Downtown Shakespeare in the Parking Lot Tired of waiting in the stifling heat for Shakespeare in the Park to no avail? Fear not; there’s another free outdoor option to view the Bard’s work. The Drilling Company’s LES staple, taking place in the municipal parking lot at the corner of Broome and Ludlow streets, will present 
RANDALL’s ISLAND Governors Ball This year’s version of the now-regular outdoor festival moves from its previous home on Governors Island to Randall’s Island but retains a strong lineup. Saturday has a dancey, up-tempo set of acts, including Passion Pit, Chromeo, James Murphy and indie rap stalwarts Atmosphere. Sunday slows things down with guitar soundtrack maestros 
Downtown Film Forum This West Village hub of art house cinema continues its quest to promote new indie and underground releases, as well as a wide array of repertory selections. It remains the only autonomous nonprofit cinema in New York City. Selections this summer will include a tribute to silent film maestro Erich von Stroheim, 
All interviews by Angela Barbuti Dylan Lauren, owner of Dylan’s Candy Store What’s your favorite thing about New York in the summer? The colorful flowers along Park Avenue and in Central Park and the happy vibe when seeing New Yorkers in bright candy colors on the street. What’s your favorite summertime activity? Going to the 
By Robin Brennen This may be more than you will ever need to know about ticks, but since I found a tick on my dog after a walk in Central Park, I think it is relevant information for New York City dog owners. Although ticks aren’t the most loveable creatures, they just might be the 
Steve Brill, a New York naturalist and vegan, began his 30th year of leading foraging tours in Central Park this spring. Equipped with a small shovel and an iPad to demonstrate how plants look at different stages of growth, he led about 30 New York nature enthusiasts on a recent exploration of the park’s flora. 
