1. Dork out at the Nerd Nite, with lectures on mind-reading, the science of hangovers, and the history of music videos. Come early for trivia before the presentations. (Friday, Littlefield, $10)
2. See some northerly artistry at BarnFest 2017, a showcase of works developed at the Barn Arts Collective in Maine, with 20+ performances throughout the weekend. (Friday through Sunday, Cloud City, $12)
3. Listen to literature in many languages at Us & Them, a writer/translator reading series featuring Bonnie Chau, Elisa Wouk Almino, Jeremy Tiang, and Virginia Konchan. (Friday, Molasses Books, FREE)
4. Hear from smart and funny folks at Pulitzer Surprises, with a slew of comedians including Hasan Minhaj, Eliza Cossio, and Caroline Schaper, plus actual Pulitzer Prize-winner Amy Harmon. (Friday, Union Hall, $6)
5. Groove it out at BAMCafé Live, where Brooklyn-based multimedia musicians Soul Science Lab will present their “innovative Afro-futuristic griot” sound. (Friday & Saturday, BAMCafé, FREE)
6. See some lovely ladies at Nasty Canasta’s Nasty Women, with “fierce, fearless striptease” from Jeez Loueez, Angie Pontani, Bunny Buxom, Dangrrr Doll, and many more. (Friday, Bell House, $20)
7. Baile the night away at Bodega Nights, a monthly Latin dance party featuring cumbia, salsa, dancehall, merengue, and more. (Friday, Our Wicked Lady, FREE)
________
8. Gorge without guilt at the Ready Set Snow Vegan Shop-Up, with dozens of vendors hawking cruelty-free items, from food to cosmetics to drinks. (Saturday, Pine Box Rock Shop, FREE)
9. Build up your resistance at Anti-Trump Free School, a day of workshops, teach-ins, and skill-shares about combatting xenophobia, hate crimes, white supremacy, and environmental destruction. (Saturday, Mayday Space, $10–$20 suggested)
10. Or load up on materials at the Inauguration Resistance Propaganda Party, with dozens of organizations, activists, designers, and artists distributing their flyers, stickers, posters, buttons, and more. (Saturday & Sunday, Interference Archive, FREE)
11. See some splendid moves at Coil 2017: A Study on Effort, a collaboration between dancer Bobbi Jene Smith and violinist Keir GoGwilt. (Saturday, Invisible Dog, $20)
12. Start getting empowered at We Got This: Inaugurate Yourself Party, with rotating DJ smartphone sets (bring 2–3 songs to share!), plus community conversation to bolster for the fight ahead. (Saturday, Industry City Distillery, FREE)
13. Hear some mean tales at Cynical Ba$tard Story Hour, featuring Phil Gable, Lynn Bixenspan, Brooke Arnold, and Rob Penty. (Saturday, Salzy, FREE/one drink min)
14. Get the giggles at the Human Citizen Comedy Show, with jokes by Emma Willmann, Sarah Tollemache, Jess Salmon, Rojo Perez, Frank Z, and Justin Williams. (Saturday, Art Café and Bar, $5)
15. Queer it all up at Switch n Play: Moxie, with drag and burlesque from Celia Foxglove, Maxxx Pleasure, Regal Mortis, Satine S’allumer, and many more. (Saturday, Branded Saloon, $7–$20 suggested)
16. Show your faith and devotion at the Music for the Masses Dance Party, with DJ Shred and DJ Rob Krush spinning Depeche Mode and ’80s new wave, synthpop, and Brit pop all night. (Saturday, The Bedford, FREE)
________
17. Trick out your DIY manicure at the Nail Art Make-a-Long, a guided craft party with stencils, glitter, tape, and other supplies, plus a nail polish exchange. (Sunday, NYC Resistor, $12)
18. Swan you way over to Voluption, a Sunday afternoon soirée with music and performances from Pussy Grabs Back, Howie Solo, DJ Baby K, and more. (Sunday, Rubulad, $10)
19. Hear some great tales at the Bodega Monthly Storytelling Show, featuring Shelby Thompson, Jessica Numsuwankijkul, Crystal Clear, Hannah Cowger, Adam Selbst, Kala Jerzy, and Mariette Papic. (Sunday, The Bodega, FREE)
20. Study up on NYC’s recent past at Why Does the History of Squatting in NYC Matter?, an evening of screenings and discussion with cultural anthropologist and former squatter Amy Starecheski. (Sunday, UnionDocs, $10)
Want more? Check out our full events calendar and add your own event today!
Wouldn’t you love to have all these events in your inbox? Subscribe!