Summer is almost here, so go to Brooklyn, watch Girls, and listen to some music.

Happening off-campus: About 2 million people gathered at Copacabana Beach on May 2, 2026, for a free concert by Shakira, marking the largest show of her career. The performance featured major hits like “Hips Don’t Lie” and “Waka Waka,” along with guest appearances from Brazilian artists such as Anitta and Caetano Veloso. The concert is part of Rio’s “Todo Mundo no Rio” festival, which aims to boost tourism and global attention. Officials estimated the event generated around $161 million for the local economy. (Reuters)

Happening near campus: The 2026 SummerStage festival will feature over 60 performances, both free and ticketed, across 13 parks in New York City from May through October, celebrating its 40th anniversary. Highlights include benefit concerts by artists like Gin Blossoms and Charley Crockett, along with free performances from Laurie Anderson, Mavis Staples, and others, plus recurring events like the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival. The season opens with Dance Gavin Dance on May 30 and officially kicks off June 10 with Ledisi, while the final show will be a Charley Crockett benefit concert on October 1. Founded in 1986 to make live performance accessible to all, SummerStage has since reached millions with its diverse programming. (Gothamist)

Happening on-campus: This Monday, May 10 from 5 to 7 pm, “USL Presents Lions’ Last Day of Class” will take place at John Jay Hall. Hosted by Undergraduate Student Life, it celebrates the end of the academic year for CC and SEAS students with NYC-themed food, music, and free merchandise. Attendees can enjoy treats like black-and-white cookies and ice cream while faculty and staff join in serving food. The event is designed as a relaxed, festive send-off to mark the end of classes. You can find more information here. 

Rewatching: I am, once again, rewatching Girls! I just finished reading Lena Dunham’s memoir Famesick and couldn’t resist the urge to hear Hannah say “I think I may be the voice of my generation” another time. Especially because my friend just moved into her absolutely gorgeous place in Bushwick and what better way to celebrate than with the idealized millennial Brooklyn that is Girls?

Hannah Horvath dancing via Flickr