Weekend Art Events: August 24-27 (Afropunk Fest, Joe Strummer Birthday Bash, Salsa Salsa Dance Party & More)
Summer is winding down.
There’s lots to do outdoors this weekend including concerts, walking tours, dance parties, even a soap box derby!
Don’t forget to celebrate National Dog Day on Saturday and check out the list of Battle of Brooklyn commemorative events that are still going on this weekend too!
Being Well: In Search of Utopia?
When: On view from Thursday, August 24 through Sunday, October 8 (Opening reception Thursday, August 24 from 6pm to 8pm)
Where: The Old Stone House, 336 3rd Street, Park Slope
What: Curated by Katherine Gressel, this group exhibition examines the artists’ roles in defining and facilitating community health and wellness at a time when many are anxious about the future of healthcare and social services in America. The exhibit asks: “What would a ‘Utopian’ state of community health and wellness look like and how are current efforts succeeding or failing?” The opening will feature a participatory performance by artist Zoey Hart demonstrating her wearable “empathy suits” and tarot readings by artist Tattfoo Tan using his original tarot cards.
Historical Brooklyn Heights Walking Tour
When: Thursday, August 24, 11am to 1pm
Where: Brooklyn Historical Society, 128 Pierrepont Street, Brooklyn Heights
What: Explore NYC’s first Landmark District on this Big Onion Walking Tour co-hosted by the Brooklyn Historical Society. Learn about the neighborhood’s agricultural roots, its emergence as the country’s first suburb, and its 20th century decline and revitalization. The tour concludes at Brooklyn Historical Society with a behind-the-scenes tour of the building and free admission to the museum.
How Much: Tickets $25, $20 seniors, $15 students
Live at the Archway: Los Chantas
When: Thursday, August 24, 6pm
Where: The Manhattan Bridge Archway (Water Street between Adams Street and Anchorage Place), DUMBO
What: The NYC-based, multi-national tango ensemble, Los Chantas, will provide the music for this outdoor tango dance party. There will be a tango class at 6pm so attendees can work on their footwork beforehand.
How Much: Free
5th Annual Joe Strummer Birthday Bash
When: Friday, August 25, 8pm to 10:30pm
Where: Knitting Factory Brooklyn, 361 Metropolitan Avenue, Williamsburg
What: An all-ages event celebrating the life and music of the Clash frontman who passed away in 2002. Hosted by the Clash tribute band, Straight to Hell, along with The Joe Strummer Foundation and STRUMMERJAM, the event will raise money for the Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls.
How Much: Tickets $12 advance, $15 at door
Pups on the Plaza
When: Saturday, August 26, 9:30am to 12pm
Where: Brooklyn Public Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Park Slope
What: The Brooklyn Public Library is teaming up with Dog Parker and Slobbr to celebrate National Dog Day! The Central Library’s plaza will host dog-themed activities including dog portraits, a bandana-making station, and a dog-themed story time for kids. Treats and wading pools will be available for doggy guests. Rescue groups will have dogs available for adoption. There will also be a Doggy Fashion Show at 11am. Dress up your dog up in summer duds (bonus points for a literary twist) to compete for prizes including a Dog Parker membership with free minutes and a Brooklyn Public Library tote bag.
10th Annual South Slope Derby
When: Saturday, August 26, 12pm to 2pm
Where: 306 17th Street, South Slope
What: Every August participants from Koko NYC‘s Summer Soap Box Workshop race their unique, eco-friendly, gravity-controlled cars down 17th Street. Kids ages 7-15 who made cars in the program can register for free at 11am. Participants of all ages can also race for free but will not be entered in the competitive race.
Afropunk Fest
When: Saturday, August 26 and Sunday, August 27, 12pm to 10pm
Where: Commodore Barry Park, Fort Greene
What: The beloved Afropunk Fest returns for a weekend of live music, food, art, culture, crafts, skateboarding, and good vibes. Some of the performers on this year’s line-up include: Solange, Soul II Soul, Macy Gray, Dizzee Rascal, Sza, Nao, Willow Smith, The Cool Kids, The Skins, Princess Nokia, and more.
How Much: Tickets $55 General Admission
The Rock and Roll Playhouse Presents: Family Dance Party Featuring the Music of Michael Jackson
When: Saturday, August 26, 12pm to 2:30pm
Where: Industry City, 274 36th Street (Courtyard 1/2), Sunset Park
What: DJ Cochon de Lait will spin Michael Jackson tunes at this edition of the family concert series where kids and parents can dance to music by some of the most iconic performers in rock history.
How Much: Free
National Dog Day Yappy Hour
When: Saturday, August 26, 4:30pm to 6:30pm
Where: NU Hotel, 85 Smith Street, Downtown Brooklyn
What: In honor of National Dog Day, this hotel in Downtown Brooklyn is hosting a dog-friendly happy hour. All dogs are invited to enjoy some special treats on the hotel’s patio while their adult people can enjoy two-for-one happy hour specials on beer, wine, and cocktails.
North Slope Summer Strolls, Part 2
When: Saturday, August 26, 5pm to 9pm
Where: 5th Avenue between Dean Street and Sterling Place, Park Slope
What: The Fifth Avenue Park Slope BID hosts Part 2 of its free, outdoor party on the northern blocks of 5th Avenue featuring a bouncy house, climbing wall, pop-up park, face painting, games, fitness classes, vintage cars, and music. Yayo’s Latin Cuisine (between Dean & Bergen Streets) will host a Salsa Salsa Dance Party at 5pm.
Free Sound Bath Presented By Maha Rose
When: Saturday, August 26, 5pm to 6:30pm
Where: Industry City, 274 36th Street, Sunset Park
What: Attendees will focus on a deep listening experience consisting of therapeutic tonal instruments such as quartz crystal and Himalayan singing bowls, tuning forks, and voice to find balance and promote rejuvenation and relaxation.
How Much: Free
Coney Island History Project Walking Tour
When: Sunday, August 27, 1:30pm to 3pm
Where: Coney Island History Project, 3059 West 12th Street (near boardwalk), Coney Island
What: Learn about Coney Island’s past, present, and future in this 1.5 hour walking tour that includes a private visit to the History Project’s exhibition center. The tour includes information on the exhibits and the photographs and artifacts on display, including an original Steeplechase horse from the legendary ride that gave Steeplechase Park its name and the iconic Spook-A-Rama Cyclops.
How Much: Tickets $20
Concerts on the Slope: Cantata Profana
When: Sunday, August 27, 3pm
Where: Saint John’s Episcopal Church, 139 Saint John’s Place, Park Slope
What: Musicians Jacob Ashworth (violin), Bixby Kennedy (clarinet), and Lee Dionne (piano) will perform works by Darius Milhaud, Igor Stravinsky, and Johannes Brahms.
How Much: Free
Brooklyn Comedy Festival
When: Monday, August 21 through Sunday, August 27
Where: Various venues
What: Launched in 2013, this annual festival showcases up-and-coming and established comedy performers from the worlds of sketch, standup, improv, podcasts, and film. The event also features panel discussions and after parties throughout Brooklyn.
How Much: Check out bkcomedyfestival.com for schedule and ticket info.
Free Shakespeare in Brooklyn Bridge Park: Macbeth
When: Tuesday, August 22 through Sunday, August 27 at 7pm (no performance Thursday, August 24)
Where: Brooklyn Bridge Park (Fulton Ferry Landing, Pier 1) DUMBO
What: New York Classical Theatre presents a free, panoramic, outdoor production of the Bard’s Macbeth. Audience members will follow the actors around the park as the play moves from scene to scene. No tickets are required for this 120-minute production. No intermission.