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Fri 29
IndieCade East 2016 Museum of the Moving Image; 10:30am; various prices
Gamers gather for this event, at which no one will tell you to go outside, with three days of testing unreleased games and new technology and attending panel talks like “The History of Video Games in New York City.”
Greenpoint Open Studios at various locations and times; free
Greenpoint Open Studios is a weekend-long celebration to build, sustain, and support the thriving creative community in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Over 300 artists are participating in this year’s Open Studios. A launch party will take place Friday, April 29 from 8-11pm at The Java Project (252 Java St, Party Entrance @ 259 Kent Street, Brooklyn, NY) and will feature live mural painting, refreshments, music, and installations!
PEN World Voices Festival at various locations and times; various prices
This massive festival, brings together 100 writers from 30 countries to contemplate change, international politics and the value of free speech. This year's them, On Mexico, includes inclusive events, such as a discussion on Chicano/a culture, a celebration of female Mexican authors and a conversation with Salman Rushdie. Feminist powerhouse Roxane Gay delivers the annual "Arthur Miller Freedom to Write Lecture" on the festival's closing day, May 1.
Saved by the 90s: A Party with the Bayside Tigers Webster Hall; 11pm; $20
Clinton-era nostalgia looks like it's here to stay, and the Saved by the ’90s: A Party with the Bayside Tigers is a great bash to revel in it. Check out the Bayside Tigers—a four-piece cover band that specializes in songs of all genres (well, as long as they're from the ’90s)—as the group makes Webster Hall's dance floor feel like a genuine house party. Dressing up is encouraged: snap bracelets, Converse, big hair and overly baggy JNCO jeans—you name it, somebody will probably be wearing it.
Because the Night: A Tribute to the Songs and Poetry of Patti Smith Union Hall; 8:30pm; $10
Patti Smith is a beloved artist of many trades, and tonight fellow musicians and authors celebrate her wide collection of works (including her recent National Book Award–winning memoir, The M Train). Violinist Eszter Balint, indie-pop group Church of Betty and acoustic guitarist Mamie Minch are just a few of the artists who’ll perform in this unique tribute to one of New York City’s own.
Sat 30
Sakura Matsuri: Cherry Blossom Festival Brooklyn Botanic Garden; 10am; $15–$25
Never mind the fact that it happens every year—New Yorkers still get cherry-blossom fever during Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s swoonworthy festival. The two-day fair marks the end of Hanami (the Japanese seasonal tradition of blossom appreciation) and includes a cosplay fashion show, bands playing traditional tunes, dance performances and, of course, all those pink-and-white petals.
World Tai Chi Day Bryant Park; 11am; free
Tai chi experts and first-timers gather to perform a mass demonstration of the martial art, which, in addition to its self-defense benefits, is said to relieve stress. Instructors will also give free qigong, neigong and push-hands classes.
Holi Hai Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza; 11am; various prices
This seventh annual family-friendly event by dance group NYC Bhangra gives you a chance to paint your friends. Along with free colors, there are performances of traditional Indian dance and music, plus the chance to learn a few bhangra moves during interactive sessions.
Oh My Science! Videology Bar & Cinema; 7pm; free
You'll actually learn quite a bit during UCB comedian Dan Silver's twisted, hysterical lectures on psychology, animal biology, ecology and more, but you'll have to try hard to keep up between gut-busting laughs. Whether you show up for slides of animals dancing or kissing or for the answers to life on Earth, you'll likely be stupefied and wiped out from laughing at this "rigorous examination of all matters."
Wasabassco’s House of Deveraux Presents: Bombshell House of Yes; 7pm; $33.05, VIP 43.90
Many NYC performers may claim to be glamazons, but none can touch Sydni Deveraux, the sequin-shaking burlesque bombshell with some of the longest legs in show business. The diva welcomes fellow muses from the outrageous Wasabassco troupe—including Aerie Elle, Amanda Whip and Mr. Gorgeous—to show some skin.
International Jazz Day Jazz Museum in Harlem; 7pm; $19.98
Enjoy a grand performance curated by museum co–artistic director Jon Batiste and featuring a band of talented musicians from three continents: Patrick Bartley Jr. (saxophone), Jeffery Miller (trombone), Giorgi Mikadze (piano), Linda Oh (bass) and Julius Rodriguez (drums).
Madison Square Eats General Worth Square; 11am; free
Twice a year, this outdoor food fest brings buzzworthy bites from the city’s best restaurants to Worth Square in the Flatiron District—think chef Angie Mar’s delicious burgers from the Beatrice Inn and Roberta’s sensational pizza. The one-stop shop for the tastiest grub in town will be available every day until May 27, so make sure to wear your stretchy pants.
Sun 1
Hawks’ Nite Out: Wicker Man Villain; 5pm; $19.98
Nitehawk Cinema and Villain team up for a double movie showing that pays homage to May Day—a festival of rituals celebrating sexual awakening and the dawn of summer. Head to Villain for drinks and live music inspired by the Robin Hardy 1973 classic, The Wicker Man, and Nicolas Cage’s wonderfully awful remake. The films will play simultaneously in separate rooms.
Brooklyn Flea, DUMBO; 10am; free
After five brilliant years in Williamsburg, Brooklyn Flea moved down the waterfront to Pearl Plaza in Dumbo, just beneath the Manhattan Bridge. A new location wasn’t the only major change—the market has shrunk to roughly 75 vendors, but you’ll still find a familiar kick-ass assortment of antiques, vintage, furniture, clothing, artwork and jewelry. Don’t weep too much, Williamsburg residents—Smorgasburg still has boatloads of tasty food options presented at the East River State Park every Saturday (11am–6pm) or you can venture to Prospect Park for its Sunday residency (11am–6pm).
Morrissey Party at Rumpus Room; 10pm; free
Creative types should check out DJs Dima Dubson and Benjamin Cho as they dust off the oldies and heavy hitters by Britpop star Morrissey. Sure, you’ll be crying into your wine glass during “Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want,” but as soon as “Do Your Best and Don’t Worry” comes on, you’ll be bumpin’ and grinding’ like it’s 1995.