Brooklyn is ringing in 2009 with plenty of fantastic things to do. Below I've tried to give you at least one great event for nearly every day of the month.
Know of a can't-miss event that's not listed here? Email me!
- Thursday, January 1
Coney Island Polar Bears First Dip
A tradition since 1903, watch (or join!) the Coney Island Polar Bears as they kick off the new year with a swim in the freezing Atlantic Ocean.
1pm, on the Coney Island boardwalk near Stillwell Ave
- Friday, January 2
The Cherry Orchard at BAM
Stars performing in this classic Chekhov tale include Sinéad Cusack, Richard Easton, Ethan Hawke, and more. Through March; tickets range from $30 to $90.
7:30pm at BAM, 651 Fulton Street
(718) 636-4100
- Saturday, January 3
First Saturday at the Brooklyn Museum
Head to the Brooklyn Museum for a free night of culture, dance, music, movies, and more. This Saturday's event is titled "Dancing with the Arts."
5pm to 11pm at the Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway
- Sunday, January 4
Memorial Bike and Walk
This annual memorial event honors all of the New Yorkers killed in bike and pedestrian accidents in 2008. The ride has four starting points, one of which is located at the top of Sunset Park Hill.
Ride start and finish times vary; check this site for detailed information.
- Monday, January 5
Brooklyn Independent Cinema Series at Barbés
Tonight's screening will include the short film "Shelf Life" and a feature documentary entitled "Woodpecker." Free.
7pm at Barbés, 376 9th Street
- Wednesday, January 7
Spelling Bee
Head to Union Hall to test your spelling (and drinking) skills for prizes and plenty of fun. Hosted by David Witt.
8pm at Union Hall, 702 Union Street
(718) 638-4400
- Thursday, January 8
Kate's Corner Giveaway
If you need an excuse to go ice skating this winter, this might be it: Hit Brooklyn's Wollman Rink today, spend more than $15 at the snack bar (hot cocoa, anyone?), and you'll score a free fleece hat.
8:30am to 6pm at the Wollman Ice Skating Rink, Prospect Park
(718) 287-6215
- Friday, January 9
"Attitudes of Magnitude" by Carri Skozcek
In her second solo show at the Ch'i Gallery, Carri Skozcek presents portraits in the form of paintings and linocuts. Check out this free reception and meet the artist.
6pm to 9pm at Ch'i Contemporary Fine Art, 293 Grand Street
(718) 218-8939
- Saturday, January 10
Mulching Madness
Not sure what to do with your Christmas tree? Head to one of Brooklyn's parks, "treecycle," and watch your tree be made into mulch. Saturday at the Green-Wood Cemetery; Saturday and Sunday at two locations in Prospect Park.
10am to 2pm at the Green-Wood Cemetery (25th Street and 5th Avenue) and Prospect Park (Park Circle entrance or Third Street and Prospect Park West)
- Sunday, January 11
Eating Local in the Big Apple
This class will teach you everything you need to know to become a true locavore. Learn how to eat local, find local ingredients without spending a fortune, and more. $44 includes class and a cooking demo/tasting. Advance registration required.
12pm to 3pm at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 1000 Washington Avenue
(718) 623-7200
- Monday, January 12
Brooklyn Songwriters Exchange
Settle in for a cozy night of song sharing at this open venue for talented songwriters.
8pm at Union Hall, 702 Union Street
(718) 638-4400
- Tuesday, January 13
Philosophy and Fries
How do you define belief? Talk it out while taking in dinner at a diner. This meet-up is sponsored by the Center for Inquiry.
7:30pm to 9pm at Park Plaza Restaurant, 220 Cadman Plaza West
- Thursday, January 15
Louise Erdrich at BAM
Eat, drink, and be literary at this talk with renowned author and poet Louise Erdrich. $50 includes dinner, wine, and tip.
6:30pm at BAM, 30 Lafayette Avenue
(718) 636-4100
- Saturday, January 17
Every Step of the Way
This annual concert will be presented by the Restoration Dance Theatre Company. $20.
7:30pm to 10pm at Kumble Theatre, 1 University Plaza
(718) 636-6995
- Sunday, January 18
Chinese New Year Celebration: Jin Jin's Magical Journey
Kids and adults alike will be charmed by this magical show in which performer Grace Chang builds on her experience with the International Chinese Circus to create illusions, puppetry, acrobatics, and more. Free.
2pm at the Central Library, Dweck Center, Grand Army Plaza
(718) 230-2100
- Monday, January 19
Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday at the Rink
Watch as kids from Brooklyn Ice demonstrate some fancy footwork in honor of MLK. The show is free with admission to the rink.
1:30pm at the Wollman Ice Skating Rink, Prospect Park
(718) 287-6215
- Wednesday, January 21
Nut Milk, Yogurt, and Seed Cheese Making Class
Learn how to make your own yogurt and cheese at this class taught by Chris Rayman (former chef at RebootNYC) and Natalie Ariella. $60.
6:30pm to 8:30pm at the Brooklyn Kitchen, 616 Lorimer Street
(718) 389-2982
- Thursday, January 22
How Video Music Box Elected America's First Black President
Has hip-hop helped America break down its racial borders? Experts discuss this and more. $6 includes a reception sponsored by the Brooklyn Brewery.
6pm to 8:30pm at the Brooklyn Historical Society, 128 Pierrepont Street
(718) 222-4111
- Friday, January 23
Bead Class at the Brooklyn Bead Box
Learn how to make a pair of drop earrings at this workshop for beaders. $40. Advance registration reuired.
5pm at the Brooklyn Bead Box, 244 Smith Street
(866) 504-2702
- Saturday, January 24
Chinese New Year Weekend
The kids will love bringing in the Year of the Ox at the Brooklyn Children's Museum, where there will be special Chinese New Year crafts, cultural programs, and more. Also on Sunday.
10am to 5pm at the Brooklyn Children's Museum, 145 Brooklyn Avenue
(718) 735-4400
- Sunday, January 25
Music Off the Walls: HERstory
Hosted by renowned composer/performance artist Eve Beglarian, the Brooklyn Philharmonic plays fantastic works by female composers. Tickets are $15.
2pm to 5pm at the Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway
(718) 488-913
