EVENT: Into anime? It's your lucky weekend, the New York Anime Festival is in town! There will be previews, screenings and panels galore. Check out their website for more details. All Weekend // Jacob Javits Convention Center [655 W 34th St] // $30 day pass, $55 weekend pass SHOP: FIT and the Design Mavens come together for a 3 day shopstravaganza. Tons of designers we're not cool enough to have ever heard of will be......

ART: Check out Pale and Blue at 14 tonight at Giant Robot New York. Jeana Sohn’s paintings are a testament to the bond between humans and nature. Meanwhile, The Village Voice is calling Giant Robot New York, “Best New Gallery/store For Big Kids Who Still Like To Play With Toys.” Closing January 3rd. - Stephanie Nikolopoulos Closing Tomorrow // Giant Robot [437 E 9th St] // Free THEATER: The Big Voice: God or Merman? is......

Gothamist was supposed to spend the evening on a rooftop with friends and free drinks. Thank you rain for ruining the start to our weekend! We usually don't take a negative tone around here, but it needs to be said: Gothamist hates weather. It's also going to ruin at least one of the below events, see if you can pick which one. When you're done with that, grab your umbrella and rain boots and find......

Today, the store Giant Robot, known in L.A. and San Francisco for its selection of cool toys, books and clothes (hello, Mr. Dob), opens a New York location - Giant Robot New York - in the East Village. And tonight, there's an opening reception from 6-10PM, with sponsors like Dumpling Man, Glaceau, Uglydoll and Matador/Beggars (we suspect there will be eats, good tunes, and, hopefully, a lifesize Jeero!)! Plus, the artwork of Eishi Takaoka (whose......

Too bad Snow Patrol isn't playing this week to provide us with some poetic justice. Right on to it: Tuesday night, as you're probably aware, media baby Interpol playing with the amazing Blonde Redhead, but if you're not already there, you're probably not going. It's at Radio City, and $39.50. I'd say check out The Frames at Bowery Ballroom. Their live shows are stunning, and it's in the neighborhood. Wednesday see M. Ward @ Knitting......