Things are certainly coming to a head in New York this last weekend in September. In addition to the Pope and a super moon total lunar eclipse, the city will see an influx of makers, global citizens, and cineastes. If you’re up for braving the crazy, we’ve come up with a few suggestions of free things to do. Among this week’s offerings are parties by beach, a late night talk show featuring David Cross, a Nordic-themed festival, some crate-digging shenanigans and more.

Thursday, September 24
BOOKS: Jesse Eisenberg in conversation with Teddy Wayne
Jesse Eisenberg continues to expand his portfolio. The actor and playwright has published his first book of short stories, Bream Gives Me Hiccups. At this event at Barnes & Noble, Eisenberg is joined by author Teddy Wayne (Kapitoil) for a reading and discussion.
Location: Barnes & Noble Union Square, 33 East 17th Street, New York, NY 10003
Time: 7pm

MUSIC: The Dead Weather (listening party)
Be among the first to listen to Dodge Burn, the new album by the super group made up of Alison Mosshart, Jack White, Dean Fertita and Jack Lawrence.
Location: Baby’s All Right
Time: 7pm

BOOKS: Tom Roston in Conversation with Tim Blake Nelson and Aaron Hillis
I Lost it at the Video Store author Tom Roston is joined by actor/director Tim Blake Nelson and Video Free Brooklyn’s Aaron Hillis to discuss how video stores influenced a generation of filmmakers both creatively and financially. Also addressed will be the pros and cons of Netflix and the film streaming revolution. Oscilloscope Laboratories and Boat Bar are supplying libations for the evening.
Location: BookCourt, 163 Court Street, Brooklyn NY
Time: 7pm

Friday, September 25
COMEDY: Late Nite from the Basement
Chris Rose is back with Bushwick’s answer to The Tonight Show, Late Night from the Basement. For this installment Rose is joined by actor/comedian David Cross, who will likely plug his new Netflix sketch show series With Bob and David. Other guests include Josh Gondelman & Joe Berkowitz of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, funny lady Jo Firestone, and Astronautalis, a Minneapolis-based rapper who will be doing a short performance.
Location: Livestream NYC 195 Morgan Ave, Brooklyn
Time: Doors at 8pm, Show at 9pm

FILM: NYFF Free Friday
Before the curtain is officially drawn on the 53rd edition of the New York Film Festival, the Film Society of Lincoln Center is presenting a day of free screenings of restored classics. If you can maneuver your way through the Pope-associated street closures, you can catch Bob Fosse’s All That Jazz (1979), John Ford’s Drums Along the Mohawk (1939), Martin Scorsese’s The King of Comedy (1982), John M. Stahl’s Leave Her to Heaven (1945), Stanley Donen’s Two for the Road (1967), and Elia Kazan’s Wild River (1960). Also, visitors can get a sneak peak of the some of the festival’s Convergence installations.
Location: Lincoln Center
Time: all day

FILM: 2015 Internet Cat Video Festival
Walker Art Center’s roving festival celebrating Internet films about felines makes a stop at the Museum of Arts and Design. For those who can’t get enough of Henri Le Chat Noir, this fete the purrfect way to spend a Friday night.
Location: Museum of Arts & Design, 2 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10019
Time: 7pm

PARTY: Global Citizen Opening Party
Get in gear for the Global Citizen Festival at this opening night soiree in Williamsburg. It may not feature Pearl Jam, Beyonce, or Ed Sheeran, but it will have Baked By Melissa Cupcakes, beverages and music by Geko Jones, Eauxzown, DJ Schoolboy and more. And, if you haven’t yet picked up your ticket to Saturday’s festivities, you may just score one at this free soiree.
Location: Freehold, 45 South 3rd Street, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Time: 7pm-11pm
RSVP

Saturday, September 26
MUSIC: The Brooklyn Flea Record Fair
A Mecca for music lovers, the Brooklyn Flea Record Fair returns this Saturday to the lot adjacent to Smorgasburg. Over 50 vendors including 4AD, Bella Union, Cascine, Captured Tracks Shop, Ghostly International, Matador, Mute Records, XL, Paper Garden Records and Warp Records, are expected to attend. There will also be dj sets by the likes of Josh Kolenik (Small Black), Brian Turner (WFMU), and Ben Steidel (Lemonade) and a beer garden.
Location: 90 Kent Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Time: 11am-6pm

FESTIVAL: North Market Square at The North Festival (runs 9/23-9/28)
Get a helping of Nordic cuisine at NORTH Market Square, a pop-up in the west village that is part of The North Festival. Each day, the space is invaded by a different country. On Saturday, Bjork’s homeland Iceland takes the reigns. Chef Thráinn Freyr Vigfusson will be doing a Q&A about the country’s cuisine and you’ll also find musical performances and films by Icelandic artists. Reyka Vodka is a sponsor, so there may be some booze in the mix as well. If you can’t make Saturday, Thursday’s theme is Sweden, Friday’s is Finland and Sunday’s is Denmark.
Location: NORTH Market Square, 139 Charles St New York, NY 10014
Time: 12pm-10pm

PARTY: Riis Park Beach Bazaar with Perfect Pussy, Guerrilla Toss, Pawns, Ghost Dads and Show Me the Body (Also Sunday)
After a summer of food, fun and surf, Riis Park Beach Bazaar closes out its 2015 season with two face-melting shows. On Saturday, the seaside pop-up hosts Meredith Graves and her hardcore group Perfect Pussy, as well as Guerrilla Toss, Pawns, Ghost Dads and Show Me the Body. On Sunday, Brooklyn punks So So Glos headline a bill that also includes Nude Beach, Mannequin Pussy, Big Eyes, Bueno, and Bikini Carwash.
Location: Jacob Riis Park, 157 Rockaway Beach Blvd, Queens, NY
Time: 1pm

Sunday, September 27
FESTIVAL: Atlantic Antic
Brooklyn’s largest and oldest street fair returns this Sunday with food, art, music, shopping, festivities, and fun. This year’s theme is “Youth Are Our Future” and among those performing are the Brooklyn Youth Chorus, The Disfunctional Family Jazz Band, The House of the Lord Church Choir, and many more.
Location: Atlantic Avenue between Hicks and 4th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY
Time: 12pm-6pm

PARTY: St. Ripper’s Day
Before Rockaway’s famed boardwalk snack shop Rippers closes down for the season they are hosting one last bash. The burgers and beers aren’t free, but the entertainment is. Scheduled to perform are Wild Yaks, Naked Heroes, Past Life and Giggly Boys.
Location: Rippers, 8601 Shore Front Pkwy, Rockaway Beach, NY 11693
Time: 2pm

MUSIC: Porches, Nap Eyes, Adult Mom
The number of free outdoor concerts is definitely dwindling. Catch the last in The Brooklyn Live at the Inlet series this weekend with headliner Porches. Also on the bill, Canadian imports Nap Eyes and pop outfit Adult Mom. And when you aren’t listening to the music, you can browse or pick up a few fall accessories at the Brooklyn Flea.
Location: 50 Kent Street, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Time: 2pm
RSVP