South Slope Weekend Events Spotlight: March 26-29

Photo of Liah Alonso by Mila Bridger

Looking for something to do this weekend? With everything from music and carousel rides, to nature playtime and Charlie Chaplin, you won’t have to go far for fun. Here are some of our favorite events from around the neighborhood:

Carousel Opening Weekend
When: Daily, Thursdays-Saturdays, 12-5pm
Where: Children’s Corner, Prospect Park
What: Celebrate the start of spring with a first ride of the year on the Park’s beloved 1912 carousel. Join the Prospect Park Alliance at the $125 level and your family (up to 4 people) will receive unlimited rides on the carousel for a full year!
How much: $2 per ride, $9 for a book of 5 tickets.

Celebrating Women’s History, Celebrating Ourselves
When: Thursday, March 26, 6-7:30pm
Where: Park Slope Library, 431 6th Avenue
What: It’s a special night for women only at the Park Slope Library on Thursday. Guests are invited to share an empowering story about women in history, or a story about themselves. Afterward, there will be guided meditation, and light refreshments.
How much: Free.

Ukulele Night
When: Thursday, March 26, 7pm
Where: Freddy’s, 627 5th Avenue between 17th and 18th Streets
What: It’s time for Freddy’s monthly uke jam. Host Katie Down (aka Genevieve of The Ukuladies) welcomes any and all ukulele players to “join, play and sing in the atmosphere of friends singing songs, sharing playing tips, and generally having fun with the most friendly instrument in world!” As an added bonus, The Ukuladies will take the stage at 9:30pm to perform songs from their upcoming album.
How much: Free.

Shape Up NYC: Cardio Toning
When: Friday, March 27, 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.

Music Night at Roots
When: Friday, March 27, 7:30-11pm
Where: Roots Cafe, 639 5th Avenue, between 18th and 19th Streets
What: The monthly music series at Roots brings together an impressive lineup on Friday night! Look for performances from Jeff Yas, Liah Alonso, The Berger Sisters, and Rachel Troublefield Nelson.
How much: Free.

Musical Cocktails
When: Saturday, March 28, 3pm
Where: Barbes, 376 9th Street near 6th Avenue
What: It’s classical recitals with a twist at Barbes on Saturday afternoon. Cozy up with a cocktail as Spanish violinist Benita Benéitez Vega performs Bartok, Falla, and Schittke, followed by bass-cello duets from Morton Cahn and Erich Schoen-René.
How much: $10 (strongly) suggested donation.

Nature Playtime! Zoo
When: Sunday, March 29, 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.

The Great Dictator
When: Sunday, March 29, 10:30pm
Where: Cafe Steinhof, 422 7th Avenue at 14th Street
What: Looking to finish off your weekend with a classic film? You can’t go wrong with Charlie Chaplin’s first official talking picture, The Great Dictator, this week’s Cafe Steinhof Sunday movie.
How much: Free.