Looking for last minute, off-the-cuff weekend plans? It’s not too late to figure it all out. For a glimpse of upcoming events that we’ll be covering, check out the scrolling calendar in our side bar to your right. Otherwise, here are a few highlights to check out in and around Manhattan this weekend!

Arts & Culture

Friday, May 6- Sunday, May 8- It’s New York Gallery Week for the art enthusiast in you, featuring up to 60 galleries around the city. Catch talks with your favorite artists, movie screenings, walking tours and so much more. For the event site, check out newyorkgalleryweek.com and for a list of all events, check this pdf.

Sunday, May 8- Yes, it’s Mother’s Day, but if your mom is out of town and you want to relish the beautiful weather, head out to Bryant Park for free ping pong. Paddles and balls are provided for free on two tables, and you can reserve your time at will. Head over to 42nd and 6th for easy access to the tables, which are open from 11am to 7pm daily until September 30th. So yeah, you have some time.

Sports

Friday, May 6- Sunday, May 8- The weather is getting heating up and so are the New York Mets. Check them out in person at Citi Field as they take on the Los Angeles (formerly Brooklyn) Dodgers in their only visit to Queens this year. (Mets Tickets)

Saturday, May 7- One of the most anticipated fights in recent memory takes place on Saturday night as Manny Pacquiao takes on Shane Mosley. While the card is live in Las Vegas, there’s no shortage of spots in Manhattan to stop in and check out all of the action. Check out Nevada Smith’s,Merrion Square, Firefly, or Finnerty’s for all the action.

Music & Entertainment

Friday, May 6- Movie release day. Quiet night tonight? Check out some releases coming out today- “Thor” (PG-13) debuts after a ton of promotion in both iMax and regular screenings, with Natalie Portman, Anthony Hopkins, and Chris Hemsworth as ‘The God of Thunder’ himself. Also opening today, “Something Borrowed,” (PG-13) with Kate Hudson and John Krasinski. (We’ve already got tickets for this RomCom) Finally, the long awaited film “The Beaver” (PG-13) opens today in a limited release starring and directed by Jodie Foster, but most notable for being Mel Gibson’s most recent role as a man who speaks to a stuffed beaver on his arm. Don’t blame us if you hate all of them.

Friday, May 6- Tonight, Terminal 5 hosts Rise Against with support from Bad Religion & Four Years Strong. Bad Religion is one of the best known hardcore punk bands to come out of
southern California in the early 80s. They have been a vital part to the scene ever since. Bad Religion’s music is and has always been critical of our society. Because of this they have inspired a new generation of bands to produce music that one has to actually think about, when they listen. Chicago’s Rise Against, tonight’s headliners, are a perfect example of the torch being passed along. Tickets are $45.90. (Rise Against Tickets)

Nightlife

Saturday, May 7- Need your Ha-Ha’s? The west village’s Comedy Cellar is one of the premiere comedy clubs in the country. Huge stars like Jerry Seinfeld and Chris Rock all cut their teeth at this basement club venue. On any given night either of those men could jump on stage and do a set within a moment’s notice. That’s the beauty of this place. This Saturday you will be able to catch a handful of well known comics playing through the night. At 7:30pm catch funnyman Colin Quinn, with the always hilarious Dave Attell, at the 11:00pm show. (Comedy Cellar)

Saturday, May 7- Get ready to club it up this weekend in NYC. The weather is getting nicer and that means you NEED to check out Spring Fever Saturdays at the Empire Hotel Rooftop. From the 12th floor of the hotel, the 8,000 square foot lounge overlooks the Hudson River and DJ’s be spinning 80’s, Top 40, House and Rock. Glowsticks optional. (Empire Hotel Rooftop)

Other

Saturday, May 7- Ladies grab your oversized hats, and gentleman wax up your mustache- It’s the 137th Running of the Kentucky Derby! As everyone knows, Derby Day is the fulcrum of the social year, and the unofficial opening day of summer. Head over to Brooklyn’s multi-purpose venue The Bell House for a full day of Derby themed activities and spirits leading up to post time. $6 Makers Mark Mint Juleps will be poured all day. There will also be square dancing and prizes for ‘Best Formal Hat,’ ‘Best Informal Hat’, plus ‘Sharp Dressed Man’. Post time will be at 6pm, and they’re off! (Kentucky Derby @ The Bell House)

- Jane Van Arsdale & Alan Smithee