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 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 27- Sunday, May 29- Looking for something different to do this weekend? Why not check out The 16th Annual Lower East Side Festival of the Arts. All weekend long the Theater for the New City hosts indoor and outdoor performances, food vendors, and cultural exhibits down on First Avenue between 9th and 10th Street. From poetry readings to comedians, it should be an exciting weekend for everyone. Check out all of the goings on here. (Lower East Side Festival of the Arts)

Saturday, May 28- What is this, some sort of holiday weekend? Heck yes, it’s Memorial Day, which can only mean one thing- beginning tomorrow, New York’s finest public beaches are officially open for business. Put on your skimpy trunks and head out to an island, be it Coney or Staten. Let the summer begin!

Sports

Friday, May 27- Sunday, May 29- One of baseball’s biggest rivalries resumes this weekend as the Philadelphia Phillies come to Flushing to take on the “overpaid, overrated, non-superstar laden” New York Metropolitans. Come out and watch Reyes and Beltran while they’re still here. (Mets-Phillies Tickets)

Saturday, May 28- Football anyone? No, not that football- they’re embroiled in a lockout. But soccer isn’t- and tomorrow’s UEFA Champions League Final pits Manchester United and Barcelona in a battle for shin guard supremacy. While you can’t catch the action in person in New York City, a ton of soccer bars will be showing the match, which begins at 2:45pm. Try LocalBozo.com favorites Nevada Smith’s, The Central Bar, and Lansdowne Road for all the action.

Music & Entertainment

Friday, May 27- Movie release day. Quiet night tonight? Check out some releases coming out today..well…yesterday.- “The Hangover Part II” (R) opened last night. Anyone else feel bad for this Justin Bartha? I get that they left him on the roof in the first one, but it’s like he’s not even really in the Wolfpack when it comes to promoting the film. Also, “Kung Fu Panda 2” (PG) opened yesterday, in 3D with Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman, and for some reason, Jackie Chan. Finally, “The Tree of Life” (PG-13) starring Brad Pitt and Sean Penn. The thing killed at Cannes, so you should probably see it. Don’t blame us if you hate them.

Friday, May 27- Live concerts in the City are a little light this weekend, but the Bowery Ballroom has Dylan Fest 2011- a celebration of all things Bob Dylan, near his 70th birthday, featuring Norah Jones, Jon Bovi (Jason Sudeikis and Will Forte from SNL), and members from The Strokes, The Hold Steady, Fountains of Wayne, Mooney Suzuki, The Lemonheads and more. (Dylan Fest 2011)

Nightlife

Friday, May 27- Sunday, May 29- Get ready to club it up this weekend. DJ Geo Roc is spinning hip-hop and Top 40 tonight at Pranna. Entrance is free until midnight, but call 917-701-6205 to get on the guestlist beforehand. Also tonight, Katra’s got 2 for 1 drinks until midnight and 2 floors of music for Chill Factor Fridays. To get on the guestlist call 917-653-0768. Tomorrow night, Taj II throws a Memorial Day Weekend party with Getlive spinning house and world house. Sure to be a killer time. Blowouts optional.

Other

Saturday, May 28- Where Brooklyn At? The Fort Green Festival isn’t coming until June, but tomorrow night spawns the Kickoff Series with an evening hosted by Rosie Perez among others. With admission at $10 ahead and $15 at the door, head to Sanders Studio to check out “A Tribe Called Quest’s” own Q-Tip along with Pete Rock. It’s a preshow party celebrating culture, cuisine, and art.(Fort Greene Kickoff Party)

Sunday, May 29- At 4pm, get over to the Knitting Factory in Brooklyn for the 4th Annual Springtime Zombie Crawl. Dress like the undead, which is being filmed for a movie (Punk Rock Holocaust 3), and hit up McCarren Park for a live performance by “Disgraceland Hook Squad” before hitting Public Assembly for the party. (Zombie Crawl)

- Jane Van Arsdale