for $25 (plus a free shirt!) All proceeds will go one winning mission (voted for that evening). Meanwhile, Rescue NYC will be kicking off city-wide donation drives inviting you to bring gently used items to places like Bottomless Closet, Baby Buggy, Housing Works, New York Cares, Recycle-A-Bicycle, and more.
Zuccotti Park, Broadway and Liberty St.; 5:00pm-6:00pm; FREE
Skip the tourist-ridden, trampling crowds at Bryant Park and Rockefeller this year and aim for a smaller-scale tree lighting like this one in FiDi. Enjoy live music, free cider donuts and candy canes as you count down to lanes of trees and a 25-foot Christmas evergreen sparkling with thousands of little bulbs.
American Museum of Natural History; 10am-5:45pm; $17-$22 suggested admission
Miss the days of stringing popcorn and paper stars around your tree? Then come re-live your childhood holiday memories at the AMNH this year. Free with your museum admission, this massive installation features over 800 hand-folded paper creations, many symbolizing the museum’s various exhibits. Origami pros will also be on site to help you craft your own crane or star.
649 East 9th St.; 5pm-2am; prices vary
A holiday pop-up bar is just as amazing as it sounds. Kicking off its second year with another brilliantly curated menu, Miracle on 9th Street promises cozy nights and 12 cozier spirits. Take its hit concoction from last year, Three Wise Men: calvados with spice-packed gingerbread syrup and topped with frankincense smoke. Yum. We’ll see you there.


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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!


Don’t let October pass you by (how is it happening so quickly?!) We’ve got some creepy hotels for you to explore, horror burlesque to get you in a kinky Halloween spirit, out-of-the-box films for your fall film fest cravings, and tons more (gin workshops, free art galleries…must we continue?)
Film Forum, 209 W. Houston St.; 7:50pm; $13
A story about childhood, memories, dreams, and loss, Laurie Anderson’s latest work is a perfect fall flick to cozy up with. Multi-talented Anderson not only tells an autobiographical tale about a woman’s relationship with her pup, but crafts it with a “hypnotic visual language,” through looping images, home movies, and animation. Anderson, along with producer Dan Janvey, will be at the screening for a post-show Q&A to talk all things love, art, and dogs.
Voorhees Theatre, 186 Jay St., Brooklyn; 10am-3pm and 6pm-9pm; $5 students, $8 general
Students at the New York City College of Technology (City Tech) have created a haunting world for you to wander this weekend. Back in Downtown Brooklyn is a high-tech haunted hotel created and fleshed out entirely by the school’s resident theatrical troupe. But don’t be fooled into thinking it’s just a class project, this creepy caravansary has been drawing in thrill seekers since 2000!
Locations vary; 10am-9pm; FREE
Bundle up to roam this district for free and open art installations all day. Local galleries will have their doors open for visitors while creative workshops, live musical performances, and interactive pieces take place along the streets. For its 12th annual fest, you can meet local artists in residence, theater performers, learn printmaking, and swing by for a a sweet hula-hoop demonstration.
Parkside Lounge, 317 E. Houston St.; 8pm; $15-$25
Get your Saturday night freak on with this creepy, kinky, kooky dance troupe. Hosted by D20 queen and founder, Anja Keister, catch acts inspired by H.P Lovecraft, Edward Scissorhands, The Addams Family, and more. DJ Sister ST. Cyr will be spinning records while Zelma’s on go-go and spotlight shakers include Holly Ween, Luna Tik Tok, and Minx Arcana. Plus, sip custom concoctions from the Parkside mixologists stirred to get you just the right amount of hot and heavy.
Locations vary, 10am-10:30pm; $12 students and members, $16 general
This year’s New Fest has over 70 stories to share from across the LGBT spectrum, across the country and abroad. Scope out fest picks like HBO documentary, Back on Board: Greg Louganis. Louganis, who will be at the screening himself, shares his story about being a gay Olympic champion and the struggles of being an HIV positive sports icon. Or see Coming Out, the story about a gay NYU student documenting his coming out and the recent phenomenon of younger kids who come out on YouTube. Oh, and you can definitely catch a collection of sexy gay shorts because, hello… (See here for a full schedule.)
Branch Ofc., 225 Roger Ave., Brooklyn; 7pm; $35
Barkeep Chris Buckley invites you to his spirited Crown Heights cocktail bar to get behind the counter and learn the 101 on gin. Hosting intimate Monday night sessions (and Sunday afternoons if you can’t snag a spot!), Buckley’s cocktail education series features tastings, bar snacks and the best tips and trick from industry vets. Learn how to break down your classic gin cocktail, spotlight four different gin styles, dig into flavor profiles and how to accentuate each in your mixing.
Union Hall, 702 Union St., Brooklyn; 7:30pm; $10
Featured on Comedy Central and the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, Zimmerman pulls his favorite comics to the stage for some excellent stand-up on all of life’s food for thought. From philosophy, religion, death, love, and race, catch comedians like Nick Turner (Late Night with Jimmy Fallon), Naomi Ekperigin (UCB, VH1), and one of Australia’s premier stand-ups, Scott Dooley, talking taboo subjects. After each set, catch Zimmerman as he sits much to close to his guests to swap ridiculous questions.
85 S. Oxford St., Brooklyn; 6pm; $10 students, $40 general
Did you know that this classic Harlem renaissance author not only published Their Eyes Were Watching (plus tons of other best-sellers), but also did extensive food research? History professor and author, Frederick Douglass Opie, talks about Hurston and her side passion of studying the African American influence on food in her home state of Florida. Hear Opie speak on some of his latest works, including Zora Neale Hurston on Florida Food: Recipes, Remedies, and Simple Pleasure while, of course, enjoying a reception of African American-influenced Floridian foods.
Trestle Gallery, 168 7th St., Brooklyn; 1:30pm-6:30pm; FREE
Stop inside this visionary space honoring artistic representations of a nonconforming body. See artists defy the boundaries of bodies trapped by size, age, disability, ethnicity, and gender identity. Exhibits feature photography, sculptures, painting, drawing, and videos that all embody an inclusive feminist point of view that asks: what does it mean to represent a spiritual body? A disabled body? A survivor’s body? The artists invite you to witness experimentation with presence and absence and dare to identify with the vulnerable.


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.


That short week wasn’t so bad, was it? Now, it’s time to gear up your weekend with film fests, craft fairs, cereal bars and a whole lot of bacon. Just wait until you see what we’ve got in store for you (you can thank us later.)
The Kitchen, 512 W.19th St.; 8pm; $15
Up for an out-of-the-box dance performance? Well, there’s nothing like a piece on capitalism to get you thinking. Come see what world-renowned choreographer Koosil-ja is up to lately as she plays with the patterns of sound, video, movement and visual media to explore societal conflict and the human psyche. Teaming up with video artist Geoff Matters, the work illustrates raw feelings of oppression and power under a capitalist movement.
Brooklyn Expo Center, 72 Noble St.; 12pm-5pm; FREE
Our favorite seasonal craft fair is back at its new Greenpoint home! Shop natural beauty products to help keep your summer glow fresh, or browse homemade housewarming trinkets and gift items to welcome the comforts of fall. After you wander through more than 200 vendor booths, snack on bites from Curry Station, Kimchi Smoke, and La Crepe C’est Ci Bon then wash it all down with cold brew from Cafe Grumpy. Plus, check out new haul from Lost Girls Vintage, a photo booth, hand drawn portraits and a raffle to win swag from Schwinn. It’s so Brooklyn you can’t resist.
Mist Harlem (46 W.116th) and Mayseles Cinema (343 Lenox Ave.); times vary; tickets starting at $9
Kicking off its tenth year uptown, this Harlem Film Fest is bringing you everything from music videos to world premieres. Catch shorts and feature films alike with a host of after-show filmmaker Q&A’s. Stories about siblings fighting Child Services to stay together, a group of underprivileged teens working to make a musical, and more will make you shed a tear, dream, fear and understand.
Erie Basin Park, 1 Beard St.; 11:30am-4pm; $85
This Red Hook rain-or-shine pork-a-palooza is everything your Saturday needs. With twenty famous city chefs cooking all-local meats every which way, you’ll be drooling before you arrive. Tickets include all-you-can-eat dishes plus all-you-can-drink beer with libation samples including local wines, ciders, whiskey and Sixpoint. On the menu, brace yourself for a feast of braised bacon end sandwiches with salsa verde, grecian styled pulled pork–that’s pork belly, feta, and spicy tzatziki, people–and bacon chocolate chip cookies. And that’s just the beginning.
Nitehawk Cinema, 136 Metropolitan Ave.; 11:30AM; $16

Tired of being an adult? We feel you. Regress back to the golden days of Sunday morning cartoons with this Williamsburg dinner theater’s grown child dream. First, there’s the all-you-can-eat sugar cereal bar with all the frosted puffs and marshmallow stars you could want. (If you still crave brunch, don’t worry–they have that too, plus cocktails.) Then, you can sit back for hours of old ‘toons on the big screen from the 30s to the 90s accompanied by on-screen lyrics so you can sing along to your favorite opening songs. Plus, win sweet prizes and throw back White Russians topped with Cocoa Puffs and cereal shots of Bailey’s. You’re welcome.
Pier 5 Uplands; 12pm-8:30pm; FREE
Cool down by the pier today and stroll this massively cool outdoor art installation. With dozens of shipping containers transformed into mini art galleries, you can browse at your own pace or join a walking tour. Swap photos with artists, learn trips from the pros and settle down with a drink in the beer garden while you nosh on noms from Smorgasburg vendors on site.
Little Italy; 11:30am-11pm; FREE

You go every year for the huge cannoli, we know it. And if you haven’t, make this year the year to check out this famous cultural fest of all culture fests. Roam the cobbled streets for eats upon eats while your belly rumbles for all the best gnocchi, gelato, cannoli, and pasta. Shop street vendors, enjoy live music, costumes and art, and for today’s performance, check out a special Frank Sinatra concert at 1pm. Festival runs through 9/20.
Metropolitan Bar, 559 Lorimer St.; 10pm; FREE
Welcome back the week with a good party at one of our fave Brooklyn gay bars. Let Pietry and Daniel take care of you at the bar with $5 PBR and shots. Then, let loose and jam to DJs spinning live house, new wave and disco beats all night. You can even catch a midnight drag show, performance art, and slam poetry until late.
Passenger Bar, 229 Roebling St.; 8pm; FREE
Round up your wittiest team of four to knock out this week’s know-all on teen music. Watch videos from MTV’s golden age and see how well you know your jams. Top two teams win glitzy bar taps while third place scores a fun mystery prize. Tune in at 8pm for live VJ then double-knot your scrunchies for trivia at 9pm.
Be Electric Studios, 1298 Willoughby Ave.; 7pm-9pm; FREE
Join your fellow lit-pals at this Parisian-themed evening of readings, book-signings and delightful conversations. Local authors featured include Angie Niles (Bright Lights Paris), Courtney Maum (I Am Having So Much Fun Here Without You), and Julis Orringer (The Invisible Bridge). Plus, enjoy refreshments, music and entertainment, free beer and raffle prizes.
Housing Works Bookstore Café, 126 Crosby St.; 7pm; FREE
After her first smash hit, Beaton is back with more feminist wit and crazy cartoon skill. Joined by Alexandra Zsigmond, art director for the Times’ Opinion section, Beaton will launch her second collection of comical satire and female power. Stick around for a Q&A afterwards plus snag your copy and get it signed.
SVA Theater, 333 W. 23rd St.; 7:30pm-9:30pm; FREE
To jumpstart SVA’s annual Alumni Film and Animation Festival, join in a free screening of SVA alumnus Bryan Singer in his classic Academy-Award winning work. Bring your own snacks and arrive early to get a good seat. Then, stick around through the weekend to catch more exclusive screenings and special guest appearances including Zackary Drucker of Transparent, the animators behind Disney’s Monsters University, and Kara Vallow, producer of Family Guy and Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey.


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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”


How’s that for the longest week ever, am I right? Luckily, this weekend is all you, baby! We’ve got the sweetest, hottest, tastiest line-up of city happenings to check out, from zip lining and boat racing to day drinking cider and watching lower Manhattan get a spray-paint job. You’re welcome (again.)
Treehouse Theater, 154 W. 29th St.; 9pm-10:15pm; $7

Put your love (or lust!) to the test and bring a daring date to his hilarious live gameshow. Watch as host and UCB comic, Carly Ann Filbin, hankers down on testing two real-life couples to see how far they can endure a range of challenges and games. After all, love knows no limits–right?
Stuyvesant Cove Park, E. 23rd St. at the East River; 5pm-9pm; $60
The folks who brought you the NYC Hot Sauce Expo are back with some early fall-lovin’ action. Come thirsty to this outdoor drinking fest hosting over 30 regional, national and European ciders. Meet the cider makers, sip free samples, and fill up on a mouth-water selection of meats, eats and Mexican grilled corn from vendors like Starwurst Bratwurst, Copenhagen Street Dogs and more. The pitmasters at Jimmy’s No. 43 will be flipping hot sliders and veggie burgers while you enjoy live folk music all evening.
Park Ave. and Lafayette St. from E. 72nd to the Brooklyn Bridge; 7am-1pm; FREE
Snatch up the chance to roam the concrete jungle as stretches of Manhattan are blocked off from all traffic. For the second Saturday of this annual 3-day city series, walk, skip, bike or run uptown along Park Ave. all the way downtown to Lafayette. Enjoy free yoga, rock climbing, zip lining and a massive water slide, then snag free bites from the Whole Foods Market Summer camp with plenty of dance, arts, and fitness workshops along the way.
Flushing Meadows Park; 10am-4pm; FREE
In honor of this ancient cultural sporting tradition, head over to Queens for an afternoon of dragon boat racing and rice dumplings. Kick off the day with live performances by FJ Music Fusion, a musical duo seeking to redefine traditional Chinese music and bridge it into the modern, contemporary scene. Then, witness a 90-person steel orchestra, dance performances and martial arts. Swing by the international food court for steamed and baked buns galore, rice noodles with sweet chili and fishballs, and wash it all down with ice cold white gourd drinks.
Sculpture Garden, 114 Murray Street; 12pm-7:30pm; FREE
Presented by the Little Italy Street Art (L.I.S.A) project, this live exhibit runs through, paints, and celebrates, 21 different neighborhoods across lower Manhattan. Catch live podcast recordings from Stand-Up Lab and Anthony Cumin Network’s “Legion of Skanks,” along with live music by DJ ALejandra SSTUDD and Corey Glover of Living Color among others. Plus, view exclusive shows including, “Art is Trash,” “The Edward Snowden Bust,” and Ron English’s “Tempter Tot Lot.”
Throughout Bryant Park; 6pm-8pm; FREE
Unwind after the work day and stroll through this free summer park music series. Featuring dozens of performers celebrating a cross-cultural musical performance, hear live harmoniums, concertinas, and, of course, accordions as they bring gorgeous Japanese, Balkan, Colombian, Argentine Tango, French Musette, and Italian sounds to life.
Morbid Anatomy Museum, 424A 3rd Ave., Brooklyn; 6pm-8pm; FREE
After a successful July debut, the grim Gowanus art space is bringing back the beloved Death Cafe Nights. What started in the UK and has become increasingly popular across the ocean, is a time and space meant for people fascinated, curious or scared of death to discuss it openly. Led by London-based funeral planner Louis de Winter, the evening encourages you to explore the subjects of life and death with people who are asking the same questions, and how may even have the answers–all over cake and tea! RSVP is highly encouraged.
Littlefield, 622 Degraw St.; 8pm; $10-$15
Come out on Hump Day to see Broad City writer Naomi Ekperigin, as she hosts this annual funny fest for a good cause! Founded in 2013, the show’s proceeds continue to support two vital causes: Family of Woodstock, a shelter for survivors of domestic violence, and Polaris, an organization fighting against human trafficking. Making you laugh with Ekperigin are Aparna Nancherla, Cynthia Kaplan and Dan Soder. Show tickets are available for $10 pre-sale and $15 at the door. Donations of hair products and toiletries are also being collected for the cause.
The New York Botanical Garden, 6:30pm-9:30pm; $35
Experience this iconic woman’s life and art through the conservatory’s breathtaking interpretation. Walk Frida Kahlo: Art, Garden, Life through her Casa Zul reimagined, rare art works, and accompanying live musical and art performances. Plus, enjoy a complimentary draft cerveza or Jose Cuervo margarita while noshing on tasty Mexican fare from La Casa Zaul taco truck and La Cantina on site.