This Memorial Day Weekend, visit Mars–or Governor’s Island–and celebrate some of New York City’s treasured cultural contributions.

Upper East Side-Lenox Hill

Tom Sachs: SPACE PROGRAM: MARS
Artist Tom Sachs and his assistants have assembled a virtual trip to Mars inside the 55,000 square foot Wade Thompson Drill Hall using his signature bricolage technique and simple materials found in his NYC studio, with real-time demonstrations for various narratives including their first walk on Mars.
Through June 16
Park Avenue Armory, 643 Park Avenue
$12 (free Thursdays 4-7PM)

Upper East Side-Carnegie HIll

New Yorker Covers You Were Never Meant to See
The venerable culture publication and its iconic covers have long been arbiters of cultural relevance. New Yorker art editor Françoise Mouly has compiled a cheeky collection of covers that didn’t make the cut. Join Mouly in discussion with New Yorker staff artists Roz Chast and Barry Blitt and her husband, award-winning graphic novelist Art Spiegelman.
Tuesday, May 22, 8:15PM
92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Avenue
Tickets: From $29

SoHo

The Kitchen-Spring Gala 2012
The Kitchen, one of NYC’s seminal downtown arts institutions, celebrates another year of creative programming with a spring gala honoring notable creatives Joan Jonas and Steve Reich and featuring James Murphy (DJ/LCD Soundsystem).
Wednesday, May 23; 6PM cocktails, 7:30PM dinner, 9:30PM-12:30AM after-party
Capitale, 130 Bowery at Grand Street
Tickets: $500 and up

Governor’s Island

5boro Picnic on Governor’s Island
This Governor’s Island mega-picnic–featuring craft beer, gourmet eats, and live music–kicks off a summer of laid-back arts and culture events.
May 26th & 27th, 11:30AM-4:30PM
Governor’s Island
Tickets: $25-55

City-wide

Fleet Week NYC
This annual event welcomes Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen from U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard ships and spotlights the latest capabilities of today's sea services. Highlights: A review of tall ships and Monday’s annual Memorial Day ceremony.
Check site for events and locations.