Make Music New York. (Photo: Erica Martin)
It’s the first day of summer, in case ya hadn’t heard. Make Music New York (above) is winding down over on Astor Place, but don’t get your Brooklyn Surf Shorts in a bunch: there are plenty of after-parties, and the weather’s going to be glorious all weekend. If you’re too lazy to make it to the Mermaid Parade (King Neptune = Judah Friedlander this year) here’s where to soak up some sun locally. (All events are free unless noted.)
SATURDAY
Hillstock Festival Block Party
This Brooklyn-wide festival by the Never Break Down music collective features dozens of bands. Their block party on Saturday on the outskirts of Williamsburg is free and lasts all day. Afterparty at The Bishop at 8 p.m.
106 Emerson Place, nr. Myrtle Ave.
11 a.m.
IT’S SUMMERxTIME Rooftop Party
The roof of a Greenpoint loft becomes an impromptu live music venue for this all-day party. Their “>Facebook event page boasts city views, booze, food, and all-caps VIBES. Performances by The Teen Age, Dead Stars, The Chickenhawks, The Novel Ideas, Samuel Cooper, and Phantom Power.
1 p.m. – 10 p.m.
252 Norman Ave., nr. Monitor St., Greenpoint
Skateboard Art in The Lower East Side
Bushwick-based graphic artist and sculptor Dennis McNett hosts a free art workshop in Sara D. Roosevelt Park to promote his new line of skateboard designs. There’ll be live bands from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and skateboarders Andrew Allen, Tony Trujillo and Julien Stranger will be milling around. At 6 p.m., McNett’s skateboard graphic art exhibit Anti-Art opens at Lodge Gallery across the street.
Sara D. Roosevelt Park, Lower East Side
2 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Summer Thunder at Union Pool – Jonny Fritz
Union Pool’s free weekly outdoor concert series in the “big ol’ backyard” kicks off tomorrow with Jonny Fritz and Wild Yaks. Drink specials and Diablo Tacos on sale.
484 Union Ave., nr. Skillman Ave., Williamsburg
2 p.m.
Open Canvas
Watch paintings take shape in real time as 20 contemporary artists create together on the street in Williamsburg for three hours this Saturday. Their works will be on display Sunday and again next Saturday.
North 6th St., between Wythe and Kent Aves, Williamsburg
1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Rockstock and Barrels
Okay, so Rockaway isn’t local but with the Rockabus now running from the Lower East Side and Williamsburg, it might as well be. The seventh annual surf contest and outdoor show, with bands like Exit Verona as well as Walker and the BOTG, will take place at Beach 90th Street and the water, with an afterparty at the Rockaway Beach Surf Club.
Surf contest at 8 a.m., bands start at noon.
SUNDAY
Mister Sunday’s Peak Time
Venture to Gowanus for this beloved weekly outdoor dance party, which is celebrating “the most daylight we get on a Sunday all summer” with resident DJs Eamon Harkin and Justin Carter.
Gowanus Grove, 400 Carroll St., nr. Bond St., Gowanus
3 p.m. – 9 p.m.
$15
Renegade Craft Fair
This biannual event, taking place Saturday and Sunday, features over 300 of the “brightest talents in contemporary craft and design” peddling their handmade crafts and foodstuffs. Several DIY workshops will take place each day, and Sugartown Industries will DJ.
East River State Park, Williamsburg
11 a.m. – 7 p.m.