Listen up, transportation nation! The next few months are going to be a trip, no matter what your preferred mode of hitting the road.
Maspeth World of Wheels
Saturday, June 21, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Knockdown Center, 52-19 Flushing Ave., Ridgewood, Queens
The above video teaser alone is worth the price of admission ($5) to this auto show curated by artists including Grayson Cox, Elizabeth Ferry, Jeff Degolier and Michael Merck, who was last seen producing the Knockdown Center’s flea market. Among the “100 carcentricities” promised are a steamroller, Honda festishists, “scary tow trucks and impressive Lamborghinis,” a Playgirl van and some artists confronting the “automobile as our nation’s long standing symbol of manifest destiny and superfluous ingenuity.” Music by The Dangles and The Golden Grass from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Bicycle Fetish Day
Saturday, June 21, noon to 6 p.m. at City Reliquary, 370 Metropolitan Ave., Williamsburg
Since they fall on the same day, you may have to decide between this and the car show, but that’s kind of appropriate. The 10th installment of this “block party for your bicycle” will include bike rides, bike-related wares, and info from bicycle advocacy groups. Oh, and there’ll be a BBQ and contests for bikes in the following categories: mutant, commuter, handmade, small-wheel, ugly, and best in show. See here for the full schedule.
(Photo: Patrick Cashin)
MTA Nostalgia Rides
This is the one time training it to the beach is just as fun as the beach itself. On July 12, hop aboard a train made up of 1930s R1/9 cars for a two-hour trip to the Coney Island boardwalk ($50 for adults, $25 for children) and then on August 3, at 11 a.m., head out to the Rockaway on a “post-war fleet of cars” that will return at 4:30 p.m (same price).
Plus: If you want to contemplate the automobile as a symbol of manifest destiny without hitchhiking to industrial Queens, the July 24 installment of the Moth’s StorySLAM series, at Housing Works Bookstore Cafe, will find ten contestants competing to tell the best car story. Expect some good ones about getting towed.