Not into the idea of summer school? You might be now thanks to these local opportunities to improve your DIY skill set. Learn whisky history, master your carving skills or learn how to make a chicken tractor to use in your community garden or backyard — and that’s just the beginning.
Below, we’ve listed classes with a range of prices including free workshops to a couple hundred bucks. Did we miss your favorite food or drink learning source? Let us know by leaving a comment. Looking for more opportunities to get out and about this summer? Check out our events calendar — we add new listings almost every day!
Brooklyn Grange
One of the country’s leading rooftop farms, this popular venue also serves as event space, yoga studio and classroom. Coming up, we’re looking forward to:
Wednesday, July 1: Energy Boost Detox with Dr. Drew Ramsey ($40)
Dr. Ramsy wants to help you eliminate the top sources of toxins in your life and food, and teach you certain foods to boost your body’s detoxification system.
Tuesday, August 11: Oysters 101 ($50)
Participants in this workshop will join organizers from the Billion Oyster Project (which we covered in our most recent issue) get a chance to measure live oysters, test water quality parameters and identify some of the hundreds of other organisms growing on and in the oyster cages.
Wednesday, August 12: Sustainable Lobster Workshop with Luke’s Lobster ($65)
This workshop will cover the effects of sustainable practices on the environment and community, as well as lobster nutrition and cooking methods.
Wednesday, August 19: Sunset Yoga Flow & Sound Meditation: Chakra Series | Heart Chakra ($30)
You will be immersed in a playful, energizing yoga class followed by a meditation facilitated by unique instruments such as Tibetan singing bowls, gongs and chimes.
Green Thumb NYC
The city’s largest gardening program provides support to more than 600 community gardens in New York City. Their workshops, which cover both gardening basics and advanced farming skills, are held every month. In the upcoming months we’re excited for:
Wednesday, June 24: City Chicken Insitute: How to Build a Chicken Tractor (Free)
Learn how to build these small chicken runs without floors that allow you to safely move your chickens around your yard or garden for the purpose of foraging for bugs, grass, weeds. Note: This workshop takes place in the Bronx.
Thursday, July 16: Composting With Lovely Red Worms (Free)
Come to this workshop to learn more about a unique species and all about indoor vermicomposting (composting with worms).
Saturday, July 18: Pest Management (Free)
Learn the difference between a good and bad insect, how to attract the good ones, and how to keep the bad ones out of your garden.
Brooklyn Kitchen
What began as a kitchen equipment supply store, is now also known for it’s frequent and enjoyable classes. Certain ones, like the knife skills, are recurring so if you miss it one week, don’t panic — you can sign up for the next session. Other workshops seem to come around less often. We’d like to take a stab at:
Tuesday, June 23–Advanced Knife Skills ($95)
Looking to enhance your blade abilities? This advanced class will walk you through how to breakdown a chicken while getting the most out of your bird.
Thursday, July 2–Couples Dinner Class ($200)
Date night gets hands-on when couples learn creative ways to enjoy seasonal produce and locally farm-raised meats with a few romantic touches.
Monday, July 13–Pickling with McClure’s ($75)
This class is a great introduction to pickling! The class will cover process, ingredient selection, and the science behind picking and canning.
Farm School NYC
Does living in the city inhibit you from satisfying your inner farmer? Well, Just Food’s classes provide a sustainable ag education that’s close to home. They run a well received farm school. Depending on a student’s goals, they have the option to enroll in their certificate program or in individual courses. These courses take their participants seriously. They ask that you fill out an application (to be sent in at least two weeks before the first class of any course you want to take) and pass an interview. The cost is on a sliding scale that you can read more about here. Summer sessions started June 10 and are ongoing.
Brooklyn Brainery
One of our favorite collectives, Brooklyn Brainery, offers classes on pretty much anything. Miss your high school botany class and eager to redeem yourself? Check out this tree identification class. Want to brush up on your still life painting technique? Now you can. We’re excited for their food and drink classes that seem to be offering a worldly variety this summer season:
Sunday, June 28: Beekeeping: Preventing Swarms ($10)
Learn to stop the buzz from overwhelming your garden with a lecture on some anti-swarming techniques.
Wednesday, July 1: The History of Scotch Whisky ($14)
Ever wondered about the journey of your glass of whisky? Brooklyn Brainery wants to teach it to you!
Thursday, July 9: Wontons & Dumplings! ($42)
Join the chefs of the Brainery for a two-hour dumpling extravaganza to learn the basics of wrapping Chinese dumplings and wontons.
Mukti’s Kitchen
Mukti Banerjee teaches small classes that offer individual instruction and end with a complete Indian dinner. Class price varies depending on the menu, all of which can be seen here. Classes include different menus, and many of the ingredients come straight from the Greenmarket, where she often teaches demos. Try her Chana Masala class on July 15!
