Can you believe it’s already August? As the summer continues to fly by, there are lots of reasons to stay in town this weekend. From great repertory screenings of films and television classics to Brooklyn-based comedy shows and dance nights, this city truly never sleeps. If you’re counting those pennies, our dutiful intern Freddie has three free events that are guaranteed to get you out of the apartment and away from your Instant Netflix queue.

Friday August 2nd

Breaking Bad Panel with Betsy Brandt & Dean Norris
Film Society at Lincoln at 6:30PM
Ticket: $15

The cast of Breaking Bad has been travelling across the country in the weeks leading up the premiere of the show’s final season on August 11. Cast members Betsy Brandt and Dean Norris, who have created the fully-realized characters of Marie and Hank Schrader, will show two of their favorite episodes at Film Society of Lincoln center. The New Yorker’s Emily Nussbaum will moderate a Q&A after the screening. The 9PM panel and screening with series mastermind Vince Gilligan is sold out, but you can catch the conversation streaming live on Filmlinc.com!

Point Break LIVE!
The Bell House at 7:30PM
Ticket: $26-$46 (available at door)

“Little hand says it’s time to rock n’roll!” This meta-parody of the 90s extreme action blockbuster offers audience an interactive experience centered around FBI agent Johnny Utah’s infiltration of the LA surf community in pursuit of a gang of bank robbers dubbed “The Dead Presidents.” With your ticket purchase, you’ll get a Point Break Live! Survival Kit complete with poncho, earplugs and more. As an added surprise,  Johnny Utah will be played by a random audience member selected by an impromptu Are U Keanu? contest.

North of South, West of East
MetroTech Commons at 8:00 PM
Ticket: FREE

This unique cinematic experience tells four different stories on four separate screens but forms one coherent film.  Compelling, funny, and insightful, the four main characters represent archetypes of the American class struggle: the auto-worker (Ben Foster), the cowboy (James Penfold), the out-of-work actress (Sue Galloway), and the hustling immigrant (Erik Quintana). As sound design guides your attention from screen to screen, no need to fear being overwhelmed. Your interpretation is ultimately up to you.

Saturday August 3rd

The Second Annual LIC Block Party
Sculpture Center at 12:00 PM
Ticket: FREE

Featuring activities, live music and performances, this artists’ market showcases affordable and functional art, merchandise, and family-friendly food options from local restaurants. Get your picture taken in a social media photo booth, make donuts with the kids, get your coffee grounds read, and more. We promise there won’t be a shortage of things to do.

Psychedelic Visions and Expanded Consciousness
Pioneer Works at 6:30PM
Ticket: $10 (Suggested Donation)

Created originally for Los Angeles Filmforum’s Alternative Projections project, this series showcases experimental film and video work produced in Los Angeles from 1945-1980. Hosted at TFF 2013 artist Dustin Yellin’s gallery, this is an opportunity for film fans and art lovers to experience the City of Angels like never before.

Martha Graham Cracker Cabaret
Joe’s Pub at 11:30 PM
Ticket: $20

After a sold out NYC debut in January, The Martha Graham Cracker Cabaret is back with a brand new show. Lauded drag queen Martha Graham Cracker will be backed by a four-piece live band and will perform new arrangements and mashups of songs by artists ranging from Prince to Motley Cru. You won’t want to miss this drag cabaret.

Sunday August 4th

Country Brunchin’: Coal Miner’s Daughter
Nitehawk Cinema at 11:30AM
Ticket: $16

What’s better than chowing down on some biscuits and grits while watching Coal Miner’s Daughter? We can’t think of anything. Sissy Spacek’s Oscar winning performance as Loretta Lynn, is worth the price of admission. Bonus: the Brooklyn-based rockabilly band, Lil’ Mo and and the Monicats, will perform a pre-show serenade.

The Man Who Fell to Earth
Film Society at Lincoln Center at 5:45PM
Ticket: $13

Directed by Nicolas Roeg, David Bowie makes his screen debut in this 1976 British science fiction film. Bowie plays Thomas Jerome Newton, an alien who comes to Earth to create a private space program to save his dying planet. His mission is comprised by a shadowy organization and his own unexpected emotional attachment to a human girl, Mary-Lou.

Eric Andre: I’ve Being Doing Stand-Up for 10 Years… and I Still Suck at it
The Knitting Factory at 9:00PM
Ticket: $5 ($7 at door)

Eric Andre, one of the stars of the unfairly canceled "Don’t Trust the B in Apartment 23," takes over the Knit to present an hour of failed jokes, half-finished rants, scribbles from his notebook and other randomness. Also the host (and star) of Adult Swim's "The Eric Andre Show," Andre will certainly provide a wild ride.

Freddie’s Free Pick Three

Kickstarter Film Festival

Kickstarter, the filmmakers dream turned nightmare. You cannot avoid Kickstarter if you are a film nerd these days. From Veronica Mars to Spike Lee’s pleas to help spark his next joint, every celebrity has taken to asking for money. While that side of the site grinds my gears, the truth is that Kickstarter has provided a way to fund some really cool projects of all kinds. This Saturday in Brooklyn, Kickstarter is screening their favorites for the public free and in the open air. This is a super cool chance to see what all the fuss is about.

Summer Streets

Another NYC sponsored thing, but come on, at least they are trying to make it more young professional friendly around midtown!! Starting this Saturday and for the next two weekends after this, NYC is shutting down 7 miles of streets and opening them to pedestrians. There are 5 rest spots with various sponsored activities (which means free for us and the city!) and one really cool art installation that encompasses all of the Park Ave Tunnel. Be amongst the first people to ever walk through a stretch that has always flashed by taxi passengers until they hit the midtown traffic. If nothing else, you now can walk/jog 7 miles on a Saturday in New York without having to worry about a car!

First Saturday at the Brooklyn Museum

Thanks to our local neighborhood store, Target, you can enjoy a fun-filled Saturday evening at the Brooklyn Museum for FREE! The event includes musical showcases, curator talks, two film screenings, hands-on art, dance workshops, and even a book club. This month’s theme is Caribbean and includes art, film, and performances inspired by that diverse region including selections by caribBEING and El Museo del Barrio. Vamos!

On-Going Film Series:

Watch that Man: David Bowie, Movie Star
Film Society of Lincoln Center

With his new album on the way, this weeklong celebration of David Bowie couldn’t be timelier. In honor of the musician’s multifaceted  career spanning nearly half of century, the uptown institute presents a retrospective of Bowie’s most memorable on-screen roles and special rarities from the BBC archives.