February, though the shortest month, is packed with culture — and sometimes chaos — especially in Brooklyn.
We started the month off strong with a controversial Groundhog Day bar crawl in McCarren Park, where Curtis Sliwa “glazed” the crowd. This weekend we’ve got Black History Month events and Valentine’s Day, and later in the month there’s Lunar New Year. Let’s hope no one brings a rented groundhog to these events!
Whether your vibe for the week is crazy or chill, BKLYN LIVE has a workshop, film screening, museum exhibition or quirky event for you. Help us find what you’re looking for by filling out this survey.
—Mandie-Beth Chau
Do you have an upcoming event in Brooklyn? Email [email protected] to have your event highlighted in BKLYN LIVE.
If you tuned into the Super Bowl halftime show on Sunday, you might’ve caught a nod to Brooklyn in Bad Bunny’s performance. The singer took a shot with Toñita, owner of one of the last Puerto Rican social clubs in New York City, Williamsburg’s Caribbean Social Club.
Last week, ground broke on the new Canarsie Library. The new space will be built on the same site as the original library from the 1960s and aims to open next year. It was designed with community in mind, featuring a maker space, children’s reading room, an outdoor terrace and more.
“Unorthodox Education,” a documentary that examines education in yeshivas, is an official selection of the DUMBO Film Festival. Read about the recent screening and response to the film.
Mayor in the museum: The Brooklyn Museum held its first First Saturdays program of the year, and Mayor Zohran Mamdani made a surprise appearance, adding a special touch to the Black History Month-themed event.
Check out these events:
Take a look at Brooklyn’s role in hip-hop history with “Brooklyn’s Finest: Legends in Focus,” a photo installation honoring hip-hop and the photographers behind iconic moments. The exhibition is on view at Borough Hall throughout February in honor of Black History Month. See more below.
Filmmaker Leon Chase debuted a bittersweet documentary about the former century-old Hank’s Saloon in Boerum Hill at Nitehawk Cinema. If you’re up for a hunt, Chase is sharing the film at secret screenings throughout the city.
The Bay Ridge Holiday House is back for Valentine’s Day, which, according to the home’s owner and decorator, is the hardest holiday to decorate for. What’s next for the house? Find out here.
What better way to spend Valentine’s Day than spreading love? New York Cares launched a list of Valentine’s Day-themed volunteer opportunities, including upcycling flowers, helping host a dance for older adults and delivering meals to older adults.
Support lesbian artists at Brooklyn Community Pride Center’s free Valentine’s Day soiree on Saturday, Feb. 14, from 12 to 5 p.m.
Did you just miss your Valentine? Ray’s Bar in Williamsburg hosts a missed connections night on Saturday, Feb. 14. If you’ve got a crush on your neighbor, want to finally say hi to the person you always see at the dog park, or simply want to meet other seeking singles, stop by and make that connection!
Networking, but better: Skill 4 Skill is a skill-swapping event where creatives can connect and trade skills. Whatever your expertise, there is a project you can help with and new skills to learn. The event takes place at Index in Greenpoint on Thursday, Feb. 26.
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Photo: Brooklyn Borough President’s Office
In commemoration of Black History Month, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso opened “Brooklyn’s Finest: Legends in Focus,” a photo installation honoring the borough’s pivotal role in hip-hop’s history and the photographers behind iconic moments.
The installation features some of the most important work by legendary photographer Jamel Shabazz, whose photography has helped define and uplift Brooklyn’s cultural identity around the world. Anchoring the installation are scenes from “The Greatest Day in Hip-Hop History,” a 1998 photoshoot that brought together one of the largest gatherings of artists into a single image.
Brooklynites will see many familiar faces at the installation, with portraits of some of the borough’s most revered hip-hop artists on view, including Barron Claiborne’s acclaimed portrait of The Notorious B.I.G., “The King of New York.”
Brooklyn Children’s Museum celebrates Black History Month
The Brooklyn Children’s Museum (BCM) presents its Black Future Festival, a week-long celebration envisioning the next century of Black creativity, resilience and innovation, from Sunday, Feb. 15 through Saturday, Feb. 21.
This year’s theme is “Black Resilience: Growing in Tough Terrain,” celebrating how the African diaspora has thrived in the face of adversity. The festival features family-friendly workshops, performances and interactive experiences including dancing, block printing, yoga and more.
Photo: Center for Brooklyn History
When the Brooklyn Historical Society merged with the Brooklyn Public Library to become the Center for Brooklyn History (CBH) five years ago, the organization renewed its commitment to opening its arms to a broader public, fueled by BPL’s deep dedication to public service.
CBH Director of Public Programs Marcia Ely knows how daunting the institution can be. So she works to connect the public with CBH by dismantling the idea that it’s only for academics. “History is what happened yesterday, right?” Ely said. “What I’ve tried to focus on is what is on people’s minds. The criteria for programs is that they have to do with what people who live in Brooklyn and beyond Brooklyn are interested in hearing about now.”
This newsletter is written by Mandie-Beth Chau. Email [email protected] with any questions or comments.