It’s time again to get in touch with that side of yourself that wants some cultural enrichment on the cheap. New York City has much to offer up in that category this week. Our picks include a concert by Stevie Wonder in Central Park, tips from Dr. Ruth Westheimer, a silent disco in a museum, and more.

Monday, August 17
FILM: Chinatown
Roman Polanski’s 1974 neo-noir classic starring Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway and John Huston screens tonight in Bryant Park. Be sure to arrive early for a good seat and free popcorn courtesy of Bank of America.
Time: lawn opens at 5:00 p.m, screening starts between 8pm-9pm
Location: Bryant Park

FILM: Free talks: Lily Tomlin & Paul Weitz
The incomparable Lily Tomlin stops by Lincoln Center to discuss her terrific new film Grandma. The film’s director, Paul Weitz (About of Boy), joins for the conversation.
Time: 6:30pm
Location: Film Center Amphitheater, 144 W. 65th Street, New York, NY

MUSIC: Stevie Wonder
A Wonder Moment is coming to Central Park SummerStage tonight as Stevie Wonder stops by to promote his “Songs in the Key of Life Performance” tour. The event includes a press conference, Q&A and short performance by the legend. It’s free to get in, but tickets are required.
Time: Doors at 6pm, performance at 7:30pm
Location: Rumsey Field, Central Park
Tickets available at 4:30pm at ticketfly with promo code: Wonder

Tuesday, August 18
TALK: Secret Science Club with Neuroscientist Gregory Petsko
Get nerdy with the Secret Science Club. The groups monthly meetings feature “mind-bending lectures, chemical libations and star-gazing sounds”. For this installment, neuroscientist Gregory Petsko stops by to discuss his research on neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s and ALS, and the possible drugs in the works to cure them.
Time: 8pm
Location: The Bell House, 149 7th Street Brooklyn, New York, 11215

BOOK: Book Launch: Will Not Attend: Lively Stories of Detachment and Isolation by Adam Resnick with Chris Elliott
Emmy-winning writer Adam Resnick continues to make the rounds supporting his debut Will Not Attend. Now available in paperback form, the book is a collection of hilarious essays that expose his indifference to family and friends. Actor/comedian Chris Elliott joins Resnick for the evening’s celebration, which includes a discussion and beverages.
Time: 7pm
Location: The POWERHOUSE Arena, 37 Main Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
RSVP

Wednesday, August 19
BOOK: Dr. Ruth Westheimer, The Doctor is In: Dr. Ruth on Love, Life, and Joie de Vivre
Who doesn’t love Dr. Ruth? At 87, the love/sex therapist is still going strong. Join her as she stops by Bryant Park for a lunchtime discussion of her new book The Doctor is In: Dr. Ruth on Love, Life, and Joie de Vivre.
Time: 12:30pm – 1:45pm
Location: Bryant Park Reading Room

PARTY: Lincoln Center Local: Silent Disco: Manhattan
Lincoln Center’s Silent Disco is taking over the El Museo del Barrio for an evening of dancing to funk, world music, and disco. The music is piped into your ears via headphones that are available to borrow onsite (ID or credit card required). A salsa lesson kicks the night off.
Time: 6:00 Doors Open | 6:30 Dance Lesson | 7:30-10:00 Silent Dance Party
Location: El Museo del Barrio, 1230 Fifth Avenue between East 104th and East 105th Streets

BOOK: Slice Harvester with Colin Atrophy Hagendorf & Friends
If you missed last week’s Slice Harvester launch party at Silent Barn, not to worry, because the party continues at WORD with an evening of pizza-themed readings by Pilot Viruet, Scott Weiner, Suzy Exposito, Lola Pelligrino, and Deenah Vollmer. Be sure to arrive hungry, free pizza and beer will be served.
Time: 7pm
Location: WORD, 126 Franklin Street, Brooklyn, NY 11222

PARTY: Living the Dream: Timo Maas and Betty Confetti
It’s an early evening rooftop dance party to get you through humpday. Doing the DJ honors are Timo Maas and Betty Confetti.
Time: 5pm-10pm
Location: Output, 74 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249
RSVP

MUSIC: Mac DeMarco After-Party Ft. Strawberry Group, Silk Rhodes and Bobo Eyes
Mac DeMarco fans will want to hit up this free official after party for his Music Hall of Williamsburg show. The line-up includes Stones Throw duo Silk Rhodes, Vancouver act Bobo Eyes, and Strawberry Group, which is an avant grade dj ensemble that features members of Mac DeMarco.
Time: 10pm
Location: Baby’s All Right, 146 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11211

Thursday, August 20
FILM: Rooftop Films: Krishna
Rooftop Films is going out with a bang. In advance of the series’ grand finale this weekend, they is teaming up with Indiewire to host a free sneak preview screening of Trey Shults’ SXSW award-winning film Krishna. Based on Shults’ short of the same name, the film delivers a fresh perspective on the home-for-the-holidays movie genre and stars members of the filmmaker’s real-life family. Making the screening even more special, is that it doubles as Indiewire’s 19th birthday party. A reception sponsored by New Amsterdam Vodka and Brewery Ommegang and performance by Brooklyn’s Haybaby precede the screening.
Time: 8pm
Location: THE BUSHWICK GENERATOR, 195-215 Moore Street, Brooklyn NY, 11206

PARTY: Heineken Green Room Party with Maseo
Heineken is marrying art and music at their next beer-soaked Heineken Green Room party. The fun takes place at the rooftop of the Copacabana and features a DJ set by Maseo of De La Soul fame and an art exhibit by graffiti artist Tim Diet. Also on the decks are Manuvers, DJ Soul, PUDGE, Black Spade and other special guests. Become a member of Heineken Green Room, get your RSVP in by August 18th at 5pm, and show up early if you want in.
Time: 9pm-1am
Location: The Copacabana, 268 West 47th Street, New York, NY 10036
RSVP

PARTY: Mute Records (Staff DJ Sets)
The gang from Mute, the label that handles such artists as New Order, Liars, Zola Jesus, Plastikman and Erasure, takes over the decks at Baby’s All Right’s front room. Expect a finely curated selection of beats at this soiree.
Time: 10pm
Location: Baby’s All Right, 146 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11211