The 5 Best Things To Do In NYC Tonight, August 19

Tonight in New York City: Take part in a pun competition, watch Independence Day along the Brooklyn Waterfront, or test out your trivia knowledge. By Carly Petrone.

Matthew Thomas in Conversation with Joshua Ferris

(credit: mcnallyjackson.com)

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Matthew Thomas debuts his novel, We Are Not Ourselves, tonight at McNally Jackson. He will sit down with three-time novelist Joshua Ferris to talk about the multi-generational epic set in Jackson Heights and New York. The book chronicles one family's pursuit of prosperity and status in the latter half of the twentieth century. Event starts at 7 p.m.

Red Hook Flicks: Independence Day

(credit: redhookflicks.com)

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It's hard to believe that Red Hook Flicks is almost over. Come celebrate with the film series' second to last screening: Independence Day. The 1996 blockbuster movie starring Will Smith, Bill Pullman, and Jeff Goldblum follows the survivors of a planet-wide attack on Earth. Together they make a last-ditch effort to fend off the alien invadors. Don't forget to grab a slice from Mark's Pizza and something sweet from Steve's Key Lime and King Leche Cremes. Come early to stake out your spot. Film starts at 8:30 p.m.

Punderdome 3000

(credit: Facebook/Punderdome 3000)

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Punderdome 3000 is back in Manhattan! Watch as the always-adorable Jo Firestone and her hilarious father host this addicting pun competition. Sign up to be a part of the fun and share your best play on words for the audience (after all, they're the ones judging you on the Clap-O-Meter). Plus, there's fun prizes and celebrity judges guaranteed. Tickets are $10 and show starts at 8 p.m.

Comedy Central Corporate Retreat

(credit: naomiekperigin.weebly.com)

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Looking to laugh with some seriously funny up and coming comedians? Head over to UCBeast tonight at 8 p.m. to watch Adam Newman host Comedy Central Corporate Retreat. Tonight's comics to watch include John Early, Naomi Ekperigin, and Tanisha Long. Tickets are just $5 for a night of fun.

Full Circle Trivia

Photo Credit: Full Circle Bar

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It's Tuesday night and that means it's time for Full Circle Trivia. Get your team together (2-5 players) and head down to Brooklyn because you can enjoy free skee-ball, hot dogs, and jumbo pretzels before the games even begin. Take advantage of happy hour, which starts at 5 p.m. and start brainstorming because trivia begins promptly at 8:30 p.m. Winner receives a $75 bar tab prize.

Carly Petrone is a freelance writer living in New York City.