From Shakespeare to psychedlia: 13 things to do this weekend in Brooklyn
As we enter the dog days of summer, the city feels a bit empty on the weekends. Which means more ... happy endings for locals who stay
King Lear with a happy ending! Pop-up orchestras! A guided tour of Green-Wood cemetery! The better borough is loaded with an eclectic assortment of events this weekend. Here’s hoping the weather cooperates.
The full rundown:
Friday, July 16
King Lear With a Happy Ending at Brooklyn Commons Park
7 p.m.
The ending of Shakespeare’s King Lear is a notorious bummer, but did you know that an alternative “happy ending” has been floating around—and was commonly performed until the 1840s—since 1681? The New York Classical Theatre will put on a free performance featuring the upbeat denouement at 7 p.m. at Brooklyn Common Park at MetroTech. Free tickets and can be booked through their website.
Britney vs Rihanna Dreamland Roller Disco
7 to 10 p.m.
Two GOATS go head-t0-head during Dreamland Roller Rinks’ “Britney vs Rihanna” roller disco event this Friday, from 7 to 10 p.m. The event will take place at the LeFrak Center at Prospect Park, with tickets starting at $24. The event is 21+, and skates are available on-site.
Much-A-Jew-About Nothing Comedy Show
7 p.m.
The Knitting Factory is hosting their first-ever Jewish-themed comedy show. This milestone event will be emceed by Jared Apper and Phoebe Bodkin, and feature comedians who have appeared on HBO, ABC, and in various national Comedy festivals. Challah is included with the $15 ticket.
Saturday, July 17
Euphoria: ‘Midst Bloom’ Immersive Experience
12 p.m.
Want to check out of reality for a bit? This pop-up event by Euphoria features psychedelic rooms, neon grape vines, and a bed of roses to facilitate your daydreaming. Only a limited number of guests are allowed inside at once, so the $8-12 ticket must be booked by the hour, beginning at 12 p.m.
Green-Wood Cemetery Tour
1 to 2:30 p.m.
Take a stroll among the dearly departed while an expert guide fills you in on Green-Wood Cemetery’s storied history (the highest natural point in Brooklyn, it was the site of George Washington’s famous Battle of Brooklyn) and some of its “most fascinating permanent residents.” The tour lasts from 1 to 2:30 p.m., with tickets selling for $25.
Wizard of Oz at Puppetworks
12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Dorothy, Toto and the gang have been turned into marionettes, and will be acting out L. Frank Baum’s classic The Wizard of Oz at the (not at all creepy) Puppetworks venue in Park Slope, from 12:30 to 1: 30 p.m. The show is geared for kids and kids-at-heart, and features an original score by Nicolas Coppola. Call (718) 965-3391 for reservations, or shoot an email to puppetworksinfo@gmail.com. Tickets for children cost $10; $11 for adults.
Head Sounds Records block party
2 to 8 p.m.
DJs Miss Happ, Kristine Barilli and DJ Shakey will hold down a short S. Portland block in Fort Greene at this semi-regular block party hosted by the vinyl purveyors at Head Sounds Records. Come for the free vibes and music, stay for the street food, BBQ and picnic boxes. South Portland Avenue, between Lafayette Avenue and Fulton Street.
Fort Greene Park Jazz Festival
3 to 7 p.m.
Spend your Saturday afternoon with some of Fort Greene’s greatest jazz ensembles, from The George Young Quartet to Azucar. The 11th annual Fort Greene Park Jazz Fest will be going down from 3 to 7 p.m. in the park, on the eastern plaza of the monument near the visitor’s center. Free tickets can be booked online.
Jerk Fest at the Coney Island Art Walls
3 to 9 p.m.
The $65 ticket for Jerk Fest comes with a complimentary serving of jerk chicken and a rum punch. The event is going down from 3 to 9 p.m. at the Coney Island Art Walls, where artists Tory Lanez and Serani will be performing bangers while you dig in.
Popped Collar Comedy
7 p.m.
For five years running, Popped Collar Comedy at House Party Café & Lounge in Bushwick has hosted some of NYC’s best up-and-coming comics. This Saturday, Stephen Bolles (New York Comedy Club) and Nick Balsirow (Comedy Central) will be emceeing the 15-comedian lineup. There’s no cover charge, and beers start at $4.
Sunday, July 18
Brooklyn Symphony Orchestra Pop-Up
2 p.m.
Starting at 2 p.m., the Brooklyn Symphony Orchestra will be performing a pop-up show at The Brooklyn Museum plaza. Associate Conductor Filipe Tristan will lead the musicians through “a festive, family-friendly selection of music by Vivaldi, Mozart, Copland and Tchaikovsky.” Free to attend.
Last Bodega in Brooklyn Stand-Up Comedy
5 to 11 p.m.
Cracking jokes about gentrification might be unseemly, but maybe the best way to address an endemic issue is to open with a laugh. The Last Bodega in Brooklyn is a night of partying and stand-up comedy centered around the issue, accompanied by cheap drinks and a loaded roster of comedians. Doors open at 5 p.m., comedy starts at 7 p.m., and guests can stay late to dance. $10 tickets available on Eventbrite, $15 tickets available at the door.
Sunday Asados at Colonia Verde
5 to 8 p.m.
Cap off your weekend with some delicious Latin American fare, courtesy of Chef Erik Ramirez, who will be taking over Fort Greene’s Colonia Verde for their ongoing Sunday Asados dining series. The $65 ticket covers food and healthy wine pours by Giancarlo of RIPE Wine Imports. 5 to 8 p.m.
