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 26
FILM: SummerStage: 30th Anniversary of Wild Style Be transported back to the early days of rap at this special 30th anniversary screening of Charlie Ahearn’s Wild Style. Considered the first hip-hop film, the 1983 docudrama was shot entirely in the Bronx and centers around a struggling graffiti artist played by Lee Quinones. In addition to catching this delirious time capsule, the evening features performances/appearances by Busy Bee, Grand Wizard Theodore, Fab 5 Freddy, Rock Steady Crew and the Cold Crush Bros, among others. A gem of the SummerStage season, it doesn’t get much doper than this.
Tuesday, August 27
FILM: Coney Island Flicks on the Beach: Little Fugitive, 60th Anniversary Postponed from earlier in the summer, Little Fugitive is finally reunited with Coney Island for this special screening that marks the film’s 60th Anniversary. Directed by Raymond Abrashkin, Morris Engel and Ruth Orkin, the 1953 classic is about a seven-year-old boy who flees to Coney Island and with only a few dollars in his pocket, enjoys a day filled with boardwalk adventures. Presented by Alliance for Coney Island, Rooftop Films and NYC & Co, this free seaside screening is absolutely worth the commute.
Wednesday, August 28 FOOD/WINE: The Masters of Social Gastronomy: Chinese Takeout
PARTY: Levi’s® Commuter Bike Shop
Thursday, August 29
PARTY: Vans House Party featuring Les Savy Fav, Delorean and Special Guest Les Savy Fav pays Greenpoint a visit tonight to close Vans and FYF’s epic 2013 free summer series. Following the party path blazed by Melvins, !!!, and Fucked Up, the post-hardcore quartet fronted by Tim Harrington should get the crowd worked up to a fine fever pitch. Whether he’s climbing on sets, changing clothes in public or just baiting his minions, Beardo, as Harrington is endearingly referred to, is quite the showman. Spain’s Delorean fly in to warm up and a special surprise guest is also expected. By now you know the deal; those who RSVP and show up early will gain entry to this free beer bath.
Friday, August 30 FESTIVAL: Electric Zoo
Saturday, August 31 PARTY: Warm Up 2013: Cajmere, Liars, Liv Silva, IO Echo, Jon Hopkins & Sam Valenti IV
MUSIC: CT5 Festival – Five Years of Captured Tracks One of our favorite indie labels celebrates its fifth birthday this weekend with an awesome two-day backyard blowout in Bushwick. Home to such acts as DIIV, Mac DeMarco, Wild Nothing, and Beach Fossils (all of which are scheduled to perform), Captured Tracks has grown from a DIY basement-dwelling operation to one of the most prolific and respected indie labels around. In addition to firing up young bands, the label also has a hand in reissuing forgotten ’80s and ’90s artists, and recently entered the record-store race, opening a retail location in Greenpoint at 195 Calyer Street. Two- and single-day passes are available, as is an ULTRA upgrade, which comes with access to the best viewing spots, a private bar with free Reyka Vodka, and a limited-edition tote filled with goodies.
Sunday, September 1
PARTY: Industry City Distillery Labor Day Birthday BashThe mad scientists at Industry City Distillery are giving us good cause to venture out to Sunset Park this Sunday; a vodka-infused rooftop soiree complete with bands, food and an assortment of other treats. For the last two years, the team has been hard at work, building a distillery from scratch and crafting an incredible alcoholic refreshment made from beet sugar. At today’s shindig, you can sample their flagship vodka, Industry Standard, while bands like the Bowery Riots, Wild Leaves and Briana Layon and the Boys provide a rockin’ soundtrack to a setting sun.
Monday, September 2
PARTY: Fool’s Gold Day Off What do you get when you cross Summer’s symbolic end with an assortment of the world’s finest DJs and MCs? The best Day Off party manufactured this year. Now at its fourth go, this free, 18+, outdoor soiree hits Williamsburg Park with performances by Duck Sauce, Danny Brown, Run the Jewels (aka El-P and Killer Mike), Queens hip-hop collective World’s Fair, rising rapper A$AP FERG and more. RSVP is essential, but doesn’t guarantee entry, so best hit up this puppy early if you want to send out 2013’s warmest season in Fool’s Gold style.