5 Coolest Things to Do in NYC This Weekend

NEW YORK, NY — This weekend is pretty much your last chance to cleanse the old cultural palate before Black Friday sends the rest of 2016 into an egg nog-laced binge of holiday parties and wanton commercialism. As always, the Patch Culture Hound digs up five of the best New York City diversions on offer in every price taste and range. So pop the tofurkey in the crockpot, set it to low, and head out to take advantage of all the Big Apple has to offer.

JOEL SHAPIRO

Where: Dominique Levy Gallery, Upper East Side [map]

When: Friday (11/18) and Saturday (11/19) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

What: Although Queens-born sculptor Joel Shapio is known these days for his large-scale, vibrantly colored sculptures that seem to float or lean at impossible angles, his earlier work was smaller in size and often relied on the surrounding architecture. At Dominique Levy Gallery through January 7, an exhibition of Shapiro's wall-mounted wood reliefs, created between 1978 and 1980, provides a window into that developmental period — but also includes a new site-specific installation. For more information, go here.

How much: FREE!

LIFE OF AN AMERICAN RUIN:PHILIP JOHNSON'S NEW YORK STATE PAVILION

Where: The City Reliquary, 370 Metropolitan Ave., Williamsburg, Brooklyn [map]

When: Friday (11/18) and Sunday (11/20) from Noon to 6 p.m.; Saturday (11/19), Noon to 8 p.m.

What: Even though it got a new coat of paint in "American cheese yellow" last year, the hulking steel and concrete New York State Pavilion in Corona Park remains a carcass of its former self. But now, the eccentric little City Reliquary in Williamsburg — a museum of New York curiosities and ephemera — presents Life of an American Ruin, a collection of photos of the Phillip Johnson-designed structure in all its glory taken during the 1964 World's Fair. The exhibition also includes other images and objects related to the Pavilion, while the Reliquary itself boasts its own fascinating history that alone is well worth the trip and the nominal entrance fee. For more information, go here.

How much: Tickets are $5.

FEAR OF MEN / WEAVES / YOHUNA

Pictured: Fear of Men

Where: Baby's All Right, Williamsburg, Brooklyn [map]

When: Sunday (11/20) at 8 p.m.

What: In turbulent times like these, we can all use a reprieve from the madness. Enter Sunday's fantastic triple bill at Baby's All Right in Williamsburg, including Brighton, U.K.-based Fear of Men, Weaves from Toronto, and local popsters Yohuna. All three bands produce shimmery, hummable, easy-on-the-ears pop candy, which sounds a lot of the time, you know, almost happy. In other words, just what the doctor ordered. For tickets, go here.

How much: Tickets are $13

MEALPASS AT BROOKLYN BAZAAR

Where: 150 Greenpoint Ave., Greenpoint, Brooklyn [map]

When: Friday (11/18) and Saturday (11/19) from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.

What: Brooklyn Bazaar is back! And it's better than ever. After being dormant for more than a year, the multi-purpose party and playtime extravaganza has been revived, now in a three-story art deco former Polish catering hall in Greenpoint. With three levels of activities — ping-pong, mini-golf, karaoke, live events, and an on-site outpost of popular Williamsburg eatery Brooklyn Star — there's more than enough diversion for the entire night. And every Friday and Saturday night, the establishment offers the Mealpass, which gets you $43 worth of food, drink, and fun for $27. For more information and tickets, go here.

How much: Mealpass is $27

DAVID SEDARIS

Where: The Town Hall, Theater District [map]

When: Friday (11/18) and Saturday (11/19) at 8 p.m.

What: With his legendary wit and off-kilter worldview, David Sedaris — NPR mainstay, frequent New Yorker contributor, and author of countless short stories and essays — takes over The Town Hall this weekend to spin tales, bring the laughs, and discuss his latest book Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls. The shows are sold out but affordable tickets are still available on third-party sites like Stubhub. For more information go here.

How much: Tickets are $45 and up.

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