Robust season of free and low-cost public programming returns to Brooklyn Bridge Park!
APRIL 25, 2024 – Brooklyn Bridge Park (BBP) and Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy (Conservancy) announce their 2024 season line-up of free and low-cost arts and culture, fitness, recreation, environmental education, and volunteer opportunities from May through October. Open daily, Brooklyn Bridge Park hosts more than 5 million visitors annually who come to enjoy this urban oasis of greenery, community, and summer fun. Learn more about our lineup of events and programs below, and please check Brooklyn Bridge Park’s online event calendar for full details and changes.
ARTS & CULTURE
The season formally kicks off with the Conservancy’s Sound & Color! Spring Festival on Saturday, May 18 from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. A celebration of colors, culture, spring, and unity, this event expands the Conservancy’s beloved Kite Festival, by adding music to the colors. Live musical performances will take place throughout the Park, and guests will be able to fly their own kites, as well as purchase or build their own, and watch them soar above the Manhattan skyline at Pier 5 celebrating the one day of the year kite-flying is open to the public in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Food vendors, kids activities, and other entertainment will also join for the full-day family-friendly festival.
On April 30, Before The End, an installation of four monumental painted and patinated bronzes cast from carved cork and skull fragments, by Huma Bhabha and curated by Public Art Fund, opens at Glade Lawn at the Pier 3 Greenway Terrace. Photoville Festival returns to Brooklyn Bridge Park at Emily Warren Roebling Plaza from June 1-16 with its signature photography exhibits displayed in shipping containers, along with artist-led walking tours and workshops. Photoville Festival will kick off an Opening Day Community Celebration on June 1 and 2.
The Conservancy’s most popular series, Movies With A View returns with free outdoor movies on Thursday evenings in July and August at Pier 1 Harbor View Lawn. Dates include July 11, July 18, July 25, August 1, August 8, August 15, August 22, and August 29. Titles and details will be released in late May. Doors open at 5:00 PM and the movie begins at sundown, with free admission. Food and drink will be available for purchase on site.
On Saturday, May 25, Brooklyn Academy of Music’s DanceAfrica Community Class provides a fun-filled, outdoor class, to learn rhythms and movement from Cameroon, led by BAM teaching artist and performance art education scholar, Dánice Jones. BAM returns to the Park on Sunday, September 22 for BAM Presents: A Celebration of African Diasporic Dance led by teaching artist Yasmar Cruz. Both events are hosted at Pier 6 Plaza and free to attend, but require advance registration.
On Thursday, June 20, stars of the Metropolitan Opera come to Pier 1 Harbor View Lawn to perform for one of the City’s most beloved summer evening traditions. In July, London’s iconic fan destination, The Hill at Wimbledon, will return to Brooklyn Bridge Park. This year, fans can watch the finals live and get the authentic championship experience on the lawn at Empire Fulton Ferry.
A diverse line-up of new and exciting family-friendly programs launch this season, with local community organizations in partnership with the Conservancy. Park Slope Parents host a family-friendly Summer Friday on Friday, June 14. Puppets! With Mango Moon brings families together for an afternoon of puppetry on Saturday, June 22, including building their own puppets, singing songs, and learning academic strategies and social-emotional skills. Shakespeare At Sunset showcases Theater 2020’s fast-paced family-friendly rendition of Shakespeare’s comedy The Tempest on Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30. On Saturday, July 13 The Big Busk with Citizen Cope brings together musicians of all ages and abilities for a joint live busking-style performance; interested parties can sign up in advance. The Carlos Lezama Archives and Caribbean Cultural Center will host Celebrate World SteelPan Day on Saturday, August 10 bringing sounds and tastes of Caribbean culture to the waterfront, including steel pan drum performances, workshops, and activities.
The Conservancy’s Open Studio program, showcasing artistic creation in progress, returns to the Park with Open Studios: Fogo Azul presenting live music on Sundays once a month on July 14, August 11, and September 8, at Pier 6 Plaza. Fogo Azul are an all-women, trans, and non-binary group Brazilian Samba Reggae drum line with powerful performances not to be missed.
The Conservancy’s Sounds at Sunset series returns to offer free Friday evening concerts by local and international talent across the season. Attendees can enjoy live music to set the weekend mood as the sun goes down. The series kicks off on Friday, June 21 with Steely Dan Happy Hour as NYC’s definitive Steely Dan Tribute band, The Royal Scam, perform live. On June 28 and September 30, maestro, trumpeter, conductor, composer, and arranger Igmar Thomas hosts jam sessions with a rotation of guests, billed as Igmar Thomas & Musical Guests. On Friday, July 12 world-renowned kora player Yacouba Sissoko and his band SIYA take us on a musical journey sharing West African songs and stories that have been passed down from generation to generation. Celebrating 10 years, Brooklyn Americana Music curates a taste of their award-winning festival featuring internationally touring singer-songwriters on July 26. On August 2, Anderson Paak devotees can enjoy songs and origin samples selected from Paak’s growing body of work, at PAAK Appreciation, a DJ set and drum clinic hosted by drummer and producer George “Spanky” McCurdy.
Additional returning program favorites include Mark Morris Dance Group on Saturday, August 3, with a special outdoor performance and family-friendly dance workshop; Hindu Lamp Ceremony on Saturday, August 10 with dance artist and educator Aelushi Mistry performing the traditional Hindu Aarti ceremony; and Walt Whitman’s Song of Myself marathon reading of Whitman’s celebrated poem, led by The Walt Whitman Initiative on Sunday, September 15.
Sound & Color! Autumn In New York, the Conservancy’s annual fall festival will celebrate the changing of the season on Saturday, October 19, with an all-day family-friendly festival of music, arts and crafts, storytelling, lawn games and more.
SOCIALS & DANCING
The Conservancy’s popular social and dancing programs expand this year for even more chances to dance, mingle, and relish summer on the waterfront.
The Big Summer Get Down dance party series expands with four opportunities to GET DOWN this summer, with all-age dance parties at Pier 3 Plaza. Big Summer Pride Twirl on Saturday, June 8 brings Papi Juice and Friends to the Park to celebrate Brooklyn Pride, with DJ sets and performances. Big Summer Party With A Purpose! Benefit Dance on Saturday, July 20 presents a ticketed disco tribute to David Mancuso, hosted by the Loft Party NYC. Attendees can join for an unforgettable celebration of music and dancing, with proceeds benefiting Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy’s free programming. Big Summer Chop and Vibes on Saturday, August 17 brings Afrobeats, Amapiano, and Highlife and delicious food selections, all curated by African Chop House. The series closes out with Big Halloween Get Down on Thursday, October 31 with Herbert Holler amping the music for the must-not-miss Halloween bash on the waterfront.
Make new friends and celebrate the magic of summer in NYC at Shore Thing, a new after-work sunset social for New Yorkers looking for new connections and out of the ordinary experiences. This roaming monthly social will happen at locations across the park and is hosted by Space Invader Social in partnership with the Conservancy.
New Sunday series, Lazy Daze, provides the perfect set-up for chill afternoons at Pier 6 Liberty Lawn. A rotation of DJ’s, provide the vibes for this casual Sunday. The line up includes: June 9 The Soul of Yacht Rock, Rich Medina , Gary Katz, and Scott Barkham host an informal discussion and DJ set dedicated to the enduring legacy of what is now commonly referred to as yacht rock. Friends and Lovers return to curate two afternoons on Sunday, June 23 and Sunday, August 4, with their signature and soulful vibes. And on Sunday, July 21 and Sunday, August 18, Lovers Rock the long running reggae day party comes to Brooklyn Bridge Park! Hosts Ma Cherie, DJ Jam Central, and special guests provide a mix of Studio One, Lovers Rock, Afrobeats, Soca, and dancehall.
FITNESS & RECREATION
From May through September, the Conservancy’s popular free weekly Waterfront Workouts take place in locations across the Park. Classes include Zumba with Dodge YMCA on Monday evenings, Sunset Yoga with Abhaya Yoga on Tuesday evenings, Amp’d with Chelsea Piers Fitness on Wednesday evenings, Pilates with Dodge YMCA on Sunday mornings, and new rotating series Morning Wellness: Pick Your Practitioner on Sunday mornings. Registration opens at the beginning of each month for that month’s classes.
Conservancy league sports offer a great way to get active on the waterfront, with recreational and competitive offerings at low-cost rates. A variety of seasonal clinics are also offered, allowing players of all abilities to refine their skills or learn a new sport. Advance registration is required for all. Adult volleyball leagues run from May through October, along with monthly tournaments, and youth volleyball clinics are organized throughout the season; both in partnership with Big City Volleyball. Adult soccer leagues run throughout the spring, summer, and fall; while youth soccer is offered in the spring and fall, in partnership with MetroSoccer. Free Youth Basketball Clinics with King Hoops are hosted on Tuesdays in June and July geared for kids aged 7-17 at the basketball courts at Pier 2. Players may join for individual weeks or the full season. Newly launched MetroBasketball’s NY Youth Program offers a 10-week low-cost program for kids in grades 3-6 to learn the game, held on Sunday mornings, June 2-August 11 (skipping Sunday, July 7).
During the Conservancy’s popular free kayaking program, run in partnership with Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse, visitors can enjoy gliding in a protected embayment on the East River on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, 5:00 PM-7:00 PM, as well as Saturdays, 10:00 AM-3:00 PM, beginning May 31 and running through the end of September. No experience is necessary; basic instruction, life vests, and all equipment is provided. Children under 18 must have an adult guardian present. Advance registration is required, open two weeks ahead of each date.
In honor of International Day of Yoga on Friday, June 20, ONEYOGAHOUSE will lead a free dynamic morning yoga practice and sound meditation at Harbor View Lawn at Pier 1, with intention setting, breath work, and Vinyasa flow experience.
EXHIBITIONS & TOURS
Led by Conservancy volunteer docents, free Waterfront Walks are offered twice monthly on Sunday mornings and Tuesday evenings from May to October, with advance registration. Participants can learn about the history of the Brooklyn waterfront, the Park’s sustainable design, and how the Park came to life, while enjoying scenic views.
On Friday, July 26 and Saturday, July 27, the Conservancy hosts a special Purple Rain 40th Anniversary Celebration at Pier 3 Plaza and Central Lawn. 2024 marks the 40th anniversary of Prince’s legendary album and movie Purple Rain, and the Conservancy will celebrate the momentous anniversary with a special screening and dance party tribute on both evenings.
The Walt Whitman Initiative will lead a free Walt Whitman Walking Tour on Saturday, September 14, learning how he explored and connected with the world around him.
Soon to be launched, a series of brand-new audio tours provide an exciting self-serve experience for Park attendees to explore. They include:
- Brooklyn Bridge Park Self-Guided Audio Tour: Exploring the history, landscape, sustainable design, and restoration of the Park.
- James Baldwin Centenary: Celebrate 100 years of literary legend James Baldwin who left an indelible mark on history, and continues to inspire generations. Visitors can hear American actor, director, and producer Adam Lazarre White read selections from Baldwin’s works.
- Lose Yourself In Odes To The Brooklyn Bridge! Poetry and the Brooklyn Bridge — these two go hand-in-hand like lovers into the sunset. Brooklyn native Malcolm Morano rifled through vast literary references to find poems describing the grandeur and beauty of New York City’s Brooklyn Bridge.
- Audio Guide: Huma Bhabha An audio accompaniment to Public Art Fund’s presentation of artist Huma Bhabha’s new art Before the End guides listeners on how to interpret the large-scale figures on display at Pier 3 Greenway Terrace.
EDUCATION
The Conservancy’s Environmental Education Center at 99 Plymouth St. provides a fun destination for families, with Open Hours on Thursdays and Fridays (3:00 PM-5:00 PM) and Saturdays (1:00 PM-5:00 PM) throughout the year. Highlights include a 250-gallon aquarium filled with critters from the East River, a ten foot scale model of Brooklyn Bridge Park, crafts, and monthly educational themes and activities. The Education Center’s ninth anniversary celebration, Ed Center Birthday, will take place on Saturday, September 7 with celebratory activities and crafts.
The Conservancy’s education team runs free Community Science Fishing clinics which provide the opportunity to learn the basics of catch-and-release fishing from expert anglers, including how to tie knots, bait a hook, drop a line, and reel up a fish! Equipment provided; all ages welcome. Dates include Friday, June 21, Saturday, August 2, Friday, September 13, and Saturday, October 5, at Pier 5. Community Science Seining lets attendees discover the East River’s amazing biodiversity as our staff use a seine net to humanely catch-and-release marine life, including fish, jellyfish, crabs, and more! Held on Saturdays, June 1, July 13, August 10, and September 28 at Pier 4 Beach. Both event series are all-ages.
Teens can apply to join TIDES (Teens Interested In and Dedicated to Environmental Stewardship) to learn about ecology and sustainability through hands-on projects and workshops, while earning community service hours. The program takes place September through November (fall semester) and April through June (spring semester), with opportunity for advancement in the TIDES apprenticeship series and internship program.
VOLUNTEER
A hardworking and dedicated volunteer team is essential for assisting with park beautification, environmental clean-ups, and bringing many of the Conservancy programs to life! Visitors can join in a multitude of volunteer roles, from joining the Conservancy’s Green Team assisting horticultural staff with gardening and landscape work, to regular Coastal Cleanup projects working to keep the Park’s shoreline clean, beautiful, and healthy. Other opportunities include volunteering as Festival Volunteers, supporting Conservancy staff at public events, aiding the Education team during the Environmental Education Center’s Open Hours, providing volunteer photography and videography services, and more. Full details on all opportunities and information on how to get involved, visit brooklynbridgepark.org/support/volunteer.
BENEFIT EVENTS
Proceeds from the Conservancy’s benefit events support over 500 arts and culture, environmental education, and fitness programs in the Park, enjoyed by tens of thousands of visitors each year.
New this year, the Big Summer Party With A Purpose! Benefit Dance on Saturday, July 20, presents a ticketed disco tribute to David Mancuso, hosted by the Loft Party NYC. Attendees can join for an unforgettable celebration of music and dancing, with proceeds benefiting Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy’s free programming.
On Wednesday, October 9, guests can join for the Conservancy’s most incredible night of the year with the annual Brooklyn Black Tie Ball. An end of season blow-out to celebrate another year of successful programming as well as say good-bye to the warmth of summer, the celebration held at Pier 2 offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline while overlooking the New York Harbor.
Full details on all programs and events, as available, can be found at brooklynbridgepark.org and the event calendar at brooklynbridgepark.org/events.
Visitors can sign up for event announcements through Brooklyn Bridge Park’s email list or following on social media on Instagram, X, and Facebook.
“The 2024 summer season looks to be another fantastic year of events, programs, art, sports, and fresh air and relaxation at Brooklyn Bridge Park,” said Eric Landau, President of Brooklyn Bridge Park. “We look forward to welcoming visitors back to the waterfront for the warmer months with an incredible assortment of activities for everyone to learn, play, and enjoy this amazing public space. Thanks to the work of the Conservancy and our other great programming partners, there is no shortage of activity and inspiration at Brooklyn Bridge Park.”
“We’re really proud and excited to share our new and expanded program offerings this year,” shared Nancy Webster, Executive Director of Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy. “Our team has worked to curate an amazingly diverse and robust range of offerings across arts and culture, dance and socials, fitness and recreation, and environmental education to provide fun and enrichment for tens of thousands of New Yorkers this season. Beloved favorites, including Movies With A View and kayaking on the East River, have become iconic summer to-do’s here in Brooklyn. Our year-round environmental education programs inspire kids and adults to discover nature and biodiversity right here in Brooklyn Bridge Park, nurturing a life-long connection and appreciation. We love helping to bring Brooklyn Bridge Park to life with our events and programs, and look forward to another fantastic season!”
BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK
The Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation develops, capitally improves, maintains, and fully operates the Park as a 501 (c) not-for-profit, controlled by the City of New York. Brooklyn Bridge Park, one of the largest and most significant public projects to be built in New York City in a generation, has transformed a once dilapidated industrial waterfront into a vibrant and thriving 85-acre civic landscape. The self-sustaining park was designed by the award-winning firm of Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, Inc. and features expansive lawns, rolling hills, waterfront promenades, innovative playgrounds, a greenway, sports facilities, and the popular Jane’s Carousel.
BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK CONSERVANCY
Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy plays a vital role in creating and energizing this community-focused, world-class urban oasis on the Brooklyn waterfront. A 501(c)3 non-profit, we bring this unique park space to life with more than 500 innovative and engaging educational, cultural, fitness and recreational programs each year. Our free and low-cost events create new and exciting opportunities for tens of thousands of NYC residents and visitors to learn, grow, and experience all that Brooklyn Bridge Park has to offer.
Twitter: @BBPNYC
Instagram: @BrooklynBridgePark
Facebook: @BrooklynBridgePark
Press Contact:
ELIZA PERKINS | eperkins@bbp.nyc
HANNA YANDO | hyando@brooklynbridgepark.org