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Weekend Guide: Keith Sweat, Pearly Drops, Bars on the Beach
Plus, Cassidy, a Kaytranada listening party, and a magic fair
It’s still summer, and since the wildfires are (hopefully) more or less gone, it’s still a great time to be outside. So we’ve got a water-themed event on a Red Hook pier, a music and fashion fest on the Coney Island boardwalk, a dance party-slash-movie screening in a BK park, and more reasons to enjoy the sunshine.
But, as always, there’s lots more. Whether you’re in the mood for a Tori Amos-themed drag show (and who isn’t?) or dreamy Finnish dance-pop or the perfect set of tarot cards, we’ve got your back. You can find it all in our Weekend Guide.
Thursday, July 23
Damon Smith, Josh Turner and Friends Play Paul McCartney’s RAM @ Littlefield
8 p.m.
Critically hated initially and beloved in retrospect, Paul and Linda McCartney’s 1971 LP Ram may be one of the ex-Beatle’s most confounding and interesting solo releases. Smith and Turner team up with a full band and guest vocalists to bring it to life.
Tori Amos: Under the Pink *a full album drag tribute show* @ C’mon Everybody
8 p.m.
Everyone loves Tori’s sophomore album—or, if they don’t, they should. Now you can experience it the way God intended: as a drag show. Performers include Mx Ology, C’etait Bontemps, Mystery, Mauve, God Complex, and Charlene Incarnate.
Anna May Wong Double Feature: Shanghai Express & Daughter of Shanghai @ Ornithology Jazz Club
8:30 p.m.
Wong is generally considered the first Asian-American movie star. Now you can watch two of her best and most revolutionary 1930s films, each introduced by Wong’s biographer Katie Gee Salisbury, who will stick around to answer your questions. Your ticket also covers admission to the jazz club itself, if you want to hang out and catch a set.
Friday, July 24
Pearly Drops @ Elsewhere
6 p.m.
Pearly Drops are the duo of Finnish producers Sandra Tervonen and Juuso Malin. They put out dreamlike, catchy music that is sure to sound amazing in a club. RIP Swirl and DJ Thank You open up.
Brooklyn Bathhouse at Night @ Brooklyn Bathhouse
7 p.m.
If you’re looking for a club night in a unique location, look no further. There will be a DJ spinning all night and a full bar. But you also have access to a sauna, a steam room, and hot and cold plunges. Towels, sandals, and a locker are included—just bring yourself and a swimsuit.
Alfreda’s Cinema presents, Next Wave of Black Wmn’s Avant-Garde films @ Fulton Park
1 p.m. music, 8:30 p.m. film
Yes, we recommend a lot of events put on by the microcinema crew at Alfreda’s. But that’s because they always have such amazing programming. Here, they have a two-parter: a house music party starting at 1 p.m., and then a screening of new avant-garde films by Black women (including Jazsalyn, Ari Melenciano, and Zion Estrada) starting at 8:30.
Michael Kinnan put together this adaptation, and is co-directing it with Tom DeTrinis. They promise that “This ain’t your Mama’s Hannibal,” so watch out—and maybe be careful what you have to eat before you show up.
Saturday, July 25
KokoFest 2026 “ The Cultural Experience” Brooklyn @ Building 77
12 p.m.
The city’s top Caribbean festival is going on this weekend. A full nine hours of entertainment, food, drink, live music, and more. There also will be DJs spinning at sunset, so you can dance with a beautiful backdrop. More details available here.
New Eyes on Greg Tate: Flyboy in the Buttermilk Revisited @ MoCADA
1 p.m.
A bunch of the best music writers working today (Clover Hope, Timmhotep Aku, Andre Gee, Shamira Ibrahim, Lawrence Burney, and more) will be having a series of discussions centering around Flyboy in the Buttermilk, a book of essays from the legendary late critic Greg Tate. Newly issued copies of the long-hard-to-find book will also be available.
Hooked on Red Hook Treasure Hunt Park and Pier Cleanup @ Louis Valentino, Jr. Park and Pier
1 p.m.
The Waterfront Alliance and the NY–NJ Harbor & Estuary Program are teaming up for the 19th go-round of their annual City of Water Day celebration. For this event, come on out in a nautical-themed costume—there are prizes for the best—and help clean up the waterfront. A community gathering will follow, and participants will get food and drink discounts from neighborhood spots.
Keith Sweat’s Birthday Bash @ Barclays Center
8 p.m.
Keith Sweat turned 65 this week, and his celebrated self-titled fifth album hit 30 last month. To mark both milestones, he, alongside fellow R&B legends including Joe, Dru Hill, and trio Kut Klose, will hit the stage at Barclays Center.
100% Kaytranada @ St. James Libations
8 p.m.
This listening and social event is put on by The Music Nerds, which is “a space for Black music nerds to link up and enjoy sounds.” They’ve been going for two full years, and they’re celebrating by throwing a Kaytranada listening party. You’ll hear Kay’s Ain’t No Damn Way album, as well as music by his influences and artists he inspired. Plus, there will be artist-themed trivia and games.
Sunday, July 26
Midsummer Magic Fair @ Artful Souls & Wellness
12 p.m.
If you’re in search of the perfect tarot deck or crystal, look no further. Local makers, mystics, healers, and artists will be on hand to make sure you get the right bit of magic to bring home.
BeachFest 2026 “Bars on the Beach” @ Coney Island Boardwalk
1 p.m.
Yes, there are bars on Coney Island—shout out to Ruby’s. But this is a different kind of bars, the ones rappers spit. There will be open-mic battles, so bring your best rhymes. On top of that, there will be DJ sets, fashion showcases, games, giveaways, and more.
Ask About Me Concert Headlined by Cassidy @ Starr Bar
6 p.m.
Cassidy rocketed to fame as a Swizz Beatz protege in the early 2000s. But hip-hop heads know him for a lot more than his drink and his two-step. He was from the beginning an absolutely vicious rapper, with seemingly endless pugnacious bars that would become a seminal influence on a generation of battle rappers. You’ll undoubtedly get to see all sides of his split personality at this gig.
Stormy Weather @ BAM Rose Cinemas
6 p.m.
Yes, it’s the movie with that dance routine from the Nicholas Brothers, the one that seems to recirculate in your feed every few months. As if that weren’t enough, there are tons more reasons to see this 1943 classic on the big screen while you have the chance. But honestly, two words should sell it: Lena. Horne.
