Events on the horizon.

May 30

Honest Abe Turns 200

Barack Obama’s approval ratings are likely to get a bit of a boost when he rededicates the Lincoln Memorial at the end of the month. Commemorating Honest Abe’s 200th birthday as well as recent renovations to the landmark, the event promises to further link Obama to one of our most storied leaders.

June 1

Papers, Please?

The days of returning from Tijuana with nothing more than a driver’s license are over. Beginning in June, travelers entering the country by land or sea will need to show the same papers they would if they were flying. Three new documents, including a wallet-sized “passport card,” will give travelers more options.

June 4

Tough Crowd

During his trip to Egypt, Obama’s speech will reach what can only be described as a skeptical audience in the Muslim world. While some Muslim leaders have warned their followers not to be taken in by his oratorical skill, Obama is likely to expand on his promise to extend an open hand to friends and a closed fist to enemies.

June 4

Remembering the “Incident”

Even if it won’t be commemorated in China, people around the world will remember the victims of the Tiananmen Square massacre on its 20th anniversary. Chinese Christians have called on the Communist government to come clean, insisting that its tally of 241 dead falls far short of the thousands of actual victims.

June 7

Venice on Steroids

Featuring the work of over 90 artists from around the world in its main exhibition, the Venice Biennale kicks off with almost 100,000 square meters of works around this year’s theme, “Making Worlds.” The pavilions will host a record 77 national exhibits, with five nations participating for the first time.

June 10–14

Science Steps Up

Annoyed with your commute? Join leading scientists at the World Science Festival in New York to learn how ants and fish might help solve the problem of rush-hour traffic. From cyborgs to birdbrains and magic to music, the city will be transformed into a living investigation of the world around us.

June 11–14

Gone Phishing

Hipsters and hippies alike will be in rural Tennessee for the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival. Expect the Phisheads to be out in force to catch the much-anticipated reunion of jam-rock gods Phish. Bruce Springsteen, Public Enemy, Nine Inch Nails and Wilco are among the four-day fest’s dozens of other acts.

June 12

RobOlympics

The best bots from around the globe converge on San Francisco for the sixth annual RoboGames. A myriad of mechanical creations will go head-to-head—or chip-to-chip—in 70 events, ranging from kung fu and combat to bartending and basketball.