When James Spooner created Afropunk in the '90s, he couldn’t have imagined it would blow up to be this big. He came to resent its commercial buyout but the brand has gone through multiple transformations. From punk stage to R&B mega-showcase to hip-hop homecoming, it’s a Black August throwback.
This year, Teyana Taylor is set to headline in place of Jazmine Sullivan. Vince Staples, Durand Bernarr, Tobe Ngigwe, Madison McFerrin and other heavies convene for the two-day fest. While new music legends thump over in Greenpoint, Spike Lee resurrects his block party, once a tribute to Michael Jackson, then Prince, in the wake of a global pandemic and Lee’s first Oscar. The U.S. Open is free for attendees who want a view of qualifying talents and near-pros. Rooftop Films has a closing day coming up too, in case you wanted to cry over summer ending a few weeks early.
Special Events and Tributes
Spike Lee’s Annual Block Party: Michael Jackson and Prince
Sat Aug 26
12p - 7p
Fort Greene Park, Fort Greene
Spike Lee is Brooklyn’s cultural mascot, robed down in purple like an auntie leprechaun or a New York Knick imp. His block party brings that kind of magic, with big hair and funky beats showing out for sunshine romps and unforgettable flirts.
Cost: Free
Ultimate Rap League: Summer Madness 13
Sun Aug 27
The Caffeine App
Get ready for the Ultimate Rap League’s biggest battle rap event of the year: Summer Madness 13, headlined by Tay Roc vs. Ave and Nu Jerzey Twork vs. Hollow Da Don. Unlock the event in the Caffeine App on @URLTV channel. URLTV App Subscribers get 50% off the live pay-per-view admission.
Sign Up: To unlock the event, click here where URL App Subscribers get a 50% discount on the livestream. Not a URLTV App Subscriber? Click here to subscribe to the app and use your exclusive promo code “OKAYPLAYER” to get the 50% discount the first month.
Afropunk
Sat Aug 26 - Sun Aug 27
Noon til dusk
Skyline Drive-in, Brooklyn NY
Afropunk in Commodore Barry Park used to be where I snuck in to see TV On The Radio through a hole in the fence. Now you can’t get that close without a premium ticket, but the performances are wider-ranging and more majestic. I’m this close to saying that’s worth it.
Cost: GA From $144.95National Cinema Day
Sun Aug 27
Participating theaters all over New York
Barbie and Oppenheimer made us think movies were alive again. At least for three weeks. This will be the true test, as even the dinner-and-film joints like Alamo are offering affordable entry for casual fans and Scorceses alike.
Cost: $4 (This link lists the theaters offering cheap tickets.)U.S. Open - Qualifying Rounds
Tues Aug 22 - Sun Aug 27
Arthur Ashe Stadium, Flushing
Tennis can be a high bar for entry with ticket prices to see Alcaraz or Djokovic in the final rounds sometimes reaching the high 3-digit mark. But to learn the game, just show up at the stadium during qualifiers and roam the courts til you see some Aussie or Japanese semi-pro fighting for their life, and a chance at greatness.Cost: Free
Times Square Pop-Up Tennis Court
Thurs Aug 24
Times Square, Midtown
Serve and volley a few rounds with this new attraction at Times Square, but remember it’s only there for a day.
Cost: Free
Rooftop Films: Closing Shots
Thurs Aug 24
Greenwood Cemetery, Sunset Park
Rooftop Films is a member-friendly cinema club unique to our city because it develops fan tastes and young filmmakers in a stride to make the art form sizzle again. The closing ceremony will feature short film eye candy and a hillside view from the mausoleum grounds.Cost: $17