South Slope Weekend Events Spotlight: February 19-22

Looking for something to do this weekend? With everything from free beer and Oscar Wilde to local music and a tour of the solar system, you won’t have to go far for fun. Here are some of our favorite events from around the neighborhood:

Free Beer at The Monro
When: Thursday, February 19
Where: The Monro Pub, 481 5th Avenue, between 11th and 12th Streets
What: Kick the weekend off early with a free pint at The Monro, where reps will be on hand with samples of Kronenbourg 1664.
How Much: No cover.

Shape Up NYC: Cardio Toning
When: Friday, February 20, 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.

Baby Soda
When: Friday, February 20, 10pm
Where: Barbes, 376 9th Street, between 6th and 7th Avenues
What: Stop by Barbes for a taste of The Big Easy, as Baby Soda plays music influenced by New Orleans brass bands, jug music, southern gospel and hot jazz.
How much: $10 strongly suggested donation.

Guitar Workshop For Kids & Teens
When: Saturday, February 21, 11am-12pm
Where: Park Slope Library, 431 6th Avenue
What: Is your kiddo interested in playing the guitar? Don’t miss the free workshop this Saturday at the Park Slope Library. Kids ages 7 and up are welcome to bring acoustic and electric guitars, but please bring your own instrument if possible, as there are only a handful of spares. Fundamentals of guitar playing – proper fingering technique – chords and blues scales will be taught. Space is limited, so be sure to arrive on time.
How much: Free.

Dave Keener & Friends
When: Saturday, February 21, 8pm
Where: Freddy’s, 627 5th Avenue, between 17th and 18th Streets
What: It’s a rare solo set from the host of Songwriter Deathmatch this Saturday night. Dave Keener will join his special guests Karen Dahlstrom and Dave Foster for “old songs, new songs, tater tots, and disturbingly compelling video accompaniment in Freddy’s famous back room.”
How much: Free.

Nature Playtime: Zoo
When: Sunday, February 21, 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.

Figure 8 Play Date With Word Girl
When: Sunday, February 22, 2-4pm
Where: Lakeside, Prospect Park
What: This series from WNET Kids Club THIRTEEN lets families join PBS characters — this week, Word Girl — for some loops around the skating rink, as well as character-themed activities and arts and crafts.
How much: Skating admission is $8, skate rentals are $6; Kids Club members get free admission and $1 off skating rental.

The Night Sky
When: Sunday, February 22, 7pm
Where: Audubon Center, Prospect Park
What: Let the Urban Park Rangers take your family on a tour of the solar system. The Night Sky program discusses the history and folklore of the solar system, and teaches guests how to locate planets and stars with the naked eye.
How much: Free.

Watch The Oscars
When: Sunday, February 22, 7pm
Where: Various locations
What: If you’re looking for a place in the neighborhood to watch the Academy Awards, you’re in luck, because there are a few spots not only showing the ceremony, but running specials, taking your best ballot guesses, and more!
How much: No cover.

Earnest And The 5 Boroughs
When: Sunday, February 22-Tuesday, February 24, 8pm
Where: Roots Cafe, 639 5th Avenue, between 18th and 19th Streets
What: Oscar Wilde plus Roots Cafe is definitely a winning combination this Sunday night, when the Habben/Jackson Theatre Troupe presents The Importance of Being Earnest through February 24. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door (cash only), and the theatre recommends arriving by 7:30pm if you would like to order food prior to the performance.
How much: $8 in advance/$10 at the door.