People's Ball, Catacomb Concert, a Bookstore Crawl
Plus two pop-up markets and a million kids' events.
Welcome back to the Weekender newsletter. Scroll down for things to do in Park Slope: links to sources are in (parentheses) after each event. Leave a comment and tell the community what you’re attending this (hopefully not too rainy) weekend.
Worth Booking Now
..because SNL players and other national comedy acts sell out the week of.
Steve Martin Presents on May 14: As the blurb explains, this isn’t Steve Martin. But it does feature SNL castmember Andrew Dismukes and half a dozen other talents. (Union Hall)
Pretend It's A Boat with Derrick Brown and Amber Tamblyn on May 23: “A wild performance of poetry, comedy, and make believe with authors Derrick C. Brown and Amber Tamblyn.” (Union Hall)
SNL’s James Austin Johnson: The Age of JAJ on June 1. “The New York Times has called him “one of SNL’s most versatile celebrity impressionists.” (Bell House)
Safe Streets Update
We attended a “9th Street Corridor Community Visioning Session” on Wednesday. Attendees seemed to agree that the most affecting moment was Alice Bennahmias, talking about how much it scares her for her daughter Ash (picture below) to bike up 9th from Carroll Gardens to Park Slope for school every day. “Every block of bike lane has been bought by the death of a cyclist,” Bennahmias said.
“We’ll have a meeting and you’ll need to show up [if you want to help create change]” Doug Gordon, chair of transportation for CB6, said. “That’s how the game is played.” We’ll include the meeting when we hear a date for it.
Friday Events
Arbor Day Community Tree Planting: “Each Arbor Day, Prospect Park Alliance plants three community trees in Prospect Park. The Alliance’s arborist chooses the species and location of the trees, which will all be planted together in the Park. All donors and their honorees are invited to participate in the tree planting on Arbor Day and share this experience with their community.” (10:00 AM, Prospect Park. $100 Donation)
Lola Star’s Dreamland Roller Disco: Soul Train 70s, 80s Soul, Pop + Disco. “Each Dreamland Roller Disco includes: Retro DJs spinning the hottest dance floor grooves from the 70s, 80s, 90s and today; an MC who narrates the spectacle as it unfolds; tons of rad, Instagram-able moments including a red carpet where you can take photos.” (7PM, LeFrak Roller Rink)
Saturday Events
Global Youth Service Day: “Global Youth Service Day, the world’s largest youth service and civic action event, celebrates the capacity of youth to help our communities thrive. Appropriate for supervised youth ages 7-13 and teens.” (9:00AM, Prospect Park)
PS 321 Spring Carnival: “Overnight, PS 321 will be transformed into a magical wonderland for families from the school and wider community to enjoy everything a carnival has to offer: classic carnival games & prizes, outdoor inflatables, delicious food from local hot spots, cotton candy & popcorn treats, face painting, manicures, hair braiding, an enormous used book & game sale, hands-on creative & athletic experiences led by neighborhood pros.” (10 AM, PS 321)
NYC’s 7th City Nature Challenge: “Explore Prospect Park and record the species you see throughout Broklyn’s Backyard. In both the paved and green spaces of our city, many species survive and thrive. The City Nature Challenge is asking all New Yorkers – residents, visitors, commuters, students, teachers, pedestrians, park lovers, parents, children and more – to connect with nature and help us make as many iNaturalist observations as we can.” (10 AM, Prospect Park)
Healthy Kids Day: “Activities include Camp and Membership Open House, Bouncy House, Face Painting, Arts and Crafts, DJ, Family Fitness, Snacks, and Giveaways! This is a free event for the community, so please stop by and bring a friend!” (10 AM, The Armory)
Brooklyn Quilters Guild Show in Sunset Park: “Brooklyn Quilts is celebrating 30 years with quilt displays, demonstrations, vendors, raffles and more.” (10 AM, 163 26th Street. $10 advance/$12 at the door)
Brooklyn Pop-Up Spring Bazaar: “Our seasonal outdoor Old Stone House Artisan's Markets bring together 40+ local artisans, makers, and small businesses.” (10 AM, Old Stone House)
Puppet Making Workshop with The Puppeteers Cooperative: “This Spring The Puppeteers Cooperative is offering a puppet workshop on April 29 and 30th from 11:00 to 3:00 at OSH to make book puppets.” (11 AM Old Stone House)
Independent Bookstore Day: “This national one-day party held the last Saturday in April celebrates independent bookstores across the country online and in-store. Through exclusive books and literary items, contests, cupcakes, and everything in between, it’s a party you don’t want to miss!” Pick up a passport to the Brooklyn Bookstore Crawl today. (Community Bookstore, Terrace Books, Powerhouse on 9th)
Bookstore Crawl Afterparty in Downtown Brooklyn: “Bring your passport for admission, and arrive by 5:30pm to get your free raffle tickets for every bookstore visited. Grab a happy hour drink and hang out with fellow bookstore lovers, and win awesome bookstore swag and other prizes in the Bookstore Day raffle!” (5PM, The Center for Fiction)
Sunday
Brooklyn Pop-Up Market: “Stop by our market to shop one-of-a-kind, handmade items from local artisans. ” (10:30AM, Brooklyn Museum Plaza)
Park Pitch In: Arbor Day. “Volunteers are invited to help Prospect Park Alliance care for street trees along the park perimeter. Volunteers will care for the soil, lay down mulch and remove litter from tree beds along the park perimeter. ” (11:00AM, Prospect Park)
The People's Ball: “In contrast to the elite galas that pop up across the city in the spring, The People’s Ball is a free, inclusive event that eschews elitism and honors the colors, textures, and styles that comprise the city’s urban runway. Come celebrate and be celebrated by your friends and neighbors as you dance, party and pose.” (6:30PM, Central Library. REGISTRATION CLOSED)
SNL's devon walker and michael longfellow try a bunch of brand new jokes: “First year SNL guys Devon and Michael try a bunch of jokes they’re still figuring out.” (5:30PM, 8:00 P.M , Union Hall. SOLD OUT)
Tuesday
Concert in the Catacombs: “In the middle of Green-Wood lies a cavernous underground space rarely open to the public. The Catacombs is not just a place of rest for the departed, it is also the setting for New York City’s most distinctive and atmospheric musical experience. Composer, percussionist, and sound artist Susie Ibarra presents 4 Meditations on Impermanence featuring a processional with Rhythm in Nature Ensemble.” (6:30 PM and 8PM, Green-Wood Cemetery)
Wednesday
Spoons and Toons: May the 4th Be With You. “Your Favorite Evening Cartoon, Booze & Free Cereal party with a Space-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.” (9:15PM, Nitehawk)
RIP, Ruth/Croc-melo/Walt
Alligator Rescued From Prospect Park Dies (New York Times) This news hit us particularly hard, as this newsletter kicked off as a means for Park Slopers to come together and name our gator neighbor after a Brooklyn luminary. The top vote-getter was was Ruth Gator Ginsburg, but the nominees were all inspired.
What are you doing this weekend? Let’s discuss in the comments
For starters it’s looking like Lola’s soul music roller skating, some bookstore bingo, and The People’s Ball for me
Just amazed at all the splendid happenings. Thanks for the update