Weekly happenings: June 2 - June 8

Brought to you by Tribeca Festival

Jun 02, 2025

I’m back in the city after two weeks away, but already thinking about my next trip. In a very cute but also slightly stressful move, my partner planned a surprise vacation for us in a few weeks. I have no idea where we’re going, what to pack (ugh), or even the general vibe. The only clue I’ve been given is that a passport is required and it’s ten days long. As someone who usually makes spreadsheets for vacations and reads restaurant menus weeks in advance, this is both sweet and anxiety-inducing.

So, in the spirit of light Type A delegation (and to calm myself down), I’m turning this into a game: if you correctly guess where we’re going, I’ll send you a little surprise of your own. Some tickets, early access, or another fun perk, depending on what you’re into. Basically a reward for helping me feel slightly more in control.

Special Feature: Tribeca Is Back…and I’m Pretending I Know About Film 🍿

Every June I pretend I’m a full-time film critic and spend a week bouncing between Tribeca screenings, Q&As, and cocktail hours I wasn’t technically invited to. I love the Tribeca Festival. Not because I’m a film expert (I’m not), but because it makes the city come alive and because I have more than once run into a red carpet I didn’t plan for or ended up in a post-screening conversation with an A-list celebrity.

I’m thrilled to have Tribeca sponsoring this issue of City Happenings. Below, I’ve highlighted a few picks that sound amazing (and that were vetted by real movie people), or you can explore the full lineup yourself: check it out 🎬 .

Monday June 2

Backgammon Night
Beefbar x NYC Backgammon Club | 6:30-10:30pm at 105 Hudson St, Tribeca

Steakhouse Beefbar is hosting NYC Backgammon Club for a night of connection and backgammon. It’s open to all skill levels and every one of their events I’ve been to in the past has been super inclusive and fun. Bring your own board if you have one, or play with one of the extras. Tickets are $10.

Guide to Tokyo Cocktail Bars
Hard Strong Glass x Mace | 6pm at 35 W 8th St, Greenwich Village

Join Greg Boehm for a presentation on Tokyo cocktail bars while sipping on cocktails created by Masa of Katana Kitten. This one night only event is sponsored by Hard Strong Glass, which is as you might expect, a glass-strengthening technology. Tickets are $28 and include 2 cocktails and the lecture.

Tuesday June 3

Spring Gala Afterparty
Brooklyn Botanic Garden | 9-11:30pm at Cherry Esplanade, Prospect Heights

Brooklyn Botanic has an annual Spring Gala with proceeds going to support for the Garden. While tickets to the full gala are upwards of a few thousand, the afterparty is more accessible and honestly sounds more fun. There will be an open bar, live DJs, desserts, a photobooth and more. Plus proceeds still go towards supporting the Garden’s programs and plant collections. Tickets are $100 for non-members.

Opening: Thaddeus Mosley
Public Art Fund | 6-7pm at City Hall Park, Fidi

Public Art Fund brings free art installations to a broad audience in NYC. They are honoring the opening of their newest public exhibition in City Hall park with opening remarks and a chance to explore the artist’s installation for the first time. Thaddeus Mosley is a sculptor who works primarily with wood. In his exhibition Touching the Earth he uses fallen down tree trunks to create eight bronzes recently cast from wood sculptures.

Wednesday June 4

⭐ SummerStage Opening Night
SummerStage | 6-10pm at Rumsey Playfield, Central Park

SummerStage is a series of more than 70 free shows across 13 parks in NYC throughout the summer. I can’t think of a better way to spend a summer night. For opening night jazz bassist Marcus Miller will be performing. The Grammy winning artist is known for work with Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Luther Vandross, and many others. Check out the full schedule of artists.

Concerts in the Parks
NY Phil | June 4th-7th at 8pm in parks across NYC

By weird coincidence (I think), the NY Philharmonic 4-day concert series also starts today. Gustavo Dudamel will lead the orchestra in performances across parks in Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens. Each concert will end with a firework display too. See the full list of free shows.

Thursday June 5

Storytellers: Jim Gaffigan with Michael Ian Black
Tribeca Film | 6pm at 50 Varick St, Tribeca

Most people seek out the films at Tribeca, but one of my favorite parts of the week is the Storytellers talk series. For this event you’ll hear from eight-time Grammy-nominated comedian, actor, writer, producer, and two-time New York Times best-selling author Jim Gaffigan. His 11th special, The Skinny, premiered on Hulu last winter as the streamer’s first ever original stand up special and he is currently on his stand up tour. Tickets to the discussion and Q&A are $40.

⭐ Clay in Context
Whitney x Greenwich House Pottery | 4-6pm at 99 Gansevoort, Meatpacking

The Whitney is partnering with local ceramics studio Greenwich House Pottery for the premiere of Clay in Context, a screening of four shrt films by Kate Parvenski and Paraphrase Studio spotlighting the 2024 Greenwich House Pottery Artists in Residence. The series will offer a lens into each artist’s creative practice, examining how their time at Greenwich House Pottery shaped their work. The screening is presented in conjunction with Ceramics Now, an exhibit currently on view at Greenwich House Pottery’s Jane Hartsook Gallery. RSVP for free.

Henri Collection Pop Up
Colbo | 6-9pm at 51 Orchard St, Lower East Side

Colbo is the coolest store in the city. It just is. They’re having an opening reception for the start of their Henri Collection. While you shop there will be a live DJ, wine by Zev Rovine Selections, apple juice by Lovely Bunch, cocktails by Dio, and snacks by Send Olives. These openings kind of turn Orchard St into a mini block party.

Friday June 6

Not-A-Normal Show: Summer 2025
Normal NYC | June 6-15th at 101 7th Ave, Chelsea

Normal NYC has added yet another market to their circuit. They focus on vintage designers but will also feature independent artists, high quality second hand goods, and jewelry. It’s pretty impossible not to leave with something you love. Manhattan Vintage is still my favorite show, but Normal NYC is a not-so-far-behind second. Tickets are $20 and usually sell out.

Drag Wrestling
Strong Rope | 6-10pm at 185 Van Dyke St, Red Hook

To kick off Pride Month, Strong Rope is hosting a night of drag pro-wrestling. They will also be debuting their Pride Month beer, Aurora, where part of the profits go to supporting G.L.I.T.S. Tickets are $25 and the rest of the taproom will be closed to the public.

⭐ Titan: The OceanGate Disaster
Tribeca Film | 5:30pm at 181-189 2nd Ave, East Village

I think I can confidently speak for everyone when I say finally. I’ve been waiting for the OceanGate documentary forever. At this world premiere, you’ll get firsthand accounts from former employees of OceanGate after the Titan disaster. The documentary exposes the company’s “smoke and mirrors” culture that prioritizes profits over safety. Tickets are $28.

Saturday June 7

Lavender Festival
Earth Matter NY | Saturday & Sunday at 11am-5pm, Governor’s Island

Earth Matter NY is a non-profit seeking to reduce the organic waste misdirected into the garbage stream via composting. They have their annual Lavender Festival on Governor’s Island which will be 2 days of tours, demonstrations, maker workshops, harvesting, and other activities at the Lavender Field on the island. In addition to the other activities, you’ll get to take home your own bouquet. Check out the full list of workshops and grab tickets for $15.

⭐ Renegade Craft Market
Renegade Craft | Saturday & Sunday 11am-5pm at 345 Butler St, Gowanus

Renegade Craft is a seasonal pop up market that brings together 150+ curated artists. Originally from Chicago, they now host four annual events in NYC. You can come shop home goods, apparel, jewelry, confections and more. All for free, no RSVP required.

⭐ BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn
BRIC | June 7-August 16 at Lena Horne Bandshell, Prospect Park

Ok I guess everyone decided this is the week to kickoff outdoor concert series. BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn has been showcasing artists in free outdoor shows for over 47 years. They’ll present a mix of local artists and international icons to introduce you to the next generation of global music makers. Check out the full line up. I’m pretty excited for the Quincy Jones tribute.

MacDougal Street Mambo
Capital One Dining | 12:30-7pm at MacDougal and King St, Soho

MacDougal Street Mambo is back with their annual block party. There will be performers in the streets, special tasting and drink packages at participating restaurants, merch, and more. Businesses including Roscioli, Shuka, Hamburger America, 12 Chairs, and more will be participating. Free to attend, with no RSVP required.

Sunday June 8

Marbling on Silk
Cardinal Gift Shop | 7-9pm at 115 S Oxford St, Fort Greene

At this workshop you’ll learn to marble on silk and other fabrics with artist Kelly Laughlin of stationery studio Odette Press. You’ll explore the creative and meditative practice of suminagashi or "floating/spilled ink" characterized by delicate tendrils of inks and swirling organic patterns floating on the surface of water. You’ll take home your very own marbled silk scarf. Tickets are $90.

⭐ Sweet Treat Hour
Big Night x Diaspora Co x Transcendence | 2:30-4pm at 236 W 10th St, West Village

Diaspora Spice Co and Transcendence Coffee are partnering up for a pop up at Big Night for a cozy little happy hour. They’ll be pouring iced golden lattes and serving Kashmiri saffron honey cookies. There will also be a handful of their bright lil’ spice tins for sale. RSVP for free.

Father’s Day Card Printing
Bowne & Co | 12-2pm at 211 Water St, Seaport

For one day only, you can use the Seaport Museum’s printing equipment to print your own Father’s Day card. There will be designers from Bowne & Co there to help you and you can also wander the museum’s card collection while there. RSVP for free.

No recommendations this week since I’m just settling back into the city. I promise to have an extra eventful few days to make up for it next week. Remember to guess where I’m going on my surprise trip to score tickets or early access to an upcoming event.

City happenings: something fun to do everyday in New York

Discussion about this post