There's a lot to get excited about this May in Brooklyn: The Botanic Garden's cherry blossoms are at their peak, historic homes throughout the borough are once again opening their doors to the public for must-see house tours, and the Red Hook Ballfield vendors are back in action. Spring has officially sprung!
Know of a can't-miss event that's not listed here? Email me.
- Saturday, May 2
Brooklyn Cherry Blossom Festival
Celebrate Japanese culture and the Brooklyn 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
First Saturday at the Brooklyn Museum
Head to the Brooklyn Museum for a free night of culture, dance, music, and movies. This month's theme is "MayFest."
5pm to 11pm at the Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway
(718) 638-5000
- Sunday, May 3
Five Borough Bike Ride
May is National Bike Month, and nothing says spring like the annual Five Borough Bike Ride. Bike your way through the 42-mile route, and you'll catch a glimpse of every single one of New York City's boroughs (with plenty of quality time spent in Brooklyn, of course!).
Ride starts at 7:45am in Battery Park
(212) 932-2453
Clinton Hill House Tours
Get to know Clinton Hill by exploring some of the neighborhood's most historic homes. The event is hosted by the Society for Clinton Hill; tickets are $20.
12pm to 5pm; pick up maps at the St. Luke's Lutheran Church, 259 Washington Avenue
Mexican BBQ at Flatbush Farm
Kick off your Cinco de Mayo festivities with carne asada skewers, posole (hominy stew), chicken tacos, tamales, and more at Flatbush Farm.
4pm to 7pm at Flatbush Farm, 79 St. Mark's Avenue
(718) 622-3276
Opening Weekend: Red Hook Ballfields
Rumor has it that the Red Hook Ballfields will be opening this weekend. Spend your Sunday feasting on freshly-made quesadillas, grilled corn, and many, many more delicious treats.
Clinton Street and Bay Street (Red Hook)
- Tuesday, May 5
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 6
The Merchant of Venice
Today's your first chance to see one of Shakespeare's most famous productions at BAM. Through May 17; tickets start at $25.
7:30pm at BAM, 30 Lafayette Avenue
(718) 636-4100
- Thursday, May 7
Brooklyn Blogfest
Calling all bloggers! The 4th annual Brooklyn Blogest will feature a panel discussion with the people behind popular Brooklyn blogs as well as special small-group sessions where attendees can brainstorm, network, and get inspired.
7pm at the powerHouse Arena in DUMBO, 37 Main Street
(718) 288-4290
Ha Jin at BAM
Eat, drink, and be literary at this talk with renowned author Ha Jin. $50 includes dinner, wine, and tip.
6:30pm at BAM, 30 Lafayette Avenue
(718) 636-4100
- Friday, May 8
BKLYN DESIGNS 2009
Check out the latest in home furnishings, lighting, and more at this annual event, where all featured products are made and/or designed in Brooklyn. Tickets are $15. Through Sunday.
10am to 8pm on Friday; 10am to 7pm on Saturday; 11am to 6pm on Sunday
St. Ann's Warehouse, 38 Water Street
(718) 243-1414
- Saturday, May 9
Brooklyn Heights House Tours
Don't miss this glimpse inside the historic brownstones lining the streets of Brooklyn Heights. The self-guided tour, sponsored by the Brooklyn Heights Association, is $30.
1pm to 5pm; call for tour details
(718) 858-9193
Spring Handmade Calvacade
Hit this two-day shopping event for cool goods from local designers and artisans. Also on Sunday.
10am to 4pm at The Bell House, 149 7th Street
Moonlight Ride through Prospect Park
Go on a guided tour of the park and see its wonders in the dark. Free. Bring your own wheels (bike or roller blades) to Grand Army Plaza. Ride begins at 9pm.
(212) 802-8222
- Sunday, May 10
Happy Mother's Day!
Find great Brooklyn-based gifts here, or treat your mom to brunch.
- Monday, May 11
"Nana's Table" Dinner at Lunetta
If you're craving a family-style Italian dinner, then make your reservation now for this special dinner, one in a series from Stinky Bklyn, One Girl Cookies, and Lunetta. The five-course meal is $50 ($70 with wine pairings) and is guaranteed to be just as satisfying as a plate of Grandma's greatest hits.
6pm at Lunetta, 116 Smith Street
RSVP to (718) 488-6269
Third Annual Brooklyn Kitchen Cupcake Cook-Off
Attention baking fiends: Think your cupcakes are the best in the borough? Enter Brooklyn's Kitchen's Cupcake Cook-Off to see if your goods truly do take the cake. Or, if you're just interested in sampling the entries, stop by for a bite. I went last year and had a delicious time!
7pm at Union Pool, 484 Union Avenue
(718) 389-2982
- Wednesday, May 13
Brooklyn Uncorked 2009
This 4-hour food and drink feast will include goods from favorite neighborhood restaurants. Expect to sample local craft beers, cheese from Stinky Bklyn, and a complete selection of fine Long Island wines. Tickets are $48.
4pm to 8pm at BAMCafé, 30 Lafayette Avenue
(718) 636-4100
NY International Photo Festival
The New York Photo Festival made its debut in Brooklyn last year. The annual event celebrates contemporary photography and includes curated exhibitions, seminars, slide shows, book signings, photographic workshop, live performances and events, and a gallery row. Through Sunday.
The five-day long festival takes places in DUMBO, with its headquarters at 37 Main Street.
- Thursday, May 14
Annual Brooklyn Children's Museum Gala
Help raise money for Brooklyn's newly reopened Children's Museum at this annual event. Tickets start at $400.
6pm at the Brooklyn Children's Museum, 145 Brooklyn Avenue
(718) 581-1400
- Friday, May 15
STREB at S.L.A.M.: Catapult
Kids and adults alike will love this high-flying, gravity-defying dance troupe. $20 for kids; $10 for adults.
7pm at S.L.A.M., 51 North 1st Street
(212) 352-3101
