Evian’s First Annual Wood Racquet Cup
The West Side Tennis Club; 8/18, (noon–5 p.m.); 1 Tennis Pl. at Burns St.; Forest Hills, Queens
A retro-themed tennis day brought to us by the water purveyors, who also sponsor the U.S. Open. On the roster is an appearance by Judah Friedlander, courts and table tennis open for public play, grub from Asia Dog, a free station to silk-screen tote bags, and a cash bar. Fun for the whole family (except the cash-bar part. That’s fun for folks over 21.) Attendees can also win tickets to the U.S. Open Finals matches in September and fun awards throughout the day like “best fist pump” and “best dressed.” Might we suggest a Richie Tenenbaum costume? RSVP here.
Chill New York
The High Line; 8/16–8/18, (noon–8 p.m.); Tenth Ave. at W. 17th St.
Sometimes you don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone, which is especially the case with weather. Shun the humidity and bask in the coolness of winter with Jaguar’s Chill NY at the High Line, with ice-skating and snow and fancy cars (oh my!). Also, demos by professional skaters and “cool treats,” all for free.
Air Force Week
Multiple locations; 8/19–8/21
It’s Air Force Week! Celebrate our men and women in uniform with a week of baseball games, flyovers, concerts, meet and greets, and more, many free and all open to the public. There’s even Military Working Dog demonstrations (just remember to remove all bacon from your pockets before you attend). Check the schedule for where to catch all of the action.
Amar’e Stoudemire
Barnes & Noble; 8/20 at noon.; 160 E. 54th St., nr. Third Ave.; 212-750-8033
Basketball pro by night, children’s book author by day. The captain of the Knicks will be signing copies of his new middle-school book series STAT (it stands for “standing tall and talented”) and doling out inspiration next week at Barnes & Noble. You need not be a kid to apply, but it probably helps if you have one with you.
Afropunk Festival
Commodore Barry Park; 8/25 and 8/26.; Nassau St., nr. Navy St., Ft. Greene, Brooklyn
A multi-culti music fest with an urban skater twist, featuring Erykah Badu, Janelle Monáe, Reggie Watts, Gym Class Heroes, Das Racist, Ninjasonik, and much more. Those with an X-Games bent can dust off their boards for Nike’s Battle for the Streets Skate and BMX Competition, where participants are chosen by video uploads. By all means, throw in some fancy editing along with those kick flips, but please don’t hurt yourself.
MLB Cave Concerts
MLB Fan Cave; multiple dates.; 692 Broadway at W. 4th St.
The old Tower Records on West 4th Street has gained new musical life as the MLB Fan Cave, which, in addition to hosting events for baseball nerds, throws free concerts open to the public. Coming up on the lineup: Neon Trees on 8/28 and the Band Perry on 8/30. Note: Space is limited and RSVP is required.