WEDNESDAY: A Brooklyn Story
Looking to get a little closer to your neighbors? Come to the North Brooklyn Story Project introductory meeting tonight at NAG (Neighbors Allied for Good Growth) headquarters to learn about collecting stories for a good cause. 7pm, 101 Kent Ave. at N. 8th Street.

Eight is Enough
New York Times reporter Jennifer 8. Lee reads from her history of Chinese food in America, The Fortune Cookie Chronicles, tonight at powerHouse arena in Dumbo.

THURSDAY: Nerd Quiz
Bring your arsenal of obscure facts to Galapagos at 7pm for Quizo, a one-night only special trivia night hosted by Nerd Nite, and then stick around for the monthly lecture series’ regular program, which features presentations on topics such as genetic engineering in humans. Advance tickets are recommended. 16 Main Street, Dumbo.

Sock Puppet It To Me
See such revered heroes as Abraham Lincoln, Charles Darwin and Uncle Monsterface rendered with loving care as artist Marty Allen presents portraits of his beloved sock puppets at Sputnik. 262 Taaffe Place, Clinton Hill (G train to Classon).

Dinner Conversation
Novelist and “L Word” writer/producer A.M. Homes discusses her body of work at 6:30pm at BAMCafé. The evening, which is part of BAM’s Eat, Drink & Be Literary series, begins with a multi-course Irish-themed meal (think: corned beef and cabbage starter) just in time for St. Patrick’s Day.

SATURDAY: Kids’ Crafts
Parents of kids 10 and younger can stock up on locally made clothes, toys and other items at the Brooklyn Lyceum’s Craft Market: ’Specially for Kids, running from 11am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday. We particularly recommend Bugsella’s organic baby tees, not just because of their adorableness, but also because Bugsella donates a portion of their proceeds to local charities.

Crystal Clear
If The Velvet Underground played surf rock, you’d get something close to Brooklyn outfit Crystal Stilts, who bring their moody garage pop to the Music Hall of Williamsburg on Saturday.

Hairy Situation
Brooklyn, home of the ironic beard, hosts the 2009 Beard and Moustache Championships at Public Assembly on Saturday complete with prizes, a ZZ Top cover band and more beard-related revelry.

Beach Party
Casual Conversations in Brooklyn offers a unique look at the immigrant community in Brighton Beach. Drink, talk and check out the exhibit, consisting of sculptural objects, photographs, video and sound Saturday at Williamsburg’s new Black and White Project Space.

SUNDAY: St. Patty’s Stroll
The annual Brooklyn St. Patrick’s Day Parade, bagpipes and all, starts its march through Park Slope at 1pm. Line up on 7th Avenue or along the west edge of Prospect Park, between 15th Street and Union Street, for optimal viewing.

Celebratory Swingers
Gemini & Scorpio, whose Russian-bath dance party we plugged last tip sheet, return this week to host the one-year anniversary of their glamorous Swing House party, now at the Bell House. G&S are offering free dance lessons a half-hour before the big band swing dance party starts, at 8:30pm. Jazz age costumes are not only strongly encouraged, they’ll net you a discounted ticket, as long as you RSVP ahead of time.

Sent by Chrysanthe, Keith, and Nina. Photos from top courtesy of Larimdame via Flickr, Crystal Stilts via MySpace and Rob Hoey via Flickr.