... "Pin It")
This week we chow down on some crawfish, Louisiana-style, expand our minds at two film festivals and drink ourselves silly on beer and wine. Here are our must-do and must-see events:
[jump]
DanceAfrica ($20-$55) – May 23 – 26, various times
Now in its 37th year, BAM (30 Lafayette Ave. nr. Ashland Pl.) will host DanceAfrica, “the nation’s largest festival dedicated to African dance,” starting today. All Memorial Day weekend, dance enthusiasts are invited to see various groups showcase, including Madagascar’s Bakomanga dance and music troupe, which is making its American debut. Tickets to any of five scheduled shows can be purchased here.
Governor’s Island Family Day (Free) – May 24, 12-4 p.m.
For the first time in recent history, Governor’s Island, that landmass that sits smack dab in the middle of the East River, will be open on weekdays this summer. If you’d like a preview, why not grab the kiddies and head to the island this weekend for the park’s Family Day. Take a ferry and head to the Colonels Row part of the island for live music, arts and crafts, free helmet fittings, facepainting, games, bouncy castles and much, much more. Roundtrip ferry tickets will set you back $6 each, but everything else is free. Check out the ferry schedule here.
Mister Sunset ($10-$15) – May 25, 5-10 p.m.
If you’re not really into early morning dance parties (they do exist) and you’re not exactly a night out either, then the Mister Sunset party may be just what you’re looking for. This Sunday, dance organizers, Mister Saturday Night, will kick off their summer season at a brand new location in Industry City (220 36th St. nr. Second Ave.). Visitors are invited to bring along the kids or the dogs, sip on alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, munch on tacos and, of course, dance until they can’t dance anymore. Those who arrive before 6 p.m. will get a $5 discount on tickets. If money isn’t an issue, it’ll be 15 bucks. Either way, RSVP here.
Beer Making Class ($40) – May 28, 7:30 p.m.
If you’re looking to pick up a new summer hobby, may we suggest beer brewing? Next week, Erica Shea and Stephen Valand, the newlyweds behind Brooklyn Brew Shop, will head to DUMBO Loft (155 Water St. nr. Pearl St.) to host a beer making class. The lovely couple will show attendees how to brew a beer from the comfort of their own home and then hang out afterward to chat. All tickets will come with a signed copy of the their brand new book, Make Some Beer: Small-Batch Recipes From Brooklyn To Bamberg. Purchase tickets here.
Brooklyn Uncorked ($65-$70) – May 29, 6-9 p.m.
If beer isn’t really your thing, but you’re a admitted oenophile (a.k.a. wine lover) then check out Brooklyn Uncorked at Skylight One Hanson (1 Hanson Pl. at Ashland Pl.). This upcoming Thursday, the venue will be the site of the massive wine festival, featuring New York State wines paired with small plates and local eats from places like Nightingale 9, Strong Place and Gramercy Tavern. General admission tickets are $65 while a $70 ticket will get you admission plus a subscription to Edible magazine. Buy tickets here.