Things to Do in Red Hook

Folk, bluegrass, old-time, sea shanties. 70 seats. Also teaches banjo.

A 70-seat folk music venue and school in the Columbia Street Waterfront area near Red Hook. Old-time, bluegrass, folk, country, and sea shanty music. Also teaches banjo, guitar, fiddle, and ukulele. There is a little cafe next door. The most unpretentious music room in Brooklyn.

315 Columbia St, Brooklyn, NY 11231 · Show nights, check schedule · (718) 395-3214 · indoor

Free art exhibitions, concerts, science talks in a 25,000 sq ft iron works building.

A 25,000-square-foot cultural center in a former iron works factory in Red Hook. Free art exhibitions, concerts, talks, residencies, and community events. The open-plan industrial space is impressive. Second Sundays are the big monthly event with music, art, food, and science talks -- all free.

159 Pioneer St, Brooklyn, NY 11231 · Wed-Sun 12-6pm, Second Sundays 12-6pm · (718) 596-3001 · indoor

NYC Parks rec center with indoor pool, fitness equipment, basketball gym. Seasonal programming includes boxing, dance, youth sports. $25/year membership (reduced for seniors and youth).

155 Bay St, Brooklyn, NY 11231 · Mon-Fri 6am-8:30pm, Sat 8am-10pm · (718) 722-3211 · indoor

A 400-meter running track at the Red Hook Recreation Center, free and open to the public during open hours. The track shares the facility with soccer and football fields. Less crowded than Prospect Park for runners who want a consistent surface and measured distance. Adjacent to the rec center pool and gym.

155 Bay St, Brooklyn, NY 11231 · Daily 6am-dusk · outdoor