The Weekender

This weekend looks like a washout what with expected thunderstorms. Bummer! After spending such a nice evening in the park this week celebrating Solstice I was looking forward to more of the same. There are some neat outdoor activities I discovered, so let’s hope no one is doing any rain dances until Monday.

One neat way to hide from the rain is at the Flux Factory’s Opolis, its third manifestation of Comix Fluxture. “These exhibits have brought cartoonists and illustrators into the gallery to create comics narratives that also function as installation art. The ongoing objective of the series is to create works of art to be read intimately—as a comic strip—but also contribute to an overall installation spectacle.” The cartoonists have been assigned “city blocks” in Flux’s main space. They then design the buildings and spaces that make up the city. It sounds really neat. The opening reception is Saturday at 7pm and admit is free. The space is open - Fri. 4-7 pm, Sat & Sun 12-5 pm.

If the weather holds out Saturday night enjoy some burgers and a movie about burgers over at the Water Taxi Beach. Gothamist and A Hamburger Today are presenting their first food event here. Tickets are priced at either $9 for 2 burgers or $16 for 4 burgers. That sound like a lot of burgers! And while you much away catch the flick Hamburger America at dusk.

If you’d rather stay indoors Saturday night at 9pm head over to Waltz for their Talk Wine series. $25 gets you in to sample the various wines and complimentary goodies. Make some new friends while bonding over a glass of vino. I have got to get myself over to one of these! I’m just a little shy around strangers, so if I have to talk about the wine I get a little antsy. Anyone want to come with me? John is of the same mindset which is why we bailed at the last minute the last time we planned on going. Anyone, anyone Bueller?

Sunday has more great outdoor fun, provided the weather holds up. First up is LIC bar’s summer long Rock N’ Roll BBQ! Awesomeness. The fun and food starts at 4, band starts at 4:30 and it goes til 8. Bonus, our fave local Chef Jonathan Forgash will be handling the food. Oh Yeah! (unfortunately the website is in need of an update)

After the BBQ Hell Gate Social presents Hell on Reels, Astoria’s own Moving Picture Festival. Check out the unique short format moving image works, including documentary, narrative, music video, animation, design and experimental films. The outdoor screening starts at 8:30 and doors open at 7:30.

Should the weather not hold up and well, outdoor movies wouldn’t prove quite as fun, head over to the Irish Rover at 7 for their weekly pub quiz. Test your knowledge and possibly make some new friends and some dough. Or at least have a pint and a laugh.

Make it a good one!