5 Things To Do This Weekend

To quote the wise, self-satisfied, and ever-hopeful words of one Shania Twain: "Looks like we made it." The weekend has finally arrived and it promises to include gorgeous weather.

Lucky for you, there are plenty of reasons to get out of the house. Here are five fun events in Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill, Boerum Hill and the surrounding area to keep you, your friends, and your family entertained:

If you haven't already heard about the inaugural food and music festival taking over The Nethermead in Prospect Park, May 19-20, let Carroll Gardens Patch be the first to welcome you back since waking from your coma. The Roots and Hall & Oates are heading the musical lineup. Meanwhile, an all-star roster of restaurants and chefs will serve up delicious fare from carnival-esque food stalls. While it's too late to get general admission tickets, Extra Mooga packages ($250 for both days) are still available for purchase. 

Friends of Carroll Gardens Library's annual fundraiser is a huge book sale and community celebration taking place on Love Your Library Day, Saturday, May 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. In addition to the book sale, the group has coordinated various entertainment including readings by children's authors and local residents; art activities with Curious Jane; a bake sale and more. All proceeds raise money for the library and its resources. 

San Francisco's legendary LitQuake is bringing its signature brand of booze-meets-Byron revelry to Carroll Gardens and Cobble Hill for the first Brooklyn Lit Crawl on Saturday, May 19. More than 30 authors will be represented at 14 separate events, such as literary-themed trivia, Taboo, and even a cabaret. A list of participating venues is featured .

Brooklyn Studio Tours
The bordering Brooklyn neighborhoods of Carroll Gardens and Red Hook are home to myriad artists. This weekend many will open up their home environments as part of the 4th Annual Art Studio & Community Tour running Saturday and Sunday, from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Observe firsthand some incredible pieces, while chatting with the artists and snacking on wine, cheese and other treats that may be served. Maps of participating studios are attached in the gallery.

Soundscapes
The Brooklyn Youth Chorus reprise their Crossing Brooklyn Ferry program  in their first solo evening at as part of their annual spring concert. Soundscapes features original music written for BYC by indie-classical composers such as To The Sea by Bryce Dessner (The National); Before the Words by Shara Worden (My Brightest Diamond); and a new arrangement of As Long As We Live by Missy Mazzoli, with text by Walt Whitman. All three composer-artists will perform in their own pieces, with Dessner playing guitar, Mazzoli playing keyboard, and Worden singing as part of the chorus. Plus, a few additions. 7:30p.m. $15.00 - $35.00.