Park Slope Planner: The Best Events January 2-4

If one of your New Year’s resolution is to have more fun, we’ve got some suggestions for you! From the first 50 jokes of the year to a flashback dance party, from bird watching to live music, there are plenty of ways to get out and enjoy yourself right here in the neighborhood this weekend:

The 9th Annual 50 First Jokes
When: Friday, January 2, 8pm
Where: The Bell House, 149 7th Street
What: Start the year off with a laugh or 50 when that number of comics come together to tell the first joke they’ve written for the new year. Featuring Aparna Nancherla, Ben Kronberg, Brooke Van Poppelen, Emmy Blotnick, Erik Bergstrom, Jo Firestone, Joe List, Jon Friedman, Liza Treyger, Matt Koff, Matteo Lane, Michael Che, Mike Lawrence, Nick Vatterott, Phil Hanley, Sasheer Zamata, and more. Hosted by John F. O’Donnell.
How much: $12, tickets available in advance.

Kings Of Karaoke
When: Friday, January 2, 11:30pm
Where: Union Hall, 702 Union Street
What: Time to branch out from the standard Neil Diamond tune you’re always picking — new year, new songs!
How much: Free!

Coffee Bark
When: Saturday, January 3, 7am-9am
Where: Meadow beside the Picnic House in Prospect Park (enter at PPW and 3rd Street)
What: It’s the first Saturday of the month, which can only mean one thing…Coffee Bark with FIDO. There will be treats for dogs (and their owners), as well as information on off-leash activities.
How much: Free.

Party Like It’s 1999: 20 Years Since 1995 Edition
When: Saturday, January 3, 10pm
Where: The Bell House, 149 7th Street
What: Songs you can look forward to dancing to at this party: “Gangsta’s Paradise,” “Fantasy,” “Waterfalls,” “This Is How We Do It,” “Run-Around,” “Big Poppa,” “100% Pure Love.”
How much: Free!

Early Morning Bird Walk
When: Sunday, January 4, 10am
Where: Audubon Center, Prospect Park
What: The Brooklyn Bird Club leads this first bird watching walk through the park for the new year. Bundle up and see the beautiful plumage and fascinating behavior of our wintering ducks!
How much: Free!

Mother Octopus
When: Sunday, January 4, 7pm
Where: Barbes, 376 9th Street
What: Mother Octopus is a quintet led by Brooklyn-based violinist/composer Dana Lyn, and it’s something of a “70s art rock, classical, traditional Irish, and improvised music” experience. Joining her are Mike McGinnis (clarinet), Clara Kennedy (cello), Jonathan Goldberger (guitar), and Vinnie Sperrazza (drums).
How much: $10 strongly suggested donation.

Spark
When: Sunday, January 4, 8pm
Where: Union Hall, 702 Union Street
What: An evening of “music & comedy & seriousness” that’s hosted by Shannon Manning and features Lianne Smith, Griffin Newman, Jeremy Ladd, Meg Griffiths Anderson, Branson Reese, Mary Regan, Jon Bander, and Krista Komondor.
How much: $5, tickets available in advance.