Oh weekend, you beautiful, elusive stranger. We've missed you so. Welcome back.
Summer is officially getting in the swing of things, a fact which we are choosing to embrace even if the weather is not.
So get ready to celebrate everyone's favorite two days of the week with some of the dopest events going down in New York City.
There's plenty of outdoor events, concerts, and festivals to keep us well-occupied, fed, and let's admit it, tipsy, until it's time to trudge back to work first thing Monday morning.
This weekend is also Father's Day (did you forget? HERE ARE SOME GIFT IDEAS), so make sure to also take the time to celebrate your old man this weekend, whether it's with a long-distance phone call or a brunch cruise around the Hudson.
Read on to discover all the best stuff going down this weekend in NYC.
Friday, June 17th
Emmy-nominated actor Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt funny man Tituss Burgess is set to release his new wine brands, Pinot Pride and Rosé Pride, with a three-day "Taste of Tituss" Pride celebration June 17th, 18th and 20th at The OUT Hotel and 42West in New York City.
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Ummm...yes please?! The event, in partnership with GLAAD, will donate all of the proceeds - "Evvvery dime!" - to Equality Florida in light of the recent national tragedy.
Tickets and all event info can be found here.
Head over to the Lexington Avenue Armory on June 17th & 18th for the 5th annual celebration of NYC's best craft beers.
Attendees can look forward to 75 breweries with 150 varieties of beer to choose from - WHAT? There will also be vendors, great food, and games to enjoy in your state of inevitable intoxication.
It's a perfect way to spend Father's Day with the fam. Get your tickets now!
It's your last chance to catch IRTE (Improvisational Repertory Theatre Ensemble) this season. The troupe's final show this season is Last Resort, an original improv form conceived by ensemble member Curt Dixon in which a group of vacation-goers face an unexpected turn of events.
The show is based around a highly-structured improv form, but don't expect the same show every night. All of the dialogue is entirely improvised, although you wouldn't know it from the seamless delivery from the cast members.
You can catch the remaining two performances at The Producer’s Club Theater on June 17th & 18th, and be sure to check out their website, Facebook, and Twitter for more information and updates.
Saturday, June 18th
Bourbon, snacks, live music. Sounds like a recipe for a perfect Saturday, does it not?
The NYC Bourbon Bash is a chance to sample bourbons from 8 local bars during this all day blowout, proceeds from which will benefit FreeArts NYC, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing creative outlets to underserved children.
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It begins at 317 East Houston Street and runs from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. Get your tickets here and get sippin'.
5. Mermaid Parade
Coney Island’s much-loved Mermaid Parade is back this Saturday, June 18th, and is just one of the many reasons you should head out to Coney Island this summer.
Every year, roughly 3,000 participants manage to outdo themselves by creating the most insanely elaborate and brilliantly creative costumes.
It's certainly a spectacle like no other.
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Are you one of those people that's obsessed with their pet and go so far as to create an Instagram account for them? Well, we kind of hate you.
Just kidding. Maybe. But regardless, this event is all for you, and it's going down this weekend at the Brooklyn Expo Center.
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There'll be a costume contest, talent contest, obstacle course, and the chance to adopt a new pet in need of a loving home.
Grab tickets here!
Sunday, June 19th
7. Egg Rolls & Egg Creams Festival
They say New York City is the world’s melting pot, right? Well, this festival certainly proves (and celebrates) that.
The annual event brings Jewish, Chinese, and Puerto Rican cultures together for the ultimate block party.
You can look forward to traditional klezmer, cantorial, Peking opera, bomba and plena music, Hebrew and Chinese scribal art, yarmulke making, Chinese and Puerto Rican mask making, and, of course, kosher egg rolls, egg creams, empanadas and other delicious delicacies.
It all goes down at the Museum at Eldridge Street (12 Eldridge Street) – it’s totally free, but you can reserve a spot here.
8. Flavorpill x Ghostly International Present Magic Hour
Who doesn't love a good old fashioned roller skating sesh?
This Sunday, Ghostly International has curated the DJ talent for this edition of Magic Hour at The LeFrak Center at Lakeside Prospect Park. Xeno & Oaklander, will provide the soundtrack, along with support from Heathered Pearls.
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Emceeing your afternoon skate is the dreamy Starchild and The New Romantic. This shindig is for skaters of all ages, so don't be afraid to bring your Dad, if you think he can handle it without breaking a hip.
On-site bonuses include pedal boat and bike rentals, the Bluestone Cafe and Gelato Parlor, and a rinkside bar (which might come in extra handy if you brought either your kids *or* your parents). They've also teamed up with Lyft, so be sure to use the code MAGICHOUR15 to redeem 15% off your ride.
Get tickets here!
9. Hornblower NY Father's Day Cruise
Dads can enjoy brunch just as much as Moms, you know.
Instead of giving your dad a run-of-the-mill gift like socks or a tie, why not go for a 2 hour cruise around the Hudson, including a full brunch, dessert station (yas), live jazz music, and free swag for dad.
The event is courtesy of Hornblower NY, and kicks off this Sunday at Pier 40. Grab your tickets here!
Check out 8 Best Things to Do If You're Staying in NYC for the 4th of July.
[Feature Image Courtesy NYCDailyDeals]