Events worthy of checking out this weekend include a Harlem Renaissance-styled take on Shakespeare in Marcus Garvey Park, “Late Show” bandleader Louis Cato performing a sunset show in Bryant Park, an Eric Garner-inspired outdoor opera and the chance to be immersed in some of Edward Hopper’s most famous paintings in the Meatpacking District — all for free!
Theater
“A Midsummer’s Night Dream”
Richard Rodgers Amphitheatre — 18 Mt Morris Park — Manhattan (Harlem)
Through July 28. Tues – Sun. 8:30 p.m.
Fans of free Shakespeare In The Park won’t have to fret that Central Park’s Delacorte Theater is under reconstruction this summer, because Marcus Garvey Park is the place to catch the Bard’s beloved 15th-century comedy.
For its 25th anniversary season, The Classical Theatre of Harlem’s artistic director Carl Cofield has re-staged the classic with the Harlem Renaissance as its backdrop, replete with jazz-inspired choreography by Dell Howlett and early 20th century costumes.
This “Midsummer’s Night Dream” has comedian Russell Peters making his stage and Shakespearean debut as Nick Bottoms. The diverse cast also includes Ra’mya Aikens as Hermia, Hiram Delgado as Lysander, Noah Michal as Helena and Mykal Kilgore as Puck.
“We believe in the power of live theater to bring communities together, and we’re excited to create a magical, enchanting experience that celebrates Harlem’s rich legacy,” producing artistic director Ty Jones said.
Before each weekend performance, vendor pop-ups will feature local artisans, cooks and community-based organizations.
Free.
Film
New York Asian Film Festival
Walter Reade Theater — 165 W 65th Street, Manhattan (Upper West Side)
Through July 28. Various times
One of the highlights of the 2024 New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF) is the world premiere of Kongkiat Komesiri‘s “Operation Undead” on July 20 at 9:15 p.m. followed by a Q&A. The “Khun Pan trilogy” mastermind uses Thailand’s WWII trauma as the backdrop for his genre-bending take on the zombie film.
This year’s event features 90 world, international, and North American premieres and 20 feature debuts — the festival’s largest lineup of newcomers ever. With screenings at Chelsea’s SVA Theatre and LOOK Cinemas on West 57th St., the lineup has an amplified number of films focusing on LGBTQ+ characters and themes.
Tickets are $21 with discounts for seniors, students and persons with disabilities.
Dance
“Ain’t Done Bad”
The Pershing Square Signature Center — 480 W. 42nd St., Manhattan (Midtown)
Through Aug. 31. Various times.
Jakob Karr (of “So You Think You Can Dance” fame) brings his award-winning theatrical dance experience to New York for a limited engagement. Alongside 10 leading dancers, the Orlando-born hoofer tells the coming out story of a gay man in the South — set to the music of masked country star Orville Peck. The 90-minute story is told entirely through contemporary dance without a single spoken word.
Tickets start at $40.
Music
“Carnegie Hall Citywide: Louis Cato”
Bryant Park — Bryant Park Lawn, Manhattan (Midtown)
Fri. July 19. 7 p.m.
Multiinstramentalist Louis Cato, who hasn’t missed a beat since stepping in for Jon Batiste as the bandleader of “The Late Show” in 2022, will give an evening sunset performance in the park. The crowd should expect a blend of R&B, soul, jazz and funk songs — both “Cato Covers,” like those he performs weekly on Instagram, and originals from his album, “Reflections.”
Free.
Opera
“The Ritual of Breath is the Rite to Resist”
Damrosch Park — Amsterdam Ave. and W. 62nd St., Manhattan (Upper West Side)
Fri. July 19, 8:30 p.m.
In remembrance of the 10-year anniversary of Eric Garner’s death in Staten Island, The Flea’s artistic director Niegel Smith will helm a 7-part opera fusing music, text, projected visuals, and movement. Adapted for the outdoors and featuring a chorus of 75 singers from Vy Higginsen’s Sing Harlem and Dartmouth College Gospel Choir, the New York premiere of the work aims to address the ongoing loss of Black life at the hands of police.
Conducted by Kamna Gupta, the opera is a collaboration between composer Jonathan Berger, visual artist Enrico Riley and poet/librettist Vievee Francis. The work centers Garner’s late daughter, Erica — alongside others who have lost their family members to police violence.
“The Ritual of Breath is the Rite to Resist” is a part of a city-wide arts series, including community activities anchored in Staten Island.
Free.
Family
Waterfront Festival
East River Picnic Area — 20 Randall’s Island Park, Wards Island Park (Randall’s Island)
Sat. July 20, noon–3 p.m.
The fourth annual event celebrates water, science and summer fun along Randall’s Island waterfront. Family-friendly activities include face painting and glitter tattoos, lawn games, interactive bubble activities, musical performances, cooking demonstrations, storytime with Boogie Down Books and free treats for all.
Free.
Art
“Step Into Hopper”
Gansevoort Plaza — 38 Gansevoort St., Manhattan (Meatpacking District)
Through July 22.
This weekend is your last chance to catch this celebration of Edward Hopper‘s birthday (June 22). Art lovers get a chance to be a part of the late artist’s most famous paintings. The Meatpacking District Management Association partnered with the Whitney Museum of American Art to activate Theresa Rivera Design‘s life-size, immersive 3D recreations of “Nighthawks,” “Soir Bleu” and “Early Sunday Morning.”
Attendees can literally let life imitate art as they enjoy live interactive elements including a clown performer and complimentary Terremoto Coffee. “Step Into Hopper” coincides with the annual Hopper Bike Ride organized by The Whitney, which prides itself as the largest repository of his artwork.
Free.
If you have an upcoming weekend event you’d like to submit for consideration in an upcoming roundup, please email: [email protected] with the details. Consideration does not guarantee inclusion.
