The only thing better than seeing a film for free? Seeing a good film for free. And on a nonrainy night like tonight, watching Dog Day Afternoon at the Bryant Park Summer Film Festival—outside, no less—might just be the most New York thing you could possibly do, except whine “Attica! Attica!” in a nasally chant (like Al Pacino’s character). Fans of bank-heist movies won’t want to miss this one: a classic of mid-1970s NYC naturalism. The fun gets underway at sunset, which is 8:30ish, though we’d arrive a little earlier—the lawn opens at 5pm. Remember: There’s no need to rob a bank. It’s free.

Ta-Nehisi Coates.

Books
David Carr and Ta-Nehisi Coates
Two New York journalists discuss one of their trickiest topics: themselves. Coates’s memoir The Beautiful Struggle recounts his childhood in a tough Baltimore neighborhood. Carr’s The Night of the Gun fills in the messy gaps of his crack-addicted past. Their conversation, like their books, should be superb.

Music
BAM Afro-Punk Festival
Saul Williams headlines the last night of this festival and is joined on the bill by the future-funk-nerd-diva Janelle Monáe.

Film
Bryant Park Summer Film Festival: Dog Day Afternoon
Lie back in Bryant Park and enjoy the warm, farcical tone in this heist-gone-wrong movie with Al Pacino.

Drink up
Punches: The Original Mixed Drink
Mayahuel’s Philip Ward hosts a tasting and seminar on this mixed drink.

Tours
Alphabet City walking tour
Explore the area’s pregentrification roots of gangs, drugs and artists.

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