ARTS
This sprawling, totally free and often participatory arts fair is like a glimpse into the psyche of New York-based artists. Participants are given a theme — this year’s is Stranger Comes to Town — then select the works to suit it, making for a varied and often surprising show. Should you fall in love — which, as we all know, can happen over Spring/Break — the pieces are available for sale. Through March 12, 4 Times Square, 140 W. 43rd St., free, springbreakartshow.com
FILM
Part of its month-long lineup of events surrounding its massive new exhibition, David Bowie Is, which opened this week and runs through July 15, the Brooklyn Museum is screening Basquiat, in which the actor/musician plays Andy Warhol stars as fellow ‘80s legend Jean-Michel Basquiat. Because this is an interactive Little Cinema production, there will be live music by Brian Kelly, a dance performance by the Love Show and more. March 8, 7-10 p.m., Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Auditorium, 200 Eastern Pkwy, Brooklyn, $16, brooklynmuseum.org
SHOPPING
Browse the restaurants and high-end shops of the Meatpacking District during Open Market, which gathers the area’s best businesses for an indoor block party. Enjoy unlimited samples from 25 bars and restaurants, plus extreme markdowns from more than a dozen local retailers like Rag & Bone to Helmut Lang and live music. All proceeds go toward maintaining the Meatpacking District. March 8, 6:30-10:30 p.m., Highline Stages, 441 W. 14th St., $75-$350, openmarketnyc.com
COMEDY
Apologies From Men: The Concert
Why is it so hard for men to say sorry? Aiming to highlight the weak apologies recently made by famous men, comedian Lauren Maul amped up the absurdity by setting their words to music and accompanying them with animated videos. Using real words from the likes of Kevin Spacey, Harvey Weinstein and Louis CK, her live concert shows just how silly it sounds to skirt around one genuine “sorry.” Her album also debuts online the day of the concert. March 9, 9:30 p.m., P.I.T., 123 E. 24th St., $10, thepit-nyc.com
MUSIC
All-Star Irish Rock Revue Band
St. Patrick’s Day isn’t until next week, but start celebrating this weekend with the The All-Star Irish Rock Revue Band, which pulls together the best performers from Dublin to NYC to play the hell out of top Irish jams. This is their 20th anniversary concert, so expect more craic than ever. Hosted by Joe Hurley and Edward Rogers, this event combines talents ranging from the worlds of rock’n’roll to Broadway, from Michael Cerveris (Fun Home) to Dennis Dunaway (Alice Cooper Group Hall-of-Famer). March 10, 8 p.m., City Winery, 122 Varick St., $45-$65, citywinery.com
COMEDY
Some of the funniest Muslims across the U.S. have gotten together for a cross-country comedy tour, and it’s making a stop in NYC. Not only is the Super Muslim Comedy Tour a chance to support diversity in an unbalanced industry and be the first to discover rising talent, there’s also free snacks and drinks to keep your hands busy between clapping for top talents like Aman Ali, Travina Springer, Moses the Comic and Yasmin Elhady. March 10, 6-9 p.m., NYU Global Center, 238 Thompson St., $20-$25, pennyappealusa.org
PARTY
It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing. Thankfully, Swing House’s 10th anniversary party kicks off with a dance lesson for anyone who needs a refresher before cutting a rug at Gemini and Scorpio’s Jazz Age-themed soiree. The night includes costumes, casino tables, live jazz bands, burlesque dancers and a free champagne toast to kick off the celebration. It all takes place at a secret, speakeasy-style loft in Gowanus; the address comes with your ticket. March 10, 9 p.m., Brooklyn, $20-$80, geminiandscorpio.com
MUSIC
Things are bound to heat up this Saturday night at the Cutting Room as nine scorching-hot bands face off for both glory and a worthy cause at the Battle of the Firehouse Bands. (Oh, yes, and the $1,000 cash prize doesn’t hurt, either.) Each contending band features at least one member of the FDNY playing in it, and funds raised go toward the Ray Pfeifer Foundation. March 10, 6:30-11:30 p.m., Cutting Room, 44 E. 32nd St., $20, thecuttingroomnyc.com
TRIBUTE
If you haven’t been able to score a ticket for the Boss’s Broadway run — or just can’t get enough — hear his tunes the musical theater way at 54 Below. Stage stars will perform their best renditions of hits like Born to Run, Born in the USA and Dancing in the Dark. They include Grace Mclean (Great Comet), Jessica Vosk (Wicked) and Jon-Michael Reese (Book of Mormon). March 11, 7 & 9:30 p.m., 54 Below, 254 W. 54th St., $45-$90, 54below.com
