Arts & Entertainment

25 Things To Look Forward To This Summer

The best Brooklyn events and festivals to mark down on your calendar.

Article by Joanna Prisco

While the beginning of summer won't formally begin for another month, Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial kickoff when all are given permission to begin luxuriating in outdoor film festivals, dining al fresco and floppy straw hats. 

Here we've rounded up some of the best food, drink, movies, music and other events happening in South Brooklyn and beyond. So slap on some sunscreen and dive in to our list of... 25 Things To Look Forward To This Summer

1. Walking Tours on the Edge (Of Brooklyn and Queens, anyway.) 

Want to learn more about the city you live in this summer? Join Obscura Society NYC's Mitch Waxman this Saturday, May 25 for a winding tour through industrial neighborhoods bordering Newtown Creek that ends with lunch at the storied Goodfellas (aka Clinton) Diner in Maspeth. This is a hike for curious warriors! Complete details, click here

2. Citi Bike Share a go-go
 

Starting Monday, May 27, it's finally here and, darn it, we're excited about those little blue babies!

3. Smorgasburg at The Tobacco Warehouse, Sundays 11 am- 6 pm

All of the vendors you loved (or ogled from afar) from this Williamsburg-born food market have relocated to DUMBO for a weekly outdoor gorgefest. 

4. Red Hook Flicks 2013

Despite Hurricane Sandy giving the waterfront a severe beating last fall, this annual outdoor film festival is ready to return and will be announcing its lineup at their fundraiser on June 2. Plus, food from sponsors like Red Hook Lobster Pound and Steve's Authentic Key Lime Pies and a chance to vote on the neighborhood film choice. Bait & Tackle, 320 Van Brunt St. 5 p.m. Get ready.

5. The Celebrate Brooklyn! Concert Series 

The gala kickoff event takes place on June 5 at the Prospect Park Bandshell with Patty Griffin headlining. After that, acts throughout the summer will range from jazz legends like Wynton Marsalis to Latin outfits such as Calexico to indie rockers Belle & Sebastian to the inimitable Robert Plant! 

6. Jazz Age Lawn Parties on Governors Island 

Beginning Memorial Day Weekend, Governors Island will be open Saturdays, Sundays and holiday Mondays. Accessible via ferry service (some piers are free), the seasonal green space offers an array of incredible outdoor programming. But one of our favorites is the one that features Champagne cocktails, old-fashioned photo booths, tug-o-war, a Charleston dance contest and other fantastic 1920s-themed festivities. June 15-16, August 17-18, 11am-5pm. Tickets are $30, available here.

7. The First-Annual Gowanus Challenge, June 15 

Call them crazy, but the Gowanus Dredgers and Red Hook Boaters are hosting the canal's inaugural regatta next month. Rowing clubs from all over Brooklyn have already accepted the challenge and the money each team raises will be designated toward canal education efforts. History in the making? 

8. The Mermaid Parade in Coney Island, June 22

This annual festival of blue-painted ladies and fine finned friends is in danger of being canceled this year due to damage wrought by Hurricane Sandy on businesses whose revenue traditionally fund the event. But there's still hope! A Kickstarter campaign to save the parade is at 80% of its goal. Contribute here then start planning your outfit. 

9. Smith Street Funday Sunday, June 23 The yearly eight-block street fair will take place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Smith Street, featuring Stinky Bklyn's fifth annual “Cheese Eating Contest.” Expect local music groups, Brooklyn artisans and a boatload of lovely eats. 

10. Brooklyn Public Library Lunchapoalooza, Wednesdays though June 26

Mid-afternoon kids events through the end of June, featuring family-friendly musicians, storytelling events and food trucks. Can you say, win-win-win? For the complete schedule, click right over here.

11. Shakespeare in the Park—Carroll Park, June 25 - July 14 

The Smith Street Stage group will bring the bard to Carroll Park again this year, this time with a live performance of his masterpiece Julius Caesar. The show takes place daily from June 25 through July 14, at 7:00 p.m. There are no Wednesday performances and you must bring your own seating—but it's free!

12. Taking A Dip in the DD Pool at Douglass Greene Park, June 27 

The Double D, Kosciusko, Brooklyn Bridge Park Pop-Up, Fisher, Liberty and all other NYC pools will officially open as of June 27 and close again after Labor Day. Splash 'em while you can.

13. America, F*** Yeah! Celebration, July 5 

You may not be able to see the Macy's fireworks display from Brooklyn or Queens, but The Bell House has an annual tradition of putting on its own eye-catching entertainment. "Reclaim your love for the country that gave the world baseball, apple pie, rock 'n' roll and the internet," at The Bell House's annual night of stars, stripes and scantily clad burlesque dancers. Plus, cocktail specials galore.

14. New York City Beaches Are Back in Action! Who needs the Hamptons?

15. Bastille Day 2013, July 14 


The ninth annual Bastille Day celebration on Smith Street features an 80-team petanque tournament outside of Bar Tabac, featuring pastis drinks, food, live music and many berets. Admit it, this festival is arguably one of the reasons you bought a home in the neighborhood.

16. Caracas Arepas and Rippers in the Rockaways

The Queens surf town was also dealt a heavy blow by Sandy last year. But bit by bit businesses are reopening, according to theEast Village Local, and need your tourism support. Eater confirms that concessions will be officially open Memorial Day Weekend and continuing to rebuild and rebound all summer.

17. Yoga in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, June 13, July 16, August 11

There's no place like om when you can perfect your pose amid the beautiful flora inside the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Three mid-morning sessions will be available to yogis of all levels for free this summer. 

18. Free outdoor music for kids

Listening to Music at Carroll Park or Fort Greene Park is a blesing to parents once school is out of session. The little ones get some entertainment while adults have a moment to breathe. From the Carroll Park Summer Music Series featuring kindie rock groups such as, Karen K & The Jitterbugs, Astrograss, The Deedle Deedle Dees and more, to the Fort Greene Park Music in the Grove Series, there are so many opportunities to rock out with your block out—some which will directly support local schools. Attending once is an absolute must.

19. Whiskey Soda Lounge

Due to open sometime in the coming weeks, according to Eater, this offshoot of chef Andy Ricker's popular Columbia Waterfront District restaurant Pok Pok will feature Southeast Asian cocktails and lots of tasty bar bites.

20. Lunchtime R&B Jams at MetroTech

You can thank the good people at BAM for this free summertime outdoor staple. The current season will run from June 6 through August 8 at MetroTech Commons, on the corner of Flatbush and Myrtle Avenues in Downtown Brooklyn. A weekly series, 2013 artists range from Sheila E to Bobby Rush and more!

21. Gowanus Grove Dance Parties, Sundays 

On a tree-shaded sliver called Gowanus Grove just off the Canal, a few ambitious dance party enthusiasts types have hosted a weekly dance party on Sunday nights for the last few seasons aptly titled: Mister Sunday with Justin Carter and Eamon Harkin, tacos and giant huaraches from Country Boys; Brooklyn-brewed beer, Mexican Cokes, Limonata, and homemade sangria. Get down if you dare! 400 Carroll Street between Bond and Nevins, Brooklyn; 3:00 pm - 9:00 pm; $10 before 5:00 pm with RSVP to mister@mistersaturdaynight.com, $12 otherwise.

22. Escaping into Air Conditioning For Hours at the Movies

From bro fests like This Is The End to blockbusters such asSuperman reboot or the last installment of Richard Linklater's romantic trilogy Before Sunset, your local theater will provide hours of frosty-aired entertainment. Keep on top of the latest reviews by following resident Patch film critic Nathan Duke.

23. Weekend Walks

Explore the streets of Bed-Stuy (and other neighborhoods around the city) during the DOT's 2013 Weekend Walks series. Various blocks will be closed to traffic  and filled with activities, music, arts and crafts, and other forms of entertainment for all to enjoy. The TAMA Summer Fest Weekend Walks III on July 27 and August 3 are two particularly souped up versions.

24. Grilling, Barbecues and Anything That Requires Charcoal 
There's something about the smell of flame-kissed food, am I right? Looking to schlep your meal to an outdoor park? Visit ourGrilling Guide. And if you are lucky enough to have a private deck or backyard, by all means feel free to invite your local Patch editor over. 

25. Bargemusic

Since 1977, this floating barge at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge has been bringing classical arrangements to the masses. From now through Labor Day Weekend, there will be myriad Friday and Saturday concerts available and it's something every New Yorker should experience once. Tickets begin at $15.


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