South Slope Weekend Events Spotlight: April 9-12

Looking for something to do this weekend? With everything from Whitman and dreams to Coffee Bark and baseball, you won’t have to go far for fun. Here are some of our favorite events from around the neighborhood:

Spring Break In Prospect Park
When: Through Sunday, April 12, 12-5pm
Where: Prospect Park
What: Whether learning about Snappy the turtle, making a nature journal, catching a ride on the carousel, or helping to plant sprouts at Lefferts House, Prospect Park is ready to help keep the kids entertained this spring break.
How much: Audubon Center activities are free/$3 suggested donation for Spring Planting at Lefferts House/$2 per ride on the carousel.

Walt Whitman’s Writing Process: The Poet At Work In Brooklyn
When: Thursday, April 9, 6-7:30pm
Where: Park Slope Library, 431 6th Avenue at 9th Street
What: With digital images of Walt Whitman’s manuscripts, Professor Matt Miller will explore the Grandfather of American poetry’s writing process on Thursday night.
How much: Free.

The City That Sleeps: An Investigation Of New York City Dreams
When: Thursday, April 9, 7pm
Where: Freddy’s, 627 5th Avenue, between 17th and 18th Streets
What: Monica Hunken and Jonathan David Martin present their first live theatrical podcast, Mr. Sandman Bring Me The Future, at Freddy’s on Thursday night. The duo will introduce the findings from their interviews with New Yorkers about their personal dreams that somehow predicted the future, as well as explore historical case studies and modern day phenomena.
How much: $10

Shape Up NYC: Cardio Toning
When: Friday, April 10, 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.

Sandra Weigl
When: Friday, April 10, 8pm
Where: Barbes, 376 9th Street at 9th Street
What: From East German rock band to imprisoned dissident, Romanian-born artist Sandra Weigl has had a tumultuous career. Now based in New York, Sandra makes her way to Barbes to perform selections from her latest album, Gypsy in a Tree.
How much:

Coffee Bark
When: Saturday, April 11, 7-9am
Where: Meadow beside the Picnic House in Prospect Park (Enter at PPW and 3rd Street)
What: Saturday is supposed to be a sunny 60 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.
How much: Free.

Opening Day
When: Saturday, April 11, 10-11am
Where: Prospect Park
What: Celebrate the start of the baseball and softball season during this awesome parade of players that goes from 7th Avenue up to the Prospect Park Bandshell.
How much: Free.

Nature Playtime: Zoo
When: Sunday, April 12, 10:30am-12:30pm
Where: Prospect Park Zoo, 450 Flatbush Avenue
What: The Prospect Park Alliance, Prospect Park Zoo, and Tinkergarten are teaming up (with a little help from the Disney Conservation Fund) to bring families creative play opportunities in the park’s natural areas. Every Sunday through April, those visiting the Prospect Park Zoo will be able to take part in Nature Playtime! in the native plant garden. Look for nature-inspired art, insect observation, playing with snow, scavenger hunts, and more. Want to try some Nature Playtime activities on your own? Download a free activity card here. A new card will be added to the website each month through April.
How much: Free with zoo admission.

Food Truck Rally
When: Sunday, April 12, 11am-5pm
Where: Grand Army Plaza
What: Have the munchies? Stop by Prospect Park on Sunday — the food trucks are back!

Mad Men Screening
When: Sunday, April 12, 10pm
Where: The Monro Pub, 481 5th Avenue, between 11th and 12th Streets
What: Get your Mad Men on with Nicole and Vinny over at The Monro Sunday night.
How much: No cover.