Jonathan Van Ness! ‘School of Rock’ and ‘Say Anything’ and ‘Do the Right Thing’ Outdoors! Dog Meetup in the Park! Jazz @ Botanic Garden!
Plus: Tear Down the King @ Old Stone House! Indie Shorts Fest @ Nitehawk! Roller Disco! A New Cafe in the Park!
Happy 4th of July and welcome back to your 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.
🔥🤣Fun & Slutty With Jonathan Van Ness on 8/2 & 8/3: “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)
🦑🐲🥊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)
Get Involved
Donate to Samyia Spain’s GoFundMe, now only $5K from its Goal:
“New Yorkers have come together to raise thousands of dollars to cover the funeral costs of the 19-year-old woman stabbed to death outside a Park Slope bodega on Sunday. Samyia Spain was fatally stabbed and her twin sister injured outside of Natural Plus deli at around 1:30 a.m. on March 17 by a man whose advances they had rejected, according to police.” (AM NY)
“Samyia lost her life protecting her sister. Samyia lost her life to senseless violence, to the fragile male ego, because violence against women has been normalized and condoned. Samyia deserves to be here, she deserves to be celebrated. This money will go towards creating a non-profit foundation dedicated to advocating against violence against women, as well as funding a repass ceremony for Samyia.” (Samyia Spain GoFundMe Page)
🙋🏽🌳It's My Park Day on Monday 7/8: “Care for the park after busy weekends. All necessary tools will be provided for your volunteer experience." (10:00 AM, Prospect Park)
🙋🏽🌳Summer Spruce Up on Thursday 7/11: “Join Prospect Park Alliance to help care for the park while exploring Brooklyn’s Backyard at the Summer Spruce Up series. Volunteers will assist in removing invasive plants, trail maintenance, litter pick-up, and other landscaping needs to help Prospect Park thrive. Please note that locations vary each week." (10:00 AM, Prospect Park)
News
📰Why Are So Many Townhouses For Sale in Park Slope Right Now? "In a desirable enclave near Prospect Park, a cluster of nine houses were on the market for more than $100 million combined as of mid-June. Four were located on a two-block stretch of Carroll Street, and two others were on nearby Montgomery Place. The priciest, a limestone British Regency-style mansion asking $18 million, would set a record for the neighborhood if it sells for that amount.” (Wall Street Journal)
📺Investment Banker Accused Of Punching Woman During Brooklyn Pride Event Surrenders, Charged With Assault: “The investment banker has been behind closed doors since the incident on June 8. The NYPD says a 38-year-old woman filed a police report on June 12 about the attack. In the report, the victim said that Kaye struck her in the face, causing her to suffer a broken nose, lacerations and a black eye.” (ABC 7)
Openings and Closings
OPEN: New Workout Equipment @ Harmony Playground: “The new fitness area, made possible through District 39 Participatory Budgeting from Council Member Shahana Hanif provides accessible exercise equipment designed for older adults and those with accessibility needs. (Prospect Park IG)
OPEN: New Cafe Open Inside Prospect Park Boathouse: “Prospect Park Alliance brings Purslane Cafe to the iconic Prospect Park Boathouse 🍽️ Run by New York-based sustainable hospitality group, The Oberon Group, Purslane Cafe carries a selection of sustainable, recyclable and compostable products. Stop by this scenic destination for sustainably sourced coffee, sandwiches, pastries and more daily from 8 am—3 pm and enjoy a variety of summer cocktails, wine and beer on select evenings.” (Prospect Park IG)
OPEN SOON: La Taq Authentic California Mexican on 7th Ave and Berkeley: “LaTIn 1989, at the age of 28, Martin Medina transformed a hot-dog pushcart into an authentic California Mexican taco stand, serving his childhood favorites. This marked the birth of The Original California La Taqueria, introducing authentic Mexican cuisine to the East Coast.” (La Taq)
OPEN on Tuesday, 7/9: Rider 5th Ave. “Join us for an exciting opening week filled with giveaways, balloons, and more!”
New Ongoing Event
Free Summer Meals in Prospect Park: “Enjoy free meals for youth ages 18 and under in Prospect Park this summer! Every day from June 27 through August 30, free meals will be distributed by the NYC Department of Education in partnership with Prospect Park Alliance at the Parkside and Ocean Avenue Entrance to Prospect Park. Visit the NYC DOE meals truck from 10 am–4 pm on weekdays and 11 AM–3 PM on weekends.” (Prospect Park)
Events
Events with a 🔥 emoji are going fast.
Thursday, 7/4
🌳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." (12:00 PM, Prospect Park)
🌳Fourth Of July Holiday In Prospect Park: “Join Prospect Park Alliance for family-friendly programming on Fourth of July at the Prospect Park Audubon Center and the Carousel." (12:00 PM, Prospect Park)
🧘🏽Prospect Park Yoga With Brooklyn Flow: “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)
🎡🧨Fourth of July Fireworks @ Coney Island: Manhattan’s fireworks are back on the Hudson this year, so the closet (legal) light show is at the end of the F line. (9:30PM, Coney Island Boardwalk)
Friday, 7/5
🌳Nature Exploration: Lake Appreciation: See Thursday listing. (12:00 PM, Prospect Park)
🛼☔️Purple Rain Dreamland Roller Disco: “A themed, dress up, immersive roller skating experience that will transport you into a fabulous retro roller disco ‘dreamland.’” (7:00 PM, LeFrak Center @ Lakeside, $28.45)
Saturday Morning, 7/6
🐶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)
🛒Greenmarket @ Grand Army Plaza: “Founded in 1989, Grand Army Plaza is Greenmarket's flagship Brooklyn market, and the second largest market in the program, behind Union Square. Located at the northwest entrance to beautiful Prospect Park, and just steps from the Brooklyn Public Library, the Brooklyn Museum, and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden."(8:00 AM, Grand Army Plaza)
💧🌳Nature Exploration: Lake Appreciation: See Thursday listing. (10:00 AM, Prospect Park)
🙋🏽🌳Park Pitch In: Green And Go: “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)
👱🏻👩🏻👩🏼👩🔪'Heathers' @ Nitehawk: “Westerburg High School’s elite clique of popular girls is “The Heathers,” comprised of Heather Chandler, Heather Duke and Heather McNamara. Rounding out the foursome is Veronica Sawyer, who is so fed up with the Heathers and the entire peer pressure cooker that she starts running with J.D., a mysterious motorcycle-riding newcomer.” (11:00 AM, Nitehawk)
Saturday Afternoon
🌳Pop-Up Audubon I: “Join Prospect Park Alliance at Nellie’s Lawn to explore the wonders of nature with our naturalists.
Play + Go 12–3 PM: Pop-Up Audubon Play and Go Kits feature a range of fun nature activities, games, puzzles, drawing exercises, find-me cards, and much more. Families and children can enjoy nature on their own as they explore and learn more about the park.
Butterfly Craft 12–3 PM: For those who love crafts, we have a take-home butterfly-making craft. This activity is perfect for children and the young at heart and will help fine-tune your motor skills.
Nature on the Go! 3–4 PM: Join an Alliance Naturalist on an engaging and educational nature walk around the Vale, one of many thriving pollinator habitats in Prospect Park." (12:00 PM, Prospect Park)
🌳Pop-Up Audubon II: “Join Prospect Park Alliance near the Ocean Avenue Entrance to explore the wonders of nature with our naturalists.
Play + Go 12–4 pm: Pop-Up Audubon Play and Go Kits feature a range of fun nature activities, games, puzzles, drawing exercises, find-me cards, and much more. Families and children can enjoy nature on their own as they explore and learn more about the park.
Pond Water Sampling 12–3 pm: Did you know that an entire community of living insects, plants, and animals makes the Lullwater in Prospect Park their home? Get a closer view with one of our Alliance Naturalists.
Nature on the Go! 3–4 pm: Join an Alliance Naturalist on an engaging and educational nature walk around the pollinator garden near the LeFrak Center at Lakeside." (12:00 PM, Prospect Park)
📕💀Morbid Anatomy Library And Gift Shop With Puppet Show And Tell: “The Morbid Anatomy Library in Brooklyn, New York houses hundreds of books and artifacts for your edification and pleasure. The giftshop features signed books, used and antique books, t-shirts, tote bags, and sundry artifacts from around the world. Admission is free, and no appointment necessary. This week, Hannah Highman—who is not only the Morbid Anatomy docent coordinator, but also a collage and performance artist, clown, publisher, and puppeteer—will share some of her favorite puppet related books and artifacts." (12:00 PM, Industry City)
🎈What's A Mookntaka? (A Playful Pairing Of Mark And Karyn): “The Brooklyn-based art duo, Mookntaka (MOO-kin-tah-kah) is known for their playful and whimsical inflatable installations." (1:00 PM, Gowanus Dredgers)
Bullseye Babes Dart Camp: “A dart camp for women who want to play taught by women who love to play." (2:00 PM, Paddy's)
Saturday Night
🛼Lakeside Roller Dance Night Featuring Roller Wave: “Featuring Music, Food, Special Guest DJs, beverage. ”(6:00 PM, LeFrak Center @ Lakeside, $24.18)
🤣Rabbit Hole Productions Presents: Tasselmania 6: “After a four year hiatus, we’re shaking off the ring rust. Your favorite continuing, episodic, interactive, choose-your-own-adventure, wrestling/burlesque hybrid nightlife event is FINALLY BACK! TasselMania 6 brings you all the nonstop combat you’ve come to expect, this time with the added glamour of our first ever Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony." (7:30PM, Littlefield, $29.73)
🍿🌳Celebrate Brooklyn! Film Night: Do The Right Thing: “Celebrating its 35th anniversary, the quintessential Brooklyn tale, featuring Brooklyn’s Bed-Stuy “Do or Die” neighborhood and Public Enemy’s anthem-turned-battlecry “Fight the Power,” Lee’s iconic film resonates just as poignantly and urgently today as it did in 1989. Before the screening, be sure to join us for a panel featuring special guests." (7:30 PM, Prospect Park)
🤣Kelly Bachman: Edinburgh Fringe Preview!: “Bachman (FX/Hulu's Hysterical) will debut her new stand-up hour, "Patron Saint," at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this August. Watch Kelly preview the hour for one night only before she travels across the pond." (10:00 PM, Union Hall, $11.55)
Sunday, 7/7
Note: Libraries are closed Sunday due to city budget cuts.
🔪👑Declare Independence: Tear Down The King. “In July 1776, servicemen tore down and cut apart the gilded statue of King George III at Bowling Green. This act continues to serve as a symbol of liberation today. Join Scholar-in-Residence Dylan Yeats for a fun, family-friendly reenactment of this historic event in front of the Old Stone House. Visitors of all ages are encouraged to write tyrannies they seek to declare independence from on a re-created statue of King George III." (10:00 AM, Old Stone House)
🧶Brooklyn Pop-Up Market @ Brooklyn Museum: “Stop by our market to shop one-of-a-kind, handmade items from local artisans. This weekly event features more than 20 vendors offering artwork, jewelry, fashion, home and apothecary goods, and more." (10:30 AM, Brooklyn Museum)
💧🌳Park Pitch In: Lake Appreciation Month: “During the month of July, Prospect Park will host clean up projects on select Saturdays and Sundays to show Brooklyn’s only lake some love. Volunteers will be given grabbers, nets, and bags to help fish out trash from along the shoreline of our lake." (11:00 AM, Prospect Park)
🍖🍛🌮🥙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)
🌳Pop-Up Audubon II: See Saturday listing. (12:00 PM, Prospect Park)
🛶Free Walk-Up Paddling: “Bring a friend and we’ll outfit you with equipment and give quick navigation instructions at the dock. Self-guided voyages can be limited to 15-20 min. if there’s a crowd but otherwise, we expect you to return to the dock 15 min. prior to closing. Upon request, we will provide gloves and bags so you may remove trash found along our estuary. We launch from the end of 19th St / off 3rd avenue and it is first come, first served." (1:00 PM, Gowanus Dredgers)
📕A Persistence Of Cormorants Poetry Reading: “A summer-long poetry reading series on our shoreline featuring accomplished and exceptional poets from the New York area, many of who live in Brooklyn. On each of the scheduled Sundays, from 1:30 to 3:30, up to four featured poets will read for 10 to 15 minutes each." (1:30 PM, Gowanus Dredgers)
🎨Last Day For Berlin >> Brooklyn: “440 Gallery in Brooklyn and ep.contemporary in Berlin are kind of sister galleries, not only both with blue facades with a central door, but also in the way both are organized and the quality and range of their local artists. Both spaces spice up the artists’ solo shows with group exhibitions and, on special occasions, unique shows like this:”(4:00 PM, 440 Gallery)
🤣Nat Towsen's Summer Vacation Part Two: “The sun is out, there’s nothing bad happening in the world, and people across America are lining up to see the sequel to last summer’s blockbuster hit! Your host, Nat Towsen (The Tonight Show, Esquire), is back with a new adventure that’s even bigger, even wilder, and even more literally a standup comedy show." (7:30 PM, Union Hall, $11.55)
Monday, 7/8
🙋🏽🌳It's My Park Day: See Get Involved section above. (10:00 AM, Prospect Park)
📕💀Mortality & Me: Green-Wood's Book Club: “Green-Wood’s book club, Mortality & Me, will help make death an easier subject to talk about through compelling books that tackle this topic head on. For this book club session, we will be discussing Alua Arthur’s Briefly Perfectly Human: Making an Authentic Life by Getting Real About the End, a deeply transformative memoir that reframes how we think about death." (6:00 PM, Green-Wood Cemetery, Free)
📕Book Launch: We Are Experiencing A Slight Delay By Gary Janetti: “Join New York Times bestselling author, television writer, and producer Gary Janetti as he takes us with him on travels across the globe, launching his latest book 'We Are Experiencing a Slight Delay,'”(6:30 PM, Industry City, $5)
🔥🍿Nobudge Live #40 @ Nitehawk: “NoBudge is an online platform spotlighting the best in low-budget indie filmmaking."One of the best places to sample what’s happening in low-budget cinema worldwide,” says Glenn Kenny of The New York Times. NoBudge is happy to present a new program of nine short films from a group of emerging indie filmmakers mostly based in New York. We’re focused on young characters searching for escape or catharsis, feeling suffocated or cursed."(7:15 PM, Nitehawk)
🍿'The Monster Squad' @ Nitehawk: “The uglies are in search of a powerful amulet that will grant them power to rule the world. Our heroes, the Monster Squad, are the only ones daring to stand in their way." (9:15 PM, Nitehawk)
Tuesday, 7/9
🎶Jack And Friends Summer Concert Series: Moozika!: “Moozika! is singer-songwriter Jesse Goldman's award-winning bilingual family music band and educational program based in Brooklyn. Named one of the top three “Absolute Best” kids’ music classes in NYC by New York Magazine, Moozika!’s playful Spanish - English tunes are powered by an ethos of big love and gentleness. For this show, Jesse will be performing solo tunes off his upcoming Moozika! album 'We Are One.'”(4:00 PM, Park Slope Library)
🍕Pizza Making @ Pizza Plus: “Tuesday nights when you’re looking for something fun to do, stop by Pizza Plus and try out your pizza making skills! 5 to closing we will be waiting for you”(5:00 PM, Pizza Plus)
💪Amp’D Interval Training With Chelsea Piers Fitness: “Join Chelsea Piers Fitness and Prospect Park Alliance to hit the grass and push your body to new limits in this high-intensity interval training class that combines bodyweight strength and cardio on the Prospect Park Long Meadow."(6:00 PM, Prospect Park)
👰🏻🤣My Dead Wedding With Chet Siegel: “Siegel, comedian and easy cry, was dumped twice by her ex-fiancé and now you’re cordially invited to the funeral for her canceled wedding. In this multimedia solo show// immersive nervous breakdown, Chet grieves her broken engagement and tries to figure out if she can get over this or anything, really." (8:00 PM, Littlefield, $9.95)
Wednesday, 7/10
🛒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)
🗒Plum Papercraft: Origami Butterfly And Lotus Flower: “Celebrate nature and the peaceful months of summer by learning to fold an origami butterfly and lotus flower. Supplies provided.mBeginners welcome!mRegistration suggested." (1:00 PM, Park Slope Library)
🎻The Boathouse Jam: “Hosted by the Gowanus Dredgers Canoe Club to activate our shoreline while fostering the continued resurgence of acoustical collaborations in Brooklyn. We are inclusive of all – young & old, new & seasoned musicians. Just bring a smile and your musical instrument and/or your voice to join our one night makeshift band." (6:00 PM, Gowanus Dredgers)
🍿🌳Paramount+ Movie Nights In The Par: 'School Of Rock': “The films will begin shortly after sundown. on the North end of the Long Meadow. Please enter the park at the Third Street or Grand Army Plaza Entrance”(6:30 PM, Prospect Park)
🍿Movie Night @ Brooklyn Conservatory Of Music: 'Unlikely Looters': “This musical documentary by filmmaker and visual artist, Hilary Leitner, is an intimate portrait that reveals the essence and psychology of a man, 82 year old artist Nick Della Penna, who devoted over 35 years to creating a magical stone monument by hand. The film showing will be preceded by a live music performance and after the film. Hillary Leitner and Nick Della Penna will host a Q&A."(7:00 PM, Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, $15)
🍿🌙Outdoor Cinema @ Parklife: ‘Say Anything’ “In a charming, critically acclaimed tale of first love, Lloyd (John Cusack), an eternal optimist, seeks to capture the heart of Diane (Ione Skye), an unattainable high-school beauty and straight-A student. It surprises just about everyone when she returns the sentiment." (8:00 PM, Littlefield)
Thursday, 7/11
🙋🏽🌳Summer Spruce Up: See Get Involved above. (10:00 AM, Prospect Park)
💧🌳Nature Exploration: Lake Appreciation: See Saturday listing. (10:00 AM, Prospect Park)
💪🏽Total Body Fitness @ Park Slope Library: “Join Shape Up NYC for a free fitness class at Park Slope Library every Thursday morning from 10:30 to 11:30 am. This fun, low-impact, full-body workout includes cardio, strength and balance exercises to improve your overall fitness. All levels are welcome!” (10:30 AM, Park Slope Library)
🎨Little Shop, Big City: Artmaking Workshop: “Join author-illustrator Isabel Roxas for a hands-on artmaking workshop for kids aged 7-11. Riffing on her Team Pom book series, their love of food and community, come ready to celebrate your neighborhood by creating your own collage storefront, from your local bodega to your destination deli or your favorite hair salon. Materials are provided." (3:30 PM, Central Library)
💪🏽Zumba @ Park Slope Library: “Zumba is dance fitness that feels more like a party than exercise. While listening to upbeat music, you will get a full-body workout, learn some moves and grooves, and have a lot of fun! This is a low to medium impact class. Modifications can be made to suit individual needs. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Bring a water bottle and towel. All levels invited, especially newcomers. Registration not required, but recommended." (5:30 PM, Park Slope Library)
Thursday Night
🎶Jazz In July @ Brooklyn Botanic Garden: “Celebrate summer at the Garden with live jazz on Thursday evenings. Bring a blanket to stretch out and enjoy the music, presented in partnership with local arts organizations. Performances start at 7. Each night also features a tour or other Garden activity." (6:00 PM, Brooklyn Botanic Garden)
🧘🏽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)
📷Art History Happy Hour: Paul McCartney Photographs: “Enjoy a specialty drink and short lectures inspired by Paul McCartney Photographs 1963–64: Eyes of the Storm, which features more than 250 photographs taken by McCartney at the height of Beatlemania. Hear presentations by exhibition organizer Catherine Futter and Debra Hess Norris, Chair of the Department of Art Conservation at the University of Delaware. They’ll highlight the rich photographic, cultural, and preservation histories of the ’60s and beyond. Doors open at 6:30 pm." (7:00 PM, Brooklyn Museum)
🍿🌳Summer Movie Series @ Old Stone House:
“7:00 PM Tambor y Cana live music pre-show”
“8:30 PM Feature Presentation:'Summer of Soul' (2021): Over the course of six weeks during the summer of 1969, thousands of people attend the Harlem Cultural Festival to celebrate Black history, culture, music, and fashion." (7:00 PM, Old Stone House)
🔥🤣Moshe Kasher: “Moshe Kasher is the Co-host of the Endless Honeymoon Podcast, and author of the 2012 memoir "Kasher in the Rye: The True Tale of a White Boy from Oakland Who Became a Drug Addict, Criminal, Mental Patient, and Then Turned 16." ”(7:30 PM, The Bell House, $40.40)
🍿Rooftop Selects: 'Swamp Dogg Gets His Pool Painted' @ Industry City: “Hidden away, deep in the San Fernando Valley, legendary musician Swamp Dogg, alongside housemates Moogstar and Guitar Shorty, have transformed their home into an artistic playground. Together they navigate the tumultuous music industry, forging a unique and inspiring bond across time and space." (8:00 PM, Industry City)
🍿Spoons Toons & Booze Rocks After Dark: “Your Favorite Evening Cartoon, Booze & Free Cereal party with a Music-Themed Menu of toons geared towards adults/teens! It’s the even more R-rated version of our brunch show! Hosted by SecretFormula’s pop culture and cereal experts Michael Austin and Nell Casey, with comedic commentary in-between episodes." (9:15 PM, Nitehawk)
🔥🤣Abby Govindan: How To Embarrass Your Immigrant Parents: “A storytelling experience that explores a pertinent universal theme: wanting to understand your parents but struggling to see eye-to-eye. Abby takes the viewer on an intimate, hilarious, soul-bearing journey about her struggles with mental health, fitting in, and finding common ground with the ones you love even after they’ve hurt you.” (10:00 PM, Union Hall, $14.36)
Did we miss an event? Are you doing a stoop sale? Put in the comments!