Get Out! The Weekend Planner: Nov. 16 - 18

It's darn cold out, but that shouldn't stop you from taking advantage of all the weekend has to offer. Here are our picks for the best events happening around Brooklyn.

Moby-Dick Marathon NYC: Opening Night

When/Where: Friday, Nov. 16, from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. at Word Bookstore, located at 126 Franklin St. The marathon will proceed through the rest of the weekend at various locations—check the website for details. 

Why Go: It's probably been awhile since anyone has read to you, and it's probably been even longer since that person was actor Paul Dano. Remember what it's like to have Paul Dano read to you on Friday at Greenpoint's Word bookstore as he and nearly 40 others kick off a marathon reading of Herman Melville's timeless masterpiece, Moby-Dick.

Cost: Free

Post-Sandy, Help Clean Brooklyn's Parks

When/Where: Nov. 17, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Canarsie Park, located at Seaview Avenue & East 89th St. and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Santos White Garden, located at Mermaid Avenue and West 21st St.

Why Go: There's still a long way to go before the wreckage wrought by Hurricane Sandy is cleared from the city's parks, and volunteers are still badly needed to aid in the cleanup effort. In Brooklyn, help is particularly needed in Canarsie Park and Santos White Garden in Coney Island. Register here.

Cost: Free

Children's Book Fair at the Brooklyn Museum

When/Where: Saturday, Nov. 17 from 12 to 4 p.m. at the Brooklyn Museum, located at 200 Eastern Pkwy.

Why Go: Collect the wee ones for the annual Children's Book Fair, where you can browse among the vast selection of storybooks, picture books and graphic novels, as well as enjoy games, activities and readings with local authors. The Brooklyn Conservatory Community Orchestra will perform immediately after. 

Cost: Free

Tenth Anniversary Chili Takedown

When/Where: Sunday, Nov. 18, 2 p.m. at the Bell House, located at 149 7th St. between Second and Third avenues.

Why Go: One type of chili not enough for you? How about 20 chilis? Still not full? Good, because the chili takedown will feature not one, not 15, not 27 chilis, but 30 different types of chili, all housed under one roof and all ready to be devoured by you.

Cost: $15

Volunteer at the Brooklyn Marathon in Prospect Park

When/Where: Sunday, Nov. 18 in Prospect Park

Why Go: Love the excitement of race day, but hate actually running? Like running just fine, but kind of forgot to sign up for the actual marathon before it sold out? Either way, volunteers are still needed for Sunday's Brooklyn Marathon in Prospect Park. Aside from the self-satisfaction that comes with lending a helping hand, volunteering with NYCRuns also entitles you to run one race for free! Except this one. Obviously.

Cost: Free