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Gothamist Summer Guide: 20 Ways To Make Your June Jubilant

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June. The word alone a beautiful thing, full of hope and promise. Summer Sixteen is officially underway, and with it come opportunities to eat delicious food, dance to great music, get dressed up for a party, and completely undress for a bike ride. New York City is brimming with hot and humid fun this month, so grab some SPF 60 and get ready to make some plans!

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On his new record Good Luck and Do Your Best, British electronic musician Gold Panda delivers wildly cinematic music that's perfect for long train rides and overcrowded streets. It's loaded with weird chimes, dense bass, and drums that recall some of the best trip-hop of the 90s. If Massive Attack took a long trip to Japan, they'd come back with something like Good Luck. <a href="http://www.boweryballroom.com/event/1105653-gold-panda-new-york/">Gold Panda will play Bowery Ballroom</a> this month and any fan of modern instrumental music the likes of Bonobo, Nicolas Jaar, or Tycho will not want to miss it. <iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/247860480&color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false" width="100%"></iframe> Wednesday, June 1st, 8 p.m. // Bowery Ballroom, 6 Delancey Street, Manhattan // <a href="http://www.boweryballroom.com/event/1105653-gold-panda-new-york/">Tickets $18-20</a>

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Outside of Ecuador, the world's largest Ecuadorian population is in Queens, so it's perfectly fitting that the second annual <a href="http://www.ecuadorianfilmfest.com/">Ecuadorian Film Festival in New York</a> will be held in part at the Queens Museum. Beginning June 2nd and running for three days, the EFFNY will feature the best of Ecuador's burgeoning film industry with 17 short films and ten features, including Micaela Rueda's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MBaXOPkvzA">UIO: Take Me for a Ride</a>, which premiered this year at SXSW, and the world premiere of Ecuadorian-American director Betty Bastidas' <a href="https://vimeo.com/22419563">DreamTown</a>, a documentary about three Afro-Ecuadorian soccer players. Half of all proceeds from the festival will be donated to the Ecuadorian Shelter Initiative, which has been working to provide shelter to people affected by the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_Ecuador_earthquake">devastating earthquake</a> that hit Ecuador earlier this year. (Gabriela Del Valle) Begins Thursday, June 2nd // <a href="https://www.citycinemas.com/villageeast/showtimes-and-tickets/now-playing">Village East Cinemas</a>, 189 2nd Ave. // <a href="http://syndicatedbk.com/">Syndicated Theater</a>, 40 Bogart St., Brooklyn // <a href="http://www.queensmuseum.org/">Queens Museum</a>, Flushing Meadows Corona Park // <a href="http://www.ecuadorianfilmfest.com/">Free - $20</a>

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Promising "the best in Asian cuisine from Hong Kong to Hanoi," the annual <a href="http://luckyrice.ticketfly.com/">Luckyrice feast </a>will show you a wide and delicious world beyond noodles, rice, or sushi. This year's feast is taking place at Industry City and will bring dozens of Asian chefs together for a spread that's as fine dining as it is street food. And unlike your rent, the price has actually gone down this year! There'll be cocktails, sake, and beer served cold, plus a VIP section where those willing to splurge will be able to enjoy a special dumpling bar and drinks. There's really no downside here; your body wants this. Thursday, June 2nd, 8 p.m. (VIP ticket holders get in at 7 p.m.) // <a href="http://industrycity.com/">Industry City</a>, 220 36th Street, Brooklyn // <a href="http://luckyrice.ticketfly.com/">Tickets $88-150</a>

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America is a nation in debt. Sad! From refinanced suburban homes to loan-bought arts degrees to the federal government's ledger, there's no denying that we're swimming in it. Queens arts space Flux Factory is seizing upon that fact with their newest multimedia event. They're calling it <a href="http://www.fluxfactory.org/projects/debt-positive/">Debt Positive</a>, and have curated a show that transforms, re-envisions, and occasionally embraces the fact that we owe more than we'll ever manage to repay. Debt Positive runs all month and features new work from Tori Abernathy, Sarah Beck, Paolo Cirio, Eliott Eds, and more, plus special one-night-only performances will be happening on special dates. If they're anything like the Factory's <a href="http://gothamist.com/2016/03/17/fung_wah_field_trip.php#photo-1">Fung Wah Biennial</a>, you'll want to, uh, experience it. Show runs June 3-24th; Gallery Hours Wednesday - Saturday 12-6 p.m. // <a href="http://www.fluxfactory.org/">Flux Factory</a>, 39-31 29th Street, Long Island City // <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/129457984132210/">Free</a>

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It's a little strange to call <a href="http://newyork.figmentproject.org/">Figment</a> a "family event." Yes, the volunteer-powered arts show is appropriate for all ages, but it draws from such a diverse and creative pool of talent that anyone could (and should) make the trip. Governors Island will be covered with weird shaded chambers, a fiddler dressed in Colonial garb, live dancers, rope sculptures, puppets, a giant maze, and something called a bouncy bench. Plus, as in previous years, an incredible minigolf course will be waiting for you (check out <a href="http://gothamist.com/2015/06/09/figment_fest_governors_island.php#photo-1">photos from last year's fest</a>). It's happening all weekend and is absolutely free, so get in the participatory spirit of things and reclaim some child-like wonder. Festival runs June 3-5th, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. // Governors Island (<a href="http://newyork.figmentproject.org/getting_there">directions</a>) // <a href="http://newyork.figmentproject.org/">Free</a>

(Melanie Rieders/Gothamist)

Whether you prefer a delicate Scandinavian roast or engineer-grade dark roast, NYC's annual Coffee Con will have what you need when you're in need of a buzz. Dozens of roasters, cafes, and bean purveyors will be on hand, doing demonstrations on how to perfect your home extractions and making sure you leave in an elevated, accelerated state of being. There'll be a <a href="http://www.chemexcoffeemaker.com/">Chemex</a> mini museum, clinics on steampunk brewing, tales of coffee's role in Hollywood and, somewhere, we have to guess, a straight up honest cup of old-school joe. Saturday, June 4th, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. // <a href="http://industrycity.com/">Industry City</a>, 220 36th Street, Brooklyn //<a href="https://www.squadup.com/events/coffeeconny2016">Tickets $23-45</a>

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Mezcal is commonly known as tequila's smokier, elusive cousin, and if you've ever wanted to learn about the intricacies of this particular agave-based spirit, <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mezcal-mexico-in-a-bottle-nyc-tickets-25240135926?aff=ebrowse">Mezcal: Mexico in a Bottle</a> is the perfect opportunity. The two-day party will let you sample over 100 different mezcals, all while enjoying Mexican food from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/casamezcalny/?fref=ts">Casa Mezcal</a>'s kitchen and talking to industry professionals, including <a href="http://www.mexinabottle.com/when-was-the-last-time-you-got-a-chance-to-meet-a-6th-generation-mezcalero/">Asis Cortez</a>, a mezcalero whose family has been making the beverage for six generations. There'll also be cocktail-making lessons that will teach you how to incorporate mezcal into your home liquor cabinet. (Gabriela Del Valle) Sunday, June 5, 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - Monday June 6, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. // Casa Mezcal - 86 Orchard Street/ <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mezcal-mexico-in-a-bottle-nyc-tickets-25240135926/">Tickets</a>: $70 - 130

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It's one of the single most important books in English literature, and it's coming to a borough near you. The New York Historical Society has gotten its hands on <a href="http://www.nyhistory.org/exhibitions/first-folio-book-gave-us-shakespeare">Shakespeare's first folio</a>, a tome that dates back to 1632 and includes the first-ever published versions of over 30 of The Bard's plays. English majors already know that subsequent folios expanded (and arguably improved) upon this version, but none of them are quite so first-ly as this. The NYHS is tying-in the folio's showing with special <a href="http://www.92y.org/Unterberg-Poetry-Center/Events/Shakespeare-in-the-City.aspx">Shakespeare-centric talks at 92Y</a> and, of course, the summer season of <a href="http://publictheater.org/en/Free-Shakespeare-in-the-Park/">Shakespeare in the Park</a>, so go check out the genuine article that brought Hamlet, Macbeth, and more to the world. Folio exhibit opens Tuesday, June 7th, 10 a.m. // <a href="http://www.nyhistory.org/">NYHS</a>, 170 Central Park West, Manhattan // <a href="http://www.nyhistory.org/visit/plan">Admission $12-20</a>

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Admit it: dressing up and partying with a bunch of plants is way more interesting than whatever the hell else you're doing Tuesday. The <a href="http://www.bbg.org/visit/event/gala_2016">Brooklyn Botanical Garden's Gala</a> is taking place this month, and our gala guy has told us that it's the gala of the summer. It'll feature a cocktail stroll and dinner on the Cherry Esplanade, and guests are encouraged to wear festive, "botanical" attire. Tickets for the party are not cheap but if you're looking to save on funds, why not hit the <a href="http://www.bbg.org/visit/event/gala_after_party_2016">after-party</a>, where a reduced-price ticket will still get you drinks, dessert and dancing under the stars. If you're still wondering, yes, we have a gala guy. Don't you? Tuesday, June 7th; Gala begins at 5:30 p.m., after-party 9:30 p.m. // Brooklyn Botanical Garden, 990 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn // <a href="http://www.bbg.org/visit/event/gala_2016">Gala Tickets $500+</a> // <a href="http://www.bbg.org/visit/event/gala_after_party_2016">After-party admission $65+</a>

courtesy of Brooklyn Botanical Garden

For only the second time in history, Teiji Furuhashi's transportive, room-sized piece <a href="http://www.moma.org/calendar/exhibitions/1652?locale=en">Lovers will be on display at MoMA</a>. Made up of computer-manipulated video, slide projectors, visitor-activated sensors, and a few mechanized quirks, Lovers casts images of Furuhashi and other artists onto walls, where they interact in strange ways and, in brief moments, collide. Furuhashi himself called the piece "the theme of contemporary love in an ultra-romantic way," and now, in our technology-driven present, using imperfect machines to depict affection seems all too real. Exhibit opens Saturday June 11th // <a href="http://www.moma.org/">MoMA</a>, 11 W 53rd Street, Manhattan // <a href="https://www.moma.org/visit/index">Admission $25</a>

Teiji Furuhashi (Japanese, 1960-1995). Lovers. 1994. (courtesy MoMA Press Office)

As quick and convenient as commuting by bike is, bicycling can also be <a href="http://gothamist.com/2016/04/19/bike_commute_video_nyc.php">dangerous</a> (and even life-threatening), especially in the city. If you're sick of being ignored by city planners and disdained by drivers, it's time to shed your clothes, paint your skin, and ride your bike as part of the annual <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1159009884155372/">World Naked Bike Ride</a>. The location and exact route are still TBD, but cyclists will be meeting at Grand Ferry Park at 4:00 p.m. on June 11th. Remember: it's legal for anyone to go topless, but for legal (and chafe-related) reasons, it's probably best to wear some kind of cycling shorts or hot pants. Saturday, June 11, 4:00 p.m. // Grand Ferry Park // <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1159009884155372/">Free</a>

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Sample a bit of Bushwick's myriad food options at the Bushwick Starr's third annual <a href="http://www.thebushwickstarr.org/TasteofBushwick.html">Taste of Bushwick</a> fundraiser. The event will be held at the massive Boar's Head distribution plant off Morgan Ave., where local favorites like Tortilleria Mexicana Los Hermanos, as well as newcomers including <a href="http://gothamist.com/2016/05/03/dromedary_tiki_bar_bushwick.php#photo-1">Dromedary Bar</a> and BK JANI will be serving up delicacies. Tickets guarantee all the tacos, cocktails, and Pakistani BBQ (and much, much more) you can ingest, and proceeds benefit the local performing arts community. (Gabriela Del Valle) Tuesday, June 14, 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. // Boar's Head Warehouse, 24 Rock Street, Brooklyn (Enter at Bogart Street) // <a href="http://www.thebushwickstarr.org/TasteofBushwick.html">Tickets:</a> $40 until June 7, $50 after

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For his next (and possibly final) New York exhibition, photographer <a href="http://todseelie.com/">Tod Seelie</a> has combed through over a decade's worth of work to offer a show that's part retrospective, part prognostication. Dubbed <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1106958412676683/">Feral Future</a>, the show pulls from Seelie's repertoire of abandoned urban spaces, flaming wreckage, macabre parties, and DIY grit to tease the notion that America's future might end up looking like its present-day fringe. After nearly two decades living and working in NYC, Seelie plans to move to California, permanently. As a result, Feral Future will be the final, can't-miss local show from an inimitable talent. Opening reception Saturday, June 4th, 6-10 p.m.; Runs through Thursday, June 9th // <a href="http://superchiefgallery.com/">Superchief Gallery SoHo</a> at The Hub, 138 Sullivan Street, Manhattan // <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1106958412676683/">Free</a>

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If all you remember about Disclosure is <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93ASUImTedo">that one song that launched Sam Smith's career</a>, it's time for you to check back in with the British modern house duo. Their 2015 record Caracal bolstered their already strong catalog, and this month they're taking over the historic Forest Hills Stadium for <a href="http://www.bowerypresents.com/event/1100081-disclosure-wild-life-forest-hills-not-flushing">Wild Life</a>, a mega-concert that will feature local hip-hop legends Mobb Deep and, perhaps most importantly, R&B wunderkind Anderson Paak. Paak's soulful, half-sneering approach to modern soul is garnering him festival gigs all across the country, and it only takes a few seconds of his disco-tinged "Am I Wrong" to understand why. With stars old and new crowding the stage at one of New York's greatest venues, Wild Life could very well prove to be the show of the summer. <iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/232006850&color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false" width="100%"></iframe> Saturday, June 18th, 4:30 p.m. // <a href="http://www.foresthillsstadium.com/">Forest Hills Stadium</a> // <a href="http://www.bowerypresents.com/event/1100081-disclosure-wild-life-forest-hills-not-flushing">Tickets $40-70</a>

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Celebrate the diversity of the Lower East Side in the best way possible: through food. The <a href="http://www.eldridgestreet.org/">Museum at Eldridge Street's</a> annual <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/501766243361138">block party</a> promises egg rolls, egg creams, empanadas, and other traditional food from the neighborhood's vibrant Chinese, Jewish, Italian, and Puerto Rican communities. There will also be Yiddish, Chinese, and Spanish lessons; crafting activities (including yarmulke- and mask-making); and games of Mah Jongg. (Gabriela Del Valle) Sunday, June 19 // <a href="http://www.eldridgestreet.org/">Museum at Eldridge Street</a>, 12 Eldridge Street, Manhattan // <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/501766243361138/">Free</a>

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"Ethereal" doesn't even being to describe the music of Julianna Barwick. The Brooklyn resident uses effects to loop and distort her voice, turning soft whispers into choral gales. Barwick's new album <a href="https://juliannabarwick.bandcamp.com/album/will">Will</a> is an excellent starting point for new listeners, and should comprise much of the setlist during <a href="http://www.boweryballroom.com/event/1173363-julianna-barwick-new-york">her upcoming Bowery Ballroom show</a>. Her process of taking a simple vocal melody, running it through complex machines, and rendering it into something universal and massive is unlike anything else in music today. <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xHSrKW-99so?rel=0" width="640"></iframe> Saturday, June 25th, 8 p.m. // Bowery Ballroom, 6 Delancey Street, Manhattan // <a href="http://www.boweryballroom.com/event/1173363-julianna-barwick-new-york">Tickets $15-18</a>

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The newly-formed Dead and Company matches three of the original Grateful members with hired guns, plus John Mayer. Against all odds, it works, and Deadheads everywhere have expressed strong approval of the new pseudo-revival band since they began touring last year. <a href="http://www.stubhub.com/dead-and-company-tickets/performer/1504639/">Dead and Company will play Citi Field this month</a> and you should most certainly check them out, but if you're looking for improv jamming that's a little...stranger...get to <a href="http://www.roughtradenyc.com/event/1187265-dave-harringtons-merry-brooklyn">Dave Harrington's late night show at Rough Trade</a>. Harrington's most famous for his <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAAUqBghiVo">Darkside</a> duo with producer <a href="http://www.nicolasjaar.net/">Nicolas Jaar</a>, and just about everything he plays ends up becoming weird, abstract gold. His semi-official Dead and Co. after-party should be the perfect setting for him to stretch out and really feel it. The nine-piece fusion jazz ensemble backing him up won't hurt either. Saturday, June 25th, 11:30 p.m. // Rough Trade NYC, 64 N 9th Street, Brooklyn // <a href="http://www.roughtradenyc.com/event/1187265-dave-harringtons-merry-brooklyn">Tickets $10-12</a>

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There are tons of great LGBTQ-pride <a href="http://www.timeout.com/newyork/lgbt/the-best-lgbt-things-to-do-in-new-york-this-week">events</a> slated for the month of June all throughout New York City, but the annual parade is the joyous, colorful affair loaded with history that you won't want to miss. Each year, proud folks from all over the world link up for a day of celebration beginning in Midtown Manhattan and ending in the West Village. Hang out on the sidelines of the parade route as floats and performers pass, or <a href="http://s3.amazonaws.com/nyc-pride/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/2016MarchPricing.pdf">get</a> yourself a slot to march in the parade. However you choose to participate, the only requirements are a good attitude and a willingness to dance. The parade is free for onlookers, but the events surrounding it have their own ticket and purchase options. This year, you can catch a headline performance by Fergie along with a slew of other DJ performances at the 30th anniversary of <a href="https://www.showclix.com/event/PierDance2016">Last Dance on the Pier</a>, after the parade. (Kellylouise Delaney) Sunday, June 26th, 12:00 p.m. // <a href="https://www.nycpride.org/events/the-march/">Fifth Avenue & 36th Street</a>, Manhattan // Free

Tod Seelie/Gothamist