August's best things to do

Aug 1 Lykke Li
Swedish pop artists are once again warming mainstream America's hearts, and Lykke Li's latest, Wounded Rhymes, proves that she's among the best of the bunch: Though she doesn't craft melodies as indelible as ABBA's (who does?), she inherited that famous foursome's idea of pop as a place for stylistic dress-up. Central Park SummerStage (summerstage.org). $30--$35.

Aug 1 Frye store opens
This centuries-old footwear purveyor has been around long enough to have outfitted World War II servicemen, yet the 2,800-square-foot Soho flagship will be its first freestanding store. Expect all manner of men's and women's leather boots (Western, riding, over-the-knee), plus an assortment of ladies' handbags and belts. 113 Spring St between Greene and Mercer Sts (thefryecompany.com)

Aug 3 Mysteries of Lisbon
Art-house enthusiasts will thrill to Raoul Ruiz's epic four-and-a-half-hour adaptation of a famed 19th-century Portuguese novel, which follows a group of colorful characters through several intrigue-laden decades.

Aug 3 Sapphire
Though Precious made news in 2009 and garnered Oscars in 2010, it's been almost 15 years since Sapphire wrote the source novel, Push. Today Sapphire reads from the anticipated sequel, The Kid, following the son of Claireese Jones as he tries to hack it on the city's rough streets without losing the sensitive soul of an artist. Bryant Park Reading Room (bryantpark.org). 12:30pm; free.

Aug 4--7 Christopher Titus
The comic spins family dysfunction and inner demons into dark, hilarious stand-up that's totally relatable. Drink his lemonade. Carolines on Broadway (carolines.com, 212-757-4100). Thu, Sun 8pm, Fri, Sat 8 and 10:30pm; $29--$31.25.

Aug 5 Bellflower
Indie writer, director and star Evan Glodell bursts out of the gate with his warped feature debut about a gearhead romance gone wrong. Prepare for homemade flamethrowers, copious Road Warrior references and a muscle car named Medusa.

Aug 6 Global Frequencies Boat Party
Tech-house crew Global Frequencies adds a touch of glittering disco to its sonic template at this boat bash, with Runaway's Jacques Renault and a top-secret international kingpin among those on the decks. Queen of Hearts (globalfrequencies.com). 2--7pm; $TBA, advance $20.

Aug 6, 13, 20 Summer Streets
Walkers, joggers, skaters and bikers won't have to share the asphalt with speeding cabs or exhaust-spewing semis during the city's fourth annual Summer Streets program. Police will shut down all vehicular traffic along this year's route, linking the Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park (with selected cross streets in between) for three Saturday mornings. Expect Park Ave from Union Square to 72nd Street to become a paved oasis for anyone with aversions to cars or "Don't Walk" signs. Locations TBA, visit nyc.gov for more info. 7am--1pm; free.

Aug 7 Daniel Nardicio's Birthday Cruise
Naughty party promoter Nardicio takes over the Sea Tea cruise for what's sure to be a very dirty night on the Hudson. The free after-party starts at 10pm at Rockbar. Queen of Hearts (dworld.us). 6pm; $25.

Aug 6, 7 King of New York BMX festival
About 150 adrenaline junkies will gather to compete in this annual competition, which sees a range of pro and beginner riders competing in park, street, flatland and dirt BMX events. Additionally, cyclists of all disciplines will take part in an official attempt to break the world record for highest bicycle bunny hop—which we're sure is fiercer than it sounds. Location and price TBA; noon--6pm. Visit kingofnewyorkevent.com for more info.