Things To Do In Bensonhurst This Weekend
There are several once-in-a-lifetime events going on in and around Bensonhurst this weekend. We’ve got something special for every age group — from FDR High School’s alumni extravaganza, to a visit from a famed Chinese children’s author, to a kids’ mini marathon.
Details on those and more below.
Shred Fest 2015!
When: Saturday, May 15, Sunday, May 16 11am–1pm and 1pm–3pm
Where: Bensonhurst Park, Cropsey Avenue & Bay 29th Street
What: Shred Fest is an annual event to help New Yorkers prevent identity theft. Just gather all of your sensitive documents, head over to the park, and dump them into giant shredding trucks. Also, get useful tips on how to prevent identity theft.
How much: Free!
Reading & Talking With Children’s Author Qin Wenjun 秦文君
When: Saturday, May 16, 1pm-3pm
Where: New Utrecht Library, 1743 86th Street
What: Come hang out with Qin Wenjun, one of the most iconic writers of contemporary children’s literature in China. While drawing on deep Chinese traditions, she has also laid new foundations for young readers, opening up new artistic space for the creation of children’s literature in contemporary China. Her best-known works include the novels, The Complete Story of Jia Li, The Complete Story of Jia Mei, and The Mind of a Girl.
How much: Free!
Cheers To 50 Golden Years
When: Friday, May 15, 5pm-12am
Where: Bean Post Pub, 7525 5th Ave, Bay Ridge
What: Did you go to FDR High School? This year, the local high school is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a massive three-day extravaganza. Kick off the weekend-long festivities with other FDR alumni at this pre-party event at Bean Post Pub in Bay Ridge. There will be raffles, prizes, food, and half-off drinks from 5pm-9pm.
How much: $10 suggested donation at door.
“The Golden Oldies” FDR Anniversary Celebration
When: Saturday, May 16, 7pm
Where: FDR High School, 5800 20th Avenue
What: Celebrate “The Golden Oldies” with your fellow FDR High School alumni. The Doo-Wop-themed extravaganza will feature Jay Black, with performances by Barbara Harris & The Toys; The Manhattan Skyline; La La Brooks of the Crystals; Bob Miranda & The Happenings; and more!
How much: $40, for tickets call (347)339-9815, email FDRAlumniBK@gmail.com.
FDR High School’s Golden Jubilee
When: Sunday, May 17, Cocktail hour: 12pm-1pm, Dinner: 1pm-5pm
Where: Gargiulos Restaurant, 2911 West 15th Street, Coney Island
What: The big finale in the three-day FDR High School 50th Anniversary bash. Come out to the Jubilee Gala at Coney Island’s fabulous catering hall Gargiulos Restaurant. Mingle with other alumni, see some familiar faces, and create new memories! Kosher and vegetarian food options are available.
How much: $110 per person, for tickets call (347)339-9815, email FDRAlumniBK@gmail.com.
Regina Opera Presents: “Carmen”
When: Saturday May 16, Sunday 17, at 3pm
Where: Our Lady Of Perpetual Help Auditorium, 5902 6th Avenue
What: Regina Opera Company will present Bizet’s “Carmen” this weekend. The fully-staged performances of this tragedy, in which a sultry gypsy drives a young soldier to extremes of passion, is sung in French with English super-titles.
How much: General Admission – $25; College Students – $20; Teens – $5; Children – Free
Brooklyn Half Kids’ Boardwalk Run
When: Saturday, May 16, 11:30am
Where: Riegelmann Boardwalk, at Stillwell Avenue, Coney Island
What: The first-ever New York Road Runners [NYRR] Kids’ Boardwalk Run at the Brooklyn Half Marathon will give kids the exhilarating opportunity to run a mile on the Coney Island Riegelmann Boardwalk. The event will be staged in three races, one for each of the following age groups: 7-10 years, 11-13 years, and 14-18 years. Make sure to buy your tickets at least one day in advance, though, because there will be no race day ticket sales!
How much: $10
Culture in Coney Island: A display of the finest art
When: Sunday, May 17, 1pm – 5pm
Where: West 12th Street and the boardwalk
What: Brooklyn Streetcar Artists Group exhibits member work inspired by Coney Island.
How much: Free!