Weekday Fun: The Best Events June 2-4

It’s the first week of June, which marks the return of Celebrate Brooklyn! If that doesn’t signal summer, we don’t know what does. In addition to the free show on Wednesday, we’ve got some other great events, from a storytelling show, to a puntastic evening, to a conversation with a Norwegian literary sensation. Details on those and more:

Bridging Gowanus Workshop
When: Monday, June 2, 6:30pm
Where: Fifth Avenue Committee, 621 Degraw Street
What: The Center for Urban Pedagogy and the Pratt Center for Community Development will lead an interactive workshop to explore urban design and historic preservation in Gowanus. Please RSVP to info@BridgingGowanus.org.

The Moth StorySlam
When: Monday, June 2, 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 — busted — should be a pretty fun 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, June 3, 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: $7 at the door, $6 in advance

Matt Braunger One-Hour Comedy TV Special
When: Tuesday, June 3, 10:15pm
Where: The Bell House, 149 7th Street
What: See the comedian, who is a a regular panelist on Chelsea Lately and Comedy Central’s @Midnight, as he records and reveals his brand new hour special.
How much: Free, but you have to RSVP!

Karl Ove Knausgaard In Conversation With Nicole Krauss
When: Wednesday, June 4, 7:30pm
Where: Community Bookstore, 143 7th Avenue
What: This is a rare U.S. appearance (and the only one in Brooklyn!) of Norwegian literary sensation Karl Ove Knausgaard, who is marking the publication of the third volume in his autobiographical novel, My Struggle. He’ll discuss the controversy and critical acclaim that surrounds his monumental endeavor with Nicole Krauss, former neighbor and author of The History of Love.
How much: Free!

Celebrate Brooklyn: Janelle Monáe
When: Wednesday, June 4, 8pm
Where: Prospect Park Bandshell, 9th Street and Prospect Park West
What: The moment has finally arrived! Celebrate Brooklyn is back, with soul/R&B/funk musician Janelle Monáe kicking things off at the opening night concert.
How much: $3 suggested donation.

Photo by Josh Glasheen, via Janelle Monáe