Afropunk and the return of Spike Lee’s Block Party: 16 things to do this weekend

By Joshua Encinias

It’s that time again: Saturday and Sunday see the return of Afropunk Fest for two days of Black culture and community. Headlining artists include Teyana Taylor, Flying Lotus, Joey Bada$$ and Vince Staples.

If you’re more into ’80s and ’90s pop than Afrofuturism, the 15th Annual Madonna Worship Night comes to 3 Dollar Bill on Friday for all things Material Girl. And Spike Lee‘s Block Party returns after a four-year hiatus — with a Prince and Michael Jackson theme.

Sunday brings the weekend to a close with the Barbie World Creative Workshop for kids and the Garden Party Comedy Show. Get into the weekend with these 16 things to do:

Friday, August 25

Brooklyn Public Library Bookmobile
12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The Brooklyn Public Library Bookmobile is coming to Shirley Chisholm State Park on Friday. Anyone can swing by to check books in and out, sign up for a library card or use their free Wi-Fi at the Hendrix Creek Patio. Plus, there’s storytime with the Kidsmobile Librarian at 1 and 3 p.m. 1750 Pennsylvania Avenue. Free.

The 15th Annual Madonna Worship Night
10 p.m. to 4 a.m.
… And we’re not talking about Our Lady of Guadalupe: 3 Dollar Bill hosts the annual adoration of all things Madonna Louise Ciccone. For 15 years, DJ Chauncey D has celebrated The Queen of Pop’s birthday each August in New York, and this year features curated performances by New York nightlife talent and encompasses her 40-year career with popular hits, b-sides, rarities and remixes throughout the evening. 260 Meserole Street. Tickets are $30.

Saturday, August 26

Afropunk Fest
Saturday and Sunday at noon on both days
Afropunk rolls into Greenpoint Terminal Market on Saturday and Sunday for a celebration of Black culture, community and art that’s bound to be an unforgettable weekend. Teyana Taylor, Flying Lotus, Vince Staples, Jazmine Sullivan and Joey Bada$$ headline two brilliant days of music at Skyline Drive-In. 1 Oak Street. Ticket prices vary.

Guided Canoe Voyage of Gowanus Bay
10 to 11:30 a.m.
Enjoy a morning canoe trip down Gowanus Bay to learn about the Battle of Brooklyn and the new development planned for Brooklyn’s infamous shoreline. This Battle of Brooklyn-themed canoe trip is hosted by the Gowanus Dredgers Canoe Club for a morning paddle. Meet at 2 19th Street (off 3rd Avenue) where the group will begin the tour at the 19th Bunker Launch. Tickets are $28.50.

Spike Lee’s Michael Jackson & Prince Block Party
12 to 7 p.m.
Spike Lee returns with his New York Block Party celebrating Michael Jackson and Prince on Saturday. It’s been four long years since the last party (thanks, Covid). Spike says, “Come Dressed To Da Nines” and jam with your musical host DJ Spinna in Fort Greene Park. Dekalb Avenue & S Portland Avenue. Free.

Japanese Summer Family Festival
2 to 6 p.m.
Celebrate Japanese culture at the free Summer Family Festival in Brooklyn’s Japan Village on Saturday afternoon. The day includes authentic Japanese cuisine, from sushi and sashimi to ramen and tempura. Fill up and watch the Sansa Odori dance, a celebrated Japanese local folk dance from Morioka. And join the Wanko Soba noodle eating contest if you want all the carbs and salt. 934 3rd Avenue. Free.

Time Out Summer Fest in Brooklyn Bridge Park
2 to 6 p.m.
Time Out’s Summerfest comes to St. Ann’s Warehouse on Saturday afternoon. Enjoy bites from the market’s vendors Ivy Stark, Pat LaFrieda, Jacob’s Pickles and Dough. Wash it all down with brews and drinks from Sixpoint, Coney Island, Truly, Brooklyn Brewery, Modelo and Stella. Plus, there are live tunes from local musicians all day. 45 Water Street. Free.

Brasswick: An Urban Brass Band Festival
3 to 9 p.m.
Brasswick is an annual urban music fest showcasing the brass band scene in New York. This year’s festival comes to the Industry City Bandshell on Saturday. Brasswick originated in a Bushwick community garden five years ago and has sprouted in different neighborhoods throughout Brooklyn ever since. Stick around for the after-party Jam at Big aLICe Brewing (all musicians are welcome to perform). 220 36th Street. Tickets are $15.

Himbo
10:30 p.m.
Callings all chubs, bears, daddies and those who love ‘em: Himbo’s monthly dance party is on Saturday night at C’mon Everybody. DJ William Francis spins House, Disco and Queer Bops for a night of everything masc and musk. 325 Franklin Avenue. Tickets are $12.

Sunday, August 27

National Cinema Day
Movie theaters across the country celebrate the end of summer and kick off the fall movie season with special $4 movie tickets on Sunday. Brooklyn’s Alamo Drafthouse takes part in the festivities with, you guessed it, $4 movie tickets all day. Beat the heat with a movie and popcorn! And be nice to the staff.

Brooklyn Museum Pop-up Market
10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., every Sunday through mid-November
Brooklyn Pop-up meets every Sunday for a weekly artisan market with 30-plus vendors at Brooklyn Museum. Hosted at the museum’s front plaza, this year the pop-up expands its food offerings and will offer new activations and other initiatives to bring Brooklyn together. 200 Eastern Parkway. Free.

The Battle of Brooklyn and The Meaning of Freedom
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Every summer, Green-Wood Cemetery welcomes Brooklynites to its free exploration of the Revolutionary War’s largest battle, which happened on today’s cemetery grounds. Join in on Sunday for family events and history scavenger hunts led by the Center for Brooklyn History. 500 25th Street. Free.

Dream Queen Drag Brunch
1 to 3:30 p.m.
Sundays are for the girls at Dream Queen Drag Brunch at Crystal Lake in Williamsburg. Hosted by the Pixel the Drag Jester and Nikita Petrovna, the brunch brings non-stop fun featuring show stopping performances, side splitting comedy, and interactive games with an extra special guest queen every month. Bless your Sunday with brunch by Bitchn Kitchn and a pick me up from your favorite queens.

Sunday Funday Block Party
2 to 7 p.m.
Grand Army Bar in Boerum Hill hosts outdoor block parties every Sunday through October. Enjoy a smash burger (with Impossible patties available), lawn games for all to play, or lounge under the umbrellas on Hoyt Street while listening to DJs spin vinyl.

Barbie World Family Creative Workshop
5 to 7 p.m.
Let your kid’s imagination run wild as they explore different Barbie-themed stations at the Barbie World Family Creative Workshop on Sunday. Brooklyn Paints will guide you through designing your own Barbie-themed tote bags, sunglasses and jewelry. Don’t miss the second biggest Barbie sensation this summer. 1134 Broadway. Tickets are $40.

Garden Party Comedy Show
7:30 p.m.
The Garden Party Comedy Show is a monthly showcase of the city’s best comedians at McCarren Parkhouse. Join hosts Katherine Gorham and Eli Ruffer on Sunday for all the hyuck-hyucks you can take. 855 Lorimer Street. Free, but donations are suggested.