5 Things: Check Out Fletcher's Brooklyn BBQ

1. Queue up for 'cue. Have you tried Fletcher's Brooklyn BBQ yet? New York Times' restaurant critic Pete Wells just described the Gowanus pit joint's ribs as "pinky and juicy," and included the the pickles and chili mac to his barbecue fantasy league. Plus, they've just debuted a new item on the menu: The Ginger Pork & Spicy Slaw sandwich [pictured at right]. The restaurant is located at 433 Third Avenue.

2. Buy some tickets. A couple of events taking place next month have a habit of selling out quickly: Beer for Beasts is a four-hour festival at The Bell House, featuring special brews and tasty grub, with proceeds going toward the better treatment of animals. Meanwhile, Brooklyn Exposed's 3rd Annual Brooklyn Tasting event is just around the corner. If the idea of sampling bites from myriad borough restaurants sounds like a great way to spend the night, click here for further details.

3. Pass the mic. The extraordinary MCs from Mic Check—Amkoullel, Deeb, El Général, and Shadia Mansour—will discuss the power of hip-hop in times of political change at BAM Fisher Fishman Space at 7 p.m. tonight. Tickets are $6; $3 for Friends of BAM.

4. Read aloud. Local kids ages 5 to 12 who love literature will be keen to participate in the Carroll Gardens Library event "Book Adventures," during which various children's books are read aloud that support the current core curriculum. 4 p.m. in the Basement Storytelling Room.

5. Move the car. Alternate side parking rules are in effect today.