It’s time for another installment of how to enjoy a rich cultural life in New York City without spending a dime (transportation not included). In this week’s episode we recommend film screenings, a Jonathan Toubin-style dance-off, readings, a non-prom prom party where you can karaoke with Andrew W.K., and more.

Monday, July 27
FILM: Summer of Music: Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
Dress as your favorite Bowie and head to Morningside Park for this fantabulous celebration of one of rock’s most influential figures. Presented by Maysles Cinema and Reel Harlem, the evening opens with a Night of 1000 Bowies’ Dance Party and look-a-like contest featuring DJ Cosmo Baker on the decks. A screening of the 1973 documentary capturing Bowie’s final performance as Ziggy Stardust follows. Filmmaker D.A. Pennebaker will be on hand to introduce the film.
Time: 6:30pm
Place: Morningside Park (113th and Morningside Drive),
rain location: The Maysles Cinema, 343 Lenox Ave/Malcolm X Blvd

FILM: Meet the Filmmaker: Bobcat Goldthwait and Barry Crimmins, Call Me Lucky
Bobcat Goldthwait made an enlightening and loving documentary about his mentor Barry Crimmins. A comedian/activist, Crimmins nurtured the careers of many comedians in the Boston area in the 1970s and 1980s. Tortured by his abuse as a child, Crimmins veered off his comedy path and became an anti-porn, children’s rights activist. At this event, Goldthwait and Crimmins discuss Call Me Lucky, which had its premiere at Sundance Film Festival 2015 and will be in theaters August 7.
Time: 6pm
Place: Apple Store SoHo, 103 Prince Street, New York, NY 10012

Tuesday, July 28
ART: Lunchtime Lecture Series: Teresita Fernandez
If you’ve been by Madison Square Park of late, then you’ve likely walked under the artwork of Teresita Fernandez. The renowned artist’s “Fata Morgana”, a monumental 500-foot-long sculpture, is currently installed over the park’s winding walkways. At this afternoon lecture, the artist will discuss the work and her artistic practice.
Time: 12:30pm
Place: Madison Square Park, Between Fifth & Madison Avenues, 23rd & 26th Streets

FILM: R.E.M. x MTV Screening
After the Bowie celebration has died down, music fans can move on to this R.E.M. party hosted by Lomography NYC. The analogue photography store/organization is currently holding a photo competition in conjunction with the acclaimed rock band and this event comes right before the entry deadline. It features a screening of Alexander Young’s documentary R.E.M. by MTV, which follows the group from 1981, when they released their first single, through their breakup in 2011. Before the screening, which starts at 7pm, you can enjoy refreshments and listen to R.E.M. classics spinning on vinyl.
Time: 6pm, screening at 7pm
Place: Lomography NYC, 41 W 8th St, New York, New York 10011

Wednesday, July 29
FILM: Meet the Filmmaker: Kevin Bacon, Cop Car
There’s a new sheriff in town, Kevin Bacon. At this event can hear all about the Footloose actor’s turn in director Jon Watts’ throwback thriller Cop Car. The film, which premiered at Sundance Film Festival 2015 has been receiving positive reviews and will be in theaters August 7. Be sure to register.
Time: 7pm
Place: Apple Store SoHo, 103 Prince Street, New York, NY 10012
Register

PARTY: The Chuck Taylor All-Star II Launch Party
Perhaps you heard that after 98 years, Converse decided to give their classic Chuck Taylor a remodel. The Chuck II is set to hit the streets July 28 and features an added layer of comfort, a perforated lining for breathability, and a stitched-on logo. To celebrate this 21st century shoe, Converse is throwing a party at their SoHo Store that will feature food, drinks, a DJ set by Equal and a performance by Samantha Urbani. Get on that RSVP now.
Time: 8pm-10:30pm
Place: CONVERSE SOHO STORE, 560 Broadway, New York, NY 10012
RSVP

PARTY: Ray-Ban’s “Mix Up Tradition”
Ray-Ban has teamed up with party experts VICE for what should be a pretty crazy musical mash-up. It appears to have a prom-like theme and features Canadian punk rockers White Lung and grime artist Skepta, with a special performance by The Men and karaoke with Andrew W.K. If that weren’t enough, it goes down in a bowling alley and also serves up DJ sets by Oneman, Dre Skull b2b Jubilee and Baba. It’s 21+, so we expect some adult libations will be in the “Mix Up Tradition” mix. RSVP for this one pronto.
Time: 9pm
Place: The Gutter, 200 N 14th Street, Brooklyn, NY
RSVP

PARTY: New York Night Train SOUL CLAP & DANCE-OFF featuring DJ Jonathan Toubin
Grab your dancing shoes, legendary 45s spinner DJ Jonathan Toubin is bringing his 1960s soul and rock dance party to Madison Square Park for one night only. If you haven’t been, this party really gets the joint jumping. It began at Glasslands (RIP) and has been in heavy rotation at Brooklyn Bowl for the last couple of years. If you take your dancing seriously (or even if you don’t), mid-event the floor will be cleared and a short dance competition will ensue. Anybody can join in. It will be judged by a panel that includes Randy Jones, the original cowboy from The Village People.
Time: 6pm-8:30pm
Place: Madison Square Park, Between Fifth & Madison Avenues, 23rd & 26th Streets

Thursday, July 30
BOOKS: Adam Resnick and Jen Doll In a conversation with Dave Hill
This should make for a humorous sparring match. Late Night with David Letterman writer Adam Resnick will sit down with Jen Doll to discuss their most recent books, Will Not Attend and Save the Date. Resnick’s memoir exposes his indifference to family and friends, while Doll’s book explores her wedding guesthood. Comedian David Hill steps up to moderate.
Time: 7pm
Place: Bookcourt, 163 Court Street, Brooklyn, NY

THEATRE: Shakespeare in the Park: Cymbeline
Performances have begun of Shakespeare in the Park’s Daniel Sullivan-directed Cymbeline. The tragicomedy stars Lily Rabe and Hamish Linklater and deals with themes of innocence and jealousy. The production’s website says to expect “cross-dressing girls and cross-dressing boys, poisons and swordfights and dastardly villains”, oh, my. You can get tickets for this one by queuing, or entering the lottery online or at the Public Theater.
Time: 8pm
Place: The Delacorte Theater in Central Park