Brooklyn is coming alive this spring! This isn't a comprehensive list of everything that's happening in May, but I've tried to give you at least one great event option per day.
- Thursday, May 1
BAC International Film Festival
This year's BAC Film Festival will showcase more than 80 films ranging from documentaries and experimental pieces to animation and video installations. All movies are free.
Screenings are at theaters across the city through May 9. Click here for venues and scheduling.
- Friday, May 2
Pulcinella at BAM
Stravinsky's "Pulcinella" presented by the Brooklyn Philharmonic.
7:30pm at BAM's Howard Gilman Opera House, 30 Lafayette Avenue
(718) 636-4100
- Saturday, May 3
Brooklyn Cherry Blossom Festival
Celebrate Japanese culture and the Botanic Garden's beautiful (but fleeting) cherry blossoms at this two-day festival.
10am to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday
Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 900 Washington Avenue
[718) 623-7200
- Sunday, May 4
Mexican BBQ at Flatbush Farm
Kick off your Cinco de Mayo festivities with carne asada skewers, posole (hominy stew), chicken tacos, tamales, and more. A live Mariachi band is guaranteed to make the afternoon a festive one.
3pm to 6pm at Flatbush Farm, 79 St. Mark's Avenue
(718) 622-3276
- Monday, May 5
BAMTalk: Paul Simon in Conversation with Philip Glass
Listen to a discussion on the creative process. Tickets are $15.
7pm at BAM, 30 Lafayette Avenue
(718) 636-4100
- Tuesday, May 6
Idle-Free NYC
The Asthma Free School Zone organization is encouraging everyone to turn off their engines today. Do your part by skipping the cabs and hopping on a bus.
- Wednesday, May 7
2008 Plant Sale at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Got a green thumb? You won't want to miss this two-day indoor/outdoor plant sale, which includes gardening seminars and all sorts of green advice from experts.
9am to 7pm on Wednesday; 9am to noon on Thursday
Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 900 Washington Avenue
(718) 623-7200
- Thursday, May 8
Brooklyn Blogfest
Calling all bloggers! The 3rd annual Brooklyn Blogfest will feature talks from the people behind popular Brooklyn blogs like Gowanus Lounge and Only the Blog Knows Brooklyn.
8pm at the Brooklyn Lyceum, 227 Fourth Avenue (at President Street)
(718) 288-4290
- Friday, May 9
BKLYN DESIGNS 2008
Check out the latest in home furnishings, lighting, and more. All products are made and/or designed in Brooklyn. The event lasts from May 9 through May 11, and tickets are $15 ($10 for students).
10am to 8pm on Friday; 10am to 7pm on Saturday; 11am to 6pm on Sunday
(718) 243-1414
- Saturday, May 10
Moonlight Ride through Prospect Park
Go on a free guided tour of the park and see its wonders in the dark. Bring your own bike or rollerblades.
Meet at 9pm at Grand Army Plaza.
(212) 802-8222
- Sunday, May 11
Happy Mother's Day!
Find great Brooklyn-based gifts here, or treat your mom to brunch.
- Monday, May 12
2nd Annual Brooklyn Kitchen Cupcake Cook-Off
Attention baking fiends: Think your cupcakes are the best in the borough? Email taylor@thebrooklynkitchen.com and enter to see if your goods take the cake. If you're just interested in sampling the entries, stop by for a bite.
6pm to 9pm at Union Hall, 484 Union Avenue
(718) 389-2982
- Tuesday, May 13
Free Health Screenings for Women
Health screenings are free for all women today and on Thursday, May 15.
2pm to 6pm at Community Healthcare Network's Carribbean House Health Center, 1167 Nostrand Avenue
(718) 778-0198
- Wednesday, May 14
Brooklyn Uncorked 2008
This 4-hour food and beverage feast will include goods from favorite neighborhood restaurants (think Palo Santo, Flatbush Farm, iCi, Smoke Joint, and Bonita, to name only a few). Expect to sample local craft beers, cheese from Stinky Bklyn, and a complete selection of fine Long Island wines. Tickets are $50.
4pm to 8pm at BAM, 30 Lafayette Avenue
(718) 636-4100
- Thursday, May 15
Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn Benefit Concert at Southpaw
This Atlantic Yards fundraiser will feature several musicians, including Clare & The Reasons, John Wesley Harding, and Richard Julian. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door.
Doors open at 6:30pm; show starts at 8pm. At 7pm, there will be a 45-minute screening of the documentary, "Brooklyn Matters."
Southpaw, 125 Fifth Avenue
(718) 230-0236
- Friday, May 16
Free Family Friday Artists' Festival
For kids of all ages, this event will feature various visual and performing arts. Free.
6pm to 9pm at the Prospect Park YMCA, 357 9th Street
(718) 768-7100 x152
- Saturday, May 17
5th Annual Sustainable Brooklyn Bike Tour
This free ride, led by Colin Weatherby, will include visits to green factories, craftsmen, and more.
10am to 2pm
Meet at 168 7th Street (between 2nd and 3rd Avenues).
(718) 788-8500 x217
- Sunday, May 18
BayFest 2008
Head to Bay Ridge for an all-afternoon party filled with music (Girls on Top, Stout, The Shots), amusement rides, face painting, sailing demonstrations, food, and more.
12pm to 6pm at Emmons Avenue and East 27th Street
(718) 646-9206
- Monday, May 19
A Silver Mt. Zion at the Williamsburg Music Hall
Tickets to see this Montreal chamber rock group are $13 in advance and $15 at the door.
Doors open at 8pm; show starts at 9pm.
Music Hall of Williamsburg, 66 North 6th Street
(718) 486-5400
- Tuesday, May 20
Burger Battle of the Boroughs
Head to this burger cook-off to see which borough grills the best beef. Go and support the two Brooklyn restaurants competing (67 Burger and the Farm on Adderley). Other restaurants taking part include Resto, Brgr, Coals, Harry's at Water Taxi Beach, and Joe's Bestburger. Tickets are $55 in advance and $65 at the door.
6pm to 9pm at the Astoria World Manor, 25-22 Astoria Boulevard (Astoria, Queens)
(718) 777-7918
- Wednesday, May 21
Free Mammograms
Visit this mobile clinic for free clinical breast exams and mammograms.
8am to noon at RAICES, 460 Atlantic Avenue
(718) 875-1190 x290
