8 things to do this weekend in NYC, April 23-27

Capture NYC
April 24-25
The Waterfront,222 12th St.
$150-$250

Spend the last weekend of April tasting more than 120 kinds of small-batch wines from innovative indie winemakers. The event ends with a late-night afterparty starting at 10 p.m. While wine is the highlight of this two-day fest, the featured labels are paired with local bites and creative cocktails. Part of the ticket proceeds go toward the Food Bank for New York City.

Pet Super Adoption
April 24, 4-8 p.m.; April 25-26. 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Altman Building,135 W. 18th St.
Free

If you’re in the market for a new best friend, why not try one that’s four-legged and full of unconditional love? This weekend, the Best Friends Society is hosting a Pet Super Adoption at the Altman Building in Manhattan. More than 600 cats and dogs, from pups to seniors, will be there from 30 citywide agencies. And yes, you can bring your current canine to see if he has any opinions on the matter. Adoptions start at just $25 – plus, of course, the promise of a good home.

Hot Sauce Expo
April 25-26
Brooklyn Expo, 79 Franklin St.
$10-$100

Join over 10,000 of your hot-blooded friends at this weekend’s third annual celebration of all things spicy at the Brooklyn Expo. Prepare to finda new favorite among 47 vendors, watch the first class of the Hot Sauce Hall of Fame be inducted and, for the truly fearless, there’s a Guinness World Record-certified eating contest to see who can be the master of the Carolina Reaper.

Sakura Matsuri
April 25-26
Brooklyn Botanic Garden,150 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn
$25

Celebrate the old and new traditions of Japanese culture in what’s forecast to be near-perfect spring weather this weekend among the blooming cherry blossoms at Brooklyn Botanic Garden. For two days, there will be taiko drumming shows, kabuki dance, samurai sword fights, traditional tea ceremonies, cosplay fashion shows and more in the orchard. Buy your ticket in advance to skip the lines.

Opening Day at Pier 16
April 25, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
South Street Seaport Museum,Pier 16, 89 South St.
Free

Channel your inner sailor: It’s opening day for a new season of interactive attractions and educational activities onboard real maritime vessels at the South Street Seaport Museum. There will be free games, including scavenger hunts and skills labs, as well as tours of the cargo ship Peking and lightship Ambrose. Ever wanted to learn how to rig a traditional fishing schooner from 1893? You’ll have your chance here. There will also be a “petting zoo” of sorts, plus food and live music.

Bacon and Beer Classic
April 25, noon-3 p.m. or 7-10 p.m.
Citi Field,123-01 Roosevelt Ave., Queens
$79-$139

Guys, it’s called the Bacon and Beer Classic. Do we need to twist your arm? The “designated driver,” (aka bacon-only) packages are sold out, so you’ll just have to buck up and drink. Taste through 43 bacon-based dishes and 120 brews – you’re guaranteed a satisfying spring activity. Swimsuit season is far enough away, if you needed an excuse.

5K Run/Walk & Family Day
April 26, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
Pier 26, Hudson River at N. Moore St.
$30-$50

Join athletes of every age and ability level for the 9/11 Memorial’s third annual fun run. The “race” begins at Pier 26 at 7 a.m., winding through Battery Park and ending at Liberty and Greenwich, where live music, activity tents and food trucks will be waiting. Kids walk free, and proceeds benefit the 9/11 Memorial.

Night Out for No Kid Hungry
April 27, 7 p.m.
23 Wall St.
$350

It’s great when you can visit an iconic landmark, try world-class cuisine and support a great cause all in one go, right? Well, your chance is coming up as 23 Wall St. serves as the pop-up venue for Taste the Nation, where some of the country’s top chefs and mixologists will be on hand to entertain the palates of attendees to benefit No Kid Hungry and End Childhood Hunger in America.

On Sale Soon

Forest Hills Stadium summer concert series
Tickets on sale April 24; showsbegin May 28
1 Tennis Place, Queens
Prices vary

Joining a sweet summer concert lineup that kicks off with Ed Sheeran, new acts have just been confirmed for Forest Hills Stadium and will go on sale Friday. Sadly, Sheeran’s gigs are already sold out, so don’t miss out on this batch of tickets. The Who comes to Queens on May 30 on their 50th anniversary tour (wow), while Van Morrison plays with special guest Taj Mahal on June 19. Looking ahead, James Taylor and Santana will also swing through Queens.

Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic
May 30; tickets go on sale April 29
Liberty State Park,200 Morris Pesin Dr.,Jersey City, N.J.
$65-$500

Champagne and polo: It’s like beer and ballparks dressed up in mom’s heels. The Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic is going on its eighth year of the fanciest day you’ll spend in the park. Entry is $65; for $125, you’ll get extra privileges and a ticket for the ferry. If you’ve got a tax refund to blow, you might go for the $500 VIP package, which includes a bottle of Veuve Cliquot, reserved seating, a fast pass for the ferry and a $100 gift card.