[title]
Fri 5
Lit Crawl NYC at various locations; 6pm; free
Wander through bars and bookstores with a merry band of brainiacs at this bar-crawl literary-convention mash-up. Listen to readings from novelists and poets at Dashwood Books, Court Street Grocers and other spots, play Sexist Bingo! at KGB Bar and guess the novel based on its opening sentence at The Gray Mare, all while throwing back shots with writers, publishers and readers. This year’s event features conversations and readings with Lila Zemborain, Francine Prose, Bae Suah, Mitch Jackson and other literati who are down for a good drink.
Frieze Art Fair Randalls Island Park; various times and prices
Art lovers flock to Randalls Island Park for this dreamy display of works from 200 international galleries—and the view of Manhattan ain’t bad either. Take the ferry or the bus over to the island (buy advance tickets online if you can), and plan to spend some serious time immersing yourself in the imaginative projects found both indoors and out.
Eat Your Art: An Alternative Cinco de Mayo Lot 45; 7:30pm; $35, dinner and dancing $125
Relive the infamous and debaucherous dinner parties of Frida Kahlo at this immersive celebration featuring a four-course dinner, poetry, aerial performances, discoteca dancing and more.
This Party Is Killing You: A Night of All Robyn Everything Brooklyn Bowl; 11:30pm; $10
No more need to dance on your own: join other dancehall queens and kings for a night of never-ending heartbreak ballads and pop as ADVENTURE[s] resurrects its beloved tribute party for just one night in 2015. In addition to the namesake Swedish pop goddess, divas like Mariah, Carly Rae and Britney will get their due from the DJ. If you're overdue for a platinum dye job, now's the time to book it.
Healing Our Sexuality Shakitbarre; 7:15pm; $60
This intimate gathering hosted by Confidence and Sexuality Coach Connie DaSilva and holistic healer Marine Sélénée is for folks struggling with their sexuality. (FYI: You’re not alone!) Learn how to move past your romantic struggles and former toxic relationships, which are likely the cause of what is holding you back from experiencing pure pleasure. This workshop is an intro to Family Constellations—a therapeutic process developed by Bert Hellinger during his observation of Zulu tribes—which teaches you how to find inner peace, happiness and self-love. You’re guaranteed to leave with those warm-and-fuzzy vibes.
Sat 6
BUST Craftacular Spring! Greenpoint Terminal Warehouse; 11am; $3
BUST—a kick-ass feminist magazine—returns to Brooklyn with another action-packed indie shopaganza. In addition to stellar shopping vendors and craft cocktails, the spring edition features local stylists, salons and cosmetic companies offering new loot and free services. Deck out your digits at the free DIY nail-art bar provided by the creators of Floss Gloss, customize your favorite denim jacket or jeans with Prinkshop, get a tarot reading by Maria Soledad or portrait painting by Akane Ogura. You’ll walk out a new woman with tons of cool swag.
Opening Day at the Bronx Brewery; noon; $10–$20
Outdoor-drinking season is finally here! The Bronx Brewery throws a proper Boogie Down celebration in its backyard, with bites from Hard Times Sundaes and live music all day from DJ Amy and Camille Trust, and all the refreshing pints you can handle (and afford).
Holi Hai Governors Island; 10am; free–$140
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.
Mayfair: A Surreal Party McKittrick Hotel; 10:15pm; $50, after midnight $15–$20
They've taken you to Oz, Gatsby's East Egg and far into the future, and now the producers of Sleep No More and Supercinema are hosting a masquerade worthy of the ages. Wear all white and a mask and prepare to have your mind blown at this multi-story dance party, featuring trippy performances, secret rooms and a stacked bar.
Masquerade on the Town; R.S.V.P. for location; 8pm; $25
Never Sleep Alone’s Dr. Alex Schiller (Roslyn Hart) and performer Alfredo Guenzani invite you to join 100 mysterious strangers for an unpredictable tour through some of downtown’s most decadent bars, restaurants and party spots. Show up in a mask and a getup worthy of The Phantom of the Opera to win the costume contest. R.S.V.P. to doctoralex@neversleepalone.com to receive location and information.
NYC Cannabis Parade Union Square; 11am; free
This annual event is more than just an opportunity to profess your love for the sweet leaf; it's the longest-running public expression of drug policy reform in New York's history. Gather at W 31st St and Broadway at 11am before marching down to Union Square at 12:30pm for four hours of speeches and entertainment aimed at raising awareness around the harmful effects of the war on drugs, plus steps New York can take right now, like the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act.
LIC Springs! Various locations; noon; free
Spend the afternoon taking in live performances, playing games, sampling local eats from restaurants like Bareburger and Crabhouse and participating in art-making workshops and fitness classes at the Long Island City Partnership's annual spring block party. Vernon Boulevard between 50th Ave & 46th Ave.
Gotham Girls Roller Derby John Jay College of Criminal Justice; 6pm; $25–$30
Haven’t roller-skated since elementary school? Well, watch the badasses from Gotham Roller Derby remind you how it’s done! Wear the right colors and show up early to witness some incredible—and aggressive—athleticism courtesy of the Manhattan Mayhem, Bronx Gridlock, Queens of Pain and Brooklyn Bombshells.
Bronx Book Fair Bronx Library Center; 11am; free
The theme for the fifth edition of this massive community festival is “Building the Bronx’s Literary Future,” and the event packs a full day of speakers, activities and opportunities to hear about learning and literacy in the borough. Check out talks from The New Yorker’s incoming poetry editor Kevin Young, bookstore Lit Bar’s owner Noëlle Santos and more; pick up books from more than 30 vendors; and head to workshops like “Zine Publishing and Beyond.”
Altec Lansing shopping event Bloomingdale’s; 1pm; free to attend
Let's face it: A decent set of headphones is an essential accessory and must-have for New Yorkers. If you're in the market for a good pair, head to Y.E.S. Contemporary Sportswear inside Bloomingdale's at 59th St to snag Altec Lansing's newest creation—including speakers—in collaboration with pop star Nick Jonas. Oh, and we'll let you in on a little secret: The heartthrob will be making a guest appearance.
Party Like It’s 1999: 20 Years of “MMMbop” and 90s Teen Idols The Bell House; 10pm; free
If you're like us, reading the theme of this party has poked the sleeping beast otherwise known as Hanson's breakout hit, and now the song's chorus is running on a loop inside your head. Thanks, DJ Steve. Surrender to the tune's catchy majesty at this dance party, where nostaglia-loving revellers dance to all the best pop, R&B, hip hop and dance james the ’90s had to offer.
Tone House Turf Wars Hudson River Park (Pier 46); 11am; Free for spectators
Tone House—a badass athletic training studio in NYC—is hosting its second annual Turf Wars at Pier 46, at which 50 women and 50 men compete during ten fitness events. Watch these dedicated soldiers battle it out through push-ups, sprints and rows. (You might just work up a sweat watching them.)
Sun 7
“Samantha Bee & Masha Gessen” Cooper Union, Great Hall; 6pm; $35
The Russian LGBTQ activist, writer and critic of Putin and Trump speaks with her buddy Bee of Full Frontal.
Deep Beats: Deep House Yoga House of Yes; noon; $20
Come down from your hangover with this intoxicating vinyasa-flow practice that’s set to mesmerizing music in one of Brooklyn’s greatest clubs. While DJ George Faya spins pulsing ambient beats, you can breathe deeply and get down with the help of guest instructors. After the session, grab a table for brunch and a free mimosa or Bloody Mary.
Saint Vitus Mother’s Day Flea Market Saint Vitus; 1pm; free
Head to Greenpoint to peruse records, books, collectibles, jewelry, clothing and more at this Mother's Day market, which offers more than a great selection of vintage and handmade wares: get a souvenir Glamour Shot and spring for a massage to pamper your mum (don't worry, drink specials will keep you from breaking the bank).