Movie studios release their most award-worthy movies in late December so that they’re fresh in Oscar-voters’ minds. That means there are lots of big-budget dramas playing now. But one movie that is not a standard blockbuster has also been getting a lot of buzz, and it’s playing on the Upper West Side. Pariah, the story of a lesbian teenager struggling to come out to her family in Brooklyn, is playing almost every hour this weekend at the Film Society of Lincoln Center, and at only one other spot in the city.

Also this weekend, you can recycle your Christmas Tree at Mulchfest at various locations in Riverside Park or at West 123rd Street & Morningside Avenue in Morningside Park. Or adopt a pet at Petco at 805 Columbus Avenue on Saturday for National Pet Adoption Day. For lots more events, including free music and tours, check out our calendar.