Five things to do in Brooklyn this week!

Friday

Jan. 2

First crack

Brooklyn’s greatest new year tradition returns! Fifty local comedians will take the stage at the Bell House to tell the first joke they have written in 2015 at the ninth annual 50 First Jokes. Hosted by funny man John F. O’Donnell, the bill also includes Sasheer Zamata. Michael Che, Aparna Nancherla, and Mike Lawrence, plus about 46 others.

8 pm at the Bell House [149 Seventh St. between Second and Third avenues in Gowanus, (718) 643–6510, www.thebe‌llhou‌seny.com]. $12.

Sunday

Jan. 4

Alt-altar

Getting hitched in the new year but don’t want the white dress or the cheesy love songs? Then get thee to the Music Hall of Williamsburg on time for offbeat wedding expo Lovesick, where a cohort of vendors specializing in unconventional matrimonial clothing, food, decor, photography, and entertainment will be waiting to help plan your weirdo ceremony and reception.

11 am–3 pm at Music Hall of Williamsburg [66 N. Sixth St. between Wythe and Kent avenues in Williamsburg, (718) 486–5400, www.music‌hallo‌fwill‌iamsb‌urg.com]. $10.

Tuesday

Jan. 6

Go your own whey

This sounds grate! Cheesemonger Pam Brewer will guide lactose lovers on an educational tasting through eight cheeses from different regions, covering the science, history, and artistry behind everyone’s favorite dairy product.

Stringer: Ken Waldman brings his roots variety show to the Jalopy Theatre on Jan. 8.

Photo by Kate Wool

7 pm at Court Tree Collective [371 Court St. between Carroll Street and First Place, (718) 422–7806, www.court‌tree.com]. $38.

Wednesday

Jan. 7

The walking read

Every day they’re shuffling. Zombie book authors John L. Campbell — of new novel “Drifters” — and Roger Ma — of new coloring book (yes, coloring book) “The Zombie Combat Field Guide” will lurch into bookstore Word to talk everything undead and expand your braaaaains.

7 pm at Word [126 Franklin St. at Milton Street in Greenpoint, (718) 383–0096, www.wordb‌rookl‌yn.com]. Free.

Thursday

Jan. 8

Roots canal

Alaskan fiddler Ken Waldman brings his annual From Red Hook to the Real Alaska roots variety showcase back to the Jalopy. This year’s ecclectic lineup includes Celtic harp and percussive dance duo Nic Gareiss and Maeve Gilchrist, blues multi-instrumentalist Jerron “Blind Boy” Paxton, Cajun fiddler David Greely, Americana trio Milkweed, and old time string band the Down Hill Strugglers.

8 pm at the Jalopy Theatre [315 Columbia St. between Hamilton Avenue and Woodhull Street in Red Hook, (718) 395–3214, www.jalop‌y.biz]. $10.

Fifty comedians walk into a bar: John F. O’Donnell will assemble 50 of his fellow funny people at the Bell House on Jan. 3 to tell their first joke of 2014.

Photo by Mindy Tucker