The Day: Citi Bikes and Pajama Parties for the Tykes

Not sure how to get into the Citi Bike craze? You can take a class for free at Red Lantern Bicycles on Oct. 10. (Photo by 11238-bkn)

Good morning, Fort Greene and Clinton Hill.

It’s almost October, but New York just isn’t catching on to the fall weather yet. Mother Nature is still teasing us with summer-like temperatures. Ditch the sweaters for another day and soak up the sun for a little bit longer – today’s high is 74 with mostly clear skies, according to the National Weather Service. The nighttime should be a bit chillier, though, so make sure you have a hoodie handy when the air cools down to the 50s. The rest of the weekend should follow suit, so get out there and take some pictures of the good weather for the Nabe’s Flickr group.

  • You’ve seen the blue Citi Bikes around the borough, but are you nervous about testing out the system because you’re not an avid cyclist and don’t know the city’s well-trodden routes? Well, Citi Bike wants to help make your experience as easy as remembering how to ride a bike. Citi Bike has teamed up Bike New York, a non-profit organization that wants to promote cycling in the five boroughs through education and other events, to offer classes on New York’s new bike-sharing system. On Oct. 10 and 24 from 7 to 8 p.m., they’re bringing the class to Fort Greene at Red Lantern Bicycles, which is located at 345 Myrtle Avenue between Adelphi and Carlton. The class is free and will teach bike-share basics and street-riding tips. Space is limited, so don’t forget to register online through Bike New York.
  • Want to tire the tykes out before bed for a good cause? Put them in their pajamas and take them to Little Essentials‘ annual kid concert fundraiser this Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m. Little Essentials, which used to have a storefront in Clinton Hill, works to help impoverished Brooklyn babies by providing them with clothing, toys, books and other things. Tickets are $20 online or $25 at the door. It’ll be held at Frolic! play space, which is located at 36 North 6th Street in Williamsburg, and the event features a concert by Anna Banana Band, a raffle, pizza, photo booth, games for kids and even wine for the grown-ups. All funs will go directly to support Little Essential’s work.
  • Fashion Week Brooklyn starts on Thursday, Oct. 3, but the festivities will kick off on Monday, Sept. 30, with a meeting for those who hold a stake in the fashion industry. Designers, artists and crafters are making less than they did 15 years ago, and those who are working independently are invited to discuss the state of the business at Amarachi Lounge, located at 325 Franklin Avenue. The meeting will be held Monday night from 5 to 9:30 p.m. The event is free, but those who want to attend are asked to register online or email press@brooklynfashionweek.com.