Oysters and artists: 10 things to do in Brooklyn this weekend

September 19, 2019 Scott Enman

A parade participant dances her way down Empire Boulevard. Eagle photo by Paul Frangipane

1. Read some more

The Brooklyn Book Festival. Photo by Jasmina Tomic

The largest free literary event in New York City and one of the premier book festivals in the nation is taking over the Downtown Brooklyn area this weekend with roughly 100 programs featuring more than 300 authors across 13 locations. The event will feature some of the largest literary stars, including Pulitzer Prize finalist Susan Choi, Joyce Carol Oates and Marlon James.

Multiple times at Brooklyn Borough Hall and Cadman Plaza. Free. More info here.

2. Dance

House of Yes. Photo courtesy of Sasha B. Photo

Famed Bushwick nightclub House of Yes is hosting a block party that will spill from inside the club out onto Jefferson Street between Wyckoff and Irving avenues. Expect HOY’s normal debauchery, plus installations, performances and live art. Dance in the sun to disco, house, soul and “feel good real good vibes.” Not sure what that is, but it sounds nice.

Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. at House of Yes, 2 Wyckoff Ave. Free. More info here.

3. Take one last look at photos

Attendees view artwork at last year’s Photoville. Photo by Jessica Bal

Brooklyn’s free pop-up photography village, Photoville, is closing on Sunday, so be sure to head down to Brooklyn Bridge Park to view an impressive lineup of 85 exhibitions featuring more than 600 artists. There are 25 different talks happening Thursday through Sunday.

Multiple times at Brooklyn Bridge Plaza. Free. More info here.

4. Caffeinate and discuss

At “Beyond Geographies: Contemporary Art and Muslim Experience” artists Morehshin Allahyari, Laylah Amatullah Barrayn, Mona Saeed Kamal, and Umber Majeed will discuss their work this weekend at BRIC. There will be caffeine provided.

Saturday at noon at BRIC House, 647 Fulton St. Free. More info here.

5. Discover new artists

The roof of Danbro Studios in East Williamsburg. Photo by Lore Croghan

With more than 600 art galleries in New York City, it can be difficult choosing which ones to visit; luckily New York Gallery Tours picks them out for you. This weekend you can tour seven Bushwick studios, talk with the artists and buy artwork.

Saturday and Sunday at 3:30 p.m. 77 Morgan Ave. $29. More info here.

6. Combine pop culture and food

If you like “Downton Abbey,” then you’ll definitely want to head down to the Museum of Food and Drink to learn about food in early 20th Century Britain, and to celebrate the release of “The Official Downton Abbey Cookbook,” “The Official Downton Abbey Cocktail Book,” and the new “Downton Abbey” movie.

Thursday at 7 p.m. at Museum of Food and Drink, 62 Bayard St. $35. More info here.

7. Eat oysters

Attendees eat oysters at TASTE Williamsburg Greenpoint. Photo by Farrah Chamseddine

Beer, live music and at least 12 different varieties of oysters. Need we say more?

Sunday at 4 p.m. at the Well, 272 Meserole St. $69. More info here.

8. Learn about Brooklyn

The 12th floor terrace of 25 Columbia Heights offers panoramic views of the Brooklyn Bridge and lower Manhattan. Eagle photo by Paul Frangipane — Views of the Brooklyn Bridge and lower Manhattan. Eagle photo by Paul Frangipane

Hear author Tom Campanella talk about his newest book, “Brooklyn: The Once and Future City,” at Greenlight Bookstore. He will speak about the “long-lost threads of the urban past, telling the rich history of the rise, fall and reinvention of one of the world’s most resurgent cities,” according to the event page.

Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at Greenlight Bookstore, 686 Fulton St. Free. More info here.

9. Shop for trinkets

Brooklyn Flea in DUMBO. Photo courtesy of Brooklyn Flea.

You never know what you’ll find at Brooklyn Flea. From rare records and vintage clothing to homemade jewelry, there’s something for everyone at this market, which was founded in 2008.

Saturday and Sunday at multiple locations. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free. More info here.

10. ‘Sea’s the Day!’

The Coney Island waterfront. Photo by Paul Frangipane

Head down to Coney Island on Saturday around 11 a.m. to clean up the beach, and watch as artist Barry Rosenthal creates a mandala out of actual trash. Rosenthal has works on view in the permanent collection at the Museum of Modern Art and he was featured in National Geographic’s “Planet or Plastic” issue.

Saturday at 11 a.m. on Coney Island Beach. Free.

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