Spring has sprung and then went cold and dreary. But alas, the sun has broken through again, just in time for Prospect Park's annual Spring Fling this weekend.
From Friday, May 17 through Sunday, May, 19 the Prospect Park Alliance will celebrate the arrival of spring with a packed program including a staged reading of Molière's The Misanthrope featuring Orange is the New Black actress Samira Wiley with original music by Tony and two-time Obie Award winner STEW.
Other highlights include a 1860s-style ballgame, a '90s-themed roller disco, a Spring Fling Fair and activities like trail running, birdwatching, a park history walking tour and much more! Those hungry for unique eats and tasty treats can get their fill at Smorgasburg.
"From the Brooklyn Atlantics exhibition baseball game, a roller disco at Lakeside, to children's activities at Lefferts Historic House and the family-friendly fair in the Children's Corner, there is something for absolutely everyone in our community to enjoy this weekend in Prospect Park," said Prospect Park Alliance President Sue Donoghue.
Take a look at some of the fun happening this weekend in Brooklyn's backyard.
Lola Star's Dreamland Disco
Kick off Spring Fling Weekend with a Beverly Hills 90210 Lola Star Dreamland Roller Disco Skating Party at the LeFrak Center at Lakeside! Skate your heart out while enjoying dazzling performers, kitschy contests, giveaways and more. Guests must be 21+ (valid photo ID required for entry).
When: Friday, May 17, 7:30pm — 10:30pm
Where: LeFrak Center at Lakeside
How much: $20+ (Guests must be 21+) / Get tickets here.
Early Morning Bird Walk
Join Prospect Park Alliance and the Brooklyn Bird Club to listen and learn about Neotropical migratory bird songs during peak migration. A limited number of binoculars will be available to borrow, although not required to enjoy the walk.
When: Saturday, May 18, 7:15am — 8:15am
Where: Ocean and Parkside Entrance
How much: Free!
Prospect Park Grill Out
Celebrate spring with a grill out of meats and veggies sourced from Greenmarket farmers, hosted by the Prospect Park Alliance and GrowNYC at Brooklyn's flagship greenmarket.
When: Saturday, May 18, 11:00am — 1:00pm, Free
Where: GrowNYC Greenmarket at Grand Army Plaza
How much: Free!
Brooklyn Atlantics 1860s Ballgame
Enjoy a 1860s exhibition ballgame with the Brooklyn Atlantics, as they play against the Monmouth NJ Furnaces in historic uniforms and gear. The games will present "base ball" as it was played in 1864, the year of Brooklyn's first undefeated championship season. Come see the ghosts of history come to life and don't forget to root for the home team, the Atlantics!
When: Saturday, May 18, 11:00am — 2:00pm
Where: Long Meadow Ball Field 1
How much: Free!
Harvesting Color + Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre
Join Prospect Park Alliance for a performance by the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre of Bessie's Big Shot, about a cow dreaming of joining the circus, followed by an exploration of color from the natural world in workshops. Learn how to use natural ingredients such as flowers, berries and food scraps to naturally dye fabrics. Bring one natural fiber item (cotton, linen, canvas, or silk) to dye. Space is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis.
When: Saturday, May May 18 | performance: 1:00pm performance | workshops: 2:00pm — 4:00pm
Where: Lefferts Historic House
How much: $3 suggested donation
Art + Architecture Tour of Prospect Park
For over 150 years, Prospect Park has been a showcase for beautiful public buildings and artwork, with representations from eras including Beaux-Arts, City Beautiful, the New Deal Modernism and contemporary LEED-certified projects. This tour, presented by Turnstile Tours in partnership with Prospect Park Alliance, will examine some of the fine architectural details and current restoration work, from the era of Vaux and Olmsted to the present day.
When: Sunday, May 19, 10:30am — 12:30pm,
How much: $20, advance registration required.
Spring Fling Fair
Welcome spring in Brooklyn's Backyard with music, activities and food! At this year's fair, among many fun activities, families can get moving with Bend + Bloom Yoga, celebrate National Scooter Day with a Micro Kickboard scooter giveaway, enjoy a pop-up soccer clinic with Super Soccer Stars. Plus, stop by the Brooklyn Public Library Bookmobile; learn about renewable energy from Green Mountain Energy; make giant bubbles with Park Slope Parents, enjoy performing and visual arts fun with BAX, nature games at the Alliance's Pop-Up Audubon, stained glass art making and subway history fun with the New York Transit Museum, face painting with Prospect Park YMCA, breakfast tacos with King David Tacos and much more!
When: Sunday, May 19, 12:00pm - 3:00pm
Where: Prospect Park Children's Corner
How much: Free!
Molière in the Park: The Misanthrope
Join Emmy Award-winning actress Samira Wiley (Orange is the New Black) and a talented cast for a staged reading of Molière's masterpiece, The Misanthrope, presented by Molière in the Park in partnership with Prospect Park Alliance. In a time of fake news, fake politicians and the increasing normalization of hypocrisy, Molière's classic comedy is a refreshing, timely, biting satire and love story with humor tailor-made for a contemporary Twitter account. For reserved seating visit moliereinthepark.org, or bring a blanket and grab a patch of grass! Refreshments will be available at Lakeside's Bluestone Cafe.
When: Sunday, May 19, 7:00pm | Monday, May 20, 7:00pm
Where: LeFrak Center at Lakeside
How much: Free! For reserved seating, visit moliereinthepark.org
And all weekend long, Brooklynites can join the Prospect Park Alliance for nature exploration walks; boating, biking and skating LeFrak Center; and the Wild and Wooly Festival at Prospect Park Zoo.
Go here, to view the full schedule. Please note that some events require separate registration and all events are subject to change, so please check the website at prospectpark.org/springfling.
