Jonathan Van Ness! Dog Meetup! Cat Video Fundraising Festival! Meshell Ndegeocello! 'Blade Runner' and 'Magnolia!'
Plus: Music @ BK Museum! BK Shakespeare Festival!
Welcome back to the often-imitated, never-replicated Park Slope events newsletter. As always, links to sources are in (parentheses) after each event. Follow our IG for updates as events change.
Book Now
We have a habit of knowing what sells out.
🦑🐲🥊Kaiju Big Battel: Creature From The Gowanus Lagoon on 8/18: “A modern conflict of epic proportions. A few privileged humans also get in on the action, as they try to contain danger within the three-roped arena of Kaiju Big Battel.”(4:00 PM, The Bell House, $30.30)
🗳MSNBC Live @ BAM: Democracy 2024 on 9/7: “Join fellow viewers… For a first of its kind in-person, interactive experience. Connecting you with MSNBC's most trusted hosts and experts. Rachel Maddow. Steve Kornacki. Jen Psaki. And many more. All in one place. All live on stage. All in one day. Book your seat for these thought-provoking, in-depth discussions about what matters most in the final weeks of a historic election cycle.”(1:00 PM & 5PM, BAM, $128.50)
😂Maria Bamford @ Bell House on 11/2: “Bamford is revered for her deeply personal and experimental comedy about mental illness. She starred in the surreal, semi-autobiographical Netflix comedy series Lady Dynamite, about a comedian who suffers a nervous breakdown, and is the star of three unconventional hour-long stand-up specials: Weakness is the Brand, Old Baby and Maria Bamford, the special, special, special!” (5:00 PM, Bell House, $35.45)
Get Involved
🍿😺Catvideofest 2024 on Saturday: “The world’s #1 cat video festival is back with screenings in theaters across the USA and around the world starting August 2024! Each year, across the country, local theaters partner with nearby cat-focused charities, animal welfare associations and shelters alike — a portion of ticket proceeds from every show goes directly to local cats in need. Proceeds from Nitehawk shows will go to Sean Casey Animal Shelter.”(1:00 AM, Nitehawk)
🙋🏽🌳Park Pitch In: Green And Go on Saturday: “Help Prospect Park Alliance keep our park green and vibrant! Explore the park while tackling litter and helping with other greening opportunities. Supplies can be checked out at various locations around the park and include all necessary tools for your volunteer experience.” (11:00 AM, Prospect Park)
News and Links
The “Old Jewish Mean” Instagram Account Has Old Guys Doing Olympic Events on 7th Ave. It’s great. (Old Jewish Men on IG)
8 Park Slope Restaurants Are Taking Part In Restaurant Week 2024: “Here's the full list of Park Slope restaurants where deals can be found:
Stone Park Cafe, 324 Fifth Ave. Brooklyn
Chela Park Slope, 408 5th Ave. Brooklyn
The Dram Shop Bar, 339 9th St. Brooklyn
Mikhuy Peruvian Restaurant, 586 5th Ave. Brooklyn
Fonda - Park Slope, 434 7th Ave. Brooklyn
Lore, 441 7th Ave. Brooklyn
Palo Santo, 652 Union St. Brooklyn
Convivium Osteria, 68 Fifth Ave. Brooklyn” (Patch)
Events
Events with a 🔥 emoji are going fast.
Thursday, 8/1
🧘🏽Prospect Park Yoga With Brooklyn Flow: “Brooklyn Flow, Prospect Park Alliance and NewYork-Presbyterian present free, outdoor yoga on the Long Meadow. Brooklyn’s finest yoga teachers from different studios around the park lead free, outdoor group yoga classes in a low-pressure, beautiful environment.”(7:00 PM, Prospect Park)
🕺Dance Heginbotham’S You Look Like A Fun Guy: “An outdoor performance event inspired by John Cage’s interest in mycology and his methods of composing music. With live rebroadcasting and heightening the natural sonic environment, Omar Zubair’s audio installation plays with the audience’s perception of reality. Audiences will be transported from dusk to an illuminated spatial installation.”(7:45 PM, Brooklyn Botanic Garden)
Friday, 8/2
🌳Nature Exploration: Lake Appreciation: “Join Prospect Park Alliance for nature education programs at the Prospect Park Audubon Center, the first urban Audubon Center in the nation. Visitors will learn about Prospect Park’s aquatic environment and observe our underwater invertebrates up close using magnifying glasses.”(10:00 AM, Prospect Park)
🌳Prospect Park Wellness Walk: “Join Prospect Park Alliance at the Prospect Park Audubon Center for an uplifting and energizing morning walk including scenic trails along the Lullwater, Peninsula, Midwood or Waterfall. Please note, this walk leaves promptly at 10 am from the Prospect Park Audubon Center.”(10:00 AM, Prospect Park)
🎶Celebrate Brooklyn! Meshell Ndegeocello – No More Water: The Gospel Of James Baldwin: “GRAMMY-winning multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter Meshell Ndegeocello will unveil her groundbreaking and visionary album No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin. Through a performance transcending musical boundaries, let yourself be ignited by the passion and legacy of James Baldwin’s storytelling and activism.”(6:00 PM, Proapect Park)
🎶An Evening Of Live Jazz With Groovilization @ Old Stone House: “Groovilization is a Colorado based youth jazz ensemble directed by Patrick Ware-Medina. The ensemble is comprised of the top young jazz musicians in Colorado. This year's band includes musicians who have previously performed across the United States and at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland.”(7:00 PM, Old Stone House)
🪩The Infinity Kiki Ball: “Step into the vibrant world of a NYC Kiki Ball, where creativity, community, and culture collide in an unforgettable celebration. Whether you’re new to the scene or just curious, a Kiki Ball is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the electrifying energy of voguing, stunning fashion, and fierce competition. Feel the rhythm of the beats, witness the artistry of the dancers, the loud chants of the different houses in the Kiki Ballroom scene competing and connect with a diverse, welcoming crowd that embodies the spirit of inclusion and self-expression. Don’t miss your chance to experience this unique cultural phenomenon that transforms the night into a dazzling showcase of talent and passion. Come join us and be part of something truly extraordinary!”(7:00 PM, Industry City, $35)
🔥🤣Fun & Slutty With Jonathan Van Ness: “Unfiltered comedy, wildly entertaining and fun, the show is a celebration of joy and a showcase for all the sides of JVN you have never seen before.”(7:30 PM, The Bell House, $45)
🤣Scream Real Loud: “After a sold-out premiere and a Tony snub, Jeffy Fruit is back at it with "Scream Real Loud" in The Blue Room. New Puppets! New Songs! Come early to make puppets and watch old episodes of Pee-Wee's Playhouse. We'll have supplies, but feel free to bring old wigs, clothes, stoop finds, and other detritus.”(7:30 PM, Good Judy, $12.51)
🕺Dance Heginbotham’S You Look Like A Fun Guy: See Thursday listing.(7:45 PM, Brooklyn Botanic Garden)
🎭Brooklyn Shakespeare Festival: 'As You Like It': “This canopy of trees is home to many exiled from Duke Frederick’s court. The newest arrivals? Rosalind and Celia, the Duke’s own niece and daughter. For protection, Rosalind has disguised herself as a man, Ganymede. In this disguise she runs into her crush from the court, Orlando, and hilarity ensues as “Ganymede” tries to help “cure” Orlando of his love. With twisting plots, riotous wrestling, and no shortage of forest-dwelling lovers, As You Like It is sure to bring laughs and sighs to even the most stone-hearted Shakespeare skeptic.”(8:00 PM, Industry City)
🔥🤣Wet Hot American Stand Ups: The Send Off: “We know in the UK they like their humour dry, but ours is sopping wet. Wet Hot American Stand-Ups is an hour of stand-up comedy featuring an electric line-up of NYC’s premier comics, Savannah DesOrmeaux, Jenny Gorelick and Zack Signore. Kiss them goodbye before they head to the Edinburgh Fringe! Sexual tension guaranteed.”(10:00 PM, Union Hall, $11.55)
Saturday, 8/3
🛒Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket: “This community destination brings together a mix of shoppers from the nearby neighborhoods of Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Crown Heights, and beyond. Runners, dog-walkers, families, and food lovers all converge to buy from the huge array of farm fresh products, and to participate in the programming and cooking demonstrations that take place every Saturday all year long.”(8:00 AM, Prospect Park)
🍿😺Catvideofest 2024: See Get Involved section.(1:00 AM, Nitehawk)
🐶Fido Coffee Bark @ Prospect Bark: “Held the first Saturday of every month, Coffee Bark is an opportunity for Brooklyn dog owners to chat over coffee and pastries while their dogs romp and play over dog biscuits. With dozens of dogs and people, Coffee Bark is an amazing sight. Look for coffee, pastries, dog biscuits and information about off-leash activities just south of the Picnic House.”(7:30 AM, Prospect Park)
🙋🏽🌳Park Pitch In: Green And Go: See Get Involved section. (11:00 AM, Prospect Park)
🌳Nature Exploration: Wildlife Appreciation: “See Thursday listing.”(12:00 PM, Prospect Park)
🔥🍿Spoons Toons All Ages @ Nitehawk: “Introduce your favorite childhood cartoons to the next generation (or have them share theirs with us!) and enjoy a late-morning of animated entertainment and unlimited cereal!”(12:00 PM, Nitehawk)
🗒Stationery Store Day @ Annie'S Blue Ribbon: “addie's putting the finishing touches on our stuffed goodie bags, packed full of awesomeness from our amazing makers! Be sure to check out our Stories the next couple of days as we give them all a shoutout! Bags will be first come, first served with a $50 purchase, while supplies last.”(12:00 PM, Annie's Blue Ribbon)
🔥🪦Natural Endings: Green Burial At Green-Wood And Beyond: “Around the world, people are answering the call to make our final farewell better for the planet. But with so many new methods, what are the best and “greenest” options? Death Educator and Funeral Director Amy Cunningham is here to answer all of your questions! In this afternoon long walk and tour, Amy will address the growing importance of eco-conscious funeral practices, exploring sustainable alternatives to traditional burial methods and the emergence of environmentally friendly funeral rituals. She will then guide the group in a burial shroud workshop for a hands-on experience. Later, the group will walk to Cedar Dell, Green-Wood’s designated area for natural burial lots and learn about what natural burial looks like right here in Brooklyn!”(2:00 PM, Green-Wood Cemetery)
🏛First Saturdays Afternoon Lineup @ Brooklyn Museum: “Pop-up talks during the day focusing on this month's exhibits. "Only have 15 minutes? That’s plenty of time to learn about artworks throughout the Museum during these free, short talks led by our A.R.T. Guides."”(2:00 PM, Brooklyn Museum)
🎭Brooklyn Shakespeare Festival: 'As You Like It': See Friday listing. (3:00 PM, Industry City)
Saturday Night
🛼Lakeside Roller Dance Night Featuring Roller Wave: “Featuring Music, Food, Special Guest DJs,Beverage.” (6:00 PM, LeFrak Center @ Lakeside, $24.18)
🏛First Saturdays Evening Lineup @ Brooklyn Museum: “Music all night including Metro Steel Orchestra, RAGGA NYC, Dad Cosmic and Lulada Club. Films include 'Bulado' and 'Bad Like Brooklyn Dancehall.'”(6:00 PM, Brooklyn Museum)
🔥🤣Fun & Slutty With Jonathan Van Ness: See Friday listing. (7:30 PM, The Bell House, $45)
🕺Dance Heginbotham’s You Look Like A Fun Guy: See Thursday listing. (7:45 PM, Brooklyn Botanic Garden)
🎭Brooklyn Shakespeare Festival: 'As You Like It': See Friday listing. (8:00 PM, Industry City)
🤣Sup, Bro?: “Alison Leiby and Josh Gondelman goof off together on stage and host some of their very funny friends. With special guests: Adam Conover, Shalewa Sharpe, Brittany Carney, and Emmy Blotnick.”(10:00 PM, Union Hall, $11.55)
Sunday, 8/4
🍖🍛🌮🥙Smorgasburg: “Presented in partnership with Prospect Park Alliance, is considered the “Woodstock of Eating.” The celebrated open-air food fair is back in Prospect Park for the 2024 season! Over 60 local businesses will gather on Breeze Hill, near the Lincoln Road entrance, to offer a range of food and drink every Sunday ”(11:00 AM, Prospect Park)
🌳Nature Exploration: Wildlife Appreciation: “See Thursday listing.”(12:00 PM, Prospect Park)
🎶The Dance: Tap Dance, From Master Juba To Hip-Hop: “Join Prospect Park Alliance and joseph webb and friends for an interactive and engaging exploration of tap dance, affectionately called The Dance by tap dancers, and its historical relationship to New York City.”(12:00 PM, Lefferts Historic House)
🔥🍿'Galaxy Quest' @ Nitehawk: “The stars of a 1970s sci-fi show – now scraping a living through re-runs and sci-fi conventions – are beamed aboard an alien spacecraft. Believing the cast’s heroic on-screen dramas are historical documents of real-life adventures, the band of aliens turn to the ailing celebrities for help in their quest to overcome the oppressive regime in their solar system.”(12:00 PM, Nitehawk)
🎭Brooklyn Shakespeare Festival: 'As You Like It': See Friday listing. (3:00 PM, Industry City)
🍿🌳'Obvious Child' @ Industry City (Sold Out): “anel with star/executive producer Jenny Slate; writer/director/executive producer Gillian Robespierre; writer/producer Elisabeth Holm; Amy Goodman, Democracy Now! host & executive producer; and Caren Spruch, National Director, Arts & Entertainment Engagement, Planned Parenthood Federation of America”(7:00 PM, Industry City)
🔥🤣Hot Gossip With Jonathan Van Halem: “Comedian and local gossip van Halem (Clickhole, Stephen Colbert Presents Tooning Out The News) is pausing his perpetual gab sesh to host an evening of stand-up comedy.”(7:30 PM, Union Hall, $15.64)
Monday, 8/5
🙋🏽🌳It’s My Park Day: “Care for the park after busy weekends. All necessary tools will be provided for your volunteer experience. ”(10:00 AM, Prospect Park)
📕Book Discussion: "Alternate Side" By Anna Quindlen: “This month's book for Park Slope Library's book discussion is "Alternate Side" by Anna Quindlen. A provocative novel that explores what it means to be a mother, a wife, and a woman at a moment of reckoning, from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Miller’s Valley and Still Life with Bread Crumbs.”(12:00 PM, Park Slope Library)
✏️Creative Writing Workshop: “The writing workshop is designed to allow writers of all backgrounds and experience levels to work together and grow as writers. Participants write to the prompt offered by the experienced and trained leader, are encouraged to share their work and receive positive and supportive feedback. The workshop provides structure for wirters to produce new work on a regular basis.”(3:00 PM, Central Library)
📕Documentary Screening And Q&A: 'Undercover': “Undercover is a documentary film starring Richard Bert, a Brooklyn man born and bred. Back in the 80's, Richard was working as an Undercover narcotics officer for the New York Police Department. His job was to infiltrate the crack infested underground, and find out where the drugs were coming from. But the problem with living your life behind a mask is that sooner or later, someone is going to see behind it, and discover who you really are. But this isn't just the story about Richard's escape and survival from deep undercover, it's also a story about what happened next, it's a story about one mans journey to find his true self, his true spirit and his true purpose. Join us for a screening of the film followed by a Q&A with Richard. ”(5:30 PM, Central Library)
Tuesday, 8/6
🎶Jack And Friends Summer Concert Series: Hopalong Andrew: “Hopalong Andrew is an American Western and Folk music singer and humorist who revisions classic cowboy and folk songs to playfully reflect city life for urban cowpokes.”(4:00 PM, Park Slope Library)
🔥🤣Romantics Book Club: “If you're a hoe for a good book and a good time then you've found the book club for you ! The Romantics Book Club supports debut authors and meets the second Thursday evening of every month to discuss, obsess, and dissect the books we're currently reading. If romance is your obsession and you'll swoon over any characters falling in love, then make sure to sign up for this book club right here.”(7:00 PM, The Ripped Bodice, $17.85)
🔥🤣One Funny Hour With Alan Resnick: “LA's favorite funny man Alan Resnick is coming to New York to perform his critically acclaimed one hour of hilarious comedy that is sure to entertain audiences young and old! Alan Resnick is a very funny comedian whose fractured take on society's ills has delighted audiences around the world for many years. He is essentially a truth teller who tells it like it is and pulls no punches. He has been seen on Adult Swim, FX, IFC, Comedy Central.”(7:30 PM, The Bell House, $30.3)
🔥🍿'Blade Runner' @ Nitehawk W/ Intro Talk: “In the smog-choked dystopian Los Angeles of 2019, blade runner Rick Deckard is called out of retirement to kill a quartet of replicants who have escaped to Earth seeking their creator for a way to extend their short life spans. Introduced by author Chris Nashawaty, whose book The Future Was Now will be available for purchase after the screening.”(7:30 PM, Nitehawk)
🔥🤣One Funny Hour With Alan Resnick: “Alan Resnick is a very funny comedian whose fractured take on society's ills has delighted audiences around the world for many years. He is essentially a truth teller who tells it like it is and pulls no punches. He has been seen on Adult Swim, FX, IFC, Comedy Central.”(7:30 PM, The Bell House, $30.3)
🤣Poppin' Bottles Comedy Show With Ely Kreimendahl + Becca Stephenson: “A show for & by parents, parents-to-be, and the parenting curious. Join us in Brooklyn on August 6th to commiserate and laugh with our incredible lineup as we talk about pregnancy, kids, and more.”(8:00 PM, Littlefield, $12)
Wednesday, 8/7
🛒Wednesday Greenmarket At Bartel-Pritchard Square: “Nestled inside Prospect Park's tree-shaded southwest corner, this much-loved weekday market is where South Slope and Windsor Terrace residents stock up on locally grown staples.”(8:00 AM, Prospect Park)
👠Bklyn Fashion Academy Model Casting Call: “BKLYN Fashion Academy is casting models for our Runway Show! Models will also have the opportunity to be casted, with our partner, Fashion Week Brooklyn's showcases. We are looking for universal models, ages 17 and older. Models MUST be available for September 27, 2024. ”(5:00 PM, Central Library)
🎶Plaza Concert: Swingtime Big Band: “Dedicated to the performance of America's greatest popular standards, SWINGTIME BIG BAND is a 20-piece authentic swing band comprised of master interpreters of music from the Swing Era (mid-1930's through early 1950's). Hailed by The New York Times as “Musicians who make the sounds of the pre-rock era rock,” and by Newsday as “Long Island’s leading professional big band…dedicated to the Great American Songbook,” the ensemble specializes in performing Big Band classics as originally recorded, bringing to life the style and the spirit of this uniquely American music for today’s audiences to experience in living color. ”(7:00 PM, Central Library)
🔥🤣Austin Nasso's Comedy Metaverse: “Nasso, a former Microsoft software engineer turned full-time comedian and impressionist, brings a fresh perspective to the comedy world with his tech-savvy humor and impeccable impressions. As a recurring guest performer on the Howard Stern Show, his talent has gained widespread acclaim. Nasso is also co-founder of the internationally touring comedy show "Socially Inept: Tech Roast Show," where he roasts the tech industry's biggest players.”(7:30 PM, Union Hall, $29.78)
🔥🤣Stamptown: “Hosted by the bad boy of clown, Zach Zucker, this show has sold out runs and packed out rooms at Netflix Is A Joke, Just For Laughs, Glastonbury, Edinburgh Fringe, Soho Theatre, Melbourne International Comedy Festival and off-Broadway in New York City. Past acts include David Cross, Sarah Squirm, Joe Pera, Mae Martin, Josh Johnson, Natalie Palamides, Devon Walker, Hannah Einbinder, BriTANicK, Catherine Cohen, Randty Feltface and more!”(8:00 PM, The Bell House, $25.15)
🔥🍿'Magnolia ' @ Nitehawk: “An intriguing and entertaining study in characters going through varying levels of crisis and introspection. This psychological drama leads you in several different directions, weaving and intersecting various subplots and characters, from a brilliant Tom Cruise, as a self-proclaimed pied-piper, to a child forced to go on a TV game show and the pressures he faces from a ruthless father.”(8:30 PM, Nitehawk)
Thursday, 8/8
🍼Prospect Park Stroller Walk: “Calling all parents and caregivers with children! Join a Prospect Park Alliance Naturalist at the Prospect Park Audubon Center for a leisurely stroll along Prospect Park’s waterways. Embrace the sound of streams and songs of birds. Enjoy fragrant flowers and explore the towering trees of Brooklyn’s Backyard. Please note that this walk leaves promptly at 10 am from the Prospect Park Audubon Center.”(10:00 AM, Prospect Park)
🌳Nature Exploration: Wildlife Appreciation: See Thursday listing. (12:00 PM, Prospect Park)
🌳Nature Exploration: Lake Appreciation: See Friday listing. (12:00 PM, Prospect Park)
🏠Conversations Wid De Bush Woman: Book Launch Event: “This unique book launch will feature 8 inspiring authors reading excerpts from their new books. The event is hosted by author Najamil Lezama aka BUSH WOMAN.”(6:00 PM, Lefferts Historic House)
🎶Zacchae’us Paul: “Zacchae’us Paul is a young multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter of the highest caliber. His music is a kaleidoscope of styles and sounds that enriches the soul and nourishes the mind. Rooted in the vibrant city of Atlanta, GA, his inspired music delves deep into the very fabric of society, tackling pressing issues such as reparations for historical injustices and the empowering love and spirituality embodied by black women.”(6:30 PM, Brooklyn Conservatory of Music)
🧘🏽Prospect Park Yoga With Brooklyn Flow: “Brooklyn Flow, Prospect Park Alliance and NewYork-Presbyterian present free, outdoor yoga on the Long Meadow. Brooklyn’s finest yoga teachers from different studios around the park lead free, outdoor group yoga classes in a low-pressure, beautiful environment.”(7:00 PM, Prospect Park)
🍿🌳Summer Movie Series @ Old Stone House: Double Feature! Two Comedic Films By Local Park Slope Filmmaker Sue Zarco Kramer.: “Swipe NYC (2024) (20 min.) First, the award winning short starring Lisa Edelstein, Bridget Moynahan & Richard Schiff. Swipe follows the journey of recent divorcee and empty nester, SYD who picks up the pieces of her broken life by throwing herself into the vulnerable, hilarious world of online dating. Filmed in Park Slope!”(7:00 PM, Old Stone House)
🔥🤣Lucas Zelnick: “Zelnick is a stand-up comedian born, raised, and based in New York City, who challenges his cushy upbringing through punch-heavy material. Lucas’s stand-up clips have exploded online, where he has received over 100M views and 500K+ followers across Instagram and TikTok. In 2022, Lucas established a strong baseline for himself as a touring comedian, selling out 8 shows at Zanies Chicago.”(7:30 PM, The Bell House, $30.3)
📷Signal: An Evening Of Audiovisual Art: “Curated by Testu Collective & Brian Wenner, SIGNAL is an evening of performances showcasing boundary-pushing talent in electronic music and visual arts with each artist using different modes of technology.”(8:00 PM, Littlefield, $15)
Did we miss an event? Are you doing a stoop sale? Put in the comments!