Weekday Fun: The Best Events January 5-7

With the rush of the holidays behind us, and the cold, harsh months of January and February ahead, don’t sink into your couch and hibernate — get out and enjoy some of the great events our neighborhood has to offer! Whether you’ve resolved to get in shape, you’re looking to laugh, or you need help with knitting a pair of mittens that will get you through the winter, Park Slope has you covered:

Book Discussion: Captive Nation/Snidelines
When: Monday, January 5, 7pm
Where: Interference Archive, 131 8th Street #4
What: Authors, activists, and organizers Susie Day (Snidelines: Talking Trash to Power) and Dan Berger (Captive Nation: Black Prison Organizing in the Civil Rights Era) will be discussing their books and topics like prisons, political prisoners, and justice, and there will be “a theatrical performance of sorts.”
How much: Free!

The Moth StorySlam
When: Monday, January 5, 8pm
Where: The Bell House, 149 7th Street
What: Whether you’re chosen to tell your 5-minute story or you just get to listen to others, this month’s topic — cravings — should be a pretty delicious one. The winning storyteller of the night gets to move on to a GrandSlam Championship.
How much: $8 at the door.

Punderdome 3000
When: Tuesday, January 6, 8pm
Where: Littlefield, 622 Degraw Street
What: Brooklyn’s premier monthly punning competition is back in all its linguistic glory. The event is open to all, but only 18 spots are reserved for competitors who want to participate in competitive spontaneous pun-making, and they go to individuals or duos on a first-come/first-served basis.
How much: $6 in advance, $7 at the door.

Fiber Arts Group
When: Wednesday, January 7, 5:30-8pm
Where: Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza
What: That chill in the air means one thing: you’re overdue for some new mittens! Join fellow knitters, crocheters, embroiderers, and quilters at all skill levels to compare notes and get tips.
How much: Free!

Shape-Up NYC Presents Glutes In Gear: Cardio & Toning
When: Wednesday, January 7, 6pm
Where: Audubon Center, Prospect Park
What: Made a new year’s resolution to get in shape? Check out this free series at the park. This round will focus on your lower half with a “belly-busting, booty shaping” class that combines cardio with exercises on a workout mat (bring your own!).
How much: Free!

Simply Unemployable Live: A Night Of Improv And Stand-Up Comedy
When: Wednesday, January 7, 8pm
Where: Union Hall, 702 Union Street
What: Matt Catanzano and Richie Moriarty, the comedy duo from YouTube’s Simply Unemployable, host this show featuring improv from Jo Firestone (Punderdome 3000, UCB), Evan Kaufman (North Coast, Your Love Our Musical), Brigid Boyle (The Baldwins), and Trevor Livingston (Improv Asylum). Matt Donaher (Conan, Comedy Central Comics to Watch) will be the stand-up guest for the night!
How much: $5, tickets available in advance.