South Slope Weekend Events Spotlight: January 8-12

Looking for something to do this weekend? With everything from “Down Home” music and beer, to MulchFest and art discussions, you won’t have to go far for fun. Here are some of our favorite events from around the neighborhood through Monday:

Home Brewed Opera and Karaoke
When: Thursday, January 8, 9pm
Where: Freddy’s, 627 5th Avenue, between 17th and 18th Streets
What: Warm up within the cozy confines of Freddy’s, as Home Brewed Opera (a offshoot of Opera on Tap that focuses on contemporary, living composers) takes the stage. Afterward, stick around for karaoke with the Dirty Sexy Ensemble.
How much: Free.

Shape Up NYC: Cardio Toning
When: Friday, January 9, 11am
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.

Petr Cancura
When: Friday, January 9, 8pm
Where: Barbes, 376 9th Street near 6th Avenue
What: Make your way to Barbes on Friday night for a little taste of “Down Home” with Petr Cancura. The roots inspired jazz group will leave you feeling like “you’re on the porch, off the beaten path somewhere in Mississippi” as they perform songs from their new album. Afterward, Petr will join Ghost Train Orchestra, which plays exciting new arrangements of music from late 1920s Chicago and Harlem bandleaders Charlie Johnson, Tiny Parham, Fess Williams, and Cecil Scott.
How much: $10 (strongly) suggested donation

Book Adventures: Story And Craft Program
When: Friday, January 9, 3-4pm
Where: Park Slope Library, 431 6th Avenue at 9th Street
What: Celebrate Martin Luther King’s vision of brotherhood and peace at the Park Slope Library Friday with stories and crafts. Geared toward children in kindergarten through sixth grade.
How much: Free.

MulchFest
When: Saturday, January 10 and Sunday, January 11, 10am-2pm
Where: Closest locations are Prospect Park at 3rd Street & Prospect Park West and Park Circle entrance at Prospect Park Southwest & Parkside Avenues; and Green-Wood Cemetery at 25th Street & 5th Avenue.
What: Bring your holiday tree to one of the many locations of the annual MulchFest, where they’ll turn it into mulch for healthy ground cover. At some locations (including Prospect Park), you can bring a bag and take some mulch home for your own yard or garden. Remember to remove all lights, ornaments, and netting before dropping off your tree!

Family Birdwatching
When: Saturday, January 10, 10am
Where: Audubon Center, Prospect Park
What: It’s time for January’s family bird walk with the Prospect Park Alliance. After learning how to use binoculars, naturalists will help guests identify some of the 250 species of birds that call our neighborhood green space home. Note that the tour begins promptly at 10am…and bundle up. It’s going to be cold out there!
How much: Free.

Nature Playtime: Zoo
When: Sunday, January 11, 10:30am-12:30pm
Where: Prospect Park Zoo
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.

Curator’s Talk WIth Bill Carroll
When: Sunday, January 11, 2pm
Where: 440 Gallery, 440 6th Avenue, between 9th and 10th Streets
What: Join 440 Gallery for a discussion with the juror and two of the artists from this year’s small works show, Sabine Magnus and Spencer Merolla.
How Much: Free

Figure 8 Play-Date With Martha
When: Sunday, January 11, 2-4pm
Where: LeFrak Center at Lakeside, Prospect Park
What: Hit the ice with PBS character Martha (Martha Speaks) this Sunday at Lakeside. In addition to skating, kids can look forward to fun family activities like arts and crafts.
How much: $8 admission/$6 skate rental

Story Play
When: Monday, January 12, 10:30am
Where: Park Slope Library, 431 6th Avenue at 9th Street
What: Bring the family out to the library on Monday morning for stories, games, and fun with friends. Geared toward children ages birth to 3 years.
How much: Free, but tickets are required for entry (one per family), be sure to arrive early.

Folk Sing-a-Long With Katy Stone
When: Monday, January 12, 11:30am
Where: Park Slope Library, 431 6th Avenue at 9th Street
What: It’s a baby and toddler double header at the Park Slope Library on Monday morning, as  families get folksy with Katy Stone. Note that tickets are required, and can be picked up at the reference desk 30 minutes before showtime.
How much: Free.