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 12
FOOD/WINE: Breaking Bad Dinner You can get blue over the impending ending of Breaking Bad, or you can stop in at Louro tonight and savor its goodness with a seven-course meal inspired by the adventures of Walter White. Culinary mastermind and Louro top chef David Santos has cooked up a deliciously playful menu for tonight’s roast, including items such as Test Tube Soup Shooters, Desert Delight, and Birthday Bacon and Eggs. Part of the restaurant’s Nossa Mesa Monday night supper club series, diners are invited to bring their own beer and wine, but a full bar is also available. — Mindy Bond
Tuesday, August 13
DANCE: Downtown Dance Festival 2013
Wednesday, August 14
MUSIC: El-P and Killer Mike A show that should bring rap fans out in droves, El-P and Killer Mike close out their summer tour tonight at Webster Hall. Self-proclaimed as “overly fucking awesome,” each member of the super duo performs his own set, and then they take to the stage together as Run the Jewels, a collaboration that has got the critics buzzing. If you haven’t already downloaded their free self-titled debut, we suggest doing so pronto. Joining these heavyweights are Despot, Kool A.D. (of Das Racist), and Crown Heights rapper Mr. Muthafuckin’ eXquire. — Mindy Bond
Thursday, August 15
FILM: Rooftop Films 2013: Ain’t Them Bodies Saints [CLICK THROUGH TO WIN A FREE PAIR OF TIX!] Reason #801 why we love Rooftop Films: they’re hosting a screening on a working farm. It may take slightly longer to get to than the Old American Can Factory, but how often do you get the opportunity to watch a film in New York City next to planting fields, livestock, and historic farm buildings dating back to the 1600s? The pot gets even sweeter with tonight’s cinematic selection, a sneak preview of David Lowery’s critically acclaimed postmodern Western romance Ain’t Them Bodies Saints, starring Casey Affleck and Rooney Mara. To get there, you just need to jump the LIRR to Little Neck (approx. 30 minutes from Penn Station) and then hop aboard one of Rooftop’s free shuttle buses to the farm. The return shuttles to the train station run until 2 a.m., so you should be able to get in one or two beverages at the afterparty before heading back to the grind. — Mindy Bond
Friday, August 16
FESTIVAL: Nerd Nite Global Festival Alien minds, Godzilla, Star Wars, and sexy serpent smells are just some of the topics covered at this three-day festival that sees inquiring minds unite to take in funny-yet-smart presentations while drinking free beer and cheap wine. Expanding on its global monthly series, the Nerd Nite crew has assembled a line-up that features nearly 20 of its best presenters from around the world, a game room, walking tours by Levy’s Unique New York, a concert by all-female accordion band The Main Squeeze Orchestra, and an interactive workshop called Drunk Science led by the editorial staff of Popular Science and the producers of Radiolab. Depending on your brain (and liver) capacity, three- and single-day passes are available. — Mindy Bond
FILM: Werner Herzog: Parables of Folly and Madness
Saturday, August 17
MUSIC: SummerStage: Twin Shadow, Autre Ne Veut, Elliphant and DJ sets by Mano
Sunday, August 18
PARTY: The 8th Annual Jazz Age Lawn Party on Governors Island Last chance to catch Michael Arenella and His Dreamland Orchestra, the Dreamland Follies, dance lessons, vintage portraits, a 1920s motorcar exhibition, a pie contest, and plenty of well-dressed guys and girls to spend the summer day with. — Jason Diamond