For our (unconscionably high) rent money, the best thing about living in NYC is its endless supply of fun, odd, and inspired cultural events — especially during the summer months. But with so many options, it can be hard to know where to even begin. To help you make sense of it all, we’re sharing the very best of what’s on offer this week. It’s just a taste of what you can find on the new Flavorpill, so if you like what you see, be sure to sign up.
Monday, August 5
FILM: HBO Bryant Park Summer Film Festival: Norma Rae In the years between the release of Smokey and the Bandit (1977) and Smokey and the Bandit II (1980), Sally Field gave an Academy Award-winning performance in the drama that screens tonight as part of HBO’s Bryant Park film series. Directed by Martin Ritt (Hud), Norma Rae is based on a true story about a single mother who, despite the risks, gets involved with unionizing the North Carolina mill where she works. In addition to Field, the 1979 classic also features strong performances by Ron Leibman and Beau Bridges. As with all films in this mega-popular series, we suggest arriving early. — Mindy Bond
Tuesday, August 6
FILM: Watch That Man: David Bowie, Movie Star You may know Bowie the rock star, but how well do you know Bowie the actor? The Film Society of Lincoln Center has put together this cinematic crash course of major works and rarities so you can get one step closer to complete Bowie fluency. Standouts of the week-long tribute are the US premiere of Baal (1982), Alan Yentob’s Cracked Actor (1975), and Just a Gigolo (1978), which unites Bowie with actress Marlene Dietrich. The Tuesday night screening of Christiane F is also of note; co-presented by Viva Radio, the film is followed by an afterparty. — Mindy Bond
Wednesday, August 7
ART: 10 Years of Wooster Collective 2003-2013
Thursday, August 8
MUSIC: RiverRocks 2013: Titus Andronicus with Ducktails & Juan Wauters For RiverRocks’ final act of 2013, Titus Andronicus are given reign over Pier 84. The Jersey punk kingpins, who are about to head out on a coast-to-coast jaunt dubbed the Manifest Destiny Tour, flex their musical muscle in support of their third album, Local Business. Expect a royally impassioned performance from these boys. Also holding court: Real Estate’s Matt Mondanile with his poppy side project Ducktails, and Juan Wauters of The Beets. — Mindy Bond
Friday, August 9
THEATRE: FringeNYC We definitely don’t see eye to eye with Bloomberg on everything (give us our sparklers and 20-oz. sodas!), but when he honored the New York International Fringe Festival, aka FringeNYC, with an award for showcasing the best and boldest theatre, we were in total agreement. Now in its 17th year, the multi-arts festival is the biggest of its kind in North America. Theatre companies from all over the world (185 in total) converge on downtown Manhattan to mount performances at venues like The Players Theatre, SubCulture, and Theatre 80. From the dark to the comical, starships to strip clubs, if you fancy yourself an adventurer, FringeNYC is absolutely worth exploration. — Mindy Bond
CITY GEM: Second Annual Artist Sandcastle Competition The kiddies are again being sidelined, as Creative Time returns to Far Rockaway to host another sandcastle building battle. Last year, artists Dustin Yellin, Ryan McNamara, and Mary Mattingly were among the brave souls picking up buckets and shovels for this gritty throw down. This year the lineup includes Duke Riley, Esperanza Mayobre, Rachel Owens and others. After a winner is crowned, the party moves over to Rippers where DJ Lucas Walters of Tutu’s in Bushwick provides the tuneage. — Mindy Bond
Saturday, August 10
MUSIC: Celebrate Brooklyn!: They Might Be Giants All these years later and They Might Be Giants still rule. John Flansburgh and John Linnell have been making music in Brooklyn since long before you considered making the move here, so it’s only appropriate that they close out another season of Celebrate Brooklyn. And with TMBG-picked Moon Hooch opening things up, this is really a perfect evening to spend in Prospect Park for everybody. — Jason Diamond
FESTIVAL: Gemini and Scorpio 10th Anniversary: NYC Steampunk Weekend From wild circus throwdowns to escapades in Russian Bath Houses, Gemini & Scorpio’s immersive party experiences have invited revelers to dress up, let loose, and mingle with like-minded merrymakers. This weekend, the dynamic duo celebrates a decade of art-imbued decadence with three days of steampunk. The Victorian-era-meets-sci-fi festivities begin Friday night with a free concert by Amanda Palmer and the Grand Theft Orchestra at Lincoln Center. Saturday night sees the return of G&S’ legendary costume-required high-flying soiree The Lost Circus, featuring special guests Rosin Coven & Vau de Vire Society of Edwardian Ball fame. And, if you’re still in the game come Sunday, grab your goggles and hop aboard the Queen of Hearts, a Mississippi-style paddleboat which is scheduled to sail the river as the Hungry March Band plays on. — Mindy Bond
Sunday, August 11
PARTY: The Do-Over Pedaled by Adidas Originals, this LA import knows how to summon a dance party. Returning to the Beekman Beer Garden, the scene of their epic collaboration with Red Bull back in May, residents Haycock and Strong & Blacc take to the decks, joined by a super-secret set of mystery guest DJs. Good vibes, tropical drinks, and awesome tunes make this free soiree one you’ll want on repeat. And while this party is on the house, RSVP is required and early arrival is recommended. — Mindy Bond