Thursday, September 22, 2011

Wednesday Weekly: Something To Look Forward To.

Is it still Wednesday? Technically, no. But, as I have not gone to sleep yet, it's still Wednesday for me. A little delayed, but here is your Wednesday Weekly:

Calling All Nerds and Nerdettes:
Are you a Jedi or a Dark Lord? If you don't know, you had better decide by Saturday, because Newmindspace, notorious for holding ridiculous events like flash mob-style pillow fights and bubble battles, has another free, massive event coming up in NYC -- a Lightsaber Battle! On Saturday night, from 9pm to 11pm, be prepared to use (or misuse) The Force in what Newmindspace promises will be an "ultimate nocturnal showdown." And while the event IS completely free, you should probably reserve a $5 lightsaber on the event's website, as it is offered at a significant discount from most stores. Plus, if you sign up, you may get an email inviting you to get free ice cream on Battle Day from Van Leeuwen Ice Cream...

Calling All Hipsters:
RADIOHEAD IS FINALLY PLAYING A SHOW IN NYC!! Next week, the epic rock band that came on the scene in the 1980s and forever changed the genre, is returning after a long US touring hiatus to play Roseland Ballroom for two nights only (which, unfortunately for some, happen to fall on the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah...), September 28 and 29. Tickets for the shows will be nearly $80 with taxes and fees, but it will be worth it, if you can get tickets. U.K. website W.A.S.T.E. will begin selling tickets on Friday, but tickets will not be on sale at ticketmaster or Roseland's box office until Monday morning, September 26, and there is a two ticket limit per person, pick-up only on the night of the show(s). Britain's The Independent also notes that Radiohead will in fact be touring in 2012.

Calling All Lushes:
Oktoberfest is in full swing in Germany, but you don't have to travel to Deutschland to celebrate, as NYC has recently become practically littered with Bavarian-style (or so these establishments claim...) beer gardens. And if you have an iPhone or iPad, there's even an app for that.
Of the more than 50 beer gardens, I have been to at least 7-- Loreley, Bierhaus, Radegast Hall, Zum Schneider, Berry Park, Studio Square, and the Bohemian Hall Beer Garden, which claims to be the oldest beer garden in NYC.
My favorite, so far, is a toss up between Radegast, in Williamsburg, and Bohemian Hall, in Astoria. Bohemian is great because of its old-school charm and outdoor space (I wonder if they do weddings?...), although the bouncers can be pretentious. Radegast is large and friendly, with a varied beer assortment, but has no outdoor space. Both have very delicious food. Loreley, on the Lower East Side, is also at the top for food, especially soft pretzels. And, as much as I hate to admit it, the spicy fries at Studio Square are fairly addictive, even if the bar feels douchey and soulless. Zum Schneider and Berry Park are decent, although neither stands out as spectacular. Finally, Bierhaus just tries too hard ($10 to anyone who can avoid staring at the chest of the "Wench" serving your beer).

Calling All Festival Lovers:
I should have posted this one last week... Starting September 16, but running through Friday, September 23, Bryant Park is hosting a Fall Festival to kick off the vibrant fall cultural season in New York City. The festival features musical and dance performances, poetry readings, children's theatre and more. A full schedule of events is available here.

The 11th annual Coney Island Film Festival takes place this weekend, from Friday through Sunday. Prices vary based on screenings and parties you decide to attend. The film festival is a non-profit arts project that benefits Coney Island, and will feature some special "made in Coney Island" films. What better excuse to go ride the Cyclone!

UPDATE: Thanks to theskint for reminding me about the annual DUMBO Arts Festival, also taking place this weekend. From the festival's organizers: "Each year the DUMBO Arts Festival seeks to highlight Brooklyn's commitment to and presence in the arts community by presenting the best in local, national, and international art amid the breathtaking backdrop of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline." I have been to this one before, and the festival is definitely a gem.

Still Ongoing:
Also, don't forget that there are a few good events that I mentioned last week which are still ongoing!

Happy Wednesday/Thursday!

No comments:

Post a Comment