Salsa and cider: 10 things to do in Brooklyn this weekend
It’s very chilly out there, Brooklyn, which is why all of the events this weekend either take place indoors, or feature a means of warming yourself up — think physical exertion or alcohol.
We’ve got two dance parties, a long wintry stroll, a cider festival and bumper cars on ice. Be sure to bundle up.
1. Take cover from the cold
Warm up at the Brooklyn Museum on Thursday for a salsa party (the dance, not the dip). The event, hosted by Balmir Latin Dance Studio, will feature a salsa class with professional dancers, as well as live music and performances from Brooklyn’s top Latin dance teams.
Thursday from 6-9:30 p.m. at the Brooklyn Museum. Free. More info here.
2. Get weird
Bumper…cars…on…ice. Need we say more?
Fridays from 7:30-10:30 p.m., Saturdays from 2-5 p.m. and Sundays from 1-5 p.m. at Aviator Sports & Events Center. $13. More info here.
3. Eat breakfast
First, we picked out top diners for breakfast foods. Then, our readers came back with their own suggestions. Now, you can be the judge as to which diner is the best in Brooklyn. Brownie points if you make it to them all.
Various times and locations. Prices vary. More info here and here.
4. Drink cider
It’s the final weekend of Cider Week New York City, and you’ll want to drink as much as you can prepare your body for the cold. There are more than 20 events, featuring cider from Thursday through Sunday, including a Cider BBQ, cider tastings and a cider festival (see below).
Friday through Sunday at various times and locations. Prices vary. More info here.
5. Dance till you drop
English DJ and Fabric resident Craig Richards is returning to the U.S. for a set at Gowanus’ newest club, Public Records. Expect him to have you dancing all night long. Be sure to act fast as tickets are selling fast.
Friday at 10 p.m. at Public Records. From $20. More info here.
6. Go for a winter stroll
It’s cold out there, but Eye on Brooklyn’s latest tour will heat you up in no time. She takes you down Hamilton Avenue and Columbia Street into Red Hook where you’ll see urban farms, green parks and the “gritty beauty” of the bottom of the BQE.
Any day. Free. More info here.
7. See it for yourself
Wegmans is now open, and New Yorkers are going crazy about it. Head down to the massive supermarket in the Brooklyn Navy Yard to see what all the fuss is about. Some highlights include its own bar, a make-your-own-six-pack station and a personal lobster steamer.
Any day from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. at Wegmans. Prices vary. More info here.
8. Look at art
More than 100 Brooklyn artists will give visitors a look inside their work spaces this weekend at the Crown Heights Open Studios. Expect to see the pieces from both established and burgeoning painters, photographers, designers, architects and filmmakers.
Saturday at various locations from noon to 6 p.m. Free. More info here.
9. Eat in a winter wonderland
Want to eat outside, but not freeze? The Hoxton in Williamsburg has you covered — literally. The hotel is renting out cozy glass cabins in their courtyard, where you and friends can enjoy a family-style feast, complete with homemade pie and winter cocktails. Blankets will also be provided.
Various times and locations. Prices vary. More info here.
10. Drink more cider
To end Cider Week New York City in style, Brooklyn Cider House is hosting a closing party featuring more than 60 ciders. There will be bottled cider to take home, as well as live music and snacks to soak up all that alcohol.
Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Brooklyn Cider House. $12. More info here.
Follow reporter Scott Enman on Twitter.