Park Slope Planner: The Best Events May 15-18
The weather looks a little dicey for the next couple days, but then like it might clear up for the weekend. Whether the sun is shining or there’s a downpour, there are some great events worth checking out around the neighborhood, including a reading by some sexy edgy moms, a chance to sing to your heart’s content, an evening in honor of Andre the Giant, and more:
Kings Of Karaoke
When: Thursday, May 15, 10:30pm
Where: The Rock Shop, 249 4th Avenue
What: If you’ve got a touch of cabin fever from being stuck inside today, this weekly karaoke party is on tonight. May we suggest you get those frustrations about this crazy winter out of your system with a rousing rendition of something from their metal selection.
How much: Free!
Sexy Edgy Moms
When: Friday, May 16, 8pm
Where: Babeland Brooklyn
462 Bergen Street
What: Provocative writing about sex, moms, marriage and Mad Men (and women) with poet/philosopher Jennifer Michael Hecht, author of Stay: The History of Suicide and the Philosophies Against It; Lynn Lurie, author of Quick Kills; personal essayist Karen Ritter; poet Jenny Douglas who runs the Brooklyn Cottage; and Lisa Levy, performance artist and host.
How much: Free!
Comics Reading, Signing, And Book Release With Box Brown
When: Friday, May 16, 8pm
Where: Bergen Street Comics, 470 Bergen Street
What: Box Brown presents his major label debut, Andre The Giant: Life and Legend, a surprisingly moving biography about one of the world’s most beloved wrestling icons. You’re welcome to bring wrestling questions — he’s the guy who will have the answers. Afterwards Box will sign copies of the book, and the first people to grab a copy of it are welcome to the extra posters — just make sure you ask nicely! (And yes: there will be drinks!)
How much: Free!
Bike The Branches
When: Saturday, May 17, 10am-5pm, Finish Line 5-7pm
Where: Various locations
What: The ride has a route that features Brooklyn history, breweries, live music, storytimes from local authors, and more. Get your Branch Passport stamped at as many branches as you can visit between 10am-5pm, then end the day at the Central Library’s Finish Line Celebration from 5-7pm, where they’ll have prizes for adults and children who visit the most branches.
How much: Registration is $20 for adults, $10 for seniors and children under 17, $40 for a family of up to 2 adults and 3 children, and $150 for a team of up to 10 people. All proceeds will benefit the Brooklyn Public Library.
The Muppet Vault: Weird Stuff
When: Saturday, May 17, 7:30pm
Where: Union Hall, 702 Union Street
What: See selections from various Muppet productions guaranteed to make you ask, “Where the heck did they come up with this stuff?” Sources will include The Muppet Show and the Muppet movies, as well as a few TV specials and other assorted things. There will also be audience participation with trivia questions, prizes, drink specials, and more!
How much: $8, available in advance
Food Truck Rally
When: Sunday, May 18, 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!
55th Annual Park Slope Civic Council House Tour
When: Sunday, May 18, 12-5:30pm
Where: Starts at Poly Prep Lower School, 50 Prospect Park West
What: Always wanted to take a peek inside some of your neighbors’ houses? Here’s your chance to see a 1889 Renaissance Revival home with original stained glass transoms, mahogany woodwork, and a collection of circus memorabilia; a 1875 Italianate home made contemporary with major renovations; a 1891 Neo-Grec home where the owners restored almost all the original detail and have a collection of clocks from the old Ansonia factory; and more.
How much: $20 in advance (by May 17); $25 day-of.
1st Annual Crawfish Boil
When: Sunday, May 18, 12-5pm
Where: Mission Dolores, 249 4th Avenue
What: At their first annual boil, they’ll be serving up delicious crawdads all day along with their favorite Louisiana beers from Abita and Bayou Teche.
How much: Free admission, pay as you eat.
Chicks And Giggles Comedy Anniversary Show
When: Sunday, May 18, 8pm
Where: Littlefield, 622 Degraw Street
What: See some of the funniest women in New York City, all on one stage, all on one night. Featuring Ophira Eisenberg, Carolyn Castiglia, Nichelle Stephens, Erin and Her Cello, Jessica Delfino, Jacquetta Szathmari, Kambri Crews, Abbi Crutchfield, Livia Scott, Michelle Buteau, Carla Rhodes, and Cecil Sinclaire.
How much: $5 in advance, $8 at the door