Museums and Mezcal: 10 things to do in Brooklyn this weekend

January 30, 2020 Scott Enman

Brooklyn Museum kicks off Pride Month at its First Saturdays event on June 1. Shown: A First Saturday dance party in 2017. Photo by Kolin Mendez

A previous First Saturday at the Brooklyn Museum. Photo: Kolin Mendez

1. Learn about your city

Brooklyn Bridge Park. Photo: Lore Croghan/Brooklyn Eagle

Calling all urban explorers and urban planners. Head down to the Brooklyn Historical Society tonight to learn little-known facts and secrets about Hart Island, the Fort Totten Water Battery and the New York State Pavilion. The event, dubbed “Rediscovering New York: Revealing Forgotten Landscapes,” features Aaron Asis, creator of Unforgotten Films and director of Steve Duncan’s “Underworld.”

Plus, Moses Gates of the Regional Planning Association and artist Freya Powell, along with representatives from Untapped New York will be on a panel.

Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Brooklyn Historical Society. $15.

2. Sit fireside with Common

The Brooklyn Museum. Photo: Richard Barnes

The Brooklyn Museum hosts free art and entertainment on the first Saturday of every month. This month’s theme is “Futura Noir.”There will be a sound bath, some beautiful music from singer and rapper Topaz Jones, a fireside chat with rapper Common, films, poetry readings and so much more.

Saturday from 5-9 p.m. at the Brooklyn Museum. Free.

3. Think deeply

A lecturer addresses the crowd. Photo: Gregg Richards

On Saturday, thousands of Brooklynites will rendezvous to drink wine, eat croissants and discuss deep subjects at the Brooklyn Public Library’s “Night of Philosophy and Ideas,” a 12-hour affair featuring more than 60 lecturers.

The European gathering will run from 7 p.m. on Saturday until 7 a.m. on Sunday at the Central Library and will feature philosophical debates, music, dance performances, movie screenings and readings.

Saturday from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. at the Brooklyn Public Library’s Central Branch. Free.

4. Stroll through beauty

A public recreation area outside The Greenpoint has an excellent view of the Manhattan skyline. Photo: Lore Croghan/Brooklyn Eagle

Eye on Real Estate’s latest walking tour brings you to landmarked Greenpoint, where you’ll find 19th century row houses, churches, iconic waterfront views and delicious Polish restaurants. Not to mention Peter Pan Donuts.

Any day and time in Greenpoint. Free.

5. Spend a night by the fire

It’s very cold out there. So for those of you who do not have the luxury of a fireplace in your one-bedroom apartment, don’t fret — Brooklyn boasts many bars with fireplaces inside.

From Carroll Gardens to Williamsburg, these eight cozy haunts offer warm hearths to take refuge from the cold. Come for dinner, drinks or just to sit around the fire.

Any day and time at various places. Free

6. Record your next album

A look inside the recording studio at Brooklyn Public Library’s Central branch. Photo: Gregg Richards

Before heading to the Central Branch’s “Night of Philosophy and Ideas,” swing by Brooklyn Public Library’s central branch to check out a book, do some studying — or record your next album.

Deep within the Central Branch’s Info Commons is an amateur recording studio, which opened in 2013. It was the only one open to the general public in the New York City library system until February of last year when the Tremont Library in the Bronx opened a mini studio.

Various hours at Brooklyn Public Library’s Central Branch. Free. Reservation required.

7. Root for the home team

The fans at Downtown’s Barclays Center honored Kobe Bryant throughout Wednesday night’s game between the Nets and Detroit Pistons. Photo: Kathy Willens/AP.

Following an emotional win on Wednesday following the death of Kobe Bryant, the Nets will play host to the Chicago Bulls at Barclays Center. Head down to watch Thaddeus Young, former Nets player, make a return to the building he used to call home.

Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Barclays Center. Prices vary.

8. Drink in a speakeasy

Wealthier neighborhoods tend to have higher rates of binge drinking. Image via Pexels — Shots. Photo: Pexels

Outside of 149 Havemeyer St. appears as though you’re entering a Laundromat. Inside it looks like a Mexican deli. In the back through a freezer door, however, you’ll find speakeasy La Milagrosa. If you can get in, you’ll be treated to delicious varieties of Mezcal, ceviche and an amazing lineup of curated DJs.

Open daily from 7 p.m. at 149 Havemeyer St. Free.

9. Drink in a museum

House of Wax. Photo: Mary Frost/Brooklyn Eagle

Visit Downtown Brooklyn’s House of Wax, a macabre bar and museum filled wax figurines. You’ll want to order the truffle Parmesan popcorn or fried pickles with buttermilk ranch dressing to soak up those drinks. It’s also connected to Alamo Drafthouse, so keep the party going by seeing a movie after.

Any day from 4 p.m. to late at House of Wax. Free.

10. Taste Brooklyn’s best

Industry City. Photo by Paul Frangipane — Industry City. Photo: Paul Frangipane/Brooklyn Eagle

Head down to Industry City to eat and drink the borough’s best food and beer at the Best of Brooklyn Festival. Eat empanadas, wontons or delicious barbecue. Plus, you can drink one or four beers from Brooklyn Brewery, Coney Island Brewery or Sixpoint Brewery, among others.

Saturday at Industry City from noon to 9 p.m. From $39.

Follow reporter Scott Enman on Twitter.