South Slope Weekend Events Spotlight: July 10-13

Looking for something to do this weekend? With everything from Prospect Park’s creatures of the night, to “barn-burnin’ revelry” from some locals, you won’t have to go far for fun. Here’s some of our favorite events from around the neighborhood:

Animal Encounter
When: Thursdays and Fridays, 3-4pm
Where: Audubon Center, Prospect Park
What: Want to learn more about the animals at Prospect Park’s Audubon Center? Whether getting to know Snappy the Turtle, watching a snake eat a mouse, or actually taking part in a feeding, kids are sure to have an absolute blast.
How much: Free.

Creatures Of The Night
When: Thursday, July 10, 6:30-8:30pm
Where: Audubon Center, Prospect Park
What: Join Naturalist Paul Keim in Prospect Park on Thursday to meet the creatures that walk (or fly) the night. The evening will start with wine and cheese, while Paul talks about the role bats and insects play in the environment, followed by a walking tour to spot resident bats in flight. Note that the event is restricted to ages 21 and up, and reservations are required. Reserve your spot by calling 718-287-3400 x 303 or email eschwartz@prospectpark.org.
How much: $25 per person, cash only.

2nd Annual Great American Roots Stomp
When: Friday and Saturday, July 11-12, 7:30pm
Where: Union Hall, 702 Union Street, between 5th and 6th Avenues
What: Ready for “two nights of hootin’, hollerin’, jazzin’, swingin’, foot-stompin’, barn-burnin’ revelry with eight NYC bands audaciously bringing Americana roots back into the spotlight?” Then the only place you need to be this weekend is Union Hall, as Union Street Preservation Society hosts their Great American Roots Stomp, featuring some South Slope residents. Shows will take place on Friday and Saturday, and tickets must be purchased for both days. Visit the festival’s Facebook page for the complete lineup.
How much: $10.

Celebrate Brooklyn: Vote, It Ain’t Illegal Yet!
When: Friday, July 11, 7:30pm
Where: Prospect Park Bandshell, 9th Street and Prospect Park West
What: Fort Greene resident Nelson George honors the 50th anniversary of the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964 with Vote, It Ain’t Legal Yet, an evening of film, music, and spoken word. Gates open at 6:30pm.
How much: $3 suggested donation.

Row, Row, Row Your Boat In Prospect Park
When: Saturday, July 12, 12-4pm
Where: Boat ramp on Wellhouse Drive, Prospect Park
What: Grab an oar and spend a lovely Saturday rowing around the lake in Prospect Park. Boats are available on a first come, first serve basis (no reservations are accepted), and life jackets are provided.
How much: Free.

History In Your Hands: Farm & Yard Work
When: Saturdays in July, 2-4pm
Where: Lefferts Historic House, Prospect Park
What: Don’t have a yard of your own to work on? Come out to Prospect Park and help the gang at Lefferts House take care of their garden. Families will pitch in with the potato farm plot, medicinal and cooking herb gardens, and berry patches by pulling weeds and helping to water them. Be sure to bring some water and a hat. All gardening tools will be provided.
How much: $3 suggested donation

A Night At Niblo’s Garden
When: Saturday, July 12, 7pm
Where: Green-Wood Cemetery, 25th Street and 5th Avenue
What: Looking for a unique night out this weekend? Bring a blanket and some snacks to Green-Wood on Saturday, July 12, for fire jugglers, trapeze artists, opera singers and more, as the cemetery celebrates the life and spirt of William Niblo, owner of the “premier entertainment house of 19th-century New York.”
How much: $30 for members, $35 for non-members

Celebrate Brooklyn: Alloy Orchestra: He Who Gets Slapped/Stephanie Wrembel
When: Sunday, July 13, 7:30pm
Where: Prospect Park Bandshell, 9th Street and Prospect Park West
What: One of our favorite Celebrate Brooklyn events returns on Sunday, as Alloy Orchestra performs their original score to Lon Chaney’s 1924 silent classic, He Who Gets Slapped. Also watch for a little Gypsy jazz with Stephanie Wrembel, who Rolling Stone calls a “modern day Django Reinhardt.”
How much: $3 suggested donation.

Beat The Heat Rock N’ Roll Party With Audra Rox And Jeremy Plays Guitar
When: Sunday, July 13, 11am-3pm
Where: LeFrak Center at Lakeside, Prospect Park
What: The popular Hip Tot Music crew returns to Lakeside on Sunday with crafts, story time, and music from the awesome Audra Rox and Jeremy Plays Guitar.
How much: Free.

Photo by Theresa Thompson