South Slope Events Spotlight: November 24-30

You might not know it, given the hold Christmas already has on our neighborhood stores, but the week of Thanksgiving is upon us. If you’re sticking around the Slope for the holiday, there’s no shortage of things to keep you and your family occupied. Here are some of our favorite events from around the area:

Tropical Vortex Monday
When: Monday, November 24, 9:30pm
Where: Barbes, 376 9th Street and 6th Avenue
What: Counteract the impending polar vortex with tropical rhythms at Barbes every Monday. This week, it’s a tribute to “the world’s most recognizable timbales player,” Tito Puente, when percussionist and vibe player Felipe Fournier brings some classic mambo music to 9th Street.
How much: $10 strongly suggested donation.

Toddler Tuesday
When: Every Tuesday, 9:30am-12pm
Where: Prospect Park, LeFrak Center at Lakeside
What: Ice has officially taken over the rink in Prospect Park, but Toddler Tuesdays are still going strong every week at Lakeside. Kids ages 2-5 (and their caregivers) will have a blast with instructor-led play and music activities, healthy snacks, and open skate time with skate rentals, helmets, and pad packs included. Ice skating grippers are available on a first-come, first-served basis for caregivers not comfortable on the ice.
How much: $15 per child, free admission for accompanying adult ($6 adult skate rental available).

Kings Bay Y Rock With Adam
When: Wednesday, November 26, 10:30am
Where: Park Slope Library, 431 6th Avenue at 9th Street
What: Are you ready to rock? Neighborhood kids are definitely in for a treat as guitarist Adam Blotner plays some of his favorite tunes. Recommended for children ages 0-5.
How much: Free, but tickets are required for entry (one per family), so be sure to arrive early to score your ticket.

4th Annual Horizons Thanksgiving Eve Dance Party
When: Wednesday, November 26, 9pm
Where: Freddy’s, 627 5th Avenue, between 17th and 18th Streets
What: Shake a groove thing with Ben the Beyonder, and feel good about all those pre-holiday drinks your downing, because a portion of the bar sales Wednesday night go to Horizons, a local non-profit that helps “inner city youth reach their full potential through sports, visual arts, and creative writing.”
How much: Free.

Getting Merry At Mary’s
When: Thursday, November 27, 7:30pm-2:30am
Where: Mary’s Bar, 708 5th Avenue and 22nd Street
What: Congratulations! You survived another Thanksgiving with your family. Come celebrate with a drink at Mary’s, and help decorate the bar for Christmas.
How much: Free.

Shape Up NYC: Cardio Toning
When: Friday, November 28, 12pm
Where: Audubon Center, Prospect Park
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.

Blues With Jeff Young And The Fred Thomas Trio
When: Friday, November 28, 11pm
Where: Freddy’s, 627 5th Avenue
What: James Brown’s principal bassist takes center stage in his trio, playing some of those James Brown hits, but also some blues and soul classics. Kick things off at 11pm, though, with musician Jeff Young.
How much: Free!

Small Business Saturday
When: Saturday, November 29
Where: 5th Avenue, form Dean to 18th Street
What: Ready to show some love to our neighborhood businesses? Small Business Saturday is here, and stores up and down 5th Avenue have impressive deals for those ready to kick off their holiday shopping at the local level.

History In Your Hands: Paper Quilting
When: Saturdays and Sundays in November, 1-3pm
Where: Lefferts Historic House, Prospect Park
What: It’s the last weekend for paper quilting at Lefferts House. Spend a cozy afternoon with the kids making your own paper quilt collage to add to their community patchwork quilt.
How much: $3 suggested donation.

Fifth Avenue Holiday Tree Lighting
When: Saturday, November 29, 6:30pm
Where: 5th Avenue and 3rd Street
What: Things are getting festive on Fifth this weekend. The annual tree lighting ceremony is scheduled for Saturday evening, and families have lots to look forward to this year, including free hot chocolate, marshmallows, cookies, brownies, and popcorn (good luck getting the kids to sleep after all of that). Amy Miles, Opera on Tap, and Puppetry Arts are scheduled to perform, NY Kids Club will have an ornament making table set up, and Santa Claus and Frosty will stop by to say hello.
How much: Free

Winter On Flatbush Farm
When: Sunday, November 30, 12-4pm
Where: Lefferts Historic House in Prospect Park
What: Enjoy a 19th winter at Lefferts House this weekend. Kids can learn how to make a candle, watch a master spinster spin wool thread, and enjoy Dutch treats made at an outdoor hearth from a Lefferts family recipe. Be sure to be around at 3pm, when we hear jolly old St. Nicholas will stop by!
How much: $3 suggested donation

Photo via 5th Avenue BID