BP MARKOWITZ PROCLAIMS “WHAT A WEEKEND IN BROOKLYN!”

Friday, May 12, to Sunday, May 14, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz invites residents from Brooklyn and beyond to enjoy “What a Weekend in Brooklyn!,” a series of events across the borough that showcase the successes of the Brooklyn Tourism initiative, launched in 2004 to increase the number of visitors to the borough. From Robert Redford and the Sundance Film Festival’s star-studded debut in Brooklyn to Elvis Costello performing with the Brooklyn Philharmonic at BAM to a pig roast and beer fest at the Brooklyn Brewery to the cutting-edge BKLYN Designs expo in DUMBO, every corner of Brooklyn will be alive with activity.

“This weekend is an embarrassment of cultural riches in Brooklyn, a surefire sign that we are truly New York City’s creative capital,” said Borough President Markowitz. “Whether the weather is hot or cold, Brooklyn always stays cool.”

Here is a sampling of this weekend’s activities in Brooklyn:

May 11-21, Sundance Institute at BAM (May 11-21) features groundbreaking films starring Maggie Gyllenhaal, Tilda Swinton, Matthew Barney, and Chuck D, plus panels with filmmakers, actors, and composers, and workshops on screenwriting and independent filmmaking. (www.bam.org/sundance)

May 12, renowned singer/composer Elvis Costello performs with the Brooklyn Philharmonic at BAM’s Gilman Opera House. (www.bam.org)

May 12-14, the fourth annual BKLYN Designs expo in DUMBO features innovative textiles, furniture, and products by dozens of the hottest local designers and firms. This year’s theme is “Growing and Giving Back.” (www.brooklyndesigns.net)

May 13, The self-guided Brooklyn Heights Home and Garden Tour allows visitors a rare sneak-peek at the grandeur of both 19th century and contemporary architectural styles in this historic neighborhood. (www.brooklynheightsassociation.org)

May 13, the Brooklyn Brewery’s Pig Fest ‘06 at Brooklyn Bridge Park offers cold beer, live music, and slow-cooked pork (and chicken) by Waterfront Alehouse's Sam Barbieri, Steve Harkavy, Bon Soir Caterers’ Jeff Reilly, and Big Island Barbeque’s Rob Richter. (www.brooklynbrewery.com)

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May 12, for a quicker bite, run over to Schnack and enter a qualifying heat for their Memorial Day 30-inch hot dog eating contest. (www.schnackdog.com)

May 13, the 14th annual Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition’s annual Pier Art Show opens in Red Hook, featuring work by emerging, well-known, and undiscovered artists. (www.bwac.org)

May 13, the Brooklyn Public Library’s Central Branch hosts the Brooklyn College Conservatory of Music’s Classical Series, including works by Mozart, Sondheim, and Puccini. (www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org)