Friday, June 20
BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Habibi Festival: Celebrate the rich and diverse sounds of the Southwest Asia and North Africa (SWANA) region at this electrifying night of music and culture. French-Tunisian saxophonist and composer Yacine Boulares headlines the evening with a genre-blending set featuring Tunisian singer-songwriter Nour Harkati. Other featured performers include Israa Shalaby, Sofiane Saidi—known for fusing Algerian Rai music with modern electronic beats—and Palestinian rocker Rasha Nahas, whose sound merges traditional melodies with electric grit. Yalla! Party Project will keep the energy high with DJ sets and dancing between live performances. Entry is first come, first served.
Free. Doors at 6 p.m., show at 7 p.m. Prospect Park Bandshell, Prospect Park West at 9th St. in Park Slope.
Kweendom Comedy Show: Get ready for a night of fierce, unapologetic LGBTQ+ comedy that’s “consistently dope” (TimeOUT) and “extremely gay” (Thrillist). Featuring Helen Wildy, Arjun Banerjee, Lee Robinson, Charlie Girard, and KiDané Kelati. Hosted by Bobby Hankinson. Free show with donations accepted for the Here To Pee tour supporting trans comedians nationwide.Expect sharp jokes, big laughs, and plenty of Grindr grid-worthy talent.
Free. 7–9 p.m. Pete’s Candy Store, 709 Lorimer St. in Williamsburg.
Saturday, June 21
The 43rd Annual Mermaid Parade: Dive into summer at the nation’s largest art parade, where glittering mermaids, marching bands, dazzling floats, and sea creatures of all stripes take over Surf Avenue. Founded in 1983, Coney Island USA’s Mermaid Parade celebrates community creativity and pays homage to the historic Coney Island Mardi Gras. The festivities continue after the parade with a seaside procession to the beach and a ceremonial opening of the ocean for the season.
Free. 1 p.m. Parade begins at West 21st Street and Surf Avenue, proceeds to the Boardwalk and ends at Steeplechase Plaza. Coney Island USA, 1208 Surf Ave. in Coney Island.
New York Transit Museum Sensory Day: Children with developmental disabilities or autism and their families can explore the museum before public opening, enjoy transit-themed activities, cyanotype photo-making, and an interactive juggler and hula hoop performance. A quiet room is available for sensory breaks. All ages welcome. Registration required.
Free. 9:30-11 a.m. New York Transit Museum, 99 Schermerhorn St. in Downtown Brooklyn.
Sunday, June 22
New York City Margarita Festival: Raise a glass — or 10 sample-sized ones — at this flavor-packed fiesta where you help crown the city’s best margarita. Join thousands of tequila lovers for an afternoon of bold blends, live DJ sets, street food vendors, a beer garden, and a chance to win a dream trip to Mexico. Your ticket includes ten 3.5oz samples from some of NYC’s top bars and restaurants, each competing for $1,000 and ultimate margarita bragging rights. All ages welcome with parent or legal guardian. Proceeds benefit children’s charities.
$7.15+. 12-6 p.m. 740 5th Ave. in Sunset Park.
Bonsai Workshop: Learn the ancient art of bonsai in a laid-back, social setting at this beginner-friendly workshop from Bonsai Bar. Grab a drink, gather your friends, and get hands-on as expert instructors guide you through potting, pruning, and styling your very own tiny tree. All materials are included — and if your bonsai doesn’t make it, they’ll replace it, guaranteed.
$85. 1–3 p.m. Gun Hill Publick House, Industry City, 68 34th St. in Sunset Park.
Things to do around New York City:
- In Manhattan
- In Queens
- In The Bronx
- In the Hamptons
