This week brings a few ways you can have a ball (tennis or octopus) or an offer you can’t refuse (free!).

US Open
This major tennis tournament is the final contest in the Grand Slam and the summer’s biggest sports event. During its two-week run, much work is missed and many tickets are wrangled to watch favorites and idols climb or descend the game’s highest peaks.
August 29- September 11; Check site for schedules and ticket info
USTA National Tennis Center, Arthur Ashe Stadium, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens

Japanese Culinary Center: Let’s Make Takoyaki
Learn how to make these popular snack-alicious octopus balls with a variety of fillings and enjoy some cold Orion beer at the Japanese Culinary Center.
Wednesday, August 24, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Japanese Culinary Center, 711 Third Avenue
Tickets: $40

Epix Movie Free For All: The Godfather (Tompkins Square Park)
Revisit the epic Corleone family saga for free in the East Village park courtesy of the EPIX and Verizon FiOS all-summer-long outdoor movie series.
Thursday, August 25, 8 p.m.
Tompkins Square Park, East 7th Street and Avenue A
Tickets: $Free

Brighton Beach Jubilee Festival
If you’ve been thinking of paying a visit to Brighton Beach for Russian food and a look-see, this weekend might be a great time to hop on the B or Q train; The multi-block festival promises plenty of merchandise and info booths, kiddie rides and delicious eats as well as live music and other performances.
Sunday, August 28, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, see site for more info.

Live Music Round-Up
No-wave icon and sax-man James Chance makes a rare appearance for two intimate sets at Manhattan Inn (August 24); Stephen Malkmus pops up for an in-store show at Other Music (August 25); California beach-punk disaster-magnet Nathan Williams and his very popular band Wavves play a free Summerstage show at East River Park Ampitheater (August 25); Chan Marshall AKA Cat Power works her powerful magic at Webster Hall (August 25 & 26); The Charlie Parker Jazz Festival (August 27th & 28th) honors the Bird in his old neighborhood with some of today’s most brilliant jazz musicians as part of Summerstage.