[Ed note: Reminder, we now have a separate roundup for activism-focused events, which we encourage you to check out here.]
1. Have a cartoonishly good weekend at the 14th annual Animation Block Party, four days of animated films from narrative works to student films to international shorts. (All weekend, BAM, varies)
2. Amplify ladies at “That’s What” She Said: A Megaphone for Female Voices, an eclectic assembly of five short plays from Duende Theatre Group and Playful Substance. (All weekend, City Reliquary, $10)
3. Feel meh at Nothing Important, featuring comedians Jo Firestone, Pedro Salinas, Kerry Coddett, Josh Carter, Luke Mones, and Carolyn Busa. (Friday, Friends & Lovers, FREE)
4. Scream in (sexy) terror at The Thing With 10,000 Pasties, a B-movie striptease extravaganza starring Nasty Canasta, Penny Wren, Sapphire Jones, Sydni Deveraux, and many more. (Friday, Littlefield, $15)
5. Get totally tubular at Tainted Love ’80s Dance Party, with DJ Jane Elizabeth spinning new wave, synthpop, glam rock, post-punk, and plenty more. (Friday, Bell House, FREE)
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6. Flaunt your indie fandom at The 2017 Small Press Flea, a summer market featuring 25+ publishers and magazines hawking their literary wares. (Saturday, Brooklyn Public Library, FREE)
7. Nerd all the way out at Blerd City Con, showcasing horror, science-fiction, and fantasy by African Diasporic filmmakers, writers, coders, and creators. (Saturday & Sunday, Dumbo, $28)
8. Put the fun between your legs on the Urban Bike Challenge, a two-wheeled team scavenger hunt with cool prizes; proceeds benefit Transportation Alternatives. (Saturday, Rough Trade, $20)
9. Find your wellness at Harriet’s Apothecary, an “intergenerational healing village” led by queer women of color healers, artists, health professionals, magicians, and activists. (Saturday, ARTs East New York, $5–$20 suggested)
10. Groove it out at Tropical NYC Dub, a garden party with grub from Ceviche Summer, DJs from Crazy Baldhead Sound System, and live music from Consumata Sonidera and Escarioka. (Saturday, The People’s Garden, FREE)
11. Wander through the art at Hot Wood Open Studios, with plenty of work to peruse plus music from The Amazing Sammo and Shaky Dave, Latchkey Lights, and DJ WashMachine. (Saturday, Hot Wood Arts, FREE)
12. Delve into drama at Migrants at Midnight, a journey through a summer night in 1990s NYC through cascading stories. (Saturday & Sunday, The Hive NYC, $15)
13. Heal thyself at Mthr Fking Therapy, with crafting tables, an open mic, mellow performances, and vendors. (Saturday, Silent Barn, $2–$5 suggested)
14. Sweat it out at R & She, a night dedicated to the ladies of hip-hop and R&B from the ’90s and ’00s, spun by David Oh and Robi D Light. (Saturday, C’mon Everybody, $5)
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15. Queer it up at For Us Fest, a day of performances and art highlighting QTPOC performers including Josiah Forde, Cynthia Bukilwa, Hameer Zawawi, Nia and Ness, Bringing Beautiful Back to Black, and many more. (Sunday, Knockdown Center, FREE)
16. Better bring earplugs to Backyard Hi-Fi Sessions, exploring the connections between hip-hop, reggae, and bass through Dub-Stuy’s custom-built 15,000W Jamaican-style soundsystem. (Sunday, Trans-Pecos, $5 before 4pm; $10 after)
17. Celebrate the stories of the city at Bushwick Starr’s Ghetto Hors D’oeuvres, a daylong party with food, activities, games, live music, DJs, and poetic theatrical performances. (Sunday, Maria Hernandez Park, FREE)
18. Don’t even think of frowning at Always Happy Video Comedy Bop, a night of comedy videos and shorts curated and hosted by Jed Feiman and Nehemiah Markos. (Sunday, Brooklyn Bazaar, $5)
19. Giggle rapturously at Prayerz, where comedians perform multimedia pieces; with Lorelei Ramirez, Joe Castle Baker, Annie Donley, Christopher Garner, and Hayden Maxwell. (Sunday, Vital Joint, $10)
20. Get euphoric at That Was Fantastic, a variety show featuring Ruby McCollister, Karolena Theresa, Cole Escola, Karmenife X, Tommy Pico, and Max Wittert. (Sunday, New Women Space, $5)
Want more? Check out our full events calendar and add your own event today!
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