South Slope Weekend Events Spotlight: May 7-10
Looking for something to do this weekend? With everything from acoustic jams and album release parties, to biking the branches and family birdwatching, you won’t have to go far for fun. Here are some of our favorite events from around the neighborhood:
Women’s Personal Safety Seminar
When: Thursday, May 7, 7:30pm
Where: Park Slope Academy of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, 518 5th Avenue at 13th Street
What: Learn some self defense strategies and techniques that can be employed safely at a seminar taking place tonight.
How much: Free.
CasHank Hootenanny Jamboree
When: Thursday, May 7, 9pm
Where: Freddy’s, 627 5th Avenue, between 17th and 18th Street
What: Ready for a down-home good time? Host Alex Battles leads an acoustic country jam session over at Freddy’s. Bring your fiddles, banjoes, washboards, and spoons to join in on the fun!
How much: Free.
Shape Up NYC: Cardio Toning
When: Friday, May 8, 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.
Rob Reich Quintet
When: Friday, May 8, 8pm
Where: Barbes, 376 9th Street near 6th Avenue
What: Celebrate the release Shadowbox, a new album from “the Bay Area’s most in demand accordion player,” Rob Reich, at Barbes this Friday night. Rob will be joined by Mike McGinnis on clarinet, Jamie Fox on guitar, Matt Pavolka on bass, and Brian Chase on drums.
How much: $10 (strongly) suggested donation.
Bike The Branches
When: Saturday, May 9, Ride 10am-5pm, Block Party 5-7pm
Where: Various locations
What: Explore Brooklyn history, tasty food, live music, exciting tours, a curious little monkey, and more at this year’s Bike the Branches. Get your passport stamped at as many branches as you can visit between 10am-5pm, then end the day at the Central Library’s Bike the Branches Block Party from 5-7pm, where they’ll have prizes for adults and children who visit the most branches.
How much: Registration is $20 for adults, $10 for seniors and children under 17, $40 for a family of up to 2 adults and 3 children, and $150 for a team of up to 10 people. All proceeds will benefit the Brooklyn Public Library.
Friends Of Park Slope Library Book Sale
When: Saturday, May 9, 11am-4pm
Where: Park Slope Library, 431 6th Avenue at 9th Street
What: Expect gently used books, music, and movies of all genres and for all ages. Proceeds from the book sale will be used for improvements and enhancements to the branch.
Fleece Fun
When: Saturdays and Sundays in May, 2-4pm
Where: Lefferts Historic House, Prospect Park
What: Ever wondered how wool was used on a Colonial farm? Visit Lefferts House weekends in May to brush wool with carding paddles, spin yarn using a drop spindle, and even make a felt ball to take home with you. Ewe won’t want to miss it!
How much: $3 suggested donation.
Family Birdwatching
When: Sunday, May 10, 10am
Where: Audubon Center, Prospect Park
What: It’s time for May’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.
How much: Free.
Sunday Story Time With Jordan
When: Sunday, May 10, 11:30am-12:30pm
Where: Powerhouse on 8th, 1111 8th Avenue, between 11th and 12th Street
What: Join Powerhouse on 8th children’s book specialist, Jordan, as she helps kids lose themselves in the magical world of reading. Recommended for youngsters ages 3 to 7. Reservations can be made by emailing RSVP@POWERHOUSEon8th.com or by visiting the store’s website.
How much: Free.