Park Slope Weekend Events Spotlight: August 20-23

Sana Nagano plays Shapeshifter Lab
Sana Nagano plays Shapeshifter Lab on Sunday, August 23. (Photo via Sana Nagano)

Ready to enjoy the open air of the summer? Or would you prefer to be inside listening to live music? If you’re hanging around the Slope and searching for adventure, you can check out a country music festival, a film and discussion about the DC punk rock scene, or row, row, row your boat in Prospect Park.

For even more things to do around Brooklyn, and to add your own upcoming events (some of which we’ll feature in this roundup in the future!), check out our calendar.

Brooklyn Country Music Festival
When: Thursday, August 20 – Sunday, August 23. Showtimes vary, so check the website for details. Note that the Saturday show begins at 3pm and the Sunday show begins at 4pm.
Where: The Bell House, 149 7th Street, between 2nd and 3rd Avenues
What: A variety of country music bands will perform at The Bell House throughout the weekend during this 4-Day festival. You can attend a single show or purchase a pass for the entire festival event.
How much: Prices vary from the $15 single day show on Thursday or Friday, to the $50 full festival ticket. View the venue’s calendar for ticket purchasing information.

Chess Club For All Ages
When: Friday, July 21, 3-4:30pm
Where: Park Slope Library, 431 6th Avenue at 9th Street
What: Families are invited to play chess in the auditorium of the Park Slope library this summer. All skill levels are welcome, so whether your a newbie or a pro, come get your game on!
How much: Free.

Film Night: Positive Force—More Than a Witness
When: Friday, August 21, 7:30pm
Where: Interference Archive, 131 8th Street #4, between 2nd and 3rd Avenues
What: This feature-length film by Robin Bell skillfully mixes rare archival footage, including electrifying live performances from Fugazi, Bikini Kill, Rites of Spring, Nation of Ulysses, Anti-Flag, and more. Members of Positive Force and the DC punk scene will be present for a discussion after the film!
How much: Free.

Lola Star’s Dreamland Roller Disco
When: Friday, August 21, 7:30pm
Where: LeFrak Center, Lakeside, Prospect Park
What: Get ready to walk like an Egyptian, because it’s all about those ’80s dance hits at this Friday’s Dreamland Roller Disco. Note that admission is restricted to guests ages 21 and older. For more information, or to buy tickets in advance, visit the Dreamland website.
How much: $18 (includes admission and skate rental).

Row, Row, Row Your Boat In Prospect Park
When: Saturday, August 22, 12-4pm
Where: Boat ramp on Wellhouse Drive, Prospect Park
What: Grab an oar and spend a lovely Saturday rowing around the lake in Prospect Park. Boats are available on a first-come, first-served basis (no reservations are accepted), and life jackets are provided.
How much: Free.

The Ramshackle
When: Saturday, August 22, 8pm
Where: Barbes, 376 9th Street, near 6th Avenue
What: Don’t miss a brilliant mix of “gotham cajun, zydeco, and roots,” as The Ramshackle takes the Barbes stage on Saturday night.
How much: $10 (strongly) suggested donation.

Sociocracy: A New Way Of Organizing With Jone Johnson Lewis
When: Sunday, August 23, 11am
Where: Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture, 53 Prospect Park West, between 1st and 2nd Streets
What: Hear Jone Johnson Lewis speak about Sociocracy, a consent-based, allowing more participation and more distributed decision-making than in traditional organizational structures, especially those that are hierarchical. Learn a bit about it, and practice some of the skills that make this model work.
How much: Free.

Sana Nagano Quartet And Brillbird, A Modern Jazz Double Bill
When: Sunday, August 23, 7pm
Where: ShapeShifter Lab, 18 Whitwell Place, between 1st and Carroll Streets
What: Brillbird, a new modern jazz-ish group takes the stage for the first time at Shapeshifter Lab. Following them is the awe-inspiring music of the Sana Nagano Quartet.
How much: $8 at the door.