Weekday Fun: The Best Events June 16-18

Mary Bakija -


Summer brings out some of the best free and cheap events, and we’ve got a bunch of them coming up this week, from the third annual Inner Beauty Pageant, to Game of Thrones trivia, to contra dancing outside of the library. Details on those and more:

Size Matters: Shrine Big Band
When: Monday, June 16, 8pm
Where: Tea Lounge, 837 Union Street
What: Featuring original compositions contributed by band members, and conducted by contrabass trombonist King James Rogers, the 13-piece Shrine Big Band is apparently a sight to hear and a sound to behold.
How much: Free!

Local Produce In The Gardens
When: Tuesday, June 17, 5pm
Where: GreenSpace @ President Street, 5th Avenue & President Street
What: New Dance & Music Performance with Tamara LaDonna Moving Spirit, Inc; and The Little Streams (dance & music).
How much: Free!

Celebrate Brooklyn Benefit Concert: The National
When: Tuesday, June 17 & Wednesday, June 18, 7pm
Where: Bandshell at Prospect Park, 9th Street/Prospect Park West entrance
What: Tickets for the event are sold out, but if you’re a big fan of the Brooklyn band, you’ll still be able to hear the tunes nearby in the park, so grab a blanket, find a close patch of grass, and enjoy!

Game Of Thrones Trivia
When: Tuesday, June 17, 8pm
Where: Tea Lounge, 837 Union Street
What: It’s all direwolves and dragons at this trivia night!
How much: Free, but it’s first-come, first-served, so arrive early.

Local Produce In The Gardens
When: Tuesday, June 17, 5pm
Where: Garden of Union, 4th Avenue & Union Street
What: Sarah Danhke’s Garden Soul Clap: Come bust a few moves and jump into line with Sarah’s latest dance groove!
How much: Free!

2014 Plaza Swing Series: Ebony Hillbillies
When: Wednesday, June 18, 6:30pm
Where: Central Library, Central Plaza, 10 Grand Army Plaza
What: Dancing in front of the library is back again this summer! Learn to contra dance and then test out your moves to the sounds of one of the last black string bands in the U.S. Dance lessons are at 6:30pm, and the band starts at 7pm. (In case of rain, the event will be held on Thursday, June 19 at 6:30pm.)
How much: Free!

The 3rd Annual NYC Inner Beauty Pageant
When: Wednesday, June 18, 8pm
Where: Littlefield, 622 Degraw Street
What: It’s just as awesome as it sounds: 12 contestants participate in an interview portion, talent portion, and homemade swimsuit competition before the audience picks a winner (by silent ballot, so nobody’s feelings get too hurt).
How much: $5 in advance, $7 at the door.

Inner Beauty Pageant photo via Meatball Presents