The People’s Ball and The Debt Gala! Free Comic Book Day! The Derby! Cinco de Mayo! BAMKids! Dog Meetup in the Park!
Plus: A musical ‘Fast & the Furious’! Tai Chi @ BBG! Windsor Terrace Stoop Crawl! Wrestling burlesque!
Thank you for helping us build better coverage of Park Slope, and welcome back to our selected list of events this weekend. As always, links to sources are in (parentheses) after each event. Follow our IG for updates as events change.
In its own way, this weekend is as big for the neighborhood as Halloween: between the Anti-Met Galas, the Derby parties, Cinco de Mayo and Free Comic Book Day, people will be out. As always, scroll to the bottom to meet our Rescue Pup of the Day, Zara.
Book Now: Free Sunday Edition
Free of charge but spots are limited.
🪦Cemetery Sips & Stories: “At this intimate and informal gathering Green-Wood's gravediggers, crematory operators, memorial counselors, local death-care-industry professionals, and community members will join us for candid and supportive conversations about death work. While mingling over light refreshments, you’ll have unprecedented access to the professionals who quietly steward our final transitions and work to demystify death care.”(4:00 PM, Green-Wood Cemetery, Free)
📕The People's Ball: Style Is A Revolution' @ Central Library on Sunday: “The free event, held on the eve of the Met Gala, offers an alternative to expensive, exclusive galas and showcases the diverse styles that make up New York City's urban runway. ”(7:00 PM, Central Library)
Get Involved
🚶🏾♀️Join ‘Waste Not, Want Not: Creative Resilience in South Slope’ Walk Saturday and Sunday: “Explore the rich industrial and cultural history of the South Slope community through its buildings and community spaces. Once a center of production for materials such as paint, cast stone, ironworks, tin, and ink, now a thriving arts and cultural community employing some of the very same materials that fueled its development.”(1:00 PM, Open Source Gallery)
Rare Horticulture Volunteer Opening @ Brooklyn Botanic Garden: “Do you have a positive, can-do attitude and enjoy working collaboratively? Are you available to come in one to two mornings a week throughout the spring and summer? Up for a few hours of outdoor physical work without shade and not afraid of thorns? If you answered yes to all of the above, we need your help in our Cranford Rose Garden.” (Brooklyn Botanic Garden)
Talk to the Department of Buildings Through Council Member Hanif’s Office on Tuesday: “Schedule a one-on-one appointment with a DOB representative on Tuesday, May 6th, 12 PM to 4 PM to discuss agency matters, zoning, permits, violations, and more.” (IG)
Events
Events with a 🔥 emoji are going fast, and classes have a 🎓 emoji. Kentucky Derby events have a 🏇🏾emoji, Cinco de Mayo have a 🇲🇽, and Mother’s Day shopping opportunities have 👸🏼👸🏽👸🏾 emojis.
Thursday, 5/1
🥔Spudz Slope Soft Opening: “Come hungry, leave happy.”(6 PM, Spudz Slope)
📕Parole Advocacy In New York With Parole Prep @ Brooklyn Public Library: “The goal of this workshop is to train family and community members on the skills needed for parole advocacy in New York State. This will include a teach-in on how the parole system works in NY, how to navigate the expectations of parole commissioners, and the type of advocacy that people on the outside can do to support their loved ones.”(6:00 PM, Central Library)
🤣Billy Wayne Davis @ Union Hall: “Stand-up by Billy Wayne Daviswith special guests Alison Lieby and Ali Clayton”(7:30 PM, Union Hall)
🤣’The Fast And The Furious: A Musical Parody’ @ The Bell House: “After multiple sold out runs in LA, the boldest, baldest musical in the world is coming to New York for the first time ever! Come watch your favorite car-driving gang members battle their greatest foe yet: singing & dancing at the same time, in an unauthorized parody that is in no way connected to the Universal property.”(8:00 PM, The Bell House)
🍿 Spoons Toons & Booze After Dark @ Nitehawk Cinema: “Your Favorite Evening Cartoon, Booze & Free Cereal party with a Menu of toons geared towards adults/teens! It’s the even more R-rated version of our brunch show!”(9:15 PM, Nitehawk)
🤣Dress Rehearsal @ Union Hall: “Joey Dardano hosts a night of new material… in a tuxedo. The audience? Also pulling up classy-style. Come see your favorite comedians looking more polished than their jokes.Piano by Evan ZavadaFeaturing: Ike Ufomadu, Rachel Coster, Jo Sunday, Jack Bensinger, Carolina Montesquieu, and more!Produced by Erin Odenkirk”(10:00 PM, Union Hall)
Friday, 5/2
🎓🌼🌸Tai Chi & Qigong For Beginners @ Brooklyn Botanic Garden: “ Tai chi and qigong exercises improve balance, increase blood circulation, relax your mind and body, and increase your internal energy. The instructor will demonstrate movements. Please come prepared in clothing that allows for movement. ”(11:00 AM, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, $120)
🎨Gallery Opening: ‘Things Fall Apart.’ Meena Hasan At The Old Stone House: “This site-specific installation draws inspiration from the fact that British commander Charles Cornwallis, who occupied the Old Stone House during the Battle of Brooklyn in 1776, later defeated one of the fiercest opponents of colonialism in India, Tipu Sultan, the Tiger of Mysore. ”(6:00 PM, Old Stone House, Free)
🍷Windsor Terrace Stoop Crawl: “Join us for a one-of-a-kind Stoop Crawl – an unforgettable evening of drinks, bites & parent connection!”(6:30 PM, Windsor Terrace, $75)
🏛🍿 ‘The Wild Goose Lake' @ BAM: “Toppling box office records in Diao’s native China, The Wild Goose Lake “cements his status as a master filmmaker with another ingenious crime epic” (Little White Lies). When small-time mob leader Zhou Zenong (Chinese superstar Hu Ge) accidentally kills a cop, a dead-or-alive bounty is placed on his head, forcing him on the lam from both the police as well as dangerous gangsters out for the reward.” (AV Club). ”(7:00 PM, BAM, $17)
🪦Green-Wood After Hours: “Experience Green-Wood after the gates have closed, when the grounds take on a magical ambiance. As evening approaches, you’ll journey past magnificent monuments and along peaceful paths, discovering the fascinating stories of notable New Yorkers who shaped our history and culture. The experience culminates with a special treat—rare access to the Catacombs, an underground space that few get to see.”(7:00 PM, Green-Wood Cemetery, $30)
📕Nana Malone Event For ‘Gold Coast Dilemma' @ The Ripped Bodice: “During an opulent publishing party, Ofosua Addo crosses paths with Cole Drake for the first time. Their flirtatiously witty exchange culminates in a kiss that etches a permanent mark on both their hearts.But Ofosua's identity as a Ghanaian heiress comes before Cole.”(7:00 PM, The Ripped Bodice, $21)
🤣Tasselmania 7 @ Littlefield: “NYC’s longest running, interactive, wrestling-burlesque hybrid nightlife event TasselMania is blessing you with a 7th installment of biblical proportions!”(7:30 PM, Littlefield)
🌈Queer Comedy / Pool Show @ Industry City: “The Queer Poolplayers Association (QPA) will present Shark Bite, a live, comedy, game show in which poolplayers and comedians from the LGBTQIA+ community vie to win an eight-ball match that encourages its audience and players to roast, distract, and otherwise “shark” the competition.”(7:30 PM, Industry City)
🤣Whiplash @ Union Hall: “Shalewa Sharpe hosts this long-running stand-up show.With special guests TBA”(7:30 PM, Union Hall)
🔥🤣’The Fast And The Furious: A Musical Parody' @ The Bell House: See Thuraday listing. (8:00 PM, The Bell House)
🏛🍿’Luxury Car' @ BAM: “ In this emotionally taut narrative, Li Qi Ming travels from his small village to the city of Wuhan, determined to fulfill his wife's last wish of seeing her son. But instead of finding his son, he discovers his daughter working as a karaoke bar escort, forcing him to come to terms with their long-estranged relationship and the tenuous future of his family.(9:30 PM, BAM, $17)
Saturday, 5/3
🌳Fido Coffee Bark @ Prospect Park: “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. Hosted by FIDO of Brooklyn, this event is always free! For up to date information about the status of Coffee Bark events in the case of inclement weather, please visit the FIDO in Prospect Park website.”(7:30 AM, Long Meadow, Free)
🛒Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket: “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, Grand Army Plaza)
👸🏼👸🏽👸🏾Brooklyn Pop-Up: Spring Artisans Bazaar 2025: “Expect perfect gifts for Mother's Day and more from Brooklyn's best independent designers and makers. Handmade jewelry, independent fashion, beauty and wellness, tasty treats for people and pets, ceramics, toys and kids' wear too.”(10:00 AM, Old Stone House)
🧒🧒🏽🧒🏿BAMkids Springfest 2025: “Get ready for a burst of springtime joy as BAMkids SpringFest returns, painting Brooklyn with the vibrant colors and lively sounds that make our borough unique. This fun-filled day celebrates a rich tapestry of cultures through exciting performances and hands-on activities. Dance to the rhythms of Brazil, explore diverse art forms from around the world, and discover your inner circus star—all while learning about caring for our planet! Come plant seeds of curiosity, let friendships bloom, and help us welcome the season of growth with open arms and big smiles.”(10:30 AM, BAM, Free)
📗Free Comic Book Day @ Galaxy Comics & St. Mark's Comics: “”(10:00 AM, St. Mark's Comics, Free)
🍿’Fame' @ Nitehawk Cinema: “Young men and women audition for coveted spots at the New York High School of Performing Arts. Those who make the cut discover that it takes a lot of hard work to become a star and sometimes difficult decisions have to be made. The youngsters grapple with heavy issues such as homosexuality, abortion, attempted suicide and illiteracy. On top of their unique struggles, the students must deal with the mundane pressures of adolescence like homework, heartbreak and rejection.”(11:00 AM, Nitehawk)
🌳Park Pitch In: Green And Go @ Prospect Park: “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. Appropriate for groups, supervised youth ages 9-13, teens and adults.”(11:00 AM, Prospect Park, Free, Registration Required)
🪦Meet Your Green Neighbors: Walk For Kids: “This tour is recommended for children, ages 4-12. Children MUST be accompanied by an adult, and adult ticket holders MUST be accompanied by a child. Adults and children (ages 4 and older) are required to purchase tickets.”(11:00 AM, Green-Wood Cemetery, $25)
Saturday Afternoon
🍿’Postcards From The Edge' @ Nitehawk Cinema: “Based on Carrie Fisher’s semi-autobiographical novel, Postcard From the Edge follows Hollywood actress Suzanne Vale on a slippery slope as a recovering addict. On exit from rehab, it is recommended she stay with her mother, who has become a somewhat champion drinker herself. Suzanne therefore struggles to maintain her sobriety and her sanity in the company of Doris.”(12:00 PM, Nitehawk)
🎓🌼🌸Cyanotype Printmaking @ Brooklyn Botanic Garden: “In this workshop, students will create handmade botanical cyanotype prints using the grounds of BBG as our studio. Students will learn the basics of cyanotype printing. We will cover chemistry mixing, canvas preparation, and plein air printing.”(12:30 PM, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, $72)
🍞Borneo Baker Pop-Up @ Breadivore: “Amidst all the jarring events happening in politics, education, and around us, I’m grateful for rhythms that ground me. One such rhythm is my annual pop-up in May to celebrate Asian Pacific Islander month. I’ll be at a local, Asian female-owned bakery, @breadivorebakery on Saturday, May 3 starting 1pm til sold out, serving Malaysian-inspired desserts!”(1:00 PM, Breadivore)
🚶🏾♀️Jane's Walk Around South Slope: “See Get Involved above. (1:00 PM, Open Source Gallery)
👸🏼👸🏽👸🏾Park Slope Neighbor Mother's Day Market: “Come say hi, meet friendly neighbors, explore beautiful handmade creations, indulge in delicious treats, and celebrate our amazing local makers!” (Bartel-Pritchard Sqaure, 2PM)
🍿Old Heart: Movie Sneak Preview @ Park Slope Library: “In acknowledgement of the 80th anniversary of European Liberation Day, Park Slope Library and Heartland Independent Film & Drama Forum invite you to this sneak preview. Adapted from the award-winning novel, Old Heart tells the story of Tom Johnson, a black American soldier who is part of the Allied liberation of Southern Netherlands in the fall of 1944.” (2:00 PM, Park Slope Library)
🏇🏾Derby Day @ Commonwealth: “You've been waiting all year for this!”(2:00 PM, Commonwealth)
🏇🏾20th Annual Brooklyn Derby: “All your favorite Brooklyn Derby traditions from 4–8pm: live music, $2 bets, the DIY hat table, race viewing, corn toss, dancing, and a promenade of everyone’s most festive attire! You’ll also receive your first Maker’s Mark beverage (or a zero proof cocktail) on the house. After that, you’ll manage your own food and beverage tab for the remainder of the evening.”(4:00 PM, Greenwood Park, $44.52)
🏇🏿Derby Day ‘25 @ Littlefield: “Come join us decked out in your finest suits and dresses and of course, big hats. Enter to win our costume contest.Enjoy mint juleps, frozen margs, tacos and other treats. Plus live music with Pete Lanctot and Dylan McKinstry!”(4:00 PM, Littlefield)
Saturday Night
🤣Garrett And Allison's Big Night @ Union Hall: “Glamorous comedians Allison O'Conor and Garrett Williams vie for their big break throughout this iconic standup and variety show.With special guests Brendan Scannell, Jaboukie Young-White, Natalie Rotter-Laitman, and Michelladonna”(5:00 PM, Union Hall)
🔥🎸US Air Guitar Championships (Brooklyn): “Brooklyn’s finest air shredders, it’s time to take the stage! The 2025 Brooklyn Qualifier at Barrow’s Intense is your chance to claim air guitar glory and secure a direct spot in the National Finals in San Francisco on July 20th—no extra battles, no second chances, just straight to the big stage!”(7:00 PM, Industry City, $10)
🎶Max Richter @ BAM: “One of the most prodigious figures on the contemporary music scene, Max Richter has captivated listeners around the world with his groundbreaking work as a composer, pianist, producer, and collaborator. His creative output encompasses solo performances, ballet and theater work, film and TV scores, orchestral collaborations, and much more.”(7:30 PM, BAM, $35)
🤣Cameron Esposito (Late Show)' @ Union Hall: “Cameron Esposito (she/they) is a Los Angeles-based and Chicago-born standup comic, actor, host, writer, podcaster, and best-selling author.”(10:00 PM, Union Hall)
Sunday AM, 5/4
🛒Washington Park Greenmarket: 20 years old! (9:00 AM, Washington Park)
🎓🌼🌸Container Vegetable Gardening @ Brooklyn Botanic Garden: “Make garden magic by adding a vegetable and herb container garden to your outdoor space. Learn how to choose the right plants based on your specific needs and incorporate flowering plants to attract pollinators and brighten up your garden with a hint of color.”(10 AM, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, $72)
🔥🧘🏽Movement For Grief @ Green-Wood Cemetery: “Begin your morning at Sunday in the Cemetery with guided movement meditation, setting a reflective tone for the conversations and workshops later in the day. Led by a teacher from ONEYOGAHOUSE, this gentle practice invites participants of all levels to connect with Green-Wood’s landscape through breathwork, mindful movement, and sound meditation.”(10:00 AM, Green-Wood Cemetery, Free)
🎶Steph's Little Movers Pop-Up Class @ Old Stone House: “Using songs, dance, and guided play, Steph leads little ones (and their caregivers!) through exercises that focus on language development, fine motor skills, gross motor skills, and creative expression to support their growing bodies and brains.”(10:30 AM, Old Stone House, Free)
🇲🇽Cinco De Mayo 5K Run: “Annual 5K run in beautiful Prospect Park, Brooklyn commemorating the Cinco de Mayo holiday and celebrating Mexican culture. We are back at Bartell Pritchard Square”(11:00 AM, Mexican Athletic Club of NY)
🌳Smorgasburg @ 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 2025 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 from April 6–October 26.”(11:00 AM, Breeze Hill, Free)
Sunday PM
🔥🪦Natural Endings @ Green-Wood: “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? This program begins with a presentation by funeral director Amy Cunnhingham about the importance of eco-conscious funeral practices, exploring sustainable alternatives to traditional burial methods and the emergence of environmentally friendly funeral rituals.”(12:00 PM, Green-Wood Cemetery, Free)
🔥🍿’Sundays On Fire: Secret Hong Kong 35Mm Feature' @ Nitehawk Cinema: “
Totally fabulous, but truly wrong, this early ’90s exploitation flick was rated Category III – Hong Kong’s version of “No Children Allowed!” – but not for the reasons you’d think. This bonkers action movie/cinematic couples counseling session has a little bit of nudity, a whole lot of violence, but that rating is almost entirely for its general vibe of…whut?!? All about a cop who’s rendered impotent because the bad guys have bigger, harder machine guns, which leads to his wife dumping him, he’s re-assigned to a rural outpost where he basks in simmering rage until some bad guys show up…with machine guns.”(12:00 PM, Nitehawk)
🇲🇽5 Days Of Cinco De Mayo @ Dram Shop Bar: “Join the Dram Shop Bar in celebrating 5 days of Cinco de Mayo. On the fourth day... we offer $5 pints of Pacifico $10 frozen margaritas, $12 Burritos & Enchiladas. Plus Kids Mexican face painting 1-3pm.”(1:00 PM, Dram Shop Bar)
🚶🏾♀️Jane's Walk Around South Slope: See Get Involved. (1:00 PM, Open Source Gallery)
🪦Your End Of Life Lineup: “This panel brings together four death-care professionals—a funeral director, a thanatologist, a death doula, and a chaplain—for an illuminating conversation on the professionals that make up your end-of-life lineup. Through both moderated and audience-fielded question and answer, these experts will unpack the emotional, spiritual, practical, and philosophical dimensions of death and dying. You’ll get an intimate glimpse into the complex rituals, personal journeys, difficult conversations, and profound transformations that surround life's most universal transition. ”(2:00 PM, Green-Wood Cemetery, Free)
🎻Concerts On The Slope: Question & Answer: “2024/25 Composer in Residence Nicky Sohn takes center stage in the New York premiere of her work, “Three Questions” paired with Borodin’s show-stopping second string quartet. Sparkling rhythms, sonorous melodies, and an iconic pairing we're excited to bring to our Park Slope audiences.”(3:00 PM, St. John's Episcopal Church)
🔥🪦Cemetery Sips & Stories: See Book Now. (4:00 PM, Green-Wood Cemetery, Free)
Sunday Night
🤣Boba Gays: Asian Comedy Show!' @ Littlefield: “Back and BOBA-IER and GAYER than ever! Join us for a night of all-Asian excellence with a variety comedy show packed with stand-up, improv, and sketch—all served with a side of boba-flavored chaos..”(6:00 PM, Littlefield)
🪩The Debt Gala @ The Bell House: “An inclusive alternative to The Met Gala, The Debt Gala returns to raise for a good cause. Grab your best look & storm the Gala red carpet in on-theme attire! Enjoy our 3rd annual variety show & hit the dance floor! The Debt Gala raises $ for organizations at the center of the fight for economic justice, helping to eliminate medical debt for struggling families. THEME: Let Them Eat Cake: Ruined Riches. W/ Gianmarco Soresi, Joyelle Nicole Johnson, The L Train Brass Band + @_Robertsilkmason_ & the children of @theroyalhausofsilk. Lineup subject to change.”(6:00 PM, The Bell House)
📕The People's Ball: Style Is A Revolution' @ Central Library: See Book Now. (7:00 PM, Central Library)
📕May ‘Happily Everyone After’ Book Club @ The Ripped Bodice: “All book clubs meet at 7:15pm on their designated Sunday at our Brooklyn location.The Happily Everyone After book club is led by the friend of the store, Zoë. We read widely across the romance genre. Everyone is welcome!RSVP is required to attend, which helps us set up chairs accordingly.Book for May: Duchess by Day, Mistress by Night by Stacy ReidPrint copies are available in-store. Or you can buy the e-book via Bookshop.org and select us as your bookstore.”(7:15 PM, The Ripped Bodice, Free)
Thursday Rescue Pup: Zara
“Does it get any cuter? Zara is our adorable 5 month old Hound mix pup. She LOVES everyone and has such an outgoing personality. Stop by to meet this sweet girl!” (Sean Casey Animal Shelter FB)
Did we miss an event? Are you doing a stoop sale? Put in the comments!