Friday, Feb 4
Bruce in the USA: The trek down to see the Boss himself at The Stone Pony is a little tedious, but you can get a nearly-identical experience right here in Brooklyn with Bruce in the USA, the world’s #1 Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band cover band. It’ll be just like being in New Jersey with the state’s premiere musician, complete with a saxophonist paying tribute to Clarence Clemence.
$20. 8:30pm. The Brooklyn Bowl, 61 Wythe Avenue in Williamsburg.
Saturday, Feb 5
Downtown Brooklyn Lunar New Year Celebration: Ring in the Lunar New Year with a two-part celebration in Downtown Brooklyn. The afternoon kicks off in Albee Square with traditional lion dancing by the New York Choy Lay Fut Dance Team and tunes from DJ KDOTLIM, plus the opportunity to pick up a red envelope with a gift card to a local business. Then, after working up an appetite with the dancers, head to the DeKalb Market Hall for a Lunar New Year inspired meal.
Free to attend. 2-5pm. Albee Square at the corner of Fulton and Bond streets in Downtown Brooklyn.
The Merchant of Venice: The classic play gets new life at Theatre for a New Audience. Arin Arbus directs an fresh version of the bard’s tale of money and bigotry starring her frequent muse, John Douglas Thompson, as Shylock.
Feb 5, with performances through March 6. $90+. 7:30pm. Theatre for a New Audience at the Polonsky Shakespeare Center, 262 Ashland Avenue between Lafayette Avenue and Fulton Street in Downtown Brooklyn.
Beauty and the Beast at Puppetworks: Theater gets more accessible for the kids at Puppetworks, who perform the classic French tale “Beauty and the Beast” with a cast of marionettes and a larger-than-life beast. This particular show is recommended for little ones ages 3 and up.
Feb 5, 12:30 and 2:30pm. Additional performances each Saturday and Sunday. $10 for children, $11 for adults. 338 6th Avenue at 4th Street in Park Slope.
Sunday, Feb 6
BAMkids Film Festival: Film doesn’t just have to be for adults, and the Brooklyn Academy of Music gives young cinephiles the chance to experience a real-life film festival. Take in a number of kid-friendly short films from around the world, then take a creative workshop, watch a circus performance, or marvel at the Young Filmmakers Showcase. Not comfortable heading out in person? You can stream films and take part in virtual activities from the comfort of your living room.
Feb 6, $5-$60, Brooklyn Academy, showtimes vary. Brooklyn Academy of Music, 30 Lafayette Avenue between Ashland Place and St. Felix Street in Downtown Brooklyn.
