If you've never played petanque, head on down to Smith Street for North America's largest petanque tournament -- the two block stretch betweeen Bergen and Pacific will be shut down and covered with sand just for the occasion. While your'e watching the action, enjoy special cocktails from Ricard and other drink specials ($5-6), nibble on grilled merguez and chicken sandwiches ($5) and groove to Jazz band Blue Orchid will provide the entertainment throughout the day. 11:30am - 8pm, free admission, sponsored by Bar Tabac, Robin des Bois, Ricard and the South Brooklyn Local Development Corporation. 128 Smith Street at Dean Street, 718-923-0918. more ›

Cooking and baking are certainly among Gothamist's many skills. But even the most adept culinary master could use some pointers now and then. So, it was with great enthusiasm that we learned that the Cobble Hill neighborhood in Brooklyn will soon be home to a new, aptly-named cooking school: The Neighborhood Kitchen. more ›