FILM
Fashion is never just about clothes; the colors, fabrics and attitudes from the runways stride into pop culture. Presented by i-D Magazine at Nitehawk Cinema, the Fashion and Film series explores its influence on the silver screen with three nights of 35mm screenings that speak to the fashion influences of select designers (Creatures of the Wind, Adam Selman and Josh Altuzarra, respectively). It culminates in a talk with Isaac Mizrahi and a screening of “Unzipped.” Aug. 3, 10, 17, 31, 7:30 p.m., 136 Metropolitan Ave., Brooklyn, $16, nitehawkcinema.com
BOOKS
Lonely boys have their manifestos, independent women have their “Bitch Doctrine.” Journalist Laurie Penny covers everything from modern politics to sex work in her new book, with a talk and singing at The Strand. Entry is either a $15 gift card or purchase of a book for Penny to autograph. Aug. 3, 7 p.m., The Strand, 828 Broadway, $15-$27, strandbooks.com
ARTS
If you’re looking for somewhere to kick back and enjoy the cooler sunsets through September, find your chill vibes Live at the Archway in DUMBO. Each Thursday for the next two months, musicians take the stage under the Manhattan Bridge — and it’s free to listen to the likes of Ghost Train Orchestra, Los Chantas, Hot Sardines and Gaijin A Go-Go. There are interactive art installations to explore, where you can meet the artists, and there’s beer and wine for sale. Aug. 3-Sept. 28, 6:30 p.m., Under the Manhattan Bridge Archway, Brooklyn, free, dumbo.is
FILM
The National Black Theatre’s 2017 Hip Hop Film Festival kicks off Thursday with “Swagger” in both name and deed (followed by a Q&A with director Olivier Babinet), closing with “And iDanced,” a documentary about the dancers who brought the music videos of the ‘80s and ‘90s to life. But it doesn’t actually let up until the final Art After Dark on Sunday, with an open bar and music by Black Medallions and Alim Smith. (Nightly after-parties are free with your ticket). Aug. 3-6, various locations, Free-$200, hiphopfilmfestival.org
MUSIC
Created but not finished while the prolific rapper, hip-hop producer and composer was still alive, the tribute to J Dilla that’s being staged at Lincoln Center this weekend now pays homage to a lifetime of musical contributions. Miguel Atwood-Ferguson’s “Suite for Ma Dukes” samples Dilla’s entire catalog, along with pieces that influenced the musician and those influenced by his work, all performed live by a 25-piece jazz orchestra. All of the LC Out of Doors festival is free. Aug. 4, 7:30 p.m., Lincoln Center Plaza, free, lcoutofdoors.org
SUMMER
See a new side of the city by departing from the sidewalks and taking to the streets. For three Saturdays this month, seven miles of Manhattan will be closed for half the day to accommodate pedestrians, art displays, performances and vendors, with lanes ranging from the Brooklyn Bridge to Park Avenue. This event not only clears traffic and lets you move through the city on your own terms, it also offers a waterpark, workshops, rest stops and more along the way. Aug. 5, 12, 19, 7 a.m.-1 p.m., Manhattan, Free, nyc.gov
CULTURE
For one week each year, you can catch some of South America’s finest artists in a festival that brings together live concerts, film screenings and block parties to celebrate the best of Brazil. Brasil Summerfest 2017 features performances by Elza Soares, Rodrigo Campos, Forro in the Dark, O Terno and Aline Muniz. Many artists are making their N.Y. or U.S. debuts. Events take place across the city — and some are free — so there’s something for everyone to check out. Aug. 5-13, Various locations and times, Free-$20, brasilsummerfest.com
NATURE
For over 20 years, Ecofest has been combining education and entertainment to spread the word about important environmental messages of the day. And when have we ever needed that more than now? The West Side Cultural Center’s festival takes over Times Square this Sunday with performances, talks and workshops meant to start conversations, provide information about local volunteer opportunities and discuss practical ways to contribute to a healthier planet. Aug. 6, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Times Square, Free, ecofest.com
BOOKS
Anytime of year, you can visit bookstores and hear authors read from their latest works. But there are only a few months when you can picnic in the park and hear authors speak with a light breeze carrying their words off the page. With just two dates left in August, Books Beneath the Bridge closes its summer series with readings, signings and Q&As by Jill Eisenstadt (“Swell”) and then both Jenny Zhang (“Sour Heart“) and Alissa Nutting (“Made for Love”). Aug. 7 & 11, Granite Prospect, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Free, brooklynbridgepark.org
ARTS
“The Rise and Fall (and Rise) of Martha Stewart”
It was a scandal we couldn’t look away from when one of America’s most beloved and benign personalities became a federal criminal. Actor Ryan Raftery captures the highs, the lows and the inherent hilarity of the Martha Stewart madness — while poking fun at our own fascination with it — in his new one-man musical at Joe’s Pub. This is the last of his “Titans of Media” trilogy that takes celebs down to a human level; he previously tackled Anna Wintour and Andy Cohen. Aug. 7, 22, 28 & Sept. 11-12, 7 p.m., Joe’s Pub, 425 Lafayette Ave., $35, joespub.org
