Et cetera

Times and prices vary; visit etcbk.tumblr.com for information. Ben Sisto, the venue director for Public Assembly, organized this inaugural showcase of quirky neighboring arts and culture groups. The more than 25 readings, art exhibits and parties include Brooklyn Book Festival’s Bookends Opening Night Party and the Emma Straub Hollywood Variety Hour, featuring Magnetic Fields frontman Stephin Merritt and Brat Packer–cum-travel-writer Andrew McCarthy. Other highlights include a 5 Borough Ladies Arm Wrestling bout, a discussion on cyborg sex with the folks at Vice, and a tasting of Dogfish Head's soon-to-be released beer brewed using an almost 3,000-year-old recipe.