This week: a big night for beardos

Proving that Brooklyn lets no special interest go unnoticed, our friends at the Build-A-Beard blog are honoring the fabulosity of facial hair with a coming (or growing?) out benefit party next week dubbed the Beard Ball. On Thursday Feb. 4 at Matchless in Greenpoint, the event is both a beard-lovers’ bash and fundraiser for RightRides, a Brooklyn-based group that combats late-night sexual assault by offering free rides home on weekend nights.

RightRides, now in its fifth year, has volunteers operate a fleet of Zipcar-donated cars to drive women and LGBTQ folk home for free on Friday and Saturday nights between midnight and 3 a.m. (The number is 1-888-215-SAFE (7233). All proceeds from the ball are going towards RighRides’ initiatives.

Tickets are $5 and can be purchased in advanced online. Doors open at 8 p.m. with a steady stream of bearded bands (Transatlantic AM, Quiet Loudly, and Julius C) hitting the sage at 9. Drink specials–courtesy of Prohibition Distillery and Firefly Vodka–and a raffle round out the festivities. And FYI … no beard, no problem! Build-A-Beard welcomes everyone, from the closely shaven to the super scruffy.

Beard Ball, Feb. 4, 8 p.m., Matchless 557 Manhattan Ave., Greenpoint, 718-383-5333