Park Slope Planner: The Best Events August 14-17
It’s looking like it’s going to be a beautiful weekend, and there are a ton of events to enjoy outside in the lovely weather — from an artist painting dozens of pieces at once at Grand Army Plaza, to a giant block party featuring a free performance of Romeo & Juliet, to a movie screening in a community garden, and so much more.
Looking for more family-friendly things to do? Check out our roundup of children’s events!
Steve Keene Live Painting
When: Thursday, August 14-Saturday, August 16, 11am-5pm
Where: Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza
What: Artist Steve Keene, whose work you might recognize from album covers for artists likePavement and The Dave Matthews Band, is live painting as part of Steve Keene’s Brooklyn Experience, an exhibition for the library’s 2014 artist-in-residence, and this is your last chance to check it out!
How much: Free!
Tell The Bartender Live!
When: Thursday, August 14, 8pm
Where: Union Hall, 702 Union Street
What: A night of stories, games, and fun during this live recording of the Tell The Bartender, a storytelling podcast hosted by Katharine Heller. Guests include Jamie Kilstein, Chris Gethard, and Matty Blake.
How much: $10, tickets available in advance.
Dive In Gowanus
When: Friday, August 15
Where: Various Locations
What: Eat something delicious and know that you’re helping the Gowanus Canal. The Gowanus Canal Conservancy has teamed up with several restaurants for the second annual Dive In Gowanus, an event that aims to celebrate those restaurants and bring in some environmental and community initiatives to the area.
Summer Strolls
When: Friday, August 15, 5-9pm
Where: 5th Avenue between Dean and Sterling
What: Lots of family-friendly fun to be had along 5th Avenue during this big neighborhood block party on Friday evening! Check out games, play in an open fire hydrant, and even enjoy a free performance of Romeo & Juliet.
How much: Free!
Art Opening: Spectrum
When: Friday, August 15, 7pm-1am
Where: Gowanus Ballroom, 55 9th Street, #61
What: Check out the opening of a light art exhibition by Colin Bowring, an emerging artist-scientist out of San Francisco. It’s a creation made by repurposing, bartering, and liberating metal, mirrors, and glass to create inventions of light.
How much: Free!
Film Screening: A Pain In The Ass
When: Saturday, August 16, sundown
Where: GreenSpace @ President Street, corner of 5th Ave & President
What: Bring a chair and enjoy a movie in the garden! In this 1973 French (dubbed) comedy, a suicidal man develops an unlikely friendship with a hitman after they’ve both checked into the same hotel for very different reason.
How much: Free!
Concerts On The Slope
When: Saturday, August 16, 8pm
Where: St. John’s Episcopal Church, 139 St Johns Place
What: The new season kicks off with the world premiere of 2014-15 Composer in Residence Robert Sirota’s “Canticle/Cantilena/Canzona”, Beethoven’s D Major String Trio, Opus 9 no. 2, Gershwin’s Lullaby for String Quartet, and Boccherini’s “Fandango” Quintet, for Guitar and String Quartet.
How much: Free will donation.
Hey Queen Presents The Sun is Your Star: The Annual Leo Party
When: Saturday, August 15, 11pm
Where: Littlefield, 622 Degraw Street
What: Hey Queen! is a monthly multi-gender queer dance party featuring both emerging and established performers every month with a new theme. This month, they’ll be spotlighting loving Leos, so let your mane down and get sweaty!
How much: $5 before 11:30pm, $7 after, tickets at the door.
Food Truck Rally
When: Sunday, August 17, 11am-5pm
Where: Grand Army Plaza
What: Got a hankering for a lobster roll and an ice cream sandwich, and enjoying them al fresco in the park? The food trucks are back!
Ed Piskor In Conversation
When: Sunday, August 17, 7pm
Where: Bergen Street Comics, 470 Bergen Street
What: To celebrate Ed Piskor’s Hip Hop Family Tree Volume 2, Ed himself will be in attendance to not just sign books, but to chat with Reggie Ossé about hip hop, comics, and whatever else tickles their fancy. Plus, there will be drinks, and a few advance copies of the limited edition slipcase version of Hip Hop Family Tree 1&2.
How much: Free!