Weekend Events Recap: What’s Happening Around South Slope

Still looking for something to do this weekend?

Worldwide Day of Play
When: Saturday, September 21, 10am to 4pm
Where: Prospect Park Nethermead
What: Nickelodeon’s 10th Annual Worldwide Day of Play is definitely the hottest family ticket in town this weekend. If you were able to score a free admission ticket, get ready for over 30 organizations encouraging kids to get active through sports, dance, and other arts. A special concert by Big Time Rush is also on the agenda. Food vendors will be on hand, and drinking water will be provided for free. Tickets on the Nickelodeon site are sold out, but the New York Road Runners website says that they have a limited supply available first come first serve. Might be worth checking out if you’re hoping to go.
How much: Free!

Fall Weekend Discovery Workshops At Brooklyn Botanic Garden
When: Saturday September 21, 11am-1pm
Where: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 455 Flatbush Avenue
What: You can’t go wrong with a beautiful fall morning in the garden. Families participating in these drop-in workshops can investigate natural objects at learning stations, enjoy stories, and take part in a garden hunt. There will also be a nature project or a plant for children to take home.
How much: Admission to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is free on Saturdays from 10am to noon.

Tori Nighthawk At The Prospect Park Zoo
When: Saturday September 21, 2-3pm
Where: Prospect Park Zoo, 450 Flatbush Avenue
What: Spend the day at the Prospect Park Zoo, and then join 14-year-old author and illustrator Tori Nighthawk, as she reads her book, Don’t Judge a Bird by Its Feathers, which highlights the importance of inner beauty and creative intelligence. Part of the larger Brooklyn Book Festival.
How much: Free with zoo admission ($8 for adults, $5 for children 3-12, free for children under 3, and $6 for seniors 65+)

Harvest Day
When: Sunday September 22, 1-4pm
Where: Prospect Park, Lefferts Historic House
What: Come celebrate this year’s harvest the same way Brooklynites did centuries ago at Lefferts Historic House. Learn to harvest, cook, and eat potatoes that were planted in their garden back in May. Best of all, there will be potato sack races!
How much: $3 suggested donation

Songwriter Deathmatch
When: Saturday, September 21, 7pm to 8:45pm
Where: Freddy’s, 627 5th Avenue, between 17th and 18th Street
What: Need to bust away from Dora, Diego and the other Nick Jr. characters in Prospect Park? Neighbor Dave Keener (shown above) is hosting Songwriter Deathmatch, “an intimate, non-violent evening of song with four singer-songwriters in short sets,” over at Freddy’s on Saturday night. This month’s guests include Serena Jost, Mark Humble, and John S. Hall.
How much: Free!

Story Time With Leah
When: Sunday, September 22, 11:30am to 12pm
Where: Powerhouse on 8th, 1111 8th Avenue, between 11th and 12th Street
What: Wind down Sunday with a Powerhouse on 8th story time, geared toward kids ages 3-7. Email RSVP@POWERHOUSEon8th.com to reserve your spot.
How much: Free!

Winners: A Comedy Game Show
When: Sunday, September 22, 7:30pm
Where: The Fifth Estate, 506 5th Avenue, between 12th and 13th Street
What: We’ve got an all new comedy game show at The Fifth Estate. Hosted by local comedian Christy Coffey, the show will feature three comedians competing in a variety of games for a chance to perform a full standup set. There will be audience participation, prizes and drink specials throughout the night, so grab some friends and come on out for a few laughs.
How much: Free!

Photo by Bill Wadman, courtesy of Dave Keener