Park Slope Planner: The Best Events April 16-19

Photo via Friends of Thomas Greene Park

As the weather warms up, we’re all ready to break out from hibernation, and if you’re looking for some events to get you out of the house this weekend, we’ve got some great options — from a festival of sound, to a skateboarding bonanza, to a late-night dance party. Details on those and more below.

Looking for something fun to do with the kids? Check out our children’s events listing!

The Brooklyn Acoustic Ecology Festival
When: Thursday, April 16-Saturday, April 18
Where: The Old Stone House, 336 3rd Street
What: Explore our understanding of sound in our environment at this three-part festival through the work of a group of selected artists who will present performances, talks, and soundwalks.
How much: Advance tickets $10 per event, $12 at the door, or $25 for 3 events.

Jazz-Age Party For Mary Morris’s The Jazz Palace
When: Thursday, April 16, 7:30pm
Where: Community Bookstore, 143 7th Avenue
What: Break out the flapper dress, grab a drink, and enjoy some music at this Jazz Age-themed book party for Mary Morris’ The Jazz Palace, a novel about the high hopes and heartbreak of Chicago’s jazz scene in the roaring twenties.
How much:

Free!

Kings Of Karaoke
When: Thursday, April 16, 10:30pm
Where: The Rock Shop, 249 4th Avenue
What: For those who’ve got a song in their heart, and possibly a beer in their belly.
How much: Free!

Shape Up NYC: Cardio Toning
When: Friday, April 17, 12pm
Where: Prospect Park, Audubon Center
What: Shape up your core with a free cardio class in Prospect Park that will combine strength, balance, and toning exercises. No reservation is required, but it is recommended that you bring a workout mat.
How much: Free!

The Wonderful World Of Boning: Sex Ed With A Sense Of Humor
When: Friday, April 17, 7:30pm
Where: Union Hall, 702 Union Street
What: Writer, sex educator, and funny lady Lux Alptraum teams up with comedian friends Griffin Newman and Lucas Hazlett to take a tour of classic sex education videos.
How much: $8, tickets available in advance.

Tango Workshops
When: Saturday, April 11, 10am-12pm
Where: Central Library, Dweck Center, 10 Grand Army Plaza
What: Learn the fundamentals of one of a dramatic dance at this fun, informal series from the IATI Theater. Lessons are in English and Spanish, and there are two sessions: 10-11am is for beginners, and 11am-12pm is for advanced dancers.
How much: Free, but space is limited, so arrive early, and bring your library card for admission.

Gowanus Grind 2015
When: Saturday, April 18, 12-5pm
Where: Thomas Greene Park, 3rd Avenue between Douglass and Degraw
What: A super fun annual event centered around skateboarding. Look out for free facepainting, free rock climbing, a free skateboarding clinic, a free fencing demo and clinic, plus a chance to do a little planting and take home the pot to watch it grow. Plus, bring your bikes to ride on Douglass Street!
How much: Free!

Gotham: New York City’s Best Writers: Paul Beatty
When: Saturday, April 18, 4pm
Where: Central Library, Dweck Center, 10 Grand Army Plaza
What: The author will discuss The Sellout, a biting satire about a young man’s isolated upbringing and the race trial that sends him to the Supreme Court.
How much: Free, but RSVP to ensure you get a seat.

Crazy Since Da 90s
When: Saturday, April 18, 10pm
Where: Union Hall, 702 Union Street
What: Shake off the workweek by dancing to some ’90s jams.
How much: Free before 11pm with RSVP, $5 after 11pm.

Classical Interludes: Ballantyne And Sasaki
When: Sunday, April 19, 4pm
Where: Central Library, Dweck Center, 10 Grand Army Plaza
What: Scott Ballantyne, cello, and Hiroko Sasaki, piano, perform sonatas by Kodaly, Debussy, and Brahms. Children under the age of 6 will not be admitted.
How much: Free, but RSVP to ensure you get a seat.