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Fri 12
Nerd Nite Littlefield; 7pm; presentations $10, trivia and presentations $14
This merry night of dorky drinking features boozy TED-inspired talks on a wide range of topics. Check out lectures on mechanical watches, turnt philosophers and other hyperspecific prompts. Show up early for some geekcentric trivia, during which you compete for prizes, like tickets to BookCon 2017.
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial in Concert David Geffen Hall (at Lincoln Center); 7pm; $45–$125
Forget the ride at Universal Studios: The best way to experience America’s favorite alien is with New York Philharmonic. Witness the spectacle of the Steven Spielberg classic as conductor David Newman and the NY Phil take on John Williams' iconic score while the movie plays on the big screen.
Holy Trinity: Bey x RiRi x Nicki Dance Party Baby’s All Right; midnight; $10
World, stop. Carry on. Prepare for a nonstop night of sweaty jubilation to the tunes of illuminati overlord Beyoncé, dark princess of pop Rihanna and rap’s reigning bad girl, Nicki Minaj. Philadelphia DJs Dame Luz and Wassup Gina bring this party to Brooklyn and spin remixes of hip-hop jams from TLC, Fat Joe and beyond. This is what you came for.
Sat 13
Bulletin Broads 145 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn; 11am; free with R.S.V.P.
Bulletin—an indie-brand shopping destination in both Manhattan and Brooklyn—just revamped its Williamsburg store to help badass ladies suit up for the resistance movement. During the boutique's reopening on Saturday 13, support Planned Parenthood and feel empowered while shopping female-made goods—think feminist garb, pithy pins and, y'know, witch cauldrons from brands such as Baby Face, Titty Hawk, Raging Bush and more. There will be girl-powered music and plenty of rosé to fuel your shopping endeavors. Bonus: Get a vulva aura portrait ($5) created by Debbie Allen of HISSYFITCVLT from noon-3pm, and the proceeds will be donated to Planned Parenthood.
Crawfish for Cancer The West 79th St Boat Basin Café; 2pm; $95, at the door $120
Celebrate crawfish season and raise funds for myeloma cancer research all under one roof at this annual crayfish boil. Grab a seat at a table piled with piping-hot crawfish, and dig into brats and corn while sipping on sweet-tea Firefly vodka cocktails and dancing to live sets.
Cirque Noir House of Yes; 10m; free before 11pm; $15–$25
Embrace harlequin decadence at this deviant dance party. Get down like it's your last night under the big top with carnival games, creepy go-go dancing clowns, sideshow acts and, of course, aerialists. DJs Sharam and David Kiss keep the madness twirling all night.
Mother’s Day Weekend Garden Party New York Botanical Garden; 10am; All-garden pass $30, children $15
Before you get a regrettable “I Heart Mom” tat, honor your mother with a delightful garden party. Start the morning meandering through the newly reopened Lilac Collection while bands and dancers perform on the Daffodil Hill main stage. Make Mom a homemade watercolor card, then eat brunch picnic-style (just make advance reservations). Tons of activities are planned, all on the beautiful landscape, including putting on the green, croquet and guided walking tours through the gardens. There will even be professional photographers to snap pics for mom’s fridge.
The Hudson River Park Games Hudson River Park; 9:30am; $20
Leave the winter treadmill behind and work out in the sunshine at this cutting-edge sports arena. Hard-core teams can head to the Pentathalon, which involves dodgeball, basketball, kayaking, football and volleyball. Over at Healthy on the Hudson, you can check out yoga, bootcamp and cycling from some of the city's best studios. Food trucks, vendors and a beer & wine garden will keep you refreshed throughout the day.
Mad. Sq. 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. Best eats include Roberta’s sensational pizza, MeltKraft grilled cheese sandwiches and cheesesteaks by the Truffleist. The one-stop shop for the tastiest grub in town will be available every day until June 3, so make sure to wear your stretchy pants.
Suicide Girls: Blackheart Burlesque Music Hall of Williamsburg; 8pm; $25–$135
The tattooed pinups of the Suicide Girls hit NYC for two nights of funny, geeky and totally titillating burlesque bits on The Fifth Element, Game of Thrones, Orange is the New Black and more. Don't take too much time admiring their costume handiwork: The duds will be off before you know it.
CoffeCon Metropolitan Pavilion; 9am; $15–$45
Java addicts, brace yourselves for the ultimate caffeine buzz. You don’t have to be a barista or a coffee savant to go to this coffee bean affair, but one thing’s for sure: By the end of this convention, you’ll know how to make a good cup of joe. Drink as much as you can stomach on the tasting floor, and attend seminars at which experts explain the top notes and brewing techniques for various blends. You can also sign up for classes covering espresso basics, proper grinding techniques and latte art.
Sun 14
Japan Day Naumburg Bandshell Central Park; 8am; free
Make the most of a sunny afternoon in Central Park at the annual Japan Day, an all-day celebration of Japanese culture that unfolds under trees in full bloom. The party starts with a 5K run at 8am hosted by New York Road Runners. Then, starting at 9:30, you can explore the activity tents and learn calligraphy and origami, get your face painted Kabuki-style, and take a photograph with Hello Kitty herself. On the live stage, catch Japanese taiko drumming, karate and musical performances, and pick up some mouthwatering ramen, okonomiyaki and other traditional Japanese bites at the food tents. Gotta try ’em all!
Viewpoints: Latin American in Photographs New York Public Library, Astor Hall; 1pm; free
This exhibition features over 100 images and is the Library's first devoted solely to photographs of Latin America. Taken in the 1860s up through the present, these stunning images create a spellbinding portrait of the region's vibrant culture.
Slippery Sundays Burlesque Slipper Room; 8pm; $15, at the door $20
Join some of the city’s most brazen burlesque divas, including Fancy Feast, Darlinda Just Darlinda, Gal Friday, Jo Boobs and Poison Ivory for a wicked night of dancing and drinking.
Mother's Day Terrarium Making Luludi Living Art; noon; $185
There’s no better Mother’s Day gift than spending time with your mom, but it’s always nice when your activity also includes something special to take home. Sip champagne as you design your own miniature terrariums full of succulents, cacti and other plants. Every mom will also leave with a gift bag full of artisan chocolates, an aromatherapy candle and other goodies.