Brooklyn Boro

Collect and converse: 10 things to do in Brooklyn this weekend

February 6, 2020 Scott Enman
BLK MKT Vintage
Share this:

As always, there’s no shortage of fun events happening in Brooklyn, and this weekend, it’s all about culture. There are two new public art pieces to look at in Domino and Brooklyn Bridge parks, a book swap, an evening of reading and conversation at the Brooklyn Academy of Music and two walking tours. Plus you can dine at a new izakaya in Industry City. Enjoy.

1. See art

This massive mural by French artist JR opened Monday in Domino Park and features photographs of more than 1,000 New Yorkers. Photo: Paul Frangipane/Brooklyn Eagle

Head down to picturesque Domino Park to see the latest work from French artist JR. The 53-foot-high photomural was created in conjunction with his exhibit, “JR: Chronicles,” currently on view at the Brooklyn Museum. The piece takes the centerpiece from the exhibit, “The Chronicles of New York City,” and blows it up on a massive scale.

It depicts 1,128 New Yorkers standing on buildings with the Williamsburg Bridge, Freedom Tower and Empire State Building in the background. The artist individually photographed each subject and then collaged their images together into one collective portrait.

Subscribe to our newsletters

Domino Park is open from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. Free.

2. See more art

Antony Gormley’s “New York Clearing” at Pier 3 in Brooklyn Bridge Park will be on view through March 27. Photo: Paul Frangipane/Brooklyn Eagle

British sculptor Antony Gormley unveiled “New York Clearing,” his latest work and first public sculpture in New York City in 10 years at Brooklyn Bridge Park on Tuesday. The artwork, on view through March 27, features a single line made up of 11 miles of square aluminum tubing, which loops, bends and coils endlessly into the sky like a giant slinky.

Brooklyn Bridge Park is open from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. Free.

3. Eat lunch at Japan Village

Wakuwaku is the new eatery at Industry City’s Japan Village. Photo: Industry City

Industry City’s Japan Village recently unveiled a new eatery dubbed Wakuwaku. The 3,200-square-foot izakaya offers “a relaxed vibe with interesting cocktails and shareable bites,” according to its co-owner. The restaurant is only serving lunch at the moment, but it will be open for dinner eventually. Dishes include Pork Katsu Cutlet, salmon teriyaki, grilled saba (mackerel) and unagi (eel).

Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. at Industry City.

4. Shed some books, gain some books

Books. Photo: Pexels

Calling all bookworms! Head down to the Clinton Hill Library on Saturday for a Book Swap, where you can donate books and DVDs you no longer need, while also taking as many books as you want… for free. You do not need to leave a book to take one. The event, hosted by the Friends of Clinton Hill Library, sounds too good to be true — but it is.

Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Clinton Hill Library. Free.

5. Wander through Park Slope

Welcome to the Center Slope. Photo: Lore Croghan/Brooklyn Eagle
Welcome to the Center Slope. Photo: Lore Croghan/Brooklyn Eagle

Eye on Real Estate’s latest tour takes you through an area of Park Slope known as “the Center Slope,” which neighborhood groups are trying to secure landmark status for. The area boasts a large amount of Victorian-era architecture and played a vital role in the Revolutionary War.

Anytime in Park Slope. Free.

6. Wander through Green-Wood

Green-Wood Cemetery. Eagle file photo

We’ve been lucky to have a mild winter, and though Saturday’s forecast is for 37 degrees, don’t let that stop you from taking a beautiful walk through Green-Wood Cemetery. The 90-minute tour will feature tidbits of information about the cemetery and its famous  — and infamous — residents.

Saturday at 1 p.m. at Green-Wood Cemetery. $20.

7. Go thrifting

BLK MKT Vintage
BLK MKT Vintage owners and curators Jannah Handy (left) and Kiyanna Stewart (right) stand in front of their shop. Photo courtesy BLK MKT Vintage

Head down to BLK MKT Vintage, a recently opened antique store in Bed-Stuy, where owners Jannah Handy and Kiyanna Stewart have curated a collection of items ranging from old TVs, to collectable magazine covers to lunch boxes.

Open Thursday through Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

8. Watch hockey

Kieffer Bellows. AP Photo by Frank Franklin II.

With the Islanders splitting their time between Barclays Center and the Nassau Coliseum, it’s important to catch them play when they’re in our fair borough. And with the team taking on the Los Angeles Kings, a team that has been struggling this season, you’ll hopefully see the Isles pick up a win as they make a push for the playoffs.

Thursday at 7 p.m. at Barclays Center. Prices vary.

9. Learn a new skill

The Brooklyn Navy Yard. Photo: Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation

Take a visit to Woodside Press, a traditional letterpress studio that has been in operation at the Brooklyn Navy Yard since 1998. Staff members will explain the letterpress process, and you’ll learn some historical facts about the yard. For example, an influx of women came to work there during World War II, which inevitably led to a few flings and marriages. This event has limited capacity, so be sure to register in advance.

Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. $35.

10. Converse and celebrate

The Brooklyn Academy of Music. Eagle file photo

Authors Donika Kelly, Danez Smith and Malcom Tariq will be in conversation at the Brooklyn Academy of Music on Thursday presenting readings and engaging in conversation. The three writers, all of whom are “writing us into the future and broadening literary horizons,” according to BAM, will present their work and prompt “dialogue about what the future of art holds.” After the talks, there will be music and dancing.

Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at BAM. Free.

Follow reporter Scott Enman on Twitter.


Leave a Comment


Leave a Comment

1 Comment