Brooklyn Boro

Markets and museums: 10 things to do in Brooklyn this weekend

December 5, 2019 Scott Enman
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The holiday season is in full swing, which means you likely have a lot of gifts to buy for relatives, friends and coworkers. Luckily, there are several holiday markets happening this weekend where you can purchase the perfect present. Plus, there are Christmas tree lightings and family-friendly events all across the borough.

1. Read up on the patriarchy

Gloria Steinem will speak about her work on Oct. 27. Photo by Andy Kropa/Invision/AP
Gloria Steinem. Photo: Andy Kropa/Invision/AP

Here’s an idea for the perfect present. Buy a signed version of Gloria Steinem’s new book, “The Truth Will Set You Free, But First It Will Piss You Off!” The work covers everything from relationships to patriarchy to activism. She’ll be at Books Are Magic in Cobble Hill on Thursday night.

Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Books Are Magic. Free. More info here.

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2. Stay warm

City Point BKLYN is hosting a bachata and salsa party this weekend. Photo: Pexels

Take shelter from the cold with a Bachata party, taking place at Understudy, an underground speakeasy bar at City Point BKLYN. There’s no cover. Expect tribal and tropical beats all night long. (If you can’t make it out on Thursday, City Point is also hosting a salsa party on Friday.)

Thursday at 8 p.m. at Understudy. Free. More info here.

3. Have a sensory overload

Image: 29Rooms

Refinery29 is hosting a pop-up museum aptly named 29Rooms. It features 29 different artistic experiences under one roof. Expect installations, performances, workshops and everything in between.

Multiple days and times at 25 Kent Ave. From $25. More info here.

4. Support local vendors

Greenpointers Holiday Market. Photo: Greenpointers

Head down to the annual Greenpointers Holiday Market where you can buy gifts to put under the tree from 60 local vendors. There will be delicious food like pierogis and s’mores, as well as libations from Greenpoint Beer and Ale. One hundred guests will also receive a signed copy of artist Alex Russell’s The Great Map of Greenpoint poster.

Sunday from 1-7 p.m. at Greenpoint Loft. Free. More info here.

5. Buy more gifts

The Brooklyn Navy Yard. Photo: Lore Croghan/Brooklyn Eagle

The Brooklyn Navy Yard will also be hosting its own holiday market featuring Brooklyn-made treats. There will be more than 40 vendors selling art, food and wine, home goods and fashion accessories. Plus, you can decorate cookies or engrave ornaments for your tree.

Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Free. More info here.

6. See the best of Brooklyn

The Brooklyn Museum. Photo: Richard Barnes

The Brooklyn Museum hosts free art and entertainment on the first Saturday of every month. This weekend’s event is called “Best of the Borough.” There will be an eclectic mix of the best artists in Brooklyn, including Los Hacheros, who will be performing their signature Latin sound. Plus, there will be a night market selling handmade goods, a drag collective from Prospect Heights and a reading from Poet Laureate of Brooklyn Tina Chang.

Saturday from 5-10 p.m. at the Brooklyn Museum. Free. More info here.

7. Explore a new area

The Wegmans name looms large on the new store’s Flushing Avenue facade. Eagle photo by Paul Frangipane
Wegmans. Photo: Paul Frangipane/Brooklyn Eagle

On your next trip to Wegmans, be sure to check out the area surrounding the new 74,000-square-foot supermarket. There are many cool things to do, including looking at historic architecture, day drinking and driving in autonomous vehicles.

Any day and time around Wegmans. Free. More info here.

8. See a Christmas tree lighting

A Christmas tree. Image: Pexels

Christmas tree lightings are free to attend, and they normally offer free treats like hot cocoa and musical performances. This weekend, there are lightings on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday all across the borough. Plus, be sure to check out MetroTech’s tree, which is one of the tallest in the borough.

Multiple times and places. Free. More info here.

9. Take a selfie

Welcome to Washington Street, Brooklyn’s premier photo hot spot. Photo: Lore Croghan/Brooklyn Eagle
Welcome to Washington Street, Brooklyn’s premier photo hot spot. Photo: Lore Croghan/Brooklyn Eagle

Head down to Brooklyn’s most-photographed street in DUMBO at the intersection of Washington and Water streets where you’ll find cobblestones, the Manhattan Bridge and the Empire State Building tucked in between the overpass’ supports. Channel your inner tourist by taking a selfie or people watch as brides and grooms take hundreds of photos.

Any day and time in DUMBO. Free. More info here.

10. Go for a ride

Skaters. Photo courtesy of Dreamland Roller Rink
Skaters. Photo: Dreamland Roller Rink

Normally located in Industry City, Lola Star’s Dreamland Roller Disco now has a pop-up rink in City Point BKLYN as well. Throw on your skates and take part in some good old-fashioned fun. We recommend going on Friday for the Spice Girls themed disco, or the David Bowie vs. Freddie Mercury one on Saturday.

Multiple times at City Point. From $18. More info here.

Follow reporter Scott Enman on Twitter.


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