It seems like every day on the calendar is National Something Day. In addition to our official national holidays like New Years Day, there are hundreds of unofficial “holidays” celebrating everything from sangria to bobbleheads. Following are some of January’s unofficial national holidays and the best ways to celebrate them right here in Brooklyn.
January 4 — National Trivia Day
Cherry Tree (Park Slope) rewards trivia winners with a $100 bar tab. Contestants need not worry about missing the questions, as queries are projected onto a screen. Non-winners can console themselves with Cherry Tree’s extensive beer selection and a backyard that wins raves from visitors. For more on trivia in Brooklyn, check out this post.
Cherry Tree Trivia Night photo courtesy of Matt E. via Yelp.
A Magnolia Warbler via Prospectpark.org
January 5 — National Bird Day
Prospect Park is easily the most popular birding destination in Brooklyn, either to go with a group or on your own. Both the Brooklyn Bird Club and City Birder host regular guided walks through the park. Prospect Park even has a dedicated Audubon Center, introducing visitors to the park’s diverse natural habitats. Read about the park’s birding guidelines, and keep up with the birds who call Prospect Park home at the Prospect Park Bird Sightings blog. Check the NYC Audubon for advice on where best to look for birds in Prospect Park on your own. For more on birding in Brooklyn, check out this post.
The pastrami sandwich at David’s Brisket House | Lex X. via Yelp
January 14 — National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day
The pastrami sandwich is considered a New York classic, and they do it just right at David’s Brisket House (Bedford-Stuyvesant). This Jewish deli is actually run by Muslims, in a neighborhood not known for its pastrami offerings. The sandwiches, stuffed with either pastrami, brisket, or corned beef (best ordered on rye), are simply on point and considered a deal compared to more famous pastrami joints. This is a casual, no-frills spot with fast service and heaping portions. For more on sandwich shops in Brooklyn, check out this post.
Videology via Facebook
January 19 — National Popcorn Day
Videology (Williamsburg) isn’t so much a movie theater as a bar with a small screening room in the back, showing popular movies of the recent past as well as work by local filmmakers; and many of the events are free. Videology is also a haven for TV fans—you can play themed bingo while binging on shows like Game of Thrones and Arrested Development. Snacks to watch include chili-lime-jalapeño popcorn, soft pretzels, and fully loaded nachos — and, of course, booze. For more movie theaters in Brooklyn, check out this post.
Capriole Goat Cheese’s “Sofia” at Stinky’s | via Facebook
January 20 — National Cheese Lover’s Day
For one of the best selections of cheese in Brooklyn, head to Stinky’s (Cobble Hill). Besides the many varieties of cheese there are teas, dry goods, charcuterie, crackers, jam, chocolate, and gift baskets. You can also just stop in for a specialty sandwich, made at the store, paired with one of the local beers kept on tap. For more on artisanal food shops in Brooklyn, check out this post.
Masters Projects via Facebook
January 31 — National Inspire Your Heart with Art Day
Masters Projects (Dumbo) houses an interesting mix of international contemporary art. Past exhibits have ranged from mixed-media to street art to sculpture. For more art galleries in Dumbo, check out this post.