This week’s events to check out include many free activities, such as a head-turning — and possibly mouth-watering — sculpture in Times Square, a new Tribeca gallery exhibit showcasing the works of a trailblazing visual artist, and Brooklyn Public Library‘s ultra-inclusive alternative to Anna Wintour’s $50,000-per-person Met Gala.
Music
“Wall to Wall: Prince”
Symphony Space — 2537 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10025
Sat. May 4 at 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Curator Monique Martin produces a day-long tribute to the late creator of “Purple Rain” which is celebrating its 40th anniversary.
The 8-hour event will feature artists such as Kendra Foster, Felice Belle, The Rakiem Walker Project and The Hawtplates performing works from the Minneapolis native’s expansive music catalog.
An exclusive conversation with the team bringing “Purple Rain” to Broadway is also planned — alongside live DJ sets from Stormin’ Norman throughout the day at the Peter Jay Sharp Theater.
Free.
Art
“Enter Andrew Wyeth”
Schoelkopf Gallery — 390 Broadway 3rd floor, New York, N.Y. 10013
Through June 28. Mon.- Fri. 10 a.m. – 6 pm, and Sat. 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. for walk-ins and by appointment.
The fine art gallery, which recently relocated to a space in Tribeca, presents 25 pieces from one of America’s most famous painters.
Wyeth, known for his regionalist style, was the first painter to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1963. His works are currently featured in permanent collections at the Museum of Modern Art, the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Whitney Museum of American Art.
But you can experience some of his finest — including 1939’s “Bradford’s House” (pictured above) and 1985’s “Study for “Trammel” — for free at a gallery that promotes scholarship and research of American masters.
Free
Food
“Condiment Wars: A Wrestling Match featuring EWA and Choke Hole”
Times Square — Broadway & 46th St, New York, N.Y. 10036
Fri., May 3, 6–8 p.m.
Following Tuesday’s unveiling of a 65-foot-long hot dog that shoots confetti as it periodically ascends toward the sky in Times Square, organizers are commemorating the six-week installation with a Friday night smackdown.
Drag queens from Choke Hole: XXXtreme Queer Wrestling will square off with members of the Eastern Wrestling Alliance (EWA) in a condiment themed wrestling match at the foot of the eyebrow-raising “Hot Dog in the City.” Only in New York!
Brooklyn-based conceptual art duo Jen Catron and Paul Outlaw created the sculpture — which is on view to the public for free through June 13 — “to talk about the politics of street vending, immigration, consumption, capitalism, and class.”
Executives from the Times Square Alliance encourage people to get in a “New York State of Mind” and also purchase hot dogs at existing street vendors while watching the event.
Free.
Theater
“The Keep Going Songs”
Claire Tow Theater — 150 W 65th St, New York, N.Y. 10023
Through May 26. Various showtimes.
Abigail and Shaun Bengson’s COVID-19 quarantine era streaming concept comes to the stage this week at Lincoln Center.
The Bengsons, in a production directed by Caitlin Sullivan, tell stories through song with an uplifting and encouraging message in a show producers have described as “part concert, part wake, part theatrical extravaganza.”
The soulful indie folk-rock duo sold out last year’s “Next@LCT3” concert series and performed music for the Off-Broadway play “Where The Mountain Meets the Sea” at New York City Center in 2022.
Fashion
“The People’s Ball”
Brooklyn Public Library — 10 Grand Army Plz, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11238
Sun. May 5 at 7 p.m.
Brooklyn Public Library has an answer to the Met Gala, which is held annually at Manhattan’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. And theirs is free and open to all.
“The People’s Ball,” at BPL’s central branch, is an annual celebration of fashion, personal style and individuality, purposely held on the eve of Anna Wintour’s star-studded (and pricy) fundraising fete.
In contrast, hundreds of everyday New Yorkers flock from across the city to strut their stuff the runway in their favorite duds, with DJs and performers entertaining the crowds between hourly catwalks.
Co-curated by Souleo, the event is hosted by actress Delissa Reynolds and celebrity stylist Robert Verdi, with a performance from drag icon Kevin Aviance and beats by DJ Spinna.
The event also features a special tribute to late street photographer Bill Cunningham. A group of his models — Lauren Ezersky, Jean Stone, Lana Turner, and Amy Collins — will hit the catwalk in his honor.
Free
Outdoor
“Hope Against Hope “
Center for Art, Research and Alliances (CARA) — 225 W 13th Street, New York, N.Y. 10011
Austrian-born textile artist Ines Doujak spearheads the first year of a woman-led, two-day gathering of community conversation, food and performances and interactive installations in New York City.
Awe-inspiring sculptures like “Woman with Goat” (pictured above) and costumes created by the artist will have a presence on the West Village streets during Saturday’s parade, which begins at West 13th Street and moves towards the New York City AIDS Memorial/St. Vincent’s Triangle (76 Greenwich Avenue). The event will also feature performances by The Blacksmiths, Christen Clifford, and Pamela Sneed.
Free
Family
Stone Street’s Cinco de Mayo Street Festival
Stone Street Historic District — New York, N.Y. 10004
Fri – Sun. 12 noon to 12 midnight
The Financial District comes alive in vibrant splendor with the 3-day Cinco de Mayo festival on the very first paved street in New York City (circa 1658).
Once again this year, Stone Street invites you to celebrate the holiday that recognizes the Mexican victory over France during the Franco-Mexican War in the 1860s.
Visitors can partake in a smorgasbord of Mexican street food, complimentary tequila and beer tastings, live music by a Mexican artist, dance performers, a mariachi band during the free-to-attend full day events.
Free
If you have an upcoming weekend event you’d like to submit for consideration in an upcoming roundup, please email: nycevents@nydailynews.com with the details. Consideration does not guarantee inclusion.
