Mermaid Parade, rooftop bar crawl and more things to do in NYC

MUSIC

“Rufus Does Judy at Carnegie Hall”
June 16-17, 8 p.m.
Carnegie Hall, 881 Seventh Ave.
$45-$200

In 2006, Rufus Wainwright — singer-songwriter and gay idol — booked Carnegie Hall to perform a full-length tribute to Judy Garland, recreating her famous 1961 concert. Ten years later, Wainwright is returning to Carnegie Hall to perform the same concert again in homage to his tribute to Garland. It really doesn’t get more meta than that (at least, not until 2026). Songs include “The Trolley Song,” “Puttin’ on the Ritz” and “Over the Rainbow.”

DRINKS

Rooftop Bar Crawl
June 16-18, 6 p.m.
Multiple venues
$45-$75

What’s better than one rooftop happy hour? How about three? Rooftop Bar Crawl gives you express entry to three of the city’s best rooftops, one free drink per stop (plus discounts after that) and travel between destinations. Participating venues may include Cantina Rooftop, Hudson Terrace, Sky Room and more. You can buy packages for extra drinks, or even create your own Rooftop Bar Crawl for $65. Plus, each ticket contributes five meals to the Food Bank for New York.

NYC Craft Beer Festival
June 17-18
Lexington Avenue Armory, 68 Lexington Ave.
$55-$75

It’s the fifth anniversary of the NYC Craft Beer Festival, and it’s bound to be an especially fun event this year at the historic Lexington Avenue Armory. You can choose from one of three sessions over two days, this Friday and Saturday. Each session is three hours long and features tastes of 150 beers, ciders and meads from 75 participating breweries. Or, if you want to go the VIP route, you can enjoy an extra hour of tastings, plus exclusive access to certain sips.

ART

Art School Acid Dropout
June 17, 8 p.m.
The Creek and Cave,10-93 Jackson Ave., LIC
$5

You know what they say: Don’t drink and draw. Oh wait, they don’t say that. You should definitely do that, and you should do it at “Art School Acid Dropout,” a comedy show hosted by cartoonist Grant Lindahl at the Creek and Cave. Five comedians take the stage, and during their standup they’re sketched by a guest artist and the audience (you have to bring your own materials). The best drawing of the night gets a prize. Plus, the first 20 arrivals get a limited-edition poster. Plus, there’s beer. And it’s all just $5.

CRAWL

Thrillist’s Best Day of Your Life
June 18, 1-7 p.m.
Various locations in Brooklyn
$75

This Saturday will be the longest day of the year, and Thrillist is packing as much fun (and food, and booze) into it as possible. The “completely ridiculous” event will play out across a dozen restaurants and bars, with treats like DIY Schmackary’s cookies, a Bloody Mary bar at Heatonist, brunch on the patio of Falcon Laundry and more indulgent fun. —Eva Kis

FESTIVAL

Mermaid Parade
June 18, 1-4 p.m.
Coney Island, West 21st Street and Surf Avenue to Steeplechase Plaza
Free

Any activity that involves parading around in bikinis, wigs, glitter and fishnets is bound to be a good time — especially if it’s free to toss on your tail and take part. That’s why Coney Island’s Mermaid Parade has been a seasonal highlight for the past 34 years. This Saturday, it will send marching bands, costumed dancers, drill teams, floats and more streaming down Surf Avenue. Supermodel Hailey Clauson is 2016’s Queen Mermaid, while Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce President Carlo A. Scissura is King Neptune.

OUTDOORS

Adventures NYC 2016
June 18, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Central Park Bandshell, enter at 72nd Street
Free

Central Park is our urban playground 24/7, but this weekend’s massive outdoor activity fest brings once-a-year thrills like stand-up paddleboarding, a mountain bike course, kids boot camp and kayaking. Over 25,000 people are expected, so get there early because lines may close before the event ends. —Eva Kis

MUSIC

The Cure
June 18-20, 8 p.m.
Madison Square Garden, 4 Pennsylvania Plaza
$30-$130

The Cure are as significant – and electric – as ever, if the effusive reviews in their wake are any indication. Their 2016 tour comes to NYC for three nights this weekend, the English rock band’s first major North American tour since 2008. The Cure Tour 2016 promises to span the complete 37 years of the band’s hits and favorites, plus some unreleased tracks. The Twilight Sad open.

FOOD

Egg Rolls, Egg Creams & Empanadas Festival
June 19, noon-4 p.m.
Museum at Eldridge Street, 12 Eldridge St.
Free

Eldridge Street, which runs through Chinatown and the Lower East Side, bridges diverse communities that have contributed dynamically to the neighborhood’s cultural and culinary scene. This Sunday, the Museum at Eldridge Street celebrates the confluence of these cultures with Jewish, Chinese and Puerto Rican art, language, music and games — plus, of course, food! The block party is free to attend and benefits the Eldridge Street Synagogue.

ARTS

Queerly Festival
June 20-July 2
Kraine Theater, 85 E. Fourth St.
Free-$25

Talk, laugh, learn and find your people at the second annual Queerly Festival at Kraine Theater. Through a combo of stories, songs, poetry and plays, artists share their experiences growing up with two dads (“Upstream Swimming”), taking a bathroom break while trans (“Queer Memoir”) and trying to answer the Monthly Question, which is “Why Homophobia?” There’s also a new cabaret by Dandy Darkly and a special edition of “Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind (30 Gay Shows in 60 Straight Minutes).”

NETWORKING

Evening in the Garden
June 22, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
The Conservatory Garden,Fifth Ave. and E. 105th St.
$125-$175

If networking is not usually your thing, how about trying it among other young professionals in the open air of Central Park? The event includes small bites, cocktails, live music and stunning views of the greenery and fountains. Your ticket is $125 in advance or $175 day-of, and all of it supports the Central Park Conservancy.