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Articles by

<Nikita Richardson>

08/27/14 4:00am

Ugly Duckling
166 Smith Street, Cobble Hill

Despite its storybook name, there’s nothing remotely outstanding or unusual about Ugly Duckling, a new bar on Smith Street, just off the Bergen Street F stop. It’s got all the aesthetic hits: walls made from what is presumably reclaimed wood, hanging copper-plated lights, exposed brick, a well-organized bar, and a prominently displayed wide chalkboard, which featured a drawing of a street the day I dropped by. The atmosphere is calculatedly inoffensive and unremarkable. The radio alternated between hits from Elton John and Fleetwood Mac, with the occasional Van Morrison and Beatles songs dropped in. It’s a place meant to evoke an atmosphere both hip and family-friendly, a beacon for the cool parents of the neighborhood to bring their baby as they knock back a brew. Your own parents would love this place.

The exceedingly friendly bartender proffered a menu that has a 30-beer-long draft list that only features either brewery or beer names (never both), the ABV, and no pricing whatsoever. On the flip side of the menu, you can choose from the long-ish list of gastropub bites, all priced from about $5 for sides to as much as $25 for certain entrées. Of note, the Ugly Poutine, which consists of potatoes drenched in brown gravy, provolone, and a not-so-generous helping of sweet barbecue duck confit. Too fancy? Then go for the chicken and waffles or fettucini alfredo-like aged balsamic and herb-encrusted chicken on a bed of homemade pasta. All of the offerings are slightly gussied-up comfort food, in a slightly uncomfortable price range.

Those interested in the magic that comes with nearly 30 taps would be much better served (literally and figuratively) at 61 Local or the nearby Bar Great Harry, where curation of and enthusiasm for beer rule all. But, if you’re in the market for an unfussy, if somewhat uninteresting, post-work drink, dropping by Ugly Duckling certainly won’t be the worst decision you’ll make that day.

06/13/14 10:00am

The Rundown

  • This weekend, head to Governor’s Island for the 9th Annual Jazz Age Lawn Party.

This week, we hit up the Northside Festival, take in art in Bed-Stuy and party like its 1929. Here are our must-do and must-see events:

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Northside Festival (Free, $$) – June 12-19, various times

This weekend, our very own parent company, Northside Media Group, hosts their annual Northside Festival (i.e. NYC’s answer to SXSW) and it’s going to be great. If you’re into music, tech, art or film, there are dozens of free and paid events to be enjoyed through next Thursday. To learn more about this year’s massive line up, head to northsidefestival.com.

Fulton Street Art Fair (Free) – June 14-29, Saturdays and Sundays

Down in Bed-Stuy, artists and art lovers alike will celebrate the neighborhood’s 56th Annual Fulton Art Fair at Robert Fulton Park (Chauncey St. and Stuyvesant Ave.). Through the end of the month, attendees are invited to browse African Diaspora art in all mediums created by creatives from throughout the region while also taking in live jazz, dance performances and other local entertainment. Admission is free and the event is open to the public.

Subway Birthday Bash ($30-$500) – June 14, 9-11 a.m.

Beneath the ground, the NYC subway system is celebrating its 110 birthday with the help of the New York Transit Museum (Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street) in Downtown Brooklyn. This Saturday morning, the museum will honor that milestone with an outsized, family-friendly birthday bash featuring arts and crafts, music, a photo booth, real life conductors, rides on vintage trains and, of course, cake for breakfast. Tickets are $30 for kids, $55 for adults, $150 for four tickets, $250 for six VIP tickets and $500 for eight VIP tickets (includes a goody bag). You can register by calling 718-694-4952 or purchase tickets online.

Brooklyn Pride @ Green-Wood ($15-20) – June 14, 1 p.m.

This Saturday marks the end of the weeklong Brooklyn Pride Festival and in honor of the blowout celebration, Green-Wood Cemetery (500 25th St. at Fifth Ave.) has organized a very special Gay Green-Wood Trolley Tour. The trip will take attendees to the resting places of the cemetery’s most famous gay and lesbian “residents” and those who simply contributed to gay culture by being themselves. Tickets are $15 for members, $20 for non-members and can be purchased here.

King Of Small Things ($5) – June 14, 2-5 p.m.

If you’re looking for something a little less “passé,” so to speak, then head to Kings County Bar (286 Siegel St. nr. Bogart St.) for the second annual Smallest Penis In Brooklyn Pageant, which is exactly what you’d expect it to be. For $5, attendees are invited to summarily judge a panel of contestants competing for the chance to be Brooklyn’s most famous not-so-well-endowed man about town. All attendees must be 21 and up.

06/06/14 10:00am

The Rundown

  • This Sunday as part of Radio Love Fest, BAM will host a screening of the Princess Bride.

Here are our must-do and must-see events this weekend:

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NOLA In The Park (Free) – June 7, 7 p.m.

This week marked the beginning of Prospect Park and BRIC’s Celebrate Brooklyn! concert series. Tomorrow, the fun continues with a free performance featuring Louisiana’s own Soul Rebels, Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen and Lost Bayou Ramblers at the Prospect Park Bandshell (Prospect Park West at 10th St.). Gates open at 6 p.m.

BBQ Fest (Free) – June 7-8, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Summer and BBQ are pretty much synonymous with one another, which is why we couldn’t be happier that the 2-day Big Apple Barbecue Block Party is finally kicking off this weekend. Head to Madison Square Park (W. 23rd St. and Madison Ave.) for an all-day pig out featuring a nice array of offerings, including Brooklyn’s own Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, Hill Country and Delaney Barbecue. Admission is free, but if you want to be economical about the whole thing, feel free to purchase a $125 Fastpass or the $265 BigPiggin’ VIP pass here.

Pow Wow 2014 ($7) – June 6-8, various times

If you’d like to learn more about Native American culture, head to the Floyd Bennett Field at the Aviator Sports Center (50 Aviation Rd.) for the Redhawk Native American Arts Council’s Gateway to Nations Pow Wow 2014. All weekend, visitors are welcome to learn about Native Americans through food, crafts, markets and activities for the whole family. On Saturday and Sunday, there will also be a Pow Wow contest, featuring music and dancing by various tribes from throughout the U.S. Tickets can be purchased at the gates or online.

Egg Rolls & Egg Creams (Free) – June 8, 12 – 4 p.m.

Back in the city, you can take in Jewish and Chinese culture at the 14th Annual Egg Rolls and Egg Creams Festival at the Museum at Eldridge Street (12 Eldridge St. nr. Canal St.). This Sunday afternoon, the museum will host a variety of activities for the family including Yiddish and Chinese language classes, Chinese opera and acrobatics, tours, crafting demos and, of course, food from both cultures. RSVP here.

As You Wish ($10-$15) – June 8, 7:30 p.m.

This week also marked the start of BAM’s annual WNYC Collaboration, Radio Love Fest, which celebrates one of the world’s oldest mediums. As part of the festival, Brooke Gladstone of On The Media fame will drop by the Peter Jay Sharp Building (30 Lafayette Ave. nr. Ashland Pl.) to introduce and screen her favorite film (and cult classic), The Princess Bride. Tickets are $10 for members, $12 for seniors and $15 for everyone else. Purchase them here.

Kite Fest (Free) – June 8, 12-5 p.m.

If you’re in the Greenpoint-Williamsburg area this weekend and want to contribute to a good cause, head to CitiStorage (5 North 11th St. at Kent Ave.) for P.S. 132’s 10th Annual Kite Festival. All day, families are invited to fly kites on the Williamsburg waterfront while enjoying activities like kite, balloon-making, concerts and there will be plenty to eat. All proceeds from the event will directly benefit P.S. 132, which raised $40K at last year’s event.

05/30/14 10:19am

The Rundown

  • This week, Falconworks Artists Group and the Red Hook Theater will stage eight performances of Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet

This week, art rules everything, auctions make a quotidien comeback and Sundance comes to Brooklyn. Here are our must-do and must-see events:

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Bushwick Open Studios (Free) – May 30 – June 1, various times

This weekend marks the opening of what is arguably Brooklyn’s biggest art-related event: Bushwick Open Studios. Starting today and going through Sunday, art lovers of all ages are invited to wander the North Brooklyn neighborhood and take in more than 500 shows. Read our interview with coordinator Lucia Rollow for an in-depth look at what to expect this year and check out the detailed interactive map here.

Thrift Disco @ BOS (Free) – May 31, 2 p.m. – 12 a.m.

Okay, one more Bushwick Open Studios-related event! This Saturday, drop by a special BOS edition of Thrift Disco (49 Wyckoff St. nr. Starr St.) for an all-day vintage shopping extravaganza and disco party featuring drinks, dancing and, of course, thrifting. Admission is free and the event is open to the public.

Brooklyn Symphony Orchestra ($10-$20) – June 1, 2 p.m.

If you prefer to exercise the auditory regions of your brain, then visit the Brooklyn Museum (200 Eastern Pkwy at Washington Ave.) for a live performance by the Brooklyn Symphony Orchestra. Now in its 40th season, the orchestra will perform works by Sergei Prokofiev, Eli Greenhoe, and Hector Berlioz on the third floor of the museum’s Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Auditorium. Tickets are $10 for members and seniors, $18 for non-members and can be purchased here. The show will be preceded and followed by a talk on the connection between music and art.

Tiki Disco Summer Opener ($10) – June 1, 2-10 p.m.

Meanwhile, outsized beer hall, The Well (272 Meserole St. nr. Waterbury St.) will host the opening bash for famed Brooklyn DJ collective, Tiki Disco. Attendees are invited to dance, drink and celebrate the arrival of summer. Tickets to the 21+ event are $10 and can be purchased here.

Brooklyn Barn Auction (Free) – June 1, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Over in Greenpoint, you can try your hand at paddle raising at the first Brooklyn Barn Auction of the year, taking place at the Manhattan Inn (632 Manhattan Ave. nr. Nassau Ave.). Over two hours, attendees are invited to bid on a variety of unique objects, some starting at $5, including vintage furniture, kitchenware and even a bust of JFK. Arrive at 4:30 p.m. to preview objects before the auction kicks off at 5 p.m.

05/23/14 10:00am

The Rundown

  • The Brooklyn Navy Yard’s Brooklyn Grange, the country’s largest rooftop garden, will co-host a screening of rural short films in collaboration with the Rooftop Films festival.

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:

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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.

05/16/14 10:00am

The Rundown

  • Through Memorial Day Weekend, Brooklynites can visit the 5th Annual Kings County Fair.

This week, a county fair to put all others to shame, craft beers and craft fairs and a whole lot of competition. Here are our must-do and must-see events:

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Kings County Fair ($5) – through May 26, various times

Who says fairs are just for small towns? Until May 26, Brooklynites can head to Aviator Sports (3159 Flatbush Ave. nr. Aviation Road) to check out the Fifth Annual King County Fair. The gathering features everything you’d expect in a fair, including delicious treats, fun rides and plenty of games. Admission is a flat $5 with ride tickets priced at various levels.

BK vs. NY (Free) – May 16, 11 p.m. – 3 a.m.

If you believe the consolidation of Brooklyn into the City of New York was an absolutely terrible idea, then why not head to Bell House (149 7th St. nr 2nd Ave.) to hash it out? Tonight, the Gowanus venue will host the newest edition of their monthly dance series, Head On. This time, the theme is Brooklyn vs. Manhattan and two DJs will duke it out, pitting musical acts native to both boroughs against one another. Admission is first come, first serve.

Judgement of Brooklyn ($65-$90) – May 17, 7 p.m.

Calling all food and drink enthusiasts: this one’s for you. This Saturday marks the start of the first annual Judgement of Brooklyn at Skylight One Hanson Place (1 Hanson Pl. nr. Ashland Pl.). Throughout the evening event, a panel of judges will engage in a blind taste test of various wines, beers and dishes from Brooklyn, deeming one in each category better than the rest. Meanwhile, attendees are invited to sample all the wares, passing their own judgements and comparing them to that of the professional critics. General admission tickets will set visitors back $65 (includes unlimited tasting and complimentary hors d’oeuvres) while VIP admission costs $90 (includes admission to exclusive VIP areas, a complimentary open bar, a catered food bar and admission to an invite-only Media, Trade & VIP Meet-n-Greet. Tickets can be purchased here.

Wizard Of Oz ($7) – May 18, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

This year marks the 75th Anniversary of the Wizard Of Oz film and the 114th Anniversary of the novel that inspired it. In celebration of both those facts, The Brooklyn Center For The Performing Arts (2900 Campus Rd at Hillel Pl.) will host a live musical performance of the work appropriate for children 4 and up and created by the American Family Theater. Tickets can be purchased here.

Calling All Renegades (Free) – May 18, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Feeling uninspired? Why not head to the creative hub that is the Renegade Craft Fair (165 Banker St. at Norman Ave.) in Greenpoint this weekend? This Sunday, the pop-up market welcomes locals to browse their “quaint” set up and choose from a wonderful selection of local goods and other festivities. The market will feature “indie-craft makers, brunch-inspired food + booze, and much much more,” plus live music, mini-golf, ping-pong and a photo booth. Admission is first come, first serve.

05/09/14 9:45am

The Rundown

  • Aaron Rose
  • Today, an exhibit featuring photos taken in Coney Island in 1961 will open at the Museum of the City of New York.

This weekend, Coney Island comes to the Museum of the City of New York, a massive art project aims to photograph the faces of 10,000 people on the LGBTQ spectrum and galleries all over North Brooklyn open their doors. Here are our must-do and must-see events:

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Ode To Coney Island ($6-$20) – May 9-August 3

The fate of Coney Island currently hangs in the balance, so there’s really no better time to revisit its past and appreciate the iconic amusement district than now. Today, the Museum of the City of New York (1220 5th Ave. at 104th St., Manhattan) will open “In A World Of Their Own,” a new exhibit featuring vintage photographs of Coney Island taken in 1961 by Aaron Rose, one of the city’s most prolific photographers. Admission is $6 for students and seniors, $10 for adults, $20 for families with no more than two adults and free for members and children under 12. MCNY is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Last Thread (Free) – May 9, 6-8 p.m.

Usually we don’t cover closings, but this one’s right up our alley: Tonight, Bay Ridge’s Brooklyn Stitchery (458 87th St. nr 4th Ave.) will host a closing party in honor of their “A Thousand Fibers” exhibit. The show features the work of artists who incorporate fibers into their art. Bonus: Everyone who drops by is free to buy the artwork right off the wall.

Greenpoint Gallery Night (Free) – May 9, 7-10 p.m.

If you’re more likely to spend tonight in North Brooklyn, then head to Greenpoint for the Spring edition of Greenpoint Gallery Night. The Hyperallergic-sponsored event will feature more than a dozen galleries as well as stops at beloved local businesses like Booklyn and Dandelion Wine along the way. What’s more, some galleries will be debuting brand new shows. Admission is first come, first serve.

One Stop Bike Shop (Free) – May 10, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Now that bike season is officially upon us, it’s time to stock up on all the things a good, responsible bicyclist needs! Instead of running around Brooklyn, just head to this weekend’s New York Bike Jumble at Washington Park and the Old Stone House (5th Ave. & 4th St.) in Park Slope. Attendees will be able to purchases everything from new and used bikes to bells, helmets, accessories, clothes and much, much more. On a side note, if you can’t make it this weekend, another Bike Jumble will be held in Red Hook on June 1.

After Hours Art (Free) – May 10, until 9 p.m.

If you’d like a preview of Bushwick’s art scene before the chaos that is Bushwick Open Studios, check out Bushwick/Ridgewood Late Night this Saturday. 30 + galleries in the neighborhoods will keep late hours, staying open until 9 p.m., with some providing wine and beer for all you art-loving lushes. Head to Bedford + Bowery for a full list of participating galleries.

Fleetwood Mac Woodstock ($8-$10) – May 10, 9 p.m. – 2 a.m.

This one is for all the hardcore Gold Dust-ers out there: Tomorrow night, Black Bear Bar (70 N. 6th St. nr. Wythe Ave.) will host Fleetmac Wood’s Gold Dust Disco, a London-based dance party dedicated to everyone’s favorite British-American emotional train wreck of a band, which is making its New York debut. The party will feature re-edits of the band’s greatest hits as well as new takes on even their deepest cuts. Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the door and can be purchased here.

Self Evident Truths (Free) – May 11, 12-5 p.m.

Want to be part of a massive art project? Then head to the Wythe Hotel (80 Wythe Ave. at N. 11th St.) this Sunday and join in on Self Evident Truths, an ambitious art project from artist iO TIllet Wright featuring the portraits of 10,000 people from across the LGBTQ spectrum. All afternoon, Wright will photograph anyone who drops by the hotel, which she plans to turn into an installation on Washington D.C.’s National Mall. After that, Wright will organizing a march on Washington in the name of LGBTQ rights. But before she can do all that, she need pictures of as many beautiful faces as possibles. Admission to the party, which will feature DJ sets from Ana Reszendes of CSS, Penn Badgley and Jimmy Giannopolous of MOTHER, and Abby Fiscus, is totally, totally free. To learn more about the accompanying We Are You project, head here.

05/02/14 10:00am

The Rundown

  • This Sunday, Super Collider will host Star Wars trivia focused on Episodes IV – VI.

This week, a blowout celebrating the life of Adam Yauch/MCA, artist Kara Walker will mount a massive show at the Domino Sugar Factory and we celebrate all things Kentucky. Here are our must-do and must-see events for the week:

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Spring For A Tree (Free) – May 3, 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

If you’ve got an especially green thumb and live in or around the Cobble Hill area, head to the Annual Cobble Hill Tree Fund plant sale this Saturday at Cobble Hill Park (Clinton & Congress Sts.) The massive market will not only include its share of trees, but there will also be annuals, perennials, herbs and geraniums for purchase. Attendees who spend $75 or more will get a free t-shirt as a bonus and there will also be plant identification games for the kiddies. Note: if it rains, the market will be moved to May 4.

MCA Day (Free) – May 3, 11 a.m.

This Sunday, will mark two years since the passing of Beastie Boys member, Adam Yauch (a.k.a. MCA). The man is gone, but certainly not forgotten. In honor of all he did for music, Brooklyn and, really, America, Gowanus’ Littlefield (622 Degraw St. nr. Third Ave.) will host an epic MCA Day party in Yauch’s name. The day will feature “music to vibe to, art to view, good folks to chill with, and of course some fresh new surprises to bring you joy.” Sounds like a good time to us.

Kickstart A Block Party (Free) – May 3, 12-6 p.m.

There’s no denying that Kickstarter (58 Kent St. nr. West St.) has played a big role in the success of many a Brooklyn company, which is why it’s not surprising that they recently chose Greenpoint as the location for their new headquarters. This Saturday, the company will host a massive block party featuring a market and performances from Kickstarter alums, food from local businesses like Butter & Scotch and Brooklyn Soda Works and, of course, art! And lots of it! All events are open to the public, but make sure to RSVP here to the activities you really want to check out.

Slint Patrol ($18) – May 3, 5:30 p.m.

This Sunday and Tuesday, legendary Louisville, KY rock band, Slint, are putting on two shows at Bowery Ballroom and the Music Hall of Williamsburg, respectively. But before they perform, they’ll make an appearance at the Wythe Hotel (80 Wythe Ave. at N. 11th St.) for a special screening of a documentary about the band called Breadcrumb Trail and a Q&A with its founding members. Before the doc screening, there will be a live screening of this year’s Kentucky Derby and a meal lovingly prepared by Louisville chef Sean Rembold. Attendees are invited to dig into pimento cheese sandwiches, cucumber benedictine, mini hot browns, pulled pork sliders, and bourbon chocolate pecan pie. Tickets can be purchased here.

May The Fourth Be With You ($5) – May 4, 7 p.m.

This week, it was announced that not only had Adam from Girls been chosen as a member of the cast for Star Wars Episode VI, but that the three leading cast members from Episodes 4-6 would be returning as well. Interesting news to say the least. If you’re not quite ready to deal with that news, why not head to Supercollider (609 4th Ave. nr. 18th St.) for an epic evening of Let The Wookie Win trivia, featuring questions about the original trilogy only. Admission is $5 per player for teams with up to six players.

04/25/14 10:00am

The Rundown

  • This Sunday, The Diamond will host a Doubles Shuffleboard tournament.

This week, Chicago’s music scene hits Brooklyn, artists of all ages show off their work, and we get a rare look into the mind of David Lynch. Here are our must-do and must-see events for the week:

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Record Fair (Free) – April 25-27, 12-8 p.m.

If you missed out on this year’s record-breaking Record Store Day, don’t despair. This weekend, Chicago record label, Numero Group, will run a massive pop-up shop at the Human Gallery (110 Meserole Ave. at Manhattan Ave.). Not only will visitors be able to pick up records from Numero Group’s collection of reissues, but they’ll also be able to haggle over hundreds of records from a Long Island warehouse. Everything must go!

Open Studios (Free) – April 26, 11 am.-6 p.m.

If you’ll be in the Sunset Park area (or you’re generally interested in new art), head to the neighborhood’s Industry City (220 36th St. nr. 2nd Ave.) for a day of open studios. Artists specializing in everything from photography to sculpture to painting will exhibit their work. For more information head to the Industry City website.

Zine Fest (Free) – April 26 & 27, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Who says the 90s are over? This Saturday and Sunday, the Brooklyn Historical Society (128 Pierrepont St. nr. Clinton St.) will host the Third Annual Brooklyn Zine Fest, which celebrates the self-published work of local artists and thinkers. Zines will be on sale for $1-$10 and there will also be panels on everything from Queer & Trans* Zinesters to the power of anonymity in zine-making. Admission is first come, first serve.

Celebrate Little Artists (Free, $18) – April 26, 4 p.m./7 p.m. April 27, 4 p.m.

If you always wanted to meet a playwright while he or she was still a kid, head to The Bushwick Starr (207 Starr St. nr. Wyckoff Ave.) for their two-day Big Green Theater Festival. During the festival, professional actors will perform plays written by 5th graders from Bushwick’s PS 123. Both 4 p.m. shows will be totally free while tickets from the 7 p.m. show on Saturday will directly benefit the Green Theater in its efforts to celebrate environmental education, sustainability in the arts, and community enrichment. Tickets can be purchased online.

Shuffleboard Shuffle ($6) – April 28, 7:30 p.m.

Looking to take it slow this weekend? Head to The Diamond (43 Franklin St. nr. Calyer St.) for an evening of Doubles Shuffleboard. The bar will double your $6 buy-in with the total cash pot going to the winning team. On top of that, the victorious duo will get their names on a plaque! To RSVP, shoot an email to dave@thediamondbrooklyn.com.

04/11/14 10:00am

The Rundown

  • Mais Non Je Blague
  • This week the Ample Hills Creamery will release a book at powerHOUSE Arena in Dumbo.

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This week Prospect Heights brings the entertainment, spring markets season officially begins and folk music comes to Brooklyn. Here are our must-do and must-see events for the week:

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One For The Kiddies (Free) – April 12, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Before (or after) you head over to the Brooklyn Children’s Museum (see below) head over to the 6th Annual Prospect Heights Craft Fair (80 Underhill Ave. at St. Marks Ave.) down the street. This year’s festival will feature items made in Brooklyn and abroad (i.e. apparel, jewelry, stationery, etc.) as well as food, activities for the kids and a raffle. Event proceeds will directly benefit the arts program at Prospect Heights’ PS 9.

Vegan Love (Free) – April 12, 12 p.m.

In the interest of all things cruelty-free, head over to Pine Box Rock Shop (12 Grattan St. nr. Bogart Street) for their monthly Vegan Shop-Up, featuring food, jewelry and crafts from the city’s best vegan purveyors. And while you’re there, be sure to try one of the best Bloody Marys Brooklyn has to offer. Admission is first come, first serve.

Rooftop Bash (Free, $7) – April 12, 12-6 p.m.

For a more grown-up afternoon, visit the 7000 sq. ft. rooftop of OfficeOps (57 Thames St. nr. Knickerbocker Ave.) where new pop-up series Meat Mrkt will hold their inaugural party. Attendees are invited to browse a pop-up boutique while enjoying live music, live painting, an art gallery curated by the Wu-Tang Arts Initiative, a Tito’s Handmade Vodka bar and an all-borough craft beer tasting. All of it’s free except for the beer tasting, which will set you back $7. Tickets can be purchased online now.

One For The Kiddies, Pt. 2 ($9, free for members/children under 1) – April 12, 1 p.m.

If you’re got a budding musician on your hands, head over to the Brooklyn Children’s Museum (145 Brooklyn Ave. at St. Marks Ave.) where musician and instrument builder Terry Dame will perform on her compendium of handcrafted musical contraptions in a show that’s equal parts magic, music and science. Tickets are $9 and free for members and children under 1.

Wedding Party ($10) – April 13, 12-5 p.m.

Wedding season is nearly upon us, which means it’s time to start boning up on wedding trends whether you’re planning your own special day or taking part in someone else’s. This Sunday, Toasted Brooklyn will host a wedding expo with an offbeat, indie slant at Brooklyn Bazaar (165 Banker St. at Norman Ave.). The expo will feature more than 80 vendors, bites/tastings, three full bars, live music, raffles and prizes. Tickets can be purchased online.

Spring Cleaning Shopping (Free) – April 13, 1-7 p.m.

This Sunday, local blog Greenpointers will host one of their seasonally-themed markets at Greenpoint Loft (67 West St. 5th Fl. nr. Noble St. ) and once again, they’ve curated a great lineup. The market will feature clothing, jewelry, food, prints/stationary, beauty items and more. On top of that, there will be a free photo booth, free nail art, free crafts from Brooklyn Craft Company and a $60 DIY herb planting workshop.