Your perfect Saturday 7/24

Saturday, July 24

Castles (and eagles) made of sand
Grab your bucket, spade and artistic flair for Sand Sculpting Contest and Unity Day at Coney Island (The Boardwalk between 10th and 12th Sts, Coney Island, Brooklyn; 718-266-4653, astelladevelopment.org; 11am–5pm; free). Astella Development Corp, a nonprofit devoted to affordable housing and commercial revitalization in Coney Island, hosts its 20th annual sand-sculpting contest today. Past winners have crafted Moses receiving the Ten Commandments and a bald eagle holding a key. To enter, you need to register in advance and pay $15, or you could just win the crowd’s favor by topping all the competitors with an aquarium of sea creatures, slathered in oil. Just remember to clean up after yourself.

Cleaning up other people’s mess
Speaking of which, the oil spill caused by an explosion on a BP oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico began three months ago, but the damage it has caused will likely take years, if not decades, to repair. We’re sure you’ve been doing something to help, but here’s another way to contribute: Tonight, the House of Yes hosts Mermaid Lagoon: A Benefit for the Oceanic Preservation Society & the Gulf Coast (342 Maujer St between Morgan Ave and Waterbury St, Williamsburg, Brooklyn; houseofyes.com; 9pm; $15–$20). Proceeds from the event, which features performances by singer Kai Altair and aerialists Lady Circus, will benefit cleanup efforts in the Gulf.

Water, water everywhere
The oil hasn’t affected New York’s waterways yet, so why not enjoy them—before they’re ruined by whatever environmental disaster awaits (insert your own “hair-gel spill along the Jersey Shore” joke here)—at the third annual City of Water Day Festival (locations and times vary; visit cityofwaterday.org for details. 10am–4pm; free). There will be food, live music and more at four locations, including Governors Island, but we’re heading to Liberty State Park for kayak tours and the chance to get acquainted with marine animals in touch tanks.

Arty block party
The New Museum spills out onto the streets for its annual New Museum Block Party (Sara D. Roosevelt Park, Chrystie St at Delancey St; 212-219-1222, newmuseum.org; noon–5pm; free). Expect poetry performances in the park and the chance to write your own poems in a workshop, or if you want to go further afield, take the East Village History Project’s tour of the Lower East Side and the East Village. If the sun gets too hot, pick up a free guest ticket, and see the first U.S. retrospective of Brion Gysin’s multimedia work.

Go HARD on Governors Island
At the time we wrote this, tickets were still available for one of the biggest gigs of the summer, and we’re not really sure why. Maybe New Yorkers are afraid of M.I.A. performing a character assassination of them on Twitter. Run the risk of her ire, and go to HARD NYC anyway (Governors Island; 4pm–1am; $TBA, advance $45–$55. Advance tickets available through ticketmaster.com. Go to hardfest.com for more info) to see M.I.A., viral South African electro-rap sensations Die Antwoord, and dubstep heavyweights Skream and Benga.

Saved by the Bell House party
The Bell House is throwing a totally awesome ’90s-themed party, Saved by the Bell House (149 7th St between Second and Third Aves, Gowanus, Brooklyn; 718-643-6510, thebellhouseny.com; 8pm; $15). Inspired by—duh—Saved by the Bell, the event features a performance by ’90s cover band the Bayside Tigers (request the classic Zack Attack tune “Friends Forever”). Plus, $3 from each ticket will be donated to the National Wildlife Federation. We’re so excited! We’re so excited! We’re so…well, you know how the rest goes.

Bleep bleep dance
Let’s be honest: While Zack was being popular, getting into various wholesome high jinks and learning valuable life lessons along the way, you were probably sitting on your ass playing Mario Kart. We know this because that’s what we were doing, too. Revel in a different kind of ’80s and ’90s nostalgia at the Chiptunes Dance Party at the Brick (575 Metropolitan Ave between Lorimer St and Union Ave, Williamsburg, Brooklyn; 718-907-6189, bricktheater.com; 11pm; $5), part of the celebration of video game performance art, Game Play, running through July. Tonight, DJs will spin synth-based music to video projections, which you can stare at in a catatonic state—just like old times—or be more “active” and play on classic video game consoles.

Madchester on the roof
No, we just can’t let the World Cup go. A draw against England didn’t sate our bloodlust, so we’re salivating at the thought of murder on the dance floor tonight at rooftop oasis Highbar with Manchester vs. NYC: Mike Pickering + Afrika Bambaataa (251 W 48th St between Broadway and Eighth Ave; 212-956-1300, highbarnyc.com; 11pm–2am; free, email mcrxnyc@mcfc.co.uk to reserve a place on the guest list). The show is being put on by Manchester City FC, the English Premiership soccer side that will destroy, sorry, play the New York Red Bulls tomorrow. The U.S. has no hope of winning that one, so we’ll be rooting for Bambaataa, one of hip-hop’s early icons, against Pickering, a survivor of Manchester’s legendary Haçienda. Whatever happens, both will prove to have a safer pair of hands than England’s goalkeeper.

World Cup 2010

Where to watch the World Cup in NYC

From neighborhood pubs to kickoff parties.

By Jonathan Shannon and Chris Schonberger

Black Horse Pub

Where to watch | Where to party

Best for: Anglophiles
Black Horse Pub
Windsor Terrace’s essential watering hole for English Premier League matches will cater to its football-loving crowd throughout the competition: All games will be shown on the bar’s four flatscreens, and during morning matches you can line your stomach with bacon rolls and other British snacks. Pints of Radeberger will go for four bucks during the games. 568 Fifth Ave at 16th St, Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn (718-788-1975, blackhorsebrooklyn.com)

Best for: USA matches and pints of Guinness
Dempsey’s
This convivial Irish pub has been slowly gaining a loyal following of East Village soccer fans, and it plans to make the World Cup its official coming-out party. Every game of the tourney will be shown live on eight HD screens, and the morning games (which begin at 7:30am) will be accompanied by full audio—no one needs U2 that early—and breakfast specials. The boozing comes cheap too: Cash in on $3 pints and $10 pitchers of Coors Light throughout the competition, as well as $3 shots to calm your nerves during the nail-biting moments. 61 Second Ave between 3rd and 4th Sts (212-388-0662; dempseysnyc.com)

Best for: Early-morning matches
Felix
Considering this bistro has French and Brazilian owners, this place could turn into a madhouse come World Cup time. Felix is charging $20 for entry during the finals, but that does get you a gratis drink. Three TVs and one projector should ensure you can see all the action, although it’s best to reserve a table in advance. If you’re getting up early for the 7:30am games, spin through the breakfast menu of croissants, eggs and that very French a.m. dish: steak ($19.50). 340 West Broadway at Grand St (212-431-0021, felixnyc.com)

Best for: Meat-and-beer–fueled revelry
Loreley
You don’t have to be German to hang out here during the tournament—this restaurant and biergarten attracts a mixed soccer crowd that likes their schnitzels big and their beers bigger. Feast on staples like bratwurst with sauerkraut ($15) while watching a match—there are two TVs in the dining room and two in the bar—and order a dozen German drafts by the liter stein ($14–$16). The garden out back is perfect for taking a break to get some fresh air during those marathon sessions in front the tube. 7 Rivington St between Bowery and Chrystie St (212-253-7077, loreleynyc.com)

Best for: Serious drinks with casual fans
Louis 649
For the most part, scoring a decent mixed drink at a sports bars is about as likely as South Africa winning the World Cup. But those who prefer bespoke tipples to pitchers of Coors can find the best of both worlds at Alphabet City cocktail lounge Louis 649. Two big-screen TVs have been installed exclusively for the tournament (general manager Gianfranco Verga is adamant that they’ll come down “immediately following the championship game”), and they’ll be showing all the 10am and 2:30pm games, alongside top-notch cocktails and spirits. Food specials inspired by competing nations will complement a well-curated selection of specialties from local eateries, including Luke’s Lobster shrimp rolls and Sigmund Pretzelshop Gruyère- and salt-flavored pretzels. For fans who aren’t ready for the hard stuff in the morning, the bar will also be doling out coffee from Ninth Street Espresso. 649 E 9th St between Aves B and C (212-673-1190, louis649.com)

Best for: Feeling like you’re in South Africa
Madiba
If you can’t get to South Africa, Madiba’s shebeen decor is a good substitute: Park in front of the projectors at the bar, or spread out at your own table in the dining room. Proprietor Mark Henegan will be hooking you up with authentic street food like boerewors (South African sausage) rolls ($5), and bunny chow, crusty white bread hollowed out and filled with a veggie ($6), chicken ($7) or lamb ($8) curry. Plus, for every game there will be drink specials featuring beverages from the the competing teams’ nations. 195 DeKalb Ave between Adelphi St and Carlton Ave, Fort Greene, Brooklyn (718-855-9190, madibarestaurant.com)

Best for: Getting outside and bringing the whole family
Manhattan Bridge Archway
Brooklynites looking to catch the Saturday games without being cooped up inside all day can head to the Archway under the Manhattan Bridge. Free alfresco screenings will begin at 9:30am and 2pm each Saturday on a massive screen—grab a picnic and stake out a good spot. The family-friendly locale will also host a viewing of the championship match at 1:30pm on Sunday, July 11. Manhattan Bridge Archway, Pearl St at Water St, Dumbo, Brooklyn (dumbonyc.org)

Best for: Getting completely faced
Mason Dixon
A faux-Texan saloon on the LES might not seem like the most likely World Cup headquarters, but don’t forget that the U.S. team’s best player, Clint Dempsey, is from the Lone Star State. Something else to keep in mind: This massive urban barn, which boasts ten HDTVs showing every match, knows its way around a booze special. Hooligan-baiting deals include a $40 all-you-can-drink wristband during any game, as well as two-for-one drinks all match long when you wear the jersey of one of the competing squads. If you’re rolling deep, e-mail thehonkytonknyc@gmail.com to snag no-fee table reservations for parties of eight or more—and don’t forget to ride the mechanical bull at halftime. 133 Essex St between Rivington and Stanton Sts (212-260-4100, masondixonnyc.com)

Best for: Good beer and elbow room
Matt Torrey’s
Relax with a craft beer and just enjoy the game, settle into this new bar, and watch any of the 10am or 2:30pm games on the 96-inch projector or one of the two flatscreens. Work your way through 18 New York–brewery beers on tap, like the Southern Tier Hop Sun ($6), a refreshing summer brew with hoppy and citrusy notes. Or chow down on the kitchen’s $7 pressed sandwiches, including the Number 18 combo, which comes with ham, cheddar, Granny Smith apples and honey mustard. 301 Ainslie St at Bushwick Ave, entrance on Bushwick Ave, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-218-7646)

Best for: Rabid fans
Nevada Smiths
This pubby hub for die-hard footy fans is bracing itself for a soccer tsunami in June—staff are anticipating 100,000 fans during the World Cup and are removing all seating to make more room. If you can fight your way into the two-level space, you’ll be able to watch the matches on 14 plasma screens. (There’s also a 12-foot projection screen in the back.) Choose from 24 European and American taps, including U.K. favorites like Boddingtons and Newcastle. 74 Third Ave between 11th and 12th Sts (212-982-2591, nevadasmiths.net)

Best for: Dancing while you watch
Opia
If you’re looking for a respite from overwhelmingly American crowds, head to this Euro-heavy midtown lounge, which plans to air every match. The upscale digs draw a strong French and Argentine contingent, so expect the place to be seething during those showdowns. In addition to buckets of beer (six for $30) available at all times, the lounge will be whipping up themed drink specials for big games—like caipirinhas when Brazil kicks off, and Lillet martinis for France’s Les Bleus. Frequent entertainment, including dancers and DJs, will keep the spirit alive. Renaissance Hotel, 130 E 57th St between Park and Lexington Aves, second floor (212-688-3939, opiarestaurant.com)

Best for: A virtual-stadium experience
PlayBeautiful
This pop-up space is looking to re-create a stadium atmosphere, with 70 flip seats facing two projector screens. It’s free, but you need to book your tickets in advance through its website. Don’t worry if your team loses: World Cup cakes from How Sweet It Is bakery will cheer you up, as will copping a T-shirt from the retro FIFA Collection ($25–$70). PlayBeautiful is the only shop in the city to stock these designs from yesteryear’s World Cups; a gentler time when World Cup Willie didn’t have an alternative meaning. Openhouse Gallery, 201 Mulberry St between Kenmare and Spring Sts (212-334-0288, playbeautifulnyc.com). June 19–July 11, daily 7am–7pm with extended hours for special programming. See website for more info.

Best for: Alfresco viewing
PUMA City temporary beer garden
Not only will the sports brand take over South Street Seaport, it will project matches on a four-by-seven-foot video wall in a temporary beer garden outside Red Tex-Mex restaurant. Screw the beer—you’re out in the sun!—so drink pitchers of sangria and frozen margaritas ($38 and $45 respectively) instead. At halftime, take a stroll to the two PUMA pop-up shops housed in transformed shipping containers and score apparel designed by artist Kehinde Wiley—frankly, we’re obsessed. 19 Fulton St at Front St (pumacity.com). June 11–July 11.

Best for: Fans of the samba boys
Sushi Samba
Make a beeline to either location of this Japanese-Brazilian-Peruvian haunt for Brazil’s matches so you can cheer the samba boys on with live drummers. Pitchers of Leblon caipirinhas are only $25 if you need any more reason to go. 245 Park Ave South between 19th and 20th Sts (212-475-9377) • 87 Seventh Ave South at Barrow St (212-691-7885) • (sushisamba.com)

Best for: Footy-loving, beer-guzzling Brooklynites
Woodwork
This dedicated soccer bar is going all out, with giveaways from brands like Havaianas and a selection of international craft beers—during every game, it will feature two brews from each nation playing, and patrons can vote for their favorite brew.”. Since this will be one of the hottest spots to watch the face-offs ($3 beers and a five-cheese truffled macaroni and cheese have a draw of their own), big matches like USA vs. England will cost a $20 cover to watch—but that guarantees you two drinks. 583 Vanderbilt Ave at Dean St, Prospect Heights, Brooklyn (718-857-5777, woodworkbk.com)

Best for: Resting your head in your neighbor’s armpit…and loving it
Zum Schneider
Alphabet City’s Bavarian brauhaus will be even more raucous than usual as the nations of the world face off on a projection screen and two additional flatscreens. Nourish yourself with a limited breakfast menu during early games, and lubricate your vocal cords with steins of German beers ($10–$14), including a lineup of specialty summer brews. Caveat emptor: Unless you’re a diehard (or you love being sandwiched between guys named Hans), steer clear during Germany matches—the place will be an absolute shit show. 107–109 Ave C at 7th St (212-598-1098, zumschneider.com)