Saturday
August 15
Out of sand
There are many reasons to visit Coney Island: the Boardwalk, the Cyclone, the sea. But today, focus your attention on the sand, which will transform into fantastical castles and creatures with the simple application of water, shovels, and a lot of creativity. The 25th Annual Coney Island Sand Sculpting Competition is overflowing with competitors, but check out their creations for yourself.
11 am–4 pm on the Coney Island Beach (at Surf Avenue and W. 20th Street in Coney Island). Free.
Sunday
August 16
Beer brawl
Can you make a good beer? Can you make a better beer than anybody else? Prove it at the Homebrew Takedown! A few slots are left, so you can show up with five gallons of homebrew, or — if you’d rather consume than create — buy a ticket, vote for the best beer, and chow down on some free barbecue.
1–3 pm at Hill Country Barbecue [345 Adams St. at Willoughby Street Downtown, (718) 885–4608, www.hillc
Monday
August 17
Storied structures
Sure, skyscrapers get all the attention, but there are other buildings that deserve some love. Architect Stephen Dargo will school you in “Great New York City Buildings Few Guide Books Will Ever Mention,” discussing the history and impact of spots like the Eagle Warehouse in Dumbo, or the unique Coignet concrete building currently surrounded by Whole Foods.
8:30 pm at Brooklyn Brainery [190 Underhill Ave. between Sterling and St. Johns places in Prospect Heights, (347) 292–7246, www.brook
Tuesday
August 18
Foot it away
The worst thing you expect to find in your laundry is a mysterious sock, but the main character in the film “Applesauce” gets an entire severed foot. When more body parts start popping up, he knows that someone is after him. But who? See the film, then get any lingering questions answered in a chat with Bushwick filmmaker Onur Tukel.
7:30 pm at Nitehawk Cinema [136 Metropolitan Ave. between Wythe Avenue and Berry Street in Williamsburg, (718) 384–3980, www.niteh
Thursday
August 20
Who you gonna call?
If the black comedy of Tuesday’s screening is still with you, recover with the proton-pack-toting heroes of “Ghostbusters” as they deal with 1980s ghouls, ghasts, and class 5 repeating vapors! This free “Throwback Thursday” screening from the Downtown Brooklyn Alliance will let you flash back to a time when Ghostbusters movies were actually filmed in New York!
8 pm at MetroTech Commons [MetroTech Center at Lawrence Street Downtown]. Free.