Brooklyn Boro

Movies and meditating: 10 things to do in Brooklyn this weekend

August 1, 2019 Scott Enman
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It’s officially August, which means summer is slowly dwindling away. It’ll be cold before you know it, so be sure to take advantage of these 10 amazing events happening in Brooklyn. From watching “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” in Green-Wood Cemetery to dancing the day away on an industrial rooftop, there’s something for everyone.

1. Watch “Crooklyn” in the park

Movies With A View. Photo by Julienne Schaer

Movies With A View is a summer staple. Head down to Pier 2 in Brooklyn Bridge Park to watch “Crooklyn,” a coming-of-age story based in Bedford-Stuyvesant from famed director and Brooklynite Spike Lee.

Thursday from 6 to 11 p.m. at Brooklyn Bridge Park. Free. More info here.

2. Learn more about the #MeToo movement

Linda Hirshman. Photo by Nina Subin

Linda Hirshman, author of “Reckoning” and historian of social movements, will take part in a conversation with journalist Irin Carmon about what led up to the #MeToo movement.

Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Books Are Magic. Free. More info here.

3. Laugh at the world

Photo via The Bell House
The Bell House. Photo via The Bell House

Sometimes the only thing to do is to chuckle. Comedian Michael Ian Black, who has appeared on TVLand’s “The Jim Gaffigan Show” and Comedy Centrals “Another Period,” will be taking over the stage at The Bell House.

Friday at 8 p.m. at The Bell House. $20. More info here.

4. Zen out

Meditation. Photo via Pexels

The late Brooklyn-born musician Lou Reed was a devoted pupil of tai chi, studying it for 30 years. Start your morning off right and celebrate the inaugural International Lou Reed Tai Chi Day in the Grand Lobby of Central Lobby by meditating and then taking part in classes and demonstrations on the martial art form.

Saturday at 8:30 a.m. at Central Library. Free More info here.

5. Sip some literary lemonade

Uli Beutter Cohen speaks with a commuter. Photo courtesy of Subway Book Review

Uli Beutter Cohen’s popular “Subway Book Review,” where she interviews reading straphangers, is hosting a pop-up event in Williamsburg. Attendees will be given lemon ices and the “hottest summer reads” — both free while supplies last.

Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Williamsburg. Free. More info here.

6. Dance the day away

Brasil Summerfest, one massive festival with concerts, parties, food, film, art and talks, is coming to an end this weekend. Head to Elsewhere’s rooftop for a day-time closing bash hosted by Batekoo, an afro-centric LGBT party. Brazilian DJs will have you moving and grooving all afternoon.

Saturday from 2 to 10 p.m. From $15. More info here.

7. Find some peace

Hindu Lamp Ceremony. Photo by Aeilushi Mistry

The Hindu Lamp Ceremony, presented in partnership with the Brooklyn Arts Council, is returning to Brooklyn Bridge Park. Create your own palm leaf lamp and release it into the East River as part of the Aarti ceremony, which is said to bring peace and harmony.

Saturday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Brooklyn Bridge Park. Free. More info here.

8. Celebrate Afro-Caribbean heritage

You can get a day pass to get into the Brooklyn Museum for free with a library card, thanks to the new Culture Pass program. Eagle file photo by Paula Katinas
The Brooklyn Museum. Eagle file photo by Paula Katinas

The Brooklyn Museum hosts free art and entertainment on the first Saturday of every month. This weekend’s event, titled “Big Up Yuhself” celebrates afro-Caribbean arts and culture. Attendees can make their own carnival mask; watch Afro-Cuban band Los Habneros perform; and learn Afro-Caribbean choreography from Haitian dance instructor Charnice Charmant.

Saturday from 5 to 11 p.m. at the Brooklyn Museum. Free. More info here.

9. Have a ‘Marvelous’ time

Green-Wood Cemetery. Eagle file photo

Travel back in time to the 1950s at Green-Wood Cemetery for a special outdoor screening of “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” Season 2. The famous graveyard will be airing “We’re Going to the Catskills!,” but before the episode starts, there will be live music from Fleur Seule and games from 1959. Later, dance under the stars for an after party with a DJ.

Saturday from 7:30 to 11 p.m. at Green-Wood Cemetery. Free. More info here.

10. ¡Salsa!

Salsa dancing. Photo courtesy of Industry City

Willie Villegas y Entre Amigos, a Brooklyn-born salsa band will be hosting an end of summer bash in Industry City’s courtyards. Eat barbecue and dance your Sunday away. There will be salsa lessons, so there’s no excuse not to dance.

Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. at Industry City. Free. More info here.

Follow reporter Scott Enman on Twitter.

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