This weekend’s events worth checking out include a celebration of Swedish traditions in Battery Park City, a picnic in the park with live jazz music celebrating the legacy of one of the best who ever did it, and an eye-catching beachside mermaid parade (all for free!!!).
And then there’s a “radical reimagining” of one of Broadway’s most iconic works that’s sure to receive 10s across the board.
Theater
“Cats: The Jellicle Ball”
Perelman Arts Center (PAC NYC) — 251 Fulton St. (Tribeca)
Through July 28. Various showtimes.
Andrew Lloyd Webber‘s legendary Broadway musical “Cats” has a new life — serving as the inspiration for this drag ball-ilike extravaganza, which has already been extended twice ahead of its Thursday opening.
Tony Award winner André De Shields, “Hamilton” heartthrob Sydney James Harcourt and “A Strange Loop” scene stealer Antwayn Hopper are among the Broadway faves performing alongside ballroom stars like Junior LaBeija, “Tempress” Chasity Moore, Robert “Silk” Mason and Capital Kaos.
Described as a “radical reimaging” of the original work, Zhailon Levingston‘s purr-fect production features cabaret-style seating so audience members can be fully immersed in the runway action, with choreography by master vogue dancers Arturo Lyons and Omari Wiles.
Tickets start at $68.
Art
“Other of Pearl”
Governors Island National Monument, Fort Jay Magazine — Governors Island
Open Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Through Oct.
Centered on the topics of climate change and biodiversity loss, Jenny Kendler‘s first solo exhibition in New York City is a multi-sensory public art installation featuring works in darkened rooms that echo with whale song (recorded by marine biologist David Gruber).
Inside the cavern-like subterranean magazine of historic Fort Jay — built on Governors Island between 1775 and 1776 — are pearl sculptures grown inside oysters, bells rung by fossilized whale ear bones, a crystalline whale eye cast of sea salt and human tears, glass vials filled with oil from long dead whales, and a human nervous system strung from thousands of tiny pearls.
Free.
Dance
‘SoUNdZ.SaCRoSaNCt”
Joe’s Pub — 425 Lafayette St. Manhattan (East Village)
Fri. June 21, 9:30 p.m and Sat. June 22, 9:30 p.m
Savion Glover, who gained acclaim in Broadway productions of “The Tap Dance Kid” and “Bring in ‘da Noise, Bring in ‘da Funk, returns to his Public Theater stomping grounds with his latest work, “SoUNdZ.SaCRoSaNCt.” A banner presentation for the 2025 Downtown Urban Arts Festival, the new show honors the legends who played an integral role in the two-time Tony Award winning tap dancer’s life and career.
Tickets are $50 with drink and food minimum.
Parade
The 42nd Annual Mermaid Parade
Surf Ave, Brooklyn (Coney Island)
Sat. June 22. 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Thousands of people in their most eye-catching sea-themed attire are expected to attend this year’s event, which marks the unofficial start to summer. The annual parade, featuring marching bands, floats, and antique cars, has been touted as the largest art procession of mermaids and mermen (and the people who love them) in the U.S. since it started four decades ago. Painter/illustrator Joe Coleman and his wife, photographer Whitney Ward, will serve as King Neptune and Queen Mermaid in this year’s celebration.
Free.
Music
Jazzmobile: Sarah Vaughan Centennial
Bryant Park — Bryant Park Lawn, Manhattan (Midtown)
Fri. June 21, 7 p.m.
Perfectly timed with Black Music Month, organizers from Jazzmobile celebrate the 100th birthday of late jazz singer Sarah Vaughan with the vocal stylings of Brooklyn native Charenée Wade. During the special picnic performance, jazz enthusiasts can hear some of The Divine One‘s rich repertoire, which included standards such as “Bewitched (Bothered and Bewildered),” “La Vie en Rose,” “On a Clear Day,” and “Lush Life.”
Free.
Film
“Naked Acts”
BAM Rose Cinemas — 30 Lafayette Ave., Brooklyn (Fort Greene)
Through June 27. Various times.
Author, journalist and Baruch College professor Bridgett M. Davis‘ 1996 feature film is having a welcome reprise in the borough it was set in nearly 30 years ago. In “Naked Acts,” Jake-ann Jones portrays an aspiring actress who is faced with the dilemma of appearing nude in her first role in a low-budget indie film. Her conflict centers on her recent 57-pound weight loss and her history of sexual abuse.
$16. General admission.
Family
Annual Swedish Midsummer Festival
Rockefeller Park — 75 Battery Place (Battery Park City)
Fri. June 21, 5-9 p.m.
Scandinavian folklorist Ross Sutter will conduct a lively dance around the Midsummer pole at this annual event celebrating the summer solstice. Other activities will include children’s games, a parade, traditional Swedish music by Paul Dahlin, fiddlers from the American Swedish Institute and a floral wreath making station. Traditional Swedish food, candy, and beverages will also be on deck for purchase.
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.
