South Slope Weekend Events Spotlight: December 11-14

Looking for something to do this weekend? With everything from holiday shopping and festive pups, to bar-based opera and a book launch, you won’t have to go far for fun. Here are some of our favorite events from around the neighborhood through Sunday:

From Nests To Nets: A Conversation With Artist & Anthropologist Rebecca Jewell
When: Thursday, December 11, 6-8pm
Where: Audubon Center, Prospect Park
What: Enjoy refreshments and light hors d’oeuvres as Jennifer Newell of the American Museum of Natural History moderates a conversation with artist Rebecca Jewell on her newest exhibit, From Nests to Nets. Admission is free, but registration is required, so be sure to reserve your spot here.
How much: Free.

Trivial Dispute
When: Thursday, December 11, 9pm
Where: Supercollider, 609 4th Avenue between 17th and 18th Streets
What: Prove your deep, embarrassing knowledge of all things trivial at this weekly trivia night, which has been called NYC’s best bar trivia by the Village Voice.
How much: Free.

Shape Up NYC: Cardio Toning
When: Friday, December 12, 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.

Book Adventures: Winter Crafts
When: Friday, December 12, 3pm
Where: Park Slope Library, 431 6th Avenue at 9th Street
What: Want to add a bit more holiday cheer to your home? Stop by the library on Friday afternoon and make winter decorations. All ages are welcome to participate.
How much: Free.

Opera On Tap
When: Friday, December 12, 10pm
Where: Barbes, 376 9th Street near 6th Avenue
What: Get those viking helmets and beer steins ready, because the brilliantly talented Opera on Tap returns to Barbes on Friday night. Even if you don’t think opera is your cup of tea, go. There’s a good chance these guys will change your mind.
How much: $10 (strongly) suggested donation

Coffee Bark
When: Saturday, December 13, 7:30-10am
Where: Meadow beside the Picnic House in Prospect Park (Enter at PPW and 3rd Street)
What: This Saturday (last weekend was rained out), our favorite off-leash advocates and their furry friends will gather beside the Picnic House for hot chocolate, hot mulled cider, and coffee, plus carols and a visit from Santa. FIDO says they’ll be providing songbooks with “dog-centric lyrics,” so stop by, enjoy a hot drink and a howl, and wish neighbors and their pups a hairy Merry Christmas.
How much: Free.

History In Your Hands: Historic Games & Needlework
When: Saturdays and Sundays in December, 1-3pm
Where: Lefferts Historic House, Prospect Park
What: Spend a cozy afternoon at Lefferts Historic House this month making your own 9-man-morris board. Families will also have an opportunity to create a small needlework sampler to take home.
How much: $3 suggested donation.

The Greenwood Holiday Flea
When: Saturday, December 13 from 1-5pm
Where: Greenwood Park, 555 7th Avenue
What: Come out to Greenwood Park on Saturday, support local business, and check some gifts off your list. Shoppers can look for records, jewelry, baked goods, art, books, and other cool gifts from Powerhouse Books, Brooklyn Byrd, and more.
How much: Free.

Brooklyn Holiday Bazaar
When: Sunday, December 14, 11am-6pm
Where: 501 Union Street, between Bond and Nevins Streets (Gowanus)
What: Holiday shopping and more can be found down in Gowanus this Sunday as Brooklyn Makers hosts its second annual holiday bazaar. The bizarre will feature over 35 handpicked local artisans, including Slope-based Gift Shop Brooklyn, Goorin, Jen Cogliantry Handmade, Oh Maille God, Plate and Pencil, and Rock That Gem. Thistle Hill Tavern and Palo Santo will be on hand with tasty vittles, and kids ages five and up can look forward to fun activities from Curious Jane while Mom and Dad shop. Plus, there’s free cocktails and gift wrapping. We’re in!
How much: Free.

Figure 8 Play-Date With Daniel Tiger
When: Sunday, December 14, 3pm
Where: LeFrak Center at Lakeside, Prospect Park
What: Hit the ice with PBS character Daniel Tiger this Sunday at Lakeside. In addition to skating, kids can look forward to fun family activities, and if you have an extra coat, be sure to bring it along. Lakeside is collecting gently used coats for NY Cares.
How much: $8 admission/$6 skate rental

Book Launch And Talk: The Brooklyn Theatre Index Volume Three
When: Sunday, December 14, 4:40pm
Where: 440 Gallery, 440 6th Avenue, between 9th and 10th Streets
What: Join author Cezar Del Valle, for an illustrated talk about his new book, Brooklyn Theatre Index Volume III: Coney Island Including Brighton Beach and Manhattan Beach. The presentation will explore the history of Coney Island theatre, which “served as a training ground for a generation of entertainers,” including Cary Grant, Harpo Marx made his stage debut, Clara Bow, and Buster Keaton.
How Much: Free