Hip-Hop 50, Blackpink, and Techno: It’s a Jam-Packed Weekend of Music in NYC

Did you not hit the billion-dollar lottery this week, either? Same! But luckily, we live in New York City, which means we already won the jackpot. And for this weekend, we certainly have some “only in New York” vibes: sunset yacht parties with live DJs, tons of events for the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, and off-menu massages unlocked by a special password. Read on for everything fun you can do in NYC this weekend.

And for even more fun things, check out our comprehensive guide to stargazing and all the details on a cool, inclusive wine club.

BlackPink Born Pink Tour Pop-Up
August 11–12
West Chelsea; free to enter
The only thing we love more than concert merch? Limited-edition merch. And for all you Blinks heading to MetLife Stadium this weekend, this is your time to thrive. Blackpink s celebrating their Born Pink Tour with an immersive pop-up curated by the Japanese graphic artist Verdy. There will be super special merch (shirts, hoodies, hats), many Insta-friendly photo moments, and the opportunity to meet fellow, Jennie, Jisoo, Lisa, and Rosé stans.

Vintage Market at Vaux Shop
August 12, 11 am–7 pm
Williamsburg; free to enter
Vintage lovers: This is your sign to clear your schedule for Saturday. Three of the city’s biggest vintage purveyors (Vaux Shop, Guts Vintage, and Loser Baby Vintage) are combining their considerable powers for the Vaux Vintage market. Clothes will include everything from super-trendy Y2K pieces, to items that date all the way back to the Victorian era. Talk about one of a kind.

Opening of Gulaabo
August 11–13, 5 pm–11 pm
Theater District; entrees from $18
We know finding a decent pre-theater meal can be a real struggle, but we have good news: Gulaabo has entered the chat. The new concept from the team behind Indian gastropub Baar Baar, this spot on W. 47th Street is an ode to the Punjabi cuisine of Northern India. Think: Kebabs cooked in the tandoor, over a dozen different curries, and unique cocktails, like the Makhani made with butter chicken-washed whiskey, honey, and peat.

Pistacchio by Eataly e Patrizia Pasqualetti
August 11–13
Flatiron; gelato scoops from $9.90
Nothing hits like a cold scoop on a hot summer day. And for all of you that are nuts for nuts, we have a super special treat for you to check out: Eataly’s Pistacchio pop-up. The gelato menu includes Sicilian and Salted Pistachio flavors, as well as Hazelnut and Vanilla with Crunchy Pistachio. Bonus: every flavor is also dairy- and gluten-free, so bring all your picky friends.

Hip-Hop 50 
August 11–12
Locations vary; prices vary
Hip-hop is such a timeless musical genre that it’s hard to believe it’s turning 50 this weekend. Luckily, the parties celebrating this milestone will keep hip-hop (and you) feeling fresh, and they’re all over the boroughs. For a rooftop jam, head to Park Lane New York, where their bar Darling will be showcasing vinyl-only DJs on Friday and Saturday nights. Over in Staten Island on Friday, Maker Park Radio is sponsoring a concert honoring the anniversary, hosted by Raekwon of the local SI legends, Wu-Tang Clan, and also featuring live graffiti, dance, and streetwear vendors. Also this Friday, you can brave the middle of Times Square at 5 pm (worth it, we swear), for a showcase of crews and dance battles with Brickhouse NYC. And on Saturday, head to The Dance Floor at Josie Robertson Plaza at Lincoln Center, where Sainted, a trap choir, will be performing a range of hip-hop, gospel, R&B, and trap.

Teksupport at 99 Scott
August 11
East Williamsburg; from $68.55 per ticket
Teksupport, one of the premiere house and techno events in New York City, rolls into town this weekend, with a lineup that includes Brazilian DJ and producer ANNA, German DJ and producer Konstantin Sibold, and New York City’s own Pablo Romero. The open-air show will take place at 99 Scott, and good news: The weather looks perfect.

Afribembé Festival
August 12, 12 pm–6 pm
Harlem; free with registration
Bembé is a word used throughout the African diaspora that can mean everything from drumming to party to rhythm. And so, it goes without saying that the 5th Annual Afribembé Festival will be one of the most fun events happening this weekend. The free music festival, whose theme this year is “Black to the Future,” will be headlined by Grammy-nominated Cuban percussionist Pedrito Martinez, and also features “artivism” activities, plenty of food from across the Diaspora, and a marketplace with locally made goods.

THE WELL New York’s off-menu And Just Like That massage
August 11–13
Union Square; massages from $250
Does anything make a New Yorker feel more powerful than knowing the code to an exclusive, off-menu item? We think you know the answer. So, we’ll let you in on a little secret: If you pop by THE WELL and tell them “Carrie sent me,” you’re allowed to book the ultra-rejuvenating and top-secret Integration Massage, which is conducted in the spa’s gorgeous meditation dome. Sore muscles are so out of fashion, after all.

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