A Drake-themed cruise, a Brazil-themed street fair, a glow-in-the-dark dance party and more of the best things to do in New York City this weekend.
Watch anime all weekend
It’s the 15th anniversary of Animation Block Party, BAM’s annual survey of what’s new in the cartoon world with four days of shows and movies by professional, indie and student artists here and abroad. This year highlights female animators, and will have a screening dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the anime classic Akira. There’s also a night just for experimental films and music videos. The fest kicks off with a free Opening Night Party at Littlefield on Thursday. July 26-29, BAM Rose Cinemas, 30 Lafayette Ave., Brooklyn, $15, animationblock.com
Prospect Park holds a fish(ing) fry
Some people love fishing for the sake of catching fish, and some just like to hang out and knock back a cold one with friends, then enjoy the spoils later with someone’s secret family recipe. There’s a bit of everything at the Prospect Park Alliance’s Fish, Brew and BBQ event this Thursday with rods, bait and lessons for catching largemouth bass included, plus live music from the Third Wheel Band (for 21+ only). A follow-up event will take place Aug. 30. July 26, 6-9 p.m., Audubon Center, 101 East Dr., Brooklyn, $25, prospectpark.org
Marvel at an up-close magic show
Atlas Obscura brings sleight-of-hand illusionist Siegfried Tieber to New York for three weeks of up-close magic in See/Saw, beginning this weekend in Greenpoint. With this intimate salon-style performance, you’ll have the chance to get up close to the magic while learning about his philosophy — but no matter how close you get, or how keenly you pay attention to his every word and move, it’s unlikely you’ll guess how Tieber pulls off his mesmerizing tricks. July 27-Aug. 26, 9:30-11 p.m., 122 Franklin St., Brooklyn, $74, atlasobscura.com
Taste the fruits of summer
Summer’s fruit harvest is a chance for chefs to experiment with sweet, tart and everything in between. This Friday through Sunday, Dominique Ansel Bakery will transform its entire pastry case into a Summer Marché of 12 different fruit tarts, each featuring one peak-season fruit sourced from around the world like sunshine raspberries (a golden-pink ombré color), Ataulfo Champagne mangoes and Maradol papayas from Mexico. July 27-29, 189 Spring St., $7.50 each, dominiqueansel.com
Plan your fantasy football strategy for 2018
For fantasy football fans, predicting what’s going to happen is just as much fun as watching the games on the field. Fans of the world’s most popular fantasy football podcast (aka the #FootClan) can get their 2018 predictions live this Friday at Fantasy Footballers Podcast Live. The magic happens at the Music Hall of Williamsburg with appearances by hosts Andy Holloway, Mike Wright and Jason Moore on their national Fantasy for the People Tour. July 27, 6:30 p.m., Music Hall of Williamsburg, 66 N. Sixth St., Brooklyn, $25, ballerslive.com
Art meets music at Panorama
Part music festival and part futuristic art fair, Panorama is like no other outdoor event. Created by the organizers of Coachella, Panorama’s headliners for 2018 include Janet Jackson, Gucci Mane, St. Vincent and Sza, and its interactive gallery The Lab returns with five mind-blowing installations. July 27-28, Randall’s Island Park, $125-$555, panorama.nyc
There once was a festival in New York
Calling all romantics! The New York City Poetry Festival returns this weekend to Governors Island with two days of live readings, both inside historic homes and outside in the parks, with the skyline of the city as your backdrop. It’s free to hear from established poets and up-and-comers, though ticketed members get better access. Headliners are Nico Tortorella, Terrance Hayes, Danielle Pafunda and Ladan Osman. Make it a VIP weekend with a tent suite, s’mores by the campfire and breakfast included. July 28-29, Governors Island, free-$2,000, newyorkcitypoetryfestival.com
The EDM party of the summer
There’s no other EDM event quite like Elrow. Taking over Brooklyn Mirage this Saturday, the now-legendary party series that began in Barcelona and has been rocking Ibiza for months is hosting a 10-hour dance fest appropriately themed the Rowlypic Games, so, uh, come dressed in a toga and sneakers? Known for their outrageous stage designs, interactive elements and upbeat house/dance beats, this is where you’ll want to be grooving this Saturday. July 28, 6:30 p.m.-4:30 a.m., $64.99-$99.99, 140 Stewart Ave., Brooklyn, ticketfly.com
Glow-in-the-dark dance party
You choose the music this Saturday at MCU Park in Coney Island, where dancers will fill the Brooklyn Cyclones’ baseball field for a Silent Disco featuring three different DJs competing for their favor. Food and drinks will be on sale, including alcohol, for this 21+ party. Tickets come with free admission to a future Brooklyn Cyclones game, plus glow-in-the-dark gear to make the night even more exciting. July 28, 10 p.m.-2 a.m., MCU Park, 1904 Surf Ave., Brooklyn, $20-$30, quietevents.com
Take an all-Drake cruise of New York Harbor
Just in time for the release of Scorpion, Drake’s fifth solo studio album, the hottest summer cruise you never knew you needed returns. Drake Night: Views From the Ship is three levels of drinking and dancing during a 2.5-hour cruise on the Hornblower Hybrid. It features DJs Quiana Parks, Odalys, Yamez and Va$tie, plus hosts Drumma Boy, Dickbyair and Promise Smith, as well as a Drizzy photobooth and cupcakes almost as sweet as the soulful rapper himself. July 28, 10 p.m., Pier 40, 353 West St., $20-$100, drakenight.splashthat.com
Explore all that is Harlem all month
See what’s cooking, playing and shaking in Manhattan’s neighbor to the north. Harlem Week offers a full month of more than 100 events showcasing the neighborhood’s unique history and international flavor. This year’s celebration focuses on Women Transforming Our World: Past, Present, and Future, with a secondary celebration honoring its LGBTQ residents. Events include panels, music, dance, fashion shows, a Children’s Festival and Harlem Restaurant Week. July 29-Aug. 25, mostly free, harlemweek.com
Eat your way through Brooklyn
Two Brooklyn neighborhoods put their best dishes forward during Tastes of Brooklyn: Carroll Gardens and Cobble Hill. Work up an appetite during a free class at Brooklyn Tango at 2 p.m., then wander along a two-mile trail of participating restaurants and bars offering tasting-size portions redeemed with event tickets. Proceeds benefit Seeds in the Middle, which supports healthy eating for kids. July 29, 2-6 p.m., Carroll Gardens and Cobble Hill, Brooklyn, $20-$50, tastesofbrooklyn.com
Brazil’s beats and bites come to NYC
Brasil Summerfest, the largest music and arts fest of its kind, returns this week with its biggest year yet and runs through Aug. 12. Starting off Sunday at the Hester Street Fair are DJs Gaspar Muniz and Greg Caz, as well as choro music by Regional de NY, samba by Manhattan Samba and drumming from Fogo Azul. Food will include traditional fare like churrasco, coxinhas, feijoada and more, plus beer and sparkling wine. It’s free for all ages. July 29, noon-7 p.m., Seward Park at 25 Essex St., free, brasilsummerfest.com
