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12 Awesome Things to Do in Brooklyn This Thanksgiving Weekend
Posted On Wednesday, November 22nd
Whether the pesky New York City traffic holds you back or the expensive airfares keep you stranded, traveling on Thanksgiving weekend can be tough. Staycations are the perfect solution and a great way to escape in your local surroundings while really diving deep into your neighborhood. If you don't have your staycation plans set in stone yet, this list of 12 awesome things to do in Brooklyn will have you covered.
1. Don't feel like cooking today? We get it. Enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner in Brooklyn!
If you're looking to keep your holiday quaint and simple, we have the perfect solution for you! Right in your neighborhood are plenty of delectable offerings for a Thanksgiving feast. Brokelyn put together this amazing list of restaurants offering festive fare at an affordable price! If it's just you and a friend, or you're hanging solo, Brooklyn's restaurant scene will be sure to satisfy.
2. Hit the soup kitchens and give a meal to those in need!
Giving back in our city is so important, especially around the holidays. Soup kitchens like Neighbors Together, Masbia, St. Johns Bread for Life, CHiPS and more are all open on Thanksgiving Day to provide turkey feasts throughout Brooklyn. Start your holiday off by giving people a hot meal to be thankful for!
3. Watch the runners at the annual Turkey Trot at Prospect Park.
Take a stroll through Prospect Park and burn some pre-feasting calories while you attend the annual Turkey Trot Race! Walking along with the runners is encouraged, but you can definitely stand by and cheer them on!
4. It's not in Brooklyn, but a great bucket lister. Head to Manhattan for the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!
One of the biggest parades in New York City of the year, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is something everyone should experience once. Featuring balloons galore and famous NYC based floats including an ode to Brooklyn with the Domino Sugar float! Originally based in Brooklyn on South 3rd St. on the Williamsburg waterfront, the Domino Sugar refinery processed more than half the sugar in the United States. The refinery has ceased operations since 2004, and was demolished in 2014 but plans to rebuild the refinery are in motion and Domino Sugar will continue to be a historic part of Brooklyn!
Full details and info regarding the Thanksgiving parade can be found here.
5. Celebrate the music of The Band and 41 years since The Last Waltz with The Weight Band at Brooklyn Bowl on Friday, November 24
Over 40 years ago, The Band decided to halt their touring and put on one final show, The Last Waltz, on Thanksgiving day, November 25, 1976. As an end of a rock 'n' roll era, The Band called this their farewell concert and invited dozens of special guests including Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Van Marrison, and many more. The event was documented by world renowned director, Martin Scorcese, hailing this documentary one of the greatest concert films ever made.
To celebrate this momentous event in rock 'n' roll history, we invite to celebrate the songbook of The Band with The Weight Band at Brooklyn Bowl on Friday, November 24. Featuring former members of The Band, Levon Helm Band, and Rick Danko Group, The Weight Band pays homage to this iconic class rock titans with an unforgettable Thanksgiving show. Don't miss opening act The National Reserve and prepare for a night of timeless rock 'n' roll at Brooklyn Bowl! Tickets available here.
6. Get your rock on without having to travel at Brooklyn Boulders
Looking for an active escape in Brooklyn to supplement your impulse for great outdoor adventures? Brooklyn Boulders offers all that and more without traveling to the nearest mountain or cliff. Whether you're looking to entertain friends and family or to challenge yourself, the array of rock-climbings at Brooklyn Boulders has an obstacle for all to conquer!
7. Visit the Brooklyn Museum and check out their current exhibitions...
Located on the perimeters of Prospect Park, the Brooklyn Museum combines worldly and local cultures encompassed by beautiful architecture in the heart of Brooklyn. With free tours throughout Thanksgiving weekend, the Brooklyn Museum offers the cultural excursion your heart desires without the price. Currently featuring different artifacts from ancient Egypt, Arts of Korea, and an apropos Thanksgiving exhibit, Roots of "The Dinner Party" history in the making.
8. Family Bowl at Brooklyn Bowl this Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11am - 5pm at Brooklyn Bowl
Brooklyn Bowl's Family Bowl is the perfect way to occupy your restless kids while they're home from school! This weekend Brooklyn Bowl will host free all ages festivities all weekend from 11AM to 5PM including a special Black Friday Family Bowl on Friday, November 24! Additionally on Sunday, Brooklyn Bowl will host The Rock and Roll Playhouse music workshop for kids featuring the Music of Bob Marley! Tickets for The Rock and Roll Playhouse are available here.
Bowling, food by Blue Ribbon, beer and the finest kind family fun all under one roof. Stop by Brooklyn Bowl this weekend!
9. Have a beer-loving relative? Take a brewery tour at our neighbors The Brooklyn Brewery or down by the beach at Other Half Brewery
Located right next door to Brooklyn Bowl, Brooklyn Brewery offers tours, tastings, and more! Lines are sometimes long, so we suggest heading their early to ensure you get in, and if you can't, Brooklyn Bowl carries their delicious beers on tap as well ;)
If you're looking to explore beer deeper into Brooklyn, then check out Other Half Brewery in Red Hook! The lines here are on the longer side, but their cool crafted cans, glassware, and beer are well worth the wait.
Info on Brooklyn Brewery.
Info on Other Half Brewery.
10. Take a stroll through Bushwick and check out some of the sweet street art...
Bushwick has become a mecca for street art, and it's easy to understand why. Head to Supercrown Coffee Roasters off the Jefferson St. L Train stop for a warm beverage and hit the streets to see how Bushwick gives graffiti a new and seriously awesome meaning.
11. Dance into the early morning with Boombox on Friday, November 24 and Saturday, November 25 at Brooklyn Bowl
Known for exploring every genre with their own electronic spin, Boombox is here to help all in need of night out full of uncontrollable dancing. Head to Brooklyn Bowl and experience Boombox's signature dirty disco beats on Friday, November 24 and Saturday, November 25!
12. Brooklyn Flea for holiday shopping at Industry City
Kill two birds with one stone in Red Hook and and head to Brooklyn Flea's annual holiday market at Industry City after you savor beers at Other Half! Full of handmade crafts, collectables, and gifts galore, Brooklyn Flea will have everything on your holiday shopping list and more. Hours and details available here.