Summer Guide 2010
In New York City, spying the first Mister Softee truck of the year is a sign that summer is almost upon us, heralded by that half-irritating, half-charming and completely unforgettable jingle.
For those New Yorkers who stick around these steamy streets in June, July and August, we’ve whipped up a list of wide-ranging activities to keep you distracted from the heat. Read more
Summer Guide 2010: Theater
Marathon 2009
After 30 years, Ensemble Studio Theatre’s One-Act Play Festival is still going strong, with options ranging from the economy to a showdown between a nun and her most rebellious student. If unproven talent gets you down, the E.S.T. Festival is for you during the summer months.
May 22 through June 27, E.S.T., 549 W. 52nd St. (at 10th Ave.), 212-247-4982, www.ensemblestudiotheatre.org Read more
Summer Guide 2010: Outdoor
Rollerblading in Central Park
Let’s be honest: You have an urge to strap into some rollerblades and try crossing right over left. Of course, it’s been years since you’ve grapevined, and you wouldn’t be caught dead rollerblading somewhere near where you live. Well, there are other people out there just like you. So put on a helmet and wristguards (required) and join one of these free blading tours through Central Park. Afterwards, you can sit down with the group for dinner and drinks. You’ll have to pay for that, but the memories will be priceless.
Thursdays, Columbus Circle entrance to Central Park; 7, Free. Read more
Summer Guide 2010: Music
SummerStage
SummerStage turns 25 this year, and like any true twentysomething it’s going all out to celebrate, as the Central Park summer staple expands to all five boroughs. See free shows from The xx, St. Vincent, Public Enemy and Jay Electronica, while others from Pavement, The Flaming Lips and Hot Chips will cost you.
June 1 through Aug. 29, various locations, 212-360-2756; Free. Read more
Summer Guide 2010: Food & Drink
230 Fifth
We’ve been turned away from 230 Fifth more times than we’ve been let in, but it’s the rare spot where it actually feels worth the $15 for a cocktail. Do not make the mistake of staying for more than one, though—this place is meant for soaking up the view and closing the deal.
230 5th Ave. (betw. W. 26th & W. 27th Sts.), 212-725-4300. Read more
Summer Guide 2010: Film
Alliance Française
The New York French Institute Alliance Française features some rare and exciting film programs on Cinema Tuesdays. In June, it highlights films starring Sylvie Testud, including Murderous Maids and a screening of Sagan introduced by the actress. Also in June is a series dedicated to 1940s star Edwige Feuilliere, star of such films as Julie de Carneilhan and Love is My Profession.
22 E. 60th St. (betw. Park & Madison Aves.), 212-355-6100, www.fiaf.org. Read more
Summer Guide 2010: Comedy
Conan O’Brien
Conan’s The Legally Prohibited From Being Funny on Television Tour stops in New York for two nights of music and a lot of NBC bashing. You’ll have to scalp tickets to get in, but it’ll be worth it. Plus, the special musical guests will probably be amazing.
June 1 & 2, Radio City Musical Hall, 1260 6th Ave. (at W. 50th St.), 212-247-2777, www.radiocity.com; 8, $44-84. Read more
Summer Guide 2010: Books
KGB’s Fantastic Fiction
Speculate about the mysteries of life and science over some cheap beer while you listen to some good fiction this summer. A mix of veteran and up-and-coming writers of speculative fiction (science fiction, fantasy and horror) read excerpts and short stories once every month for this free event. This summer, highlights include Jack Ketchum and Scott Edelman on June 16 and, for the July 21 reading, M.K. Hobson and Lucius Shepard.
Third Wednesdays, KGB Bar, 85 E. 4th St. (betw. 2nd Ave. & Bowery), 212-505-3360; 7, Free. Read more
Summer Guide 2009
A Passion for Animals
By Charlotte Eichna
Beth Ostrosky Stern is a “born animal lover.” She jokes that when her parents brought her home from the hospital, she had to get approval from the dog, a rescued mutt, before she was welcomed into the family.
Ostrosky Stern inherited that passion and has been working with the North Shore Animal League America for more than four years, spreading the word about the benefits of rescuing pets from shelters. As a model, she first got involved with the league by walking the runway at the organization’s annual fashion show luncheon. Read more
Summer Guide 2009: Great Outdoors
PLUS: Q&A with SeaStreak
Brooklyn Biking
More than a month before Bastille Day, Brooklyn gets Frenchy with the Tour de Brooklyn, a 23-mile bike ride that starts and ends at Coney Island. The tour promises views of picturesque spots like Greenwood Cemetery and Sunset and Prospect parks. The somewhat newer Tour de Queens and Tour de Bronx will take place later on in the summer, and they are equally free (but possibly less French). June 7, Surf Ave. & W. 19th St., Brooklyn, www.tourdebrooklyn.org; 8 a.m., FREE Read more
