5 Things: Prospect Park Food Truck Rally and LaunchPad Draw Jam

Written by C. Zawadi Morris

1.    Celebrate African Arts! Have you checked out the  42nd Annual International African Arts Festival yet? One of the country’s oldest and longest-running festivals kicked off on July 4. Today, July 7 is the festival’s last day. This vibrant, colorful and fun event is one of the longest-running festivals in Brooklyn and has a little bit of something for everyone. Stop through for an hour or two… 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. rain or shine at Commodore Barry Park, Navy Street (between Park and Flushing avenues)

2.    Take part in a Draw Jam! What is that, you ask? It’s a chance to hang with your friends to take part in low-key collaborative drawing games like exquisite corpse, drawing telephone and more. Feel free to come by and work on your own drawings as well. The event takes place at LaunchPad, located at 721 Franklin Avenue, 4:00 p.m.BYO drinks, snacks and drawing materials. Drawers of all levels welcome! (sugg. donation $5)

3.    Hear live music: Join friends of The Saint Catherine for a performance by Jeanann Dara, a Brooklyn-based violist, violinist, electronic composer, multimedia artist, and curator. She has developed a unique voice synthesizing her classical music training, high art, experimental music and performance. The free event is at 660 Washington Ave @ Bergen St, 9:00 p.m.

4.     Have you stopped by the food trucks yet? Head to Grand Army Plaza this Sunday, July 7, 11:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the Food Truck Rally. Go ahead: Sample treats from New York’s best food trucks—all certified members of the New York Food Truck Association.

5.     Fishing for Kids! The Pop-up Audubon is a popular program that offers kids ages 15 & under the opportunity to fish! Participants will learn about aquatic ecology, fishing safety, and even get to collect their own bait! Kids must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The Pop-up Audubon is on Wellhouse Drive at Prospect Park (See map) beginning at noon. Spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, call (718) 287-3400 x303.