The Early Word: First Saturdays at the Brooklyn Museum

1. On Saturday, 300 cyclists will ride 11 laps around Prospect Park for the eighth leg of the Lucarelli & Castaldi Cup. The ride will last from 6 to 8:30 a.m. and begin at the park's Willink Entrance. Click here for more information on the race. 

2. Looking for a new friend? Head to Park Slope Petco on Saturday, where Sean Casey Animal Rescue will have on hand with plenty of potential new pets in need of good homes. Petco is located at 81 7th Ave. More information is available here. 

3. Wild Flag, Mission of Burma and Ted Leo will rock the Prospect Park Bandshell Friday night with enough force to blow right out of the Lullwater. Begins at 7 p.m. Free. More information available . 

4. In preparation for the West Indian-American Day Carnival, this month's installment of First Saturdays at the  will be a celebration of Caribbean culture. Festivities kick off at 5 p.m., with a full roster of activities to get your weekend grooving. Aug. 4, 5 to 11 p.m. Free. 

5. Alternate side parking rules are in effect today.