This Weekend: Mermaid Parade, NY Phil, Flatbush Fest, Mushroom Hunt, & More Wild Events
We’ve got you covered with the best festivals, free concerts, and nature walks to enjoy your weekend in the best boro. If you have an event to share, email us at editor@bklyner.com.
New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks – Prospect Park
When: Friday, June 16, 8pm to 10pm
Where: Prospect Park, Long Meadow Ballfields, Park Slope
What: Alan Gilbert will conduct the New York Philharmonic in a program including Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9, From the New World, Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story, and Gershwin’s An American in Paris.
How Much: Free
35th annual Coney Island Mermaid Parade
When: Saturday, June 17 beginning at 1pm
Where: West 21st Street and Surf Avenue
What: A celebration of ancient mythology and honky-tonk rituals of the seaside, the parade showcases over 3,000 creative individuals from all over the five boroughs and beyond. This year’s Mermaid Parade royalty includes rock icons Debbie Harry and Chris Stein of Blondie.
How much: To march, day-of registration from 10am to 1pm on W. 21st st between Surf Avenue and the Boardwalk. Cash only!
St. Jude’s Kids event at Aviator (Sponsored)
When: Saturday, June 17 from 11am to 4pm
Where: Aviator Sports Center, 1359 Flatbush Ave
What: Celebrate the lifesaving mission at this event featuring: a carnival, BBQ lunch, kids activities, live entertainment and more. Email samantha@aviatorsports.com for more info.
How much: $50
Celebrate Immigrant Heritage Month!
When: Saturday, June 17, 10:30am to 3pm
Where: Bay Ridge Library, 7223 Ridge Boulevard (at 73rd Street), Bay Ridge
What: Celebrate Immigrant Heritage month with free arts workshops and musical performances including face painting, balloon animals, Irish music and dance, and a meet and greet with the author/illustrator Javaka Steptoe, the creator of Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat.
How Much: Free
Stop & smell the mushrooms: a Fungi hunt at Greenwood Cemetery
When: Saturday, June 17 11am to 1pm
Where: Green-Wood Cemetery, 25th St. & 5th Ave, @ the Gothic Arches, free parking.
What: Learn how to identify mushroom species and the crucial differences between edible and poisonous varieties — for novice and expert foragers alike. Roam the Cemetery’s 478 verdant acres with Gary Lincoff, author of The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Mushrooms.
How much: $15 for non-members ($10 for members)
Events at the Avenue C Plaza: Henna and craft workshops
When: Henna on Saturday, June 17 from 12pm to 3pm; Crafts on Sunday, June 18 from
Where: Avenue C Plaza at McDonald Avenue
What: Join Kensington native and henna artist Sabia Hanif of The Brooklyn Henna Company as she teaches the art of henna tattoos, learn to create henna designs and seal them onto wooden picture frames and candles to take home. Materials provided. Then on Sunday, check out the Oaxacan Mirrors/Craft workshop to create your own mirrors using metal and tin.
How much: Free
Free Kids Concert at Celebrate Brooklyn: Lisa Loeb and The Knights
Where: Prospect Park Bandshell, enter at 9th Street and West Drive
When: Gates open at 2 pm, show starts at 3pm
What: Singer-songwriter Lisa Loeb will perform a matinee concert and sing-along for kids with the Brooklyn-based orchestra collective The Knights.
How much: Free
Flatbush Food Coop member happy hour
When: Saturday, June 17 from 3pm to 6pm
Where: Bar Chord, 1008 Cortelyou Road
What: Mingle with other co-op members in Bar Chord’s lovely backyard, get to know your neighbors! Not a member yet? learn all about the co-op and enter to win prizes.
How much: Free
Flatbush Avenue street fair
When: Sunday, June 18 from 12pm to 6pm
Where: Flatbush Avenue from Parkside to Cortelyou
What: Organized by the Flatbush Avenue Business Improvement District, this annual festival celebrates the people, culture, and businesses along Flatbush Ave with dancing, music, rides, carnival games, food, shopping, and more — with a Caribbean flair. See the full schedule of events here.
How much: Free