FAMILY

PLAY DATE AT THE MUSEUM

The Children’s Museum of Manhattan hosts “Playworks,” a day of educational recreation and activities for the under-4 set. A read-aloud series continues with Frances Barry’s “Duckie’s Rainbow,” about a duck who is hurrying home to her nest when she encounters a field of poppies, an orange bridge, and other sights. At 11:30 a.m., “Circle Time” offers the chance to sing, move the body about, and test the listening skills of young ears. “Playful Playdough,” at 1:30 p.m., is an exercise in building the imagination and fine motor skills as little ones squeeze, tap, roll, and experiment with Play-Doh. Drop-ins are welcome. Today, program events begin at 10 a.m., CMOM, The Tisch Bldg., 212 W. 83rd St., between Broadway and Amsterdam avenues, 212-721-1234, free with museum admission, $9 children and adults, $6 seniors, free for members and children under 1.

ART

WITHIN REACH

“Design for the Other 90%” is currently on view at the Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum. The exhibit focuses the work of designers who have created affordable and socially responsible objects for the vast majority of the world’s population — a group typically not served by professional designers. Cynthia Smith is curator of the exhibit. Ms. Smith collaborated with an eight-member advisory council in creating the show, which is divided into sections including water, shelter, and sanitation. The emphasis is on empowering global populations and embracing design as a resource rather than mere commodity. Through Sunday, September 23, Monday–Thursday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Friday, 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sunday, noon–6 p.m., Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum, Arthur Ross Terrace and Garden,2E.91stSt. at Fifth Avenue, 212-849-8400, $12 general, $9 seniors and students, free for Cooper-Hewitt and Smithsonian Institution members, and children under 12.

A PATCHWORK LIFE

“Ita B’Ita: Ita Aber in Her Time,” a retrospective of the work of the artist, is presented at the Yeshiva University Museum. The exhibit represents Ms. Aber’s creative output in the last 60 years, during which time she has worked in fiber, painting, sculpture, and embroidery, among other media. Ancient Jewish art, a contemporary feminist perspective, and a sharp wit inspire many of the works. Her “Passover Matzo Bag” (1975) is made from carp and red snapper fish scale on linen.

Through Sunday, October 14, Tuesday–Thursday and Sunday, 11 a.m.– 5 p.m., Yeshiva University Museum, 15 W. 16th St., between Fifth and Sixth avenues, 212-294-8330, free.

BRIGHT MOMENTS, BIG CITY

The Tabla Rasa gallery presents “Bright Moments,” an exhibit of abstract-expressionist oil works by painter Danny Simmons. Mr. Simmons is also a collector and philanthropist who converted a section of his Clinton Hill loft to form his Corridor Gallery, where the work of young artists is nurtured. Through Saturday, October 6, Thursday–Saturday, noon–5 p.m., Tabla Rasa Gallery, 224 48th St., between Second and Third avenues, Sunset Park, Brooklyn, 718-833-9100, free.

RIGHT BEFORE THE EYES

The Barbara Mathes Gallery presents an exhibit of paintings by German artist Karin Kneffel, whose paintings include both somber and over-size depictions of ordinary items. Through Saturday, September 8, Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Barbara Mathes Gallery, 22 E. 80th St., between Fifth and Madison avenues, 212-570-4190, free.

FILM

TALK TO ME The IFC Center hosts “The New Talkies: Generation DIY,” a series of screenings to introduce an exciting new breed of American indie film-making known as mumblecore. Theinsular, improvisational films often bear the mark and aesthetic of such pioneering directors as John Cassavetes and French filmmaker Eric Rohmer. Joe Swanberg’s “LOL” (2006), about three young men who struggle to reconcile their online fantasies and addictions with real life, is among the featured selections. Frank Ross’s “Quietly On By” (2006), in which the lonely, central figure mourns the end of a love affair, screens today. Mr. Ross is on hand to discuss his work after both screenings. Today, 12:30 and 8 p.m., IFC Center, 323 Sixth Ave. at West 3rd Street, 212-924-7771, $10.75 general, $7 seniors and ICP members.

FOOD & DRINK

VIVA BRASIL

SushiSamba restaurant celebrates Brazilian Independence Day by paying culinary tribute to its Brazilian, Peruvian, and Japanese roots. Performances by samba dancers, capoeira troupes, and live Brazilian drummers are featured at 9 and 10 p.m., together with a special menu of Brazilian-inspired dishes. The cocktail list includes caipirinhas and rum drinks with fresh berries. Brazil is home to the largest population of Japanese residents outside of Japan. Friday, SushiSamba, 245 Park Ave. So., 212-475-9377, and SushiSamba, 7 at 87 Seventh Ave. So., 212-691-7885.

MUSIC

DANCE FEVER

“The Beat Goes On” as the Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum concludes its summer sessions series with an evening of revelry and eclectic sounds provided by Nicky Siano, a pioneer of the the dance music sound that sampled early funk and soul. Mr. Siano is also the founder of the Gallery, a New York haunt that enjoyed its heyday in the early 1970s. Friday, 6–9 p.m., Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum, Arthur Ross Terrace and Garden, 2 E. 91st St. at Fifth Avenue, free with museum admission, $12 general, $9 seniors, students, and museum and Smithsonian Institution members, free for children under age 12.

READINGS

LENIN PLAYED TENNIS

The Strand Bookstore hosts a reading by the author of “The Last Novel” (Shoemaker & Hoard), David Markson. In his newly published book, Mr. Markson creates a cross between a writer’s guide, bits of trivia, and a collection of satirical maxims about a variety of literary and historical notables. An aged protagonist named Novelist is introduced among the anecdotes and quotations, often to comment wearily on his depression or to expound on why he is obsessed with gossip and little-known factoids. Tomorrow, 7 p.m., Strand Bookstore, 828 Broadway at 12th Street, 212-473-1452, free.

A ONE-WOMAN MAN

The Caribbean Literary and Cultural Center presents a reading by author Gigi James, who reads from her debut novel, “I Didn’t Sign Up For This!” (First World), about Jillian, a young physician, who comically recalls a happy life with her ex-husband, Tony. Jillian’s marriage to the man she believed was the perfect husband falls apart when she discovers Tony’s extramarital affairs with four other women. A question-and-answer session follows. Wine and cheese are served.

Saturday, 3 p.m., Caribbean Literacy & Cultural Center, second floor, Flatbush Branch Library,22Linden Blvd. at Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, 718-287-8597, free.

SHOPPING

ANOTHER WOMAN’S TREASURE

At the City Opera Thrift Shop, a Fall Preview gives shoppers a first look at a growing collection of designer garments, accessories, home furnishings, books, art, and more at reduced prices. The preview is held in conjunction with the start of the New York City Opera’s 2007–08 season and its third annual “Opera-for-All” festival, for which tickets are sold at $25. Among the finds is a Marc Jacobs overnight bag for $495, a Gucci black leather jacket for $475, a Wedgwood tea set with a Sandringham (pink) pattern for $150, and an Ekornes leather chair with ottoman for $550 (usually retails for $1950) . Thursday, 5 p.m.–8 p.m., City Opera Thrift Shop, 222 E. 23rd St., between Second and Third avenues, 212- 684-5344, $10 suggested donation.

A SHORT STORY

The Johnson clothing label offers its signature wool and silk shorts with their unique vintage flourishes at prices reduced up to 80%. Johnson jumpers, dresses, and tunics from the spring and fall collections are also sold at discounted prices during the sample sale. Included in the selection are plaid-tie skirts that were $210, and are now $80, a cotton peephole dress that was $260, and is now $100, and cotton bib shirts that were $170, and are now $60. Cash only. Saturday and Sunday, September 8–9, noon–6 p.m., 179 Orchard St., between Houston and Stanton streets, 646-602-8668.

SHOP FOR A CAUSE

“Moms On Madison,” an annual charity fundraising event to benefit the Art of Elysium, is hosted by Cookie magazine, the Divalysscious Moms lifestyle and networking group, and the Madison Avenue Business Improvement District. Families are invited to take advantage of a range of retail incentives and private access to some of the avenue’s most popular shops. The day’s program also features children’s entertainment by such groups as Broadway Babies, Face Painting by Naturino, and Princess Katie and Racer Steve. Selected stores include Cozy’s Cuts for Kids, Bambini of Madison Avenue, and Ralph Lauren Children. The Art of Elysium is a nonprofit that pairs artists and critically ill children in a mutually beneficial exchange. Gift bags and spa treats are distributed.

Saturday, check in 9 a.m.–11 a.m. at DKNY, 655 Madison Ave. at 60th Street, or at Catimini,1125Madison Ave. at 84th Street, event extends between 57th and 86th Streets, $50 per family. For more information, go to cookieassortment.com.

THEATER

BECOMING A RHODES SCHOLAR

David Rhodes’s one-man show “Rites of Privacy” allows audiences to follow him as he takes on a series of different characters — including himself. Those figures include a fading Southern pageant queen, a fish-out-of-water Jewish resident in New Hampshire, and a suspicious European socialite. The director of the play is Charles Loffredo. Through Sunday, September 23, Tuesday–Saturday, 8 p.m., Sunday, 7 p.m., Urban Stages, 259 W. 30th St., between Seventh and Eighth avenues, 212-868-4444, $35.

FAIRY QUEEN

The Public Theater presents “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” its ongoing season of Shakespeare’s comedic romp. In the play, four lovers flee Athens for the forest. Once in the woods, the foursome crosses paths with a band of fairies and a group of amateur actors, unaware that their romantic squabble and parental difficulties will soon be overshadowed by magic. Daniel Sullivan directs, and featured actors include

Tim Blake Nelson, Chelsea Bacon, Mireille Enos, Keith David, and Martha Plimpton. Through Sunday, September 9, Tuesday–Sunday, 8 p.m., Central Park, Delacorte Theater, Entrance to Central Park is at 79th Street and Fifth Ave. Follow footpath to the Delacorte Theater, entrance to Central Park is at 81st Street and Central Park West. Follow footpath to the Delacorte Theater, free.

MIXED MEDIA

IDENTITY POLITICS ON PAINT

“Midnight’s Daydream,”an exhibit at the Studio Museum in Harlem, explores the “the witching hour.” The show highlights the work of the museum’s 2006–07 artists-in-residence, Titus Kaphar, Wardell Milan II, and Demetrius Oliver. In the diptych “Conversation Between Paintings no. 3: Descent” (2007), above, Mr. Kaphar engages historical issues of race in Europe and the New World by juxtaposing and mashing two works: John Baptiste de Medina’s portrait “James Drummond, 2nd Titular Duke of Perth” (c. 1700) and Anne-Louis Girodet’s “Jean-Baptiste Balley” (1797), a likeness of the Senegal-born representative of Santo Domingo (now Haiti) in the French Parliament. Through Sunday, October 28, Studio Museum in Harlem, Wednesday–Friday and Sunday, noon–6 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., 144 W. 125th St., between Lenox and Seventh avenues, 212-864-4500, $7 general, $3 seniors and students, free for members and children under age 12.

To submit an event for consideration for the Calendar, please wire the particulars to calendar@nysun.com, placing the date of the event in the subject line.