Weekly happenings: July 28 - August 3
Claiming 'Gobi' for my next pup
I got to babysit my sister’s dog this weekend. Waking up with both Huxley (her doodle) and my son Aloo (otherwise known as a husky/corgi) laying on me was perfect. I might have to get a second dog now. I’ve already picked out his name…how cute would an Aloo and a Gobi be? Please tell me it’s a bad idea before I do something impulsive.
City Happenings IRL
And other news…I’m hosting my first meet up!! Join me on August 21st for a happy hour at Porchlight in Chelsea. Meet fellow readers and lovers of the city, enjoy a drink and light bites, and take home your very own NYC-themed portrait drawn live by New Yorker cartoonist Jason Chatfield.
I thought long and hard about why I was drawn to hosting an event and what I wanted out of it. I, more than anyone, hate an event that feels forced or without a purpose. I realized I really just wanted to celebrate. I never imagined this little hobby would grow the way it has, and my favorite part has been meeting readers + supporting some of my favorite NYC businesses. So join me for a casual hang! Come solo or with a friend. Whether you’re just stopping by or staying for 2 hours, at worst you’ll leave with a cartoon, a yummy cocktail, and some NYC recs. At best, you might make some new friends.
*The $16 ticket just helps me cover event costs — I’m still chipping in to subsidize.
Monday July 28
Today’s events are all about eating and drinking. The best way to start the week.
⭐ Pizza Party
Bar Birba | 6:30pm at 340 Franklin Ave, Clinton Hill
I often turn to Bar Birba for last minute plans. It’s reliably tasty, has a cozy atmosphere, and isn’t too impossible to grab a walk in spot at. They’re hosting their first ever pizza party, which I personally hope will become a series. You’ll learn to make your own pizza dough to take home, eat more pizza than you can handle, and sip on Italian wines throughout class. Tickets are $95.
Hand Roll Making
Bondi Sushi | 5:30pm at 75 Kenmare St, Nolita
At this hand roll making class, you’ll not only learn to make your own rolls led by Bondi’s head chef, but also enjoy an insane menu including specials like spicy tuna crispy rice, lobster rolls, hot & spicy blue crab, and more. Tickets are $69. You can also add on a sake flight if that’s your thing.
Cheese & Wine Tasting
Carta Wine | 7pm at 35 Bedford St, West Village
Carta Wine Bar is partnering with Metro Cheese Club to throw a cheese & wine tasting. You’ll taste 6 pairings while learning & mingling. I like that they cap it at 12 people to keep it intimate too. Tickets are $65.
Tuesday July 29
⭐ BAAND Together Dance Festival
Lincoln Center | July 29-August 2nd at 20 Lincoln Center Plaza, Lincoln Square
BAAND Together is a festival that brings together 5 of NYC’s most iconic dance companies: Ballet Hispánico, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, and Dance Theatre of Harlem. Over 5 days they have a ton of programming and shows. Many of them are free or choose what you pay too. Check out the full schedule of panels, workshops, and shows.
Bingo! Benefiting Social Tees Animal Rescue
Book Club Bar | 8-9:30pm at 197 E 3rd St, East Village
Book Club Bar is, you guessed it, part book store and part bar. They have a recurring calendar of events like figure drawing and silent reading hours that are always a good time. It also happens to be one of my favorite spots to work from. This week they’re adding a Bingo night to the programming. The night will benefit Social Tees Animal Rescue’s mission to find forever homes for abandoned dogs and cats. To play, buy yourself a $5 bingo card (or multiple) and put yourself in the running for prizes of dog and human focused goodie bags.
Wednesday July 30
The Tune Up
Little Island | 8:30pm at Little Island Amph, Chelsea
Shows on Little Island are a fun vibe whatever the performance and tickets are usually sold out far in advance. You can still grab some to, The Tune Up, Suzan-Lori Parks’ new series blending short plays, music and high-voltage performance. It will include a nine-piece band SLP & The Joyful Noise playing tunes as well. Tickets are $25.
Movie Night: Mean Girls
Prospect Park Movie Night | 7:30pm at Long Meadow North, Prospect Park
In my opinion, the best movie night lawn in the city. It’s not cramped and closed in like many of the others and you don’t have to show up egregiously early to snag a spot. Everyone might be talking about Freaky Friday, but I’ll never say no to a screening of Mean Girls and (in my opinion) Lindsey Lohan’s most iconic role. This is the first of 5 consecutive Wednesday night screenings in Prospect Park. Screenings start shortly after sundown. RSVP for free and bring your blanket.
Mediterranean Aperitivo Hour
Philo Studios x Gotcha | 6-8:30pm at 133 Clinton Ave, Fort Greene
Feast with Friends is a dinner series hosted by Philo Studios, an event planning and art direction studio. At this Mediterranean Aperitivo themed night, you’ll enjoy a full aperitivo spread with bites and dips, a cheese board, peak summer produce, greek yogurt sweet treats, and a late afternoon spritz bar. Philo Studios is often hosting pop ups so even if you can’t make this one, lookout for the next.
Thursday July 31
⭐ BrownstoneJAZZ Ensemble
Brooklyn Botanic Garden | 7-8pm at Cherry Esplanade, Crown Heights
Earlier this year I saw a show by BrownstoneJAZZ, and ever since I’ve been looking for an opportunity to catch another. They usually play out of a 19th century brownstone in Bed-Stuy which really just brings you back in time. They’re popping up for one night only at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden for their Jazz in July finale. The performance is free with admission to the garden.
⭐ Midsummer Nights 2025
Brooklyn Conservatory of Music | 6:30pm at 58 Seventh Avenue, Park Slope
The Brooklyn Conservatory of Music is bringing back their Midsummer Night series for its 5th year. Over four evenings (one past, 3 to go), you can catch free music on BKCM’s front stoop. This show will feature Amina Scott, an upright and electric bassist and composer. If you’re looking for a neighborhoody vibe, this is the perfect show for you. Picking between this and the BrownstoneJAZZ show is going to be tough.
Zero-Proof Cocktail Mixology
Fabrik | 6:30-8:30pm at 12-16 Vestry St, Tribeca
Third Place Bar hosts sober meet ups around the city. This week they’re hosting a zero-proof cocktail mixology class at Fabrik. As an aside, that sounds way better than mocktail. I’m making a note to never use that term again. The night will start off with some welcome mingling and light snacks, followed by the class & hands-on mixing, and finally a wrap up. Tickets are $80.
Young Collectors Night
Uprise Art | 6-8pm at 264 Canal St, Soho
Uprise Art is a gallery that focused on displaying art from emerging artists. Whether you’re already collecting art or just curious about getting started, this night will help you explore opportunities and connect with fellow collectors and artists. You’ll hear about tips on how to discover emerging artists, enjoy some drinks, and learn all about art collecting. RSVP for free.
FKJ at SummerStage! I’ve already shared my SummerStage blurb, but calling it out again since this is the show I’m most excited for.
Friday August 1
Summer Fridays
Leland | 1-4pm at 755 Dean St, Prospect Heights
I’m not one of those lucky enough to have summer Fridays, but for those of you who do: through the end of August, a live DJ will be spinning vinyl sets all afternoon and you can enjoy Julia Gin cocktails and buttery lobster rolls while listening.
Tree Count
NYC Parks | August 1st-23rd at Various parks
Every 10 years, NYC counts its trees and relies on good samaritans like you to help. I have absolutely zero idea how this is even somewhat accurate, but if they’re doing it again and again it must serve some purpose? Anyway, using their Tree Census app, volunteers will split into different zones across parks across the boroughs. Check out the full schedule.
Harlem Week 2025
Harlem Week | August 1st-17th, Various spots in Harlem
Harlem Week began in 1974 as a one-time, one-day celebration. It’s now an annual (almost) month long celebration of Harlem, including their businesses, arts, and cultural institutions. There will be summer street closures, panel discussions, night markets, and much more. Check out the full schedule.
⭐ Ink the News: Subway-Inspired Printmaking
Poster Hours | 1-7pm at 119 W 23rd St, Flatiron
One of my go-to recurring events is First Fridays at Poster House. If you’re looking for more ongoing series to keep on your backlog, check out yesterday’s letter: Best Night of the Month. As part of their programming on Friday, Poster House is hosting a pronto-plate printing workshop. It’s inspired by posters in From the Bronx to the Battery: The Subway Sun, and you’ll get to make your own unique newspaper print to take home. Tickets are $10.
Also giving a PSA that the SNL ticket lottery opens today. Details on how to enter here. Maybe by next year I’ll have an easier in.
Saturday August 2
Stationery Store Day
Annie’s Blue Ribbon | 11am at 232 5th Ave, Park Slope
Do you believe me yet that there’s a day for everything? Celebrate Stationery Store Day with a hands-on workshop led by artist, designer, and paper magician Kelli Anderson. You’ll be led through the process of creating one of her signature paper animations that folds and unfolds in endless motion. It’s a bonus that it’s held in the backyard of cutest stationery / general store ever: Annie’s Blue Ribbon. Tickets to the workshop are $15.
Opening Night Workshop: Power Flower Wearables
LMCC | 7-8:30pm at 20 Battery Place, Fidi
Celebrate the opening of Maison Millefleurs, an outdoor installation of life-sized flowers, with a workshop where you can make your own wearable, illuminated artworks. Use paper, LED lights, and watercolor paints to bring your creation to life. RSVP for free, all materials are included.
Sunday August 3
Summer Garden Hang
Baba Cool x Forthave Spirits | 5-9pm at 33 Lafayette Ave, Fort Greene
Srishti Jain, a Californian-Indian food writer, recipe-developer, and pastry chef is known for her supper clubs and pop ups around SF, NYC, London, and beyond. She’s partnering up with Brooklyn-based pastry chef Erin Chen and handcrafted distillery Forthave Spirits for a one night pop up at Baba Cool. Enjoy light seasonal dishes with stone fruit, tomatoes, and corn all paired with some delicious cocktails. Grab a reservation or just walk in.
⭐ Phoenicia Flea
Strong Rope Brewery | 1-7pm at 185 Van Dyke St, Red Hook
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Strong Rope in Red Hook is the best way to spend a summer Sunday. Especially if you stick around for sunset. They’re making it even more enticing this week with a pop up flea market. There will be 15+ curated vintage and craft vendors, lobster rolls from Red Hook Lobster, and of course plenty of brews. No tickets required.
Taiwanese Waves
City Parks x Chinatown Records | 6-10pm at Rumsey Playfield, Central Park
In this showcase of Taiwanese artists, you’ll see dancers delve into their culture to develop unique body movements. The performance will be accompanied by ABAO, an indigenous Taiwainese pop singer of the Paiwan people and Enno Cheng, a Taiwanese singer-songwriter. All free to attend, no RSVP required.
What I did last week.
Places or shows I went to over the last week. These are personal recommendations. If I had a cool week, they’ll be cool. If I didn’t, they won’t.
For Example - My friend recently started this food project and on Sunday had an open invite to come sample 7 desserts. The format was a tasting + feedback session, where we each ranked our favorites and described any changes we’d make. I’m usually a savory girl and not super literate in baking terms but everything was ridiculously fluffy and delicious. Look out for the next pop up.
Courtyard at Raines Law Room - Did we all know there was a cute covered courtyard in the back? Stopped by for a post-work happy hour and the leafy, vine-draped patio felt like a private escape. The cocktails are also incredible but that was a given.
Magic After Hours - If you’re looking for an elegant night out complete with a dressed up audience and fancy cocktails then head to Dan White or Steve Cohen’s show. If you want to see insane sleight of hand in a more intimate show that you’ll probably participate in, then Noah Levine’s Magic After Hours is what you’re looking for. I made my way up the elevator of the K-town building having to remind myself I wasn’t heading to a doctor’s appointment. Once in the room it felt cozy enough and at $95 a ticket, it’s honestly one of the more affordable high quality shows in the city.
Gotham Comedy - I found myself in Chelsea on Friday, not yet ready to end my night after grabbing dinner. Opted to catch a last minute late show at Gotham and I think it really was the nail in the coffin for me on Comedy Cellar. I’ve had better acts (recently at least), never feel as cramped in, and can enjoy an actually good drink (the red wine at Comedy Cellar still gives me PTSD). I even caught Kevin Hart doing a full set here a few months back.
Red Hook Tavern - Stumbled on a noon ResX spot on Saturday and just had to grab it. Nothing and I mean nothing feels more elite than strolling up to Red Hook with a reservation and skipping the huge walk-in line. I wanted to order something new but just ended up with the oysters + burger all over again. Still the best burger in New York.
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Legend for new readers
⭐ = events I am particularly excited about
everything else = things I am still really excited about
a second dog is always a good idea
I haven’t been to NYC in years & I’d love to be there again, but due to a variety of reasons: friends, family & water, water, everywhere, here in Michigan, The Mitten State…I’ll happily stay put😃👍🏻✅