Friday, May 29
The World Science Festival is underway (running through to Sunday) and its aim is to take science out of the laboratory and into the streets, parks, museums, galleries and performing arts venues of New York City. Free events on Friday include the "NASA Orbit Pavilion,” a massive, interactive sculpture at NYU's Gould Plaza, Washington Square from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., and hands-on activities with NASA scientists and educators on the topic “Space Exploration: Reaching New Heights” at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Pier 86 at West 46th St and 12th Ave. in Hell's Kitchen. Full program of events here.
The New York Botanical Garden’s newest show, a multifaceted exhibition focusing on Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, features a display of more than a dozen rare Kahlo paintings and works on paper, which highlight the artist’s use of botanical imagery in her work. It's an opportunity to learn about her life through music, lectures, Mexican-inspired shopping and dining experiences, and hands-on art activities for kids. Weekdays $20, weekends, $25. 2900 Southern Blvd., Fordham Heights. On Saturday from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. experience Frida Al Fresco, a festive night out in Kahlo’s beloved Casa Azul (Blue House) reimagined in the Conservatory, featuring live music and Mexican food, including some of Kahlo’s own recipes. $35.
Saturday, May 30
BookCon — organized by the same crew that mounts New York Comic Con — is designed to create a fusion between the worlds of storytelling and pop culture. BookCon features Q&A’s with authors and personalities, autographing sessions, storytelling podcasts, special screenings, literary quiz shows and many other book-related events. Panels Saturday include Mindy Kaling in conversation with BJ Novak at 11 a.m. and Beyond Fifty Shades: What’s Next in New Adult & Romance Reading also at 11 a.m. Tickets start at $30 per day for adults, Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Javits Center, 655 W. 34th St., Chelsea.
New York Magazine’s 2nd annual Vulture Festival is taking place over this weekend. It’s a pop culture festival featuring curated events focused on the best of today’s television, music and film. Events include a Screenwriters Roundtable hosted by Vulture editor Bilge Ebiri for $30 at Milk Studios (450 W. 15th St.) from 11 a.m. and Animated Voices, a reading event starring actors John Roberts and Larry Murphy (of "Bob’s Burgers"), Kenny and Keith Lucas ("Lucas Bros. Moving Co.") and Alex Borstein ("Family Guy"). Also at Milk Studios from 1:30 p.m., 450 15th St, Chelsea.
Saturday is Obscura Day, a global festival created by the Atlas Obscura crew celebrating more than 150 events in 39 states and 25 countries, all on a single day. The events are designed to celebrate the world's most curious and awe-inspiring places, and over a dozen quirky destinations on Saturday's program are located in New York City:
Play free pinball at the Sunshine Laundromat: Visit the hosts of one of the greatest pinball machine collections in New York. From 3 p.m. at 860 Manhattan Ave., Greenpoint.
Step behind the locked gate and into the mausoleums of the most lavish necropolis in the Bronx, at Woodlawn Cemetery, E. 233rd St., Wakefield. From 6 p.m., $30.
Sunday, May 31
Each spring Left Forum convenes a massive gathering in North America of the U.S. and international Left, bringing together intellectuals and organizers to share perspectives, strategies, experience and vision. The conference kicks off on Friday, May 29 and wraps up at 8 p.m. this evening. Sunday's discussions begin at 10 a.m., concluding at 5:40 p.m. In addition to the forums — covering topics like local and international politics, racism, worker's rights and activism — 100 organizations, publishers, and artists are exhibiting their wares daily between 9 a.m and 5 p.m. $70.00 for a full three-day registration, with reduced rates for low income earners. John Jay College of Criminal Justice, 524 W. 59th St., Hell's Kitchen.
