I love to peoplewatch on my commute. There are so many different ways of life in this city, and you never know who you’re sitting next to on a train or passing in the park. They could be an artist, dancer, writer … the list goes on. It’s so inspiring to get to know fellow Brooklynites and learn their stories.
This week, get to know DUMBO-based American Ballet Theatre dancer Lauren Bonfiglio, learn about Brooklyn’s ecological history from author Eric Sanderson, meet the 2026 Coney Island Mermaid Parade’s king and queen and more!
—Mandie-Beth Chau
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Arts and culture news:
Brooklyn Public Library released its “250 for 250,” a librarian-curated list of the 250 most notable books from 250 years of American history. See the list of the books that helped shape a country.
Coney Island’s Mermaid Parade is saved, and Coney Island USA has already announced this year’s mermaid king and queen: Musicians Jesse Malin and Rickie Lee Jones.
Native to Gravesend Will DeMeo stars alongside John Travolta, Mia Sorvino and other notable names in an upcoming romantic comedy musical.
Events:
“Our America,” an interactive art installation on the steps of Brooklyn Borough Hall, invites locals to write, “This land is your land, this land is my land” from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday. The different handwritings will make up a larger mural.
Coney Island Film Festival takes place this weekend with 92 films, including the traditional screening of “The Warriors,” a Coney classic, and an opening night party on Friday at 9:30 p.m.
Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum each Thursday in May. See the lineup of festivities.
AJ Dwayne’s decade-in-the-making drama about a closeted lesbian pulmonologist holds its world premiere at The Vino Theater in East Williamsburg from May 7 to May 9.
City Point, Brooklyn Org and Brooklyn Bridge Parents host Show Brooklyn Some Love, a free annual festival for Mother’s Day. The event takes place on Saturday, May 9, and features live performances, crafts and workshops, a free flower bar, sweet treats and more.
Brooklyn Conservatory of Music transforms Park Slope into a walkable music festival on Saturday, May 9. Over 15 stages and 200 artists are lined up for the annual Open Stages.
Don’t miss your stop: Brooklyn Museum’s seasonal Museum on Wheels returns in May, with activities and events inspired by the museum’s exhibitions.
Living Colour drummer Will Calhoun and legendary Malian keyboardist Cheick Tidiane Seck will perform at the Sultan Room on Friday, May 15, for the New York City debut of the Will Calhoun Mali Project.
A Ballerina Who Dances All Over the World Chooses Brooklyn For Home
Photo: Jade Young
Lauren Bonfiglio is one of several members of the American Ballet Theatre who make Brooklyn home despite the longer commute.
As a member of the corps de ballet, the group ensemble of ABT, she dances several times a week. It’s a long, demanding schedule, and Bonfiglio is glad for the chance to unwind in a quieter neighborhood.
She has been dancing since she was three years old and has been a member of the ABT corps since 2015. Since then, she’s danced in “Sylvia,” “Romeo and Juliet” and “Swan Lake.” She is also one of two dancers who help run ABT’s social media account, handpicked by the company’s marketing team.
“To be able to capture these moments at ABT is wonderful because I grew up with all of these photography books of ABT all over my room. To be capturing ABT’s current time period is very special to me,” Bonfiglio said.
1.5 miles of Atlantic Avenue transforms into the Atlantic Avenue Art Walk on Saturday, May 9, and continues through Sunday, May 17. The one-week, self-guided, free art exhibition features over 125 artists and more than 65 businesses.
Hosted by the Atlantic Avenue Local Development Corporation, the Atlantic Avenue Art Walk is designed to increase engagement with local businesses, highlight emerging artists and enrich the community.
Photo: John McCarten
In honor of Earth Day, the Center for Brooklyn History hosted ecologist and author Eric Sanderson for a conversation about the future of Brooklyn’s waterfront. His book, “Before New York: The Natural Geography of the City,” comes out this fall.
Sanderson traced Brooklyn’s geological history, indigenous population, water history and more in his lecture. He encouraged New Yorkers to understand the city’s past in order to understand its ecological future. Sanderson also shared ways to utilize the city’s natural resources to combat the climate crisis.
“Ever since colonization, nature has been the lowest priority in the stack of priorities for the city,” Sanderson said. “I’m hoping to set the city on a path to a more sustainable future that starts with doing the simplest thing, which is acknowledging the nature of the place.”
CBH regularly hosts educational and cultural events like this one. Learn more about the lecture and the discussed environmental initiatives throughout the city.
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This newsletter is written by Mandie-Beth Chau. Email [email protected] with any questions or comments.