South Slope Weekend Events Spotlight: April 30-May 3

Looking for something to do this weekend? With everything from fashion show fundraisers and jazz, to Coffee Bark and the famous Touch-A-Truck, you won’t have to go far for fun. Here are some of our favorite events from around the neighborhood:

Jon Lundbom & Big Five Chord
When: Thursday, April 30, 9pm
Where: Freddy’s, 627 5th Avenue between 17th and 18th Streets
What: Freddy’s is the place to be on Tuesday night, as Austin-based musician Jon Lundbom and his band, Big Five Chord, will play a little “forward-thinking, boundary-stretching jazz that still manages to sit well on more mainstream ears.” Cool. Afterward, stick around for Andi Rae and the Back River Bullies at 10pm, followed by The Humdrums at 11pm.
How much: Free.

iM A-Ware Fashion Show For Autism Awareness
When: Friday, May 1, 12pm
Where: MS 88 Gym, 544 7th Avenue, between 18th and 19th Streets
What: Join P53K, as they spread autism awareness in their first fashion show. In addition to the show, the school, which works with many students on the autism spectrum, will have puzzle piece cookies, soap, and art (all made by the kids at 53K) available for purchase. All monies raised will help support the school’s upcoming prom and graduation, so come on out and support a great local cause! For more information, or to RSVP, please visit the school’s website.
How much: $5 donation (entry plus an autism awareness sticker) or $6 donation (entry plus an autism awareness bracelet)

Shape Up NYC: Cardio Toning
When: Friday, May 1, 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.

Fat Boy Reception
When: Friday, May 1, 5-7pm
Where: Lawn near PPW and 5th Street
What: Celebrate the instillation of Leonard Ursachi’s exhibit Fat Boy, on display through November 2015, with an opening reception. If you’re bringing the kids, make sure they don’t climb all over the artwork.
How much: Free.

Coffee Bark
When: Saturday, May 2, 7-9am
Where: Meadow beside the Picnic House (Enter at PPW and 3rd Street)
What: Saturday is supposed to be a sunny 64 degrees, so bring the pups out for a little fun in Prospect Park. FIDO will be out there with treats for dogs (and their owners), as well as information on off-leash activities. Additionally, this month North Slope Veterinary‘s practice owner/veterinarian Dr. Chris Gaylord will host an “Ask the Vet” Q&A session to answer any questions people may have about their dogs (and cats!).
How much: Free.

Touch-A-Truck
When: Saturday May 2, 12-5pm
Where: 18th Street, between 6th and 7th Avenues
What: Find out what makes a concrete mixer work, sit behind the wheel of a fire truck, and even explore a garbage truck when the successful PS 295 fundraiser, Touch-A-Truck, returns to South Slope. Fans should look for more trucks, longer hours, delicious goodies (can we say Kimchi Taco Truck), arts, crafts, bounce houses and more. Just remember not to honk any horns…
How much: $8 per person, $15 for two people, but no charge for infants worn by their parents.

Fleece Fun
When: Saturdays and Sundays in May, 2-4pm
Where: Lefferts Historic House, Prospect Park
What: Ever wondered how wool was used on a Colonial farm? Visit Lefferts House weekends in May to brush wool with carding paddles, spin yarn using a drop spindle, and even make a felt ball to take home with you. Ewe won’t want to miss it!
How much: $3 suggested donation.

Food Truck Rally
When: Sunday, May 3, 11am-5pm
Where: Grand Army Plaza
What: Have the munchies? Stop by Prospect Park on Sunday, and nosh on goodies from some of the city’s best food trucks.

Jason Loughlin & The String Gliders
When: Sunday, May 3, 7pm
Where: Barbes, 376 9th Street near 6th Avenue
What: It’s original country jazz with twin guitars and steel on Sunday night, when Jason Loughlin & The String Gliders take the Barbes stage.
How much: $10 (strongly) suggested donation.