5 Things: English Sword Dancing, Affordable Opera at BAM, No Q Train, More

1. You need English sword ales. Head to the Brooklyn Museum forEnglish Sword Ale, an afternoon of performances by 12 English folk dance groups of winter "ales" that include old long sword dances, faster rapper dances performed with double-handled swords and Irish jigs. 200 English Parkway, 2:30 p.m. Free with museum admission of $12 adults, $8 students with ID, kids under 12 free.

2. You need (affordable) opera. Head to the Brooklyn Academy of Music for New York City Opera's production of "Prima Donna," where, thanks to some generous corporate support, tickets are only $25. 30 Lafayette Ave., 1:30 p.m. If you can't get tickets for today, get them now for Feb. 21, 23, or 25 at 7:30 p.m.

3. You need to get the kids out of the house. Head to Greenlight Bookstore where singer-songwriter Vered will perform songs for kids 0-3 during Baby Storytime. 686 Fulton St (at S Portland St), 11 a.m. Free. See our weekly kids calendar for more options. 

4. You need to know if your train is running ... All weekend as well as Monday (!), there will be no Q trains north of the Prospect Park station. You can get a shuttle bus at Seventh Avenue to go to Atlantic for the N/R to the city (or to Prospect Park to catch the Q southbound), according to the MTA. 

5. ... And if you have to move your car. Not today of course, but not tomorrow either. Alternate will be suspend Monday, Feb. 20, for Washington's Birthday, according to the NYCDOT.