THEATER: Less than a week post-Fringe, another festival is upon us: the Brick's new Clown Theater Festival, which starts tonight with a subway parade and "free-for-all pie-fight." Some of the participating local and international performers wear big red noses but these aren't the sort of clowns that kids get scared of at birthday parties, but rather the promoters of and participants in a vibrant physical format that's re-energizing theater; there are performances like Chiche Capon's Cabaret out of France and Fools Mass by NYC's own Theatre Group Dzieci, plus workshops for aspiring clowns. Even if the Fringe has you tuckered out, these will be different and delightful enough to get you going again. - Mallory Jensen more ›

We caught the "free outdoor music bug" this past weekend, thanks to Siren, and we're determined to go to as many of these shows as possible. Even if it's 18,000 degrees outside and our face is melting. more ›

New Yorkers' love for cupcakes have made them a staple snack, sweet treat, or office birthday party surprise as the household names Sugar Sweet Sunshine, Magnolia Bakery, and Billy's Bakery spark visions of buttery sweet frosting, densely rich cake, and the playfulness of a childhood birthday party. Despite cupcakes' trendiness, last weekend when Gothamist was at a wedding, we were still surprised that in lieu of a wedding cake, the husband-and-wife to be opted for a cupcake tower! more ›