South Slope Weekend Events Spotlight: August 21-24

Looking for something to do this weekend? With everything from an art opening with a food theme to a show by James Brown’s bassist to all kinds of Battle of Brooklyn events, you won’t have to go far for fun. Here are some of our favorite events from around the neighborhood:

Opening Party: Food For Thought
When: Thursday, August 21, 6-9pm
Where: 440 Gallery, 440 6th Avenue
What: The annual summer theme show, Food for Thought, rounds up food-inspired work by 26 artists.
How much: Free!

Fred Thomas Trio
When: Friday, August 22, 9pm
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. Playing before him are No Small Children, Knockout Theory!, and Madeleine Woods.
How much: Free!

Free Public Rowing
When: Saturday, August 23, 12-4pm
Where: Boat ramp on Well House Drive, Prospect Park
What: Take the kids for a boat ride around the Prospect Park Lake! The Prospect Park Alliance and the Village Community Boathouse are teaming up to make rowing accessible to all on select dates this summer, so paddle on over.
How much: Free!

Battle Of Brooklyn Pub Crawl
When: Saturday, August 23, 2pm
Where: Meet at Mary’s Bar, 708 5th Avenue, or catch up at another Slope bar
What: Historian Connor Gaudet will lead a tour and discuss some of the history of the battle, with stops at Quarter Bar, Brooklyn Pub, Greenwood Park, Black Horse Pub, Der Kommisar, Skylark, The Gate, and finally Lavender Lake.
How much: Free — bring cash for beer, though!

History In Your Hands: Historic Games
When: Saturdays & Sundays in August, 2-4pm
Where: Lefferts Historic House, Prospect Park
What: Have the kids ever played 9-Man Morris? Well, they’ll learn how by making their own board, which they can take home to continue playing.
How much: $3 suggested donation.

Battle Of Brooklyn At Green-Wood
When: Sunday, August 24, 10am-3pmpm
Where: Green-Wood Cemetery, entrance on 5th Ave at 25th St
What: Living history with re-enactors (weapons firing and drills!), plus games, 18th century food and drink, a parade, and a commemoration at the top of Battle Hill.
How much: Free!

Battle Of Brooklyn Monument Tour
When: Sunday, August 24, 1pm
Where: Meets at Lefferts Historic House, Prospect Park
What: Hear a reading recounting the day of the British invasion and the destruction of the Lefferts first home, then the tour walks around the park and covers the background of the battle. Finally, climb the redoubt to learn about the events of the battle itself, concluding with a brief question and answer period.
How much: Free!

Photo via Freddy’s