APRIL 2012
 
5th – MLB opening day
Baseball season is officially upon us, and your team – whoever they are – will be stepping up to the plate for this first time this year over the next few days. Get yourself to your nearest sports bar for the first call of ‘Play Ball’ – who knows, you may find a fellow fan that catches your eye. Boys always look better in their team colours, right?
 
6th- Good Friday brunch banquet
Happy Easter! Start your long weekend the right way, with champagne and more food than you could ever hope to eat at Pastis, and your stomach will thank you.
 
8th - Join an Easter processional
Sunday best gets new meaning during this annual procession, wherein participants show off elaborately constructed hats—we're talking noggin-toppers shaped like the NYC skyline or the Coney Island Cyclone, not just a boring old fedora. The tradition started in the mid-1800s, when high-society ladies would promenade in their Easter finery after church, and has since evolved into a showcase for chapeau artistry. And expect several puppies in bunny ears.
 
12th – Celebrate spring in the city
You don't have to schlep to the shore to feel the sand beneath your toes: The Beekman Beer Garden Beach Club in South Street Seaport is reopening tonight with a laidback beach-themed party, providing a convenient waterfront hang with 300 pounds of sand to make castles out of. Grab some friends and lounge on the white couches with an Ommegang Witte, play a free game of pool, Ping-Pong or foosball (tables are first-come, first-served), or gather round the fire pit when the night turns chilly.
 
16th – Roller skate in Central Park
In the heart of the park under a grove of blossoming cherry trees, you'll find the Central Park Dance Skater Association's skate circle. Bring your own quads and bust a move with people of all ages to disco classics, contemporary hits and throwback R&B, house and dance music spun by a rotating roster of local DJs. If you're not a skater, there's space to dance without colliding with those on wheels or just watch the old hands do their thing
 
18th - Get a sneak peek at future movie hits
Indie-film fans, rejoice! Robert De Niro's Tribeca Film Festival returns to downtown Manhattan for its tenth year, drawing cineastes to its screenings, panels, talks and other events. This year's lineup has yet to be released, but expect the quality to be high.
 
21st– Bet on the ponies at Belmont Park
Corral your crew and head to the races for a day of equine-inspired revelry –by the end of the day, you’ll either be broke or swimming in the champagne from your winnings. In planning your race-day wardrobe, keep in mind that there is a "tradition of elegance" at the track. You don't have to dress to the nines, but an ascot never hurt anyone.
 
27th - Soak up suds and sun at the Frying Pan and Pier 66
This "lightship"—a floating lighthouse once used by the Coast Guard—sank and spent three years underwater before she was salvaged and converted into a floating bar. Now docked near Chelsea Piers, this nautical beer garden attracts formidable weeknight and weekend throngs of would-be revelers. Starting in April, you can drink on deck—that is, if you can find room on the beer-soaked boat, jetty or the prime real estate: the jetty roof.
 
29th - Shop and eat outside at Hester Street Fair
This pretty, tree-lined Lower East Side market packs in shoppers every weekend with a killer combination of stylish vintage wares—retro jewelry, antique decor and old-fashioned hats—and one of the best collections of food vendors in Manhattan. Delicious new stalls include Williamsburg darling Pies 'n' Thighs, artisanal ice cream parlor Ample Hills Creamery and boozy cupcakery Prohibition Bakery. Look out for surprising booths, like Compass Yoga who will assess your posture and align in you a suitable pose for $1 on opening day

sunday 5th – board games at the brooklyn strategist
Wet weekends were made for board games, and this Brooklyn haunt boasts 150 of them, including rare and out-of-print diversions such as Machiavelli, Yacht Race and the original Railroad Tycoon. Healthy homemade snacks will sustain you while you outmaneuver the Austro-Hungarian empire in an epic game of Diplomacy.
 
wednesday 8th – fashion week opening night
After two successful seasons in Lincoln Center, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week returns to the arts complex in February to show off designers’ Fall 2012 collections. If you’re not a celeb, socialite or otherwise well-connected person, you may have to use slightly unscrupulous means to get into the shows. (One way to fit in: wear all-black and look annoyed constantly.) Before the first model hits the runway, mingle with the city’s elite at the opening night party.
 
saturday 11th – gastro-hopping at restaurant week
To celebrate the end of New York Restaurant Week, local eating houses are throwing their doors open for individual courses – once you’ve tasted on appetizer, move on to the next restaurant for something different. Participating eateries include EN Japanese Brasserie, Hill Country Barbecue, and new entrants like Boulud Sud and Marble Lane.
 
tuesday 14th – carnival of love at judson memorial church
Artist collective the Secret City has transformed Judson Memorial Church’s new performance space, the Gym at Judson, into a saucy fairground with a kissing booth, tarot-card readers, and appearances by bearded lady Jennifer Miller, contortionists Jonathan Nosan and Anna Venizelos, and one-man-band Sxip Shirey. Sip champagne and nosh on celebrity chef Amanda Freitag's fancy takes on carnival snacks (savory funnel cakes, cotton candy), then get snapped with burlesque star Tigger! dressed as the arrow slinger himself. You can also bid in the silent auction for a chance to score massages, lingerie and other sexy prizes
 
sunday 19th – volunteering with god’s love we deliver
Put hours upon hours of watching the Food Network to good use: The charitable organization needs volunteers to assemble thousands of nutritious meals for New Yorkers in need—volunteers are most needed to make deliveries throughout the city.
 
wednesday 23rd – nyc snow fight club
If you’re lucky enough to be off work after the season’s first blizzard, join this group for snowball-filled versions of classic childhood games like dodgeball and capture the flag. Afterward, stomp over to a local bar and vote on superlatives like “Best Arm,” “Sorest Loser” and “Sexiest Snow Bunny.”
 
monday 27th – rockclimbing at brooklyn boulders
Ever wanted to climb the Brooklyn Bridge? Play it safe and mount the 30-foot replica of one of the bridge’s towers at this two-year-old rock-climbing gym. With more than 20,000 square feet of bouldering and climbing walls to scale, even Spider-Man wouldn’t get bored.

3rd – rockefeller rink opening
Ice-skating before winter officially arrives may seem silly, but there is a benefit to heading out early: This iconic rink offers lower prices until November 3, and the ice—which accommodates only 150 people at a time—is slightly less crowded. Thus, you’ll have a wider berth while attempting your best shoot-the-duck spin.
 
5th – we love manchester @ fontana’s
Wallow in the melancholy mood inspired by the season’s ever-shortening days and chillier weather at this Brit export, which celebrates its second birthday this year. The evening is devoted to the music of Manchester, England, so expect tunes from scene stalwarts like New Order, the Stone Roses and—because no party devoted to being mopey would be complete without them—the Smiths.
 
6th – jay z & kanye @ meadowlands
The two biggest names in hip-hop (who sport, arguably, some of the genre’s biggest egos) recently released their joyous joint effort, Watch the Throne—and now you can see the boys in action during this twofer of shows. If you need to be greased to throw down for tix, we suggest watching Spike Jonze’s awesome video for “Otis,” which samples “Try a Little Tenderness,” on repeat.
 
8th – closet swap @ ???
bring your old dresses that you can bear to part with, and swap them for someone else’s second hand goods. (PM @alycat if you want to host)
 
11th- free poker at lp & harmony
Part pool hall, part sports bar and part DJ lair, LP & Harmony serves up an unpretentious night out for those who don't require a particularly sceney joint.
 
12th – quidditch world cup @ randalls island
Do you think that because the Harry Potter series has ended, people were going to stop playing Muggle Quidditch? You would be sorely mistaken. In November, more than 100 teams from across the country will descend on Randalls Island to throw Quaffles around. The game itself resembles a cross between lacrosse and basketball, but with players carrying brooms around. Watch all the teams march into Icahn Stadium (in costume!) during the opening ceremony
 
14th – dinner party @ daria’s
celebrate daria’s latest announcement (read the stories to figure it out) with a five course dinner party; catered, of course – as if she ever cooks.
 
18th – pétanque @ bryant park
These lessons are perfect for the funemployed, especially if your idea of recreation coincides with that of retired Frenchmen. During the workday, a member of the La Boule New Yorkaise club waits at the Bryant Park courts to provide instruction to newbies. After learning the basic rules, you can hang around and play with the club’s equipment as long as you like, and you’ll receive further pointers on strategy and tactics.
 
20th – winemaking @ brooklyn winery
Rather than heading out for a vineyard to crush your own grapes, make your own wine from up to 12 varietals at this Williamsburg facility. Grab a group of oenophiles to go in together on the packages (prices vary depending on the extent of your involvement in the winemaking process and number of bottles of wine made, but expect a several-hundred-dollar commitment per person). If that’s still too rich for your blood, you can still see how the winemaking process works on one of the winery’s free weekend tours
 
24th – thanksgiving in nyc
start your day by watching the macy’s thanksgiving day parade, but there’s hundreds of restaurants offering lunch if you can’t be with your family. for those on a budget, try sylvia’s for a soul food dinner, while those with deeper pockets might like aureole’s $115 offering.
 
27th – sharpie party @ aspen’s
wear all white to aspen’s place, and watch your clothes become works of art before your eyes as other party guests leave love notes, portraits, and less appropriate things at aspen’s sharpie party.

2nd – queens county farm museum apple festival
Nothing says “Autumn is really here, mofo” like wooden bins full of just-picked apples and bottles of freshly pressed cider. These wonderful icons of the season will be in abundance at this annual fest, which brings a variety of pommes from upstate producers to the farm’s apple orchard. Chow down on a slice of an aromatic 8’ x 8’ apple cobbler ($3), listen to a country & western band, take a hayride ($2) or sup the good stuff from Jericho Cider Mill (glass $1.25, quart $3, half gallon $4.50, gallon $7.75). There’s also a cider-pressing demonstration, where you can crank a hand-turn press
 
6th – the bell house singalong
Belt out tunes from your favorite guilty-pleasure movies or music videos, be it The Little Mermaid or a mix of pop hits of the ’90s, at this communal karaoke series. The videos are projected onto a large screen with subtitled lyrics; themed drinks and warm-up trivia will help you shed any inhibitions.
 
8th – new york hoedown @ big apple ranch
Even the greenest cowpokes and the freshest cowgirls are welcome to take a twirl on the floor at this beginner-friendly country & western hoedown. The gay party begins with an hour-long lesson to help newbies get up to speed with the basic two-step and line dances, including the Georgia Winder and the Bayou City Twister.
 
10th – drink & draw @ 3rd ward
Sign up for one of these lively figure-drawing sessions with a friend and get five bucks knocked off the normal admission fee. You’ll have to tote your own art supplies, such as a sketchbook and pencils, but you’ll be rewarded with all the gratis suds you can drink (usually something cheap like PBR). The crowd tends to be fairly focused on the art, but no one will judge you if all you can eke out is a cartoonish blob.
 
14th – olive’s party
Olive and her pals, Joo and Marc, are throwing a party at the hot rooftop spot Le Bain on the Friday night - time to get wasted and let your hair down after a whole week of crazy internship. Say hello to the hostesses, too: she's trying to get to know more New Yorkers.
 
20th – sideshows at the seashore
Coney Island has been undergoing what seems like a perpetual face-lift, drawing ire from residents and historians who want to preserve portions of the Brooklyn ’hood’s kooky cultural past. Enter Sideshows by the Seashore, the country’s last remaining permanent performance space to feature a traditional ten-in-one circus sideshow. Peep artistes like the fire-eating Insectavora, snake-charming Serpentina and sword-swallowing Brooklyn native Kryssy Kocktail.
 
23rd – staten island gokarts
If you’ve got the need for speed, hop on the ferry and S61 bus to the only go-kart track within the five boroughs. Race at speeds of up to 18mph for five minutes either by yourself ($6) or with someone riding shotgun ($9). Keep the action going with some swings in a batting cage ($2.50 for 18 pitches) or minigolf ($6). If it’s too hot, wait until the sun goes down to take a ride—the track is open until midnight Monday through Saturday.
 
25th – tasha’s birthday
Today Tasha is celebrating the big 22. She's hosting a small cocktail party Angel's Share and would love to have people come celebrate with her.
 
28th – book club burlesque
Literature gets sexier at this variety show, the brainchild of multimedia artist Inbred Hybrid Collective, whose work has been featured at Lincoln Center and the London Biennale. Each month, a mélange of performers, such as drag artiste Faux Pas and satirical musician Jessica Delfino (and occasionally a legend like Penny Arcade), perform acts inspired by a particular work of literature—Lolita, Mutiny on the Bounty and The Scarlet Letter have served as themes.
 
30th - halloween @ revival
If you're in search of a Halloween party that will send you to your grave and back again, Revival will tempt your Halloween fancies with it's Night of the Living Dead bash on October 29th. A four hour premium open bar will keep zombies, vampires and mummies alike warm and friendly amongst fellow partygoers.

3rd – karaoke @ winnie’s chinatown
Embrace your inner Jack White (or your inner Jon Bon Jovi, if that’s more your speed) at this divey Chinatown karaoke joint, where middle-aged men share the mike with indie-rockers…
 
5th – opening of allswell restaurant, williamsburg
After a short-lived stint at Prospect Heights eatery Dean Street, Spotted Pig alum Nate Smith takes on Williamsburg with this casual New American tavern. The restaurant’s opening will be filled with the city’s foodie finest and a wine list to die for.
 
8th- fashion’s night out party @ bryant park
On September 8, close to 1,000 shops citywide will keep their doors open until 11pm to offer one-night-only shopping incentives, exclusive products, in-store designer and celebrity appearances—and a raucous good time. BAI girls have exclusive access to the VIP party in Bryant Park. Bring your celebrity-spotting glasses.
 
11th - september 11 commemorative concert @ ground zero
Symphony Space presents a tribute, hosted by actor B.D. Wong. The event will feature notable New Yorkers—including Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, tennis legend John McEnroe and U.S. Supreme Court justice Sonia Sotomayor—reading selections from poets such as Emily Dickinson and Dylan Thomas. Additionally, members of the New York Philharmonic and the Metropolitan Opera will perform pieces by Barber, Brahms, Liszt and others.
 
16th – details to come
 
20th – hipster puppies pageant @ the village pourhouse
We applaud the fine folks who dress up their pooches in skinny jeans, plastic-frame glasses and other too-cool accoutrements for tonight's Hipster Puppies Pageant. The event celebrates the release of Christopher R. Weingarten's blog-to-book Hipster Puppies, so make sure your furry friend is the most ironic dog on the block if you want to take home the crown.
 
25th – manhattan wonderwalk
Join artsy organization the Secret City on a 14-hour walk around Manhattan. Artists like Sxip Shirey and Jeremy Bass will perform along the route, and the whole thing ends with a waltz-band performance on the Brooklyn Bridge.
 
30th – new york burlesque festival premiere party
The festival kicks into full razzle-dazzle gear, as stars of the scene—including Hollywood’s Bobbie Burlesque, Chicago’s Dolls of Doom, and NYC’s own Harvest Moon and Little Brooklyn—join the night’s compere, Scotty the Blue Bunny, at Brooklyn Bowl.