‘Barbenheimer’ rising: 17 things to do this weekend

By Joshua Encinias

We finally have great weather this weekend with temperatures in the mid-80s during the day and low-70s at night. So let’s get some plans on the books.

You can, if you are so inclined, pull a “Barbenheimer,” the much-discussed idea of a “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” doubleheader on both films’ opening weekend. We don’t necessarily recommend it, but you could do so at the Alamo Drafthouse downtown starting Friday.

BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! is offering up free shows, and Drake wraps his decidedly not-free “It’s All a Blur” tour this weekend. Or you can see the legendary Bertha Hope Quintet at the Brooklyn Museum on Sunday afternoon, then treat yourself to some free vanilla ice cream at Room43. There’s also a dog-friendly comedy show on Sunday night.

Even Kens can party like Barbie this weekend:

Friday, July 21

‘Barbenheimer’ hits theaters
Various showtimes at the Alamo Drafthouse
Robert Oppenheimer might’ve dropped the bomb 15 years before Barbie debuted on shelves, but they’re both getting their first major motion picture on Friday. “Barbie” is probably the only one getting a sequel, though. 445 Albee Square West.

‘Come on Barbie Let’s Go Party’ at The Springs
6 p.m.
Continue living out your Barbie fantasy at The Springs in Greenpoint on Friday night. The Springs will celebrate Barbie’s Hollywood debut by painting the town pink with a blowout Barbie Bash. Have your Malibu Moment on their Barbie-decorated patio. Throw back some Pink Party Punch along with other drink specials. Dancing is encouraged, and pink attire is recommended. Kens are welcome, too. 224 Franklin Avenue.

Celebrate Brooklyn! Presents: The Chelsea Symphony
6:30 to 10:30 p.m.
The Chelsea Symphony comes to Celebrate Brooklyn! on Friday to radically democratize the classical orchestral music experience. The orchestra will perform Grace Williams’ “Calm Sea in Summer” from “Sea Sketches” and Max Richter’s “The New Four Seasons – Vivaldi Recomposed” featuring violinist Lady Jess, who has performed with St. Vincent and Beyoncé. Lucrecia Dalt will open. A limited number of chairs will be available at this show, but you are also permitted to bring your own. The Lena Horne Bandshell at 9th Street and Prospect Park West. Free.

Celebrate Brooklyn! + Brooklyn Magazine “In the Tent” with Nabil Ayers and Shahana Hanif
Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 6:30 p.m.
Before you enjoy the symphony, though, Brooklyn Magazine editor Brian Braiker will be in conversation at the Lena Horne Bandshell with author Nabil Ayers on Friday and Council Member Shahana Hanif on Saturday ahead of each night’s BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! concerts. Ayers is the son of jazz-funk legend Roy Ayers, and he will discuss his unorthodox origin story and upbringing, a career in music. Council Member Hanif is the first Bangladeshi and Muslim woman to hold her position on the New York City Council. She will discuss representation in the arts and policy, and how it affects her district (which includes Prospect Park). Ninth Street and Prospect Park West. Free.

Susanne Bartsch’s ‘Drag Race All Stars’ season 8 crowning extravaganza
7 p.m.
The queen of New York nightlife brings the top two finalists of “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars” eighth season to Brooklyn on Friday night for a crowning ceremony for the ages at 9 Bob Note. The Bronx’s Kandy Muse and Canada’s Jimbo the Drag Clown will be on hand for a night of revelry, meet-and-greets and a dance party. Fellow drag queen Milk and DJ Boyyyish will perform in addition to Kandy and Jimbo. Get ready for an unforgettable night of two Scorpios fighting for the crown! 270 Meserole Street. Tickets start at $29.

Drake: It’s All a Blur Tour
8 p.m.
Drake and 21 Savage wrap up their July residency at Barclays Center on Friday during the rapper’s first tour since 2018. The duo is touring in support of their recent album, “Her Loss,” of which all 16 tracks debuted on Billboard’s Hot 100 List. Come get in your feelings while Drake gets in his. 620 Atlantic Avenue. Tickets start at $380.

Saturday, July 22

African Popup Festival
Saturday and Sunday from 12 to 7 p.m.
Enjoy food and culture from across the Black diaspora at the African Popup Festival on Saturday and Sunday. There will be grub, drinks, music, art and markets from Brooklyn’s African and Caribbean communities at this family-friendly event at Hillel Plaza in Flatbush. Listen to DJs spin the best Afrobeats, soca, Kompa, Amapiano and R&B, or check out live performances and dance from local talents. There’s also a cooking demo, an art exhibition, live painting and much more. Nostrand and Flatbush Avenues, 11210. Entry is free, but there are various prices for sampling food.

The Six Foot Platform
12 to 6 p.m.
A group of six Brooklyn-based artists were chosen by a panel to participate in full-day residencies on a 6’-by-6’ platform on Washington Street following an open call for works with residencies spanning artistic disciplines. The Six Foot Platform takes place every Saturday through August 19. This Saturday, Tianding He, Qingan Zhang, Jiaoyang Li and Yuexing Sun perform “How I Disappeared.” Taking inspiration from Italo Calvino’s Invisible Cities, the artists conjure an ever-changing cityscape, evoking memories and desires built from their unique experiences as Asian immigrants. The intersection of Washington and Water Streets in Dumbo.

Isla & Co. host Christmas in July
3 to 7 p.m.
Who says you have to wait until December to celebrate Christmas? Aussie-owned Isla & Co. will defy nature to celebrate Christmas in July on Saturday, Down Under-style. Indulge in a traditional Australian Christmas feast, complete with cherry-glazed smoked ham and pavlovas for dessert. Guests can dress for Summer with a touch of Christmas, just like you would if you were celebrating the holiday in Australia, complete with a visit from Summer Santa. There’s also a raffle with proceeds going to The Variety Children’s Foundation. 107 N. 12th Street. Ticket prices vary.

Celebrate Brooklyn! Presents: Ali Sethi, Raja Kumari, and Roshni Samlal
6 to 10 p.m.
Celebrate Brooklyn! hosts its second concert of the weekend on Saturday evening. Artists include Ali Sethi, a Pakistani musician and author who draws from ancient traditions to tell stories of exuberance and joy from the margins. Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and rapper Raja Kumari opens the show with her fiery lyrics and explosive dance performances, paying homage to her Indian roots. Roshni Samlal will perform a DJ set that bridges communities with her unique poetry and sound collages. The Lena Horne Bandshell at 9th Street and Prospect Park West. Free.

Nasirah Kay Presents: Freaknik 2023
7 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Oh, you thought Freaknik was only for your parents in the ‘90s? Nasirah Kay is bringing the infamous party to Brooklyn on Saturday. Drinks will be for sale. Girls are encouraged to wear their Freaknik fits, and guys are encouraged to wear their best ’90s look. Come get your freak on. Prospect Park between Ocean and Parkside Avenues. Free.

Rooftop Films: New York Non-Fiction
7:45 to 11 p.m.
One of Rooftop Film’s most beloved and popular programs, New York Non-Fiction, highlights the spectrum of quirky characters, hidden communities and overlooked histories that make NYC so special. In the night’s lineup, you’ll see non-fiction films that tell the captivating stories of underappreciated but crucial people who make the city special. Tickets are $18.

JUDY: Shame
10 p.m.
Pride is out, Shame is in: this dance party at C’mon Everybody encourages partiers to reclaim their shame, own their guilty pleasures and be shameless about it. 325 Franklin Avenue. Tickets are $19.

Sunday, July 23

Jean-Michel Othoniel: The Flowers of Hypnosis
The exhibit is open during garden hours
Brooklyn Botanical Garden presents French artist Jean Michel Othoniel’s “The Flowers of Hypnosis,” a series of six new “bead-like sculptures that dance among the sprawling complex’s Japanese Hill-and-Pond garden, Fragrance Garden and Lily Pool Terrace,” writes Brooklyn Magazine’s Vittoria Benzine earlier this week. Bring the little ones or the whole family to escape reality in the garden for a bit on Friday. There’s no rush to see the exhibit, though, as it’s on display through October 22. 150 Eastern Parkway. Tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. Children under 12 attend with an adult for free.

Community Outreach for National Vanilla Ice Cream Day
12 to 3 p.m.
In honor of National Vanilla Ice Cream Day, event space Room43, Rollerwave NYC and Mr. P’s Ice Cream are partnering on Sunday to give away free vanilla ice cream and complimentary tickets to one of the city’s hottest skate rinks, Brooklyn’s Rollerwave. It’s that simple: free ice cream and free skating, the stuff childhood summer memories are made of. 4303 Church Avenue, entrance on 43rd Street. Free.

Jazz in the Garden: Bertha Hope Quintet
2 to 4 p.m.
Come to the Steinberg Family Sculpture Garden at Brooklyn Museum to hear the Bertha Hope Quintet on Sunday afternoon. Hope is one of jazz’s living legends. She’s a pianist, composer, educator and bandleader who has toured globally with such artists as Nat Adderley, Dizzy Gillespie and Eddie Henderson. This year, she invites you to celebrate the songbook of her late husband, the pianist and composer Elmo Hope. 200 Eastern Parkway. Free, but registration is encouraged.

The Good Dog Show
7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Perhaps one of the only dog-friendly comedy shows is coming to Brooklyn. Take your little buddy to the patio of Putnam’s Pub and Cooker in Clinton Hill for beer, food and comedy from some of New York City’s funniest comedians. Dogs are invited to take part in the show and show off their best tricks. You’re going to love it, and your dogs are going to love it — just don’t give them any beer, please. Buy tickets in advance or risk your dog’s wrath. 419 Myrtle Avenue. Tickets are $8.