Shakespeare in the Parking Lot

Next Thursday, August 8th, the parking lot at the corner of 17th Street and 5th Avenue will be transformed into the South Slope's version of Shakespeare's Globe Theater, aka "Shakespeare in the Parking Lot."

Paul and Dee from South (actors and bar owners) will be producing "A Midsummer Night's Dream." The gates (of the parking lot) will open at 7pm and the show will start at 8. Just bring a blanket or chairs and set up. The performance is free!

Thursday Night: Dancing Under the Stars Begins

As you may know, Dancing Under the Stars was changed this year to Thursday Nights in August and early September (as opposed to July and August).

That means that the season kicks off this Thursday Night! Don't miss Rolie Polie Guacamole in Washington Park at 5:30 pm, followed by LA Saxy at 4th Street and Fifth Avenue, starting at 7:00 pm. Above is a little taste of what to expect from this amazing soul and rock band.

Keep an eye on the skies, though. Rain is forecast for Thursday evening!

Photos from Summer Stroll, Part 2

Well, the weather at Friday's South Slope Summer Strolls event was much more cooperative, with sunshine and temperatures in the 70's rather than the high 90's. As a result, Park Slope came out in a big way and celebrated the summer in the street. Check out the photos by Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID Board Member, Erika Clark, here.

Next up: Dancing Under the Stars on Thursday Night at 4th Street and 5th Avenue.

Tonight: South Slope Summer Strolls

Night Two of South Slope Summer Strolls is finally here! Although the day is starting off a little cool and cloudy, the forecast is for sun and 82 degrees.

Here are some things you'll find between 12th and 18th Streets tonight:

-Free Street Chess at 12th Street,
-A free bouncy house and activities at 13th Street,
-Juggling with Jen Slaw,
-Salsa music and dancing at Prospect (545 5th Avenue) with Sonido Costeno,
-A Rock Climbing Wall by Brooklyn Boulders,
-Vintage Cars on the Prospect Expressway Overpass,
-An open fire hydrant (although it might be too cold to enjoy it),
-A full slate of music and fun at Freddy's,
-Free Hot Dogs at South, AND...
-Fire performers near 17th Street at 8:00 pm!

Plus lots of great places to eat, drink and shop along the avenue and free kid activities in the street from locally owned businesses.

If you are in town tonight, come on down and check it out!

Tomorrow Night: South Slope Summer Strolls, Night 2!

Not going anywhere this weekend? Well, then come on out to Fifth Avenue on Friday night!

The Park Slope Fifth Avenue Business Improvement District, as part of the City of New York's "Weekend Walks" program, will be closing Fifth Avenue between 12th and 18th Street on Friday, July 26th. The closure will take place between 4pm and 10pm. The event runs from 5pm - 9pm.

As part of the program, merchants will have the opportunity to provide outdoor seating, food, drinks and merchandise to browse on the sidewalk, right out to the curb. In the streets, there will be music and free activities for the whole family including:
- face painting
- a bouncy house
- a basketball hoop
- vintage cars
- a rock climbing wall
- free games, music and more!

Highlights:

Salsa band Sonido Costeno will get the crowd moving in the street in front of Prospect Bar and Brooklyn Boulder's mobile rock-climbing wall will be on-hand for adventurers

Live music at Freddy's Bar, free hot dogs at South. Fire performers at 8:00 near 17th Street!

Chalk drawing in the streets and frisbees will add to the summer fun. Or just have a seat in the street and enjoy the extra open space.

Photo (above) from the July 19th Summer Strolls event. Additional photos at flickr.com/photos/park_slope_5th_avenue_bid/sets/72157634720542656/ .

We'll see you there!

It's Restaurant Week?

Yes, it's Restaurant Week in New York City (a program of NYCGo.com)! You wouldn't know it by hanging out in Park Slope, though. Like many years past, there are few participants in this citywide program from the neighborhood. Perhaps our restaurant owners prefer to participate in Dine in Brooklyn or A Taste of Fifth Avenue?

Anyway, through August 16th (making it more of a "Restaurant Weeks"), you can get some great deals on meals at the sole participant from the Fifth Avenue BID, Benchmark Restaurant. We've had nothing but great meals at Benchmark, so this is still pretty good news. They'll be offering a special 3-course prix fixe lunch ($25) and dinner ($38) throughout the event. 

Don't miss it!  

Last Day for Scaredy Kat

Today is the last day for Fifth Avenue institution Scaredy Kat.

We'd like to take a moment and say "thanks" to Nora and Damond, for being such a great part of our Fifth Avenue community. Good luck in your new endeavors in North Carolina. You will be missed!

Drop by today, one last time, and get 25% off of everything in the store.