Coney Island will be taken over by mythical creatures and their human worshipers this weekend.
Credit: Kenny Lombardi
Here’s what to do on the year’s longest weekend. Happy Summer Solstice!
ARTS & CRAFTS
World of Beads: Celebrating 25 Years
Friday-June 22, Noon (Fri), 10 a.m. (Weekend)
Fashion Institute of Technology
227 W. 27th St.
$5, 212-217-7999
www.nybead.org
Celebrating 25 years of this timeless art form, the Bead Society of Greater New York presents a three-day festival exhibiting works by some of FIT’s finest bead artists. Also: demonstrations, free mini-workshops, a children’s beading table and vendors. Get your bead on!
BAR HOPPING
Astoria Tour de Bar Summer Solstice 2014
Saturday, Noon
Katch Astoria
3119 Newtown Ave., Astoria
$30-$40, www.astoriatourdebar.eventbrite.com
It’s the first day of summer and there’s only one way to celebrate the ridiculously hot temperatures coming our way – drinking at over 20 bars throughout the afternoon. Meet up at Katch to receive a map, wristband, backpack, visor and shot glass, and get ready to enjoy a free gin tasting, specials on craft beer, wine, sangria, mixed drinks, free BBQ and more. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Childhood Cancer Society.
PARADE
Coney Island Mermaid Parade
Saturday, 1 p.m.
Coney Island
West 21st Street and Surf Avenue
Free, www.coneyisland.com
Spend the day with these mythological creatures, who have washed up on the shores of Coney Island for this annual parade celebrating the seaside’s unique and amazing art scene with floats, music, food, antique cars, dance and more. The costumes are always amazing, and the original Nathan’s Famous is right there!
SPORTS
World Cup Party: Portugal vs. USA
June 22, 6 p.m.
Slattery’s Midtown Pub
8 East 36th St.
$35-$40, 212-683-6444
www.sportchaser.com
Every four years, Americans become obsessed with soccer during the World Cup, and after Team USA pulled off a surprise upset against Ghana, you won’t want to miss them take the field again. More importantly, your ticket entitles you to an open bar with free draft beer, wine and well drinks during the game.
Celebrate France in the Upper East Side on Sunday.
Credit: Provided
BLOCK PARTY
La Guinguette du Languedoc-Roussillon
June 22, Noon
East 74th Street between Fifth and Madison avenues
Free, en.destinationsuddefrance.com
Party like you’re in the south of France with a day of dancing and feasting. An entire block will be taken over by a very long table where guests can sit and choose from a selection of French foods to purchase or eat on the spot. French-born chef Laurent Kalkotour of Atrium in Dumbo will be making the classic dish brandade de morue, the Van Leeuwen Ice Cream truck will be on hand to cool you off, Perrier will quench your thirst, and the list goes on and on.
MUSIC
Black Flag
June 22, 7 p.m.
Europa Night Club
98 Meserole Ave., Greenpoint
$25, 917-826-1119
www.blackflagofficial.com
Whether you’re on team Keith Morris or team Greg Ginn (or maybe you just like Henry Rollins), you still want to hear these songs played live, at top speed and volume. Black Flag (not to be confused with Morris’ FLAG) hit Brooklyn hard for a night that’s sure to leave your ears ringing and bones aching.
BOOKS
I Like Your Glasses: Queer Ladies Literary Speed Dating with CoverSpy
June 24, 7 p.m.
Housing Works Bookstore Café
126 Crosby St.
$15, 212-334-3324
www.housingworks.org
Speed dating for ladies who want to meet ladies and judge a book by its cover – literally. Bring your favorite book and meet other readers with like-minded interests. When you purchase your ticket, you’ll be asked a few questions about your reading preferences and then be seated accordingly. Your ticket gets you 10 percent off all books that night plus a free drink, and all proceeds go to Housing Works’ mission to fight homelessness and AIDS.
Raymond Pettibon + Kim Gordon
June 25, 7 p.m.
The Strand, 828 Broadway
$20 Strand Gift Card or Book Purchase
212-473-1452, www.strandbooks.com
Join artist Raymond Pettibon and Sonic Youth founding member Kim Gordon for a chat, and the release of Pettibon’s new book “Raymond Pettibon: To Wit.” Gordon is a long-time fan of Pettibon and has written about him in her recent book “Is It My Body?” which will also be available.
COMING UP
The Lost Circus Fourth Anniversary
July 12, 9 p.m.
Irondale Center
85 S Oxford St., Fort Greene
$20-$25, 718-488-9233
www.geminiandscorpio.com
It’s circus meets dark cabaret in a 19th-century church with stained glass windows and a wraparound balcony. Stilts, aerial action, fire play, specialty potions by The House of St Eve including absinthe and other magical spirits, and more. Expect live bands, music, dance and circus fun with a steampunk twist.
