Tons of Music, Festivals, And An Eating Contest This Weekend In Ditmas Park
Welcome to your weekend, whether you’re looking to soak up some classical music, party with the mermaids, or eat your way to strawberry-shortcake heaven—this is your spot for the hottest events in Ditmas Park. If you have an event to share, or just want to reach out, email us at editor@ditmasparkcorner.com.
NY Philharmonic in Prospect Park!
When: Friday, June 17 at 8pm to 10pm. Come early to set up your blanket, stay late for the fireworks.
Where: Prospect Park in the Long Meadow. Enter at 15th street Bartel-Pritchard square.
What: Celebrate the NY Philharmonic’s 51st season of free music in the park. The orchestra will be led by Alan Gilbert, performing Beethoven’s Overture to Fidelio, Symphony No. 3, Eroica; and Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto. And always, fireworks will light the sky after the show.
How much: FREE!
Flatbush Food Court Pop-Up BBQ
When: Friday, June 17 from 6pm to 11pm
Where: Sycamore Bar, 1118 Cortelyou Road
What: Come out for delicious burgers from Johnny Lupiani & Buffalo’s Famous, hosting the Pop-Up BBQ in the Sycamore backyard. Featuring a rotation of yummy bratwursts and burgers from $10.
Annual Spring Fling Fair
When: Saturday, June 18 from 3pm to 7pm
Where: P.S. 154, at 1625 11th Avenue between Windsor Place and Sherman St.
What: This Windsor Terrace annual fair is back, with rides, games, crafts, live music, a clown performance (at 4:30), face painting, bouncy castles, a pie contest, and more.
How much: $5 per family.
FDC 3rd Annual Youth Block Party
When: Saturday, June 18 from 11am to 4pm
Where: Newkirk Avenue between 16th and 17th streets
What: The Flatbush Development Corporation’s Youth Department annual block party celebrating another year of success in after school programs at PS 217, PS 152/315, and IS 62. Featuring basketball, tattoo stations, bounce house, games, food contests, and performances. Come out with your family and have some fun!
How Much: Free
Children’s Sports and Fitness Expo
When: Saturday, June 18 11am to 3pm
Where: P.S. 92 at 601 Parkside Avenue (entrance on Winthrop st)
What: Sponsored by Body Sculpt NY, the expo features over 25 sports clinics including archery, football, hoola hoop, volleyball, soccer, and dance. In addition, there will be health screenings (vision, dental, athsma, and weight management) and nutrition workshops, adult classes, and goody bags. Children under 10 should come with an adult. For more information call 718-346-5852
How Much: FREE
34th Annual Mermaid Parade at Coney Island
When: Saturday, June 18 at 1pm
Where: Coney Island boardwalk, parade route begins at W 21st st and Surf Ave, continue east to W 10th st, and then loop around to the boardwalk.
What: Okay, this event isn’t strictly in Ditmas Park but, many like to travel down Ocean Parkway for the nation’s largest art-and-freak-flag parade. Featuring floats, antique cars, and marchers bedazzled in mermaid-themed costumes (or wearing nothing at all). The parade is “a celebration of ancient mythology and honky-tonk rituals of the seaside.” Expect massive crowds!
How Much: Free
Celebrate Brooklyn: Violent Femmes and Kristen Hersh
When: Saturday, June 18 at 7:30pm
Where: Prospect Park Bandshell, enter at 9th street and Prospect Park West
What: Feeling the 90s alt rock nostalgia? Then come out to the bandshell this Saturday night for the Violent Femmes and Kristen Hersh, part of Prospect Park’s free summer concert series.
How Much: Free
Afro Caribbean Music at Bar Chord
When: Saturday June 18, at 10pm
Where: Bar Chord, 1008 Cortelyou Road
What: Alegba and Friends play Bar Chord with live Haitian/Afro-Caribbean music.
Annual Strawberry Shortcake Eating Contest
When: Sunday, June 19 at 11:30am
Where: Cortelyou Greenmarket, between Argyle and Rugby Roads. Contest will take place at the market information tent on the corner of Cortelyou and Argyle.
What: Come hungry to the Cortelyou Greenmarket this Sunday (with your dad!) because it’s time for annual Strawberry Shortcake eating contest, held on father’s day this year. All participants will get one free plate of strawberry shortcake from the market. There will be many chances to win awards, with winners in categories like the cleanest, messiest, and fastest eaters. Kids and grown-ups welcome! Sign up at the market or by emailing the market manager at ewinklermorey@grownyc.org and put “strawberry” in the subject line.
How Much: Free to participate or watch!