Downtown Brooklyn

BKO Volunteer Day: Surveillance Technology Oversight Project
2026-04-25 10:30 - 12:30 (America/New_York)
Brooklyn Org’s Annual Day of Service brings together community members to roll up their sleeves and work alongside the incredible nonprofits that support our borough. You’ll get to learn about the day-to-day work of these amazing organizations and lend a helping hand.
The Surveillance Technology Oversight Project – Phone Banking Advocacy event is just one of over a dozen volunteer opportunities available throughout the borough taking place from 8:15am to 3:30pm. Click the “Info + Registration” link to find out more.

Vizyon Atistik | OPENING NIGHT | What Paper Remembers: Marks, Memory and Labor
2026-04-25 18:00 - 21:00
Join us for the opening reception of What Paper Remembers: Marks, Memory and Labor on April 25, 2026, presented by Haiti Cultural Exchange, Vizyon Atistik.
On view from April 25 through June 7
About the Exhibition
Through drawing, printmaking, collage, and mixed media, the exhibition considers paper as a material that carries memory, labor, and cultural continuity. Paper absorbs gesture records pressure and hesitation, time, revision and return, while holding traces of the hand and the persistence of ideas. Centering practices shaped by embodied knowledge and movement across place, the exhibition affirms paper not as a provisional surface, but as one that remembers and endures.
Curated by HCX fellow Yvena Despagne and Executive Director Régine M. Roumain.
Featured Artists
Sally Yolaine Binard | Ani Brutus | Jennica Drice | Mel Isidor | Nathalie Jean-Baptiste | Rejin Leys | Julie Rouzier Mevs | Vané Russo
Learn more about the exhibition and artists here »
Join the artists & curators for other activations taking place as part of this exhibition »

CBH Talk | The Sparrow in the Archive: A Small Brooklyn Bird with a Global Story
2026-04-28 18:30 - 20:00
In the mid-nineteenth century, the house sparrow was intentionally introduced to cities across the colonial world. Today this small brown bird is often dismissed as a pest—but its history tells a much larger story about migration, empire, and the reshaping of urban environments. Brooklyn played a surprising role in that story: one of the earliest successful introductions of the species in the Americas took place here, helping the sparrow become one of the most widespread birds on the continent.
In this talk, Argentine-Australian artist and researcher Dr. Fernando do Campo traces the origins of Brooklyn’s sparrows and the myths that surround their arrival. Drawing on archival materials from the Brooklyn Public Library, the Brooklyn Museum, and Green-Wood Cemetery, he revisits the nineteenth-century effort to introduce the birds, an episode that included Brooklynites caring for dozens of sparrows during the winter of 1856 before releasing them the following spring.
Blending art, history, and environmental storytelling, do Campo reflects on how contemporary artists can engage archives to uncover overlooked narratives. Through his own artworks and research, he explores how the sparrow’s global journey—from England to cities across the world—offers a new way to think about migration, belonging, and the intertwined histories of humans and animals in urban life. Following his presentation, do Campo will be in conversation with artist Umber Majeed.

Java with Jo Anne
2026-04-30 09:30 - 11:00
Join Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon for a cup of coffee! Come and chat about current events & community issues.
The event will be held by the tables near Trader Joe’s, inside the DeKalb Market Hall.
RSVP at bit.ly/JavaApril 30.

Jay St MashUp @ City Tech
2026-04-30 17:00 - 20:00
The Humanities Department at City Tech presents Jay St MashUp, a follow-up to last year’s exhilarating international music event, held in the heart of Downtown Brooklyn. A myriad of music genres from Colombia, Indonesia, Brazil, Cuba, and the U.S. will be heard as yet another amazing array of groups takes the stage.
This year’s dynamic, free program will feature Martín Vejarano & Magia Gaitera, Gamelan Yowana Sari, Guitarist Michael Cedric Smith, Max Pollak Group, and Gato Loco! RSVP for tickets!

Woody Wednesdays
2026-04-30 18:00 - 20:00
Woody Wednesdays (and one Woody Thursday) bring together NYU students, alumni, and guest artists for acoustic sets inside the exhibition Woody Guthrie: What This Guitar Might Do. Each night features artists reinterpreting Guthrie’s work alongside original songs.
Feel free to drop by, no registration is needed.
Wednesday April 15, 6:00 – 8:00 pm

Performing artists:

Hannah Hoberman (Gallatin 2027)
Nora Conlon
Drake Hunt

Wednesday April 22, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Performing artists:

Sofia D’Angelo
Goldfish Funeral (Jack Bobley) (Tish 2026)
Stevie Bill

Thursday April 30, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Performing artists:

Caleb Moore (Steinhardt, 2022)
Calling Margaret (Genevieve Kleyhans) (Tisch, 2026)
Remi Baker (Clive Davis Institute, 2026)

Mizik Ayiti! Residency Spring Series | Twoubadou Lakay
2026-04-30 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-05-07 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-05-14 18:00 - 21:00
Join Haiti Cultural Exchange on Thursdays for the Mizik Ayiti! Residency Series. The Spring residency will be held by Twoubadou Lakay.
Twoubadou Lakay is a collective of master musicians rooted in the rich traditions of Haitian music. The ensemble blends the storytelling spirit and dancing guitars of Haitian Twoubadou with deep Haitian rhythms, jazz sensibilities, and improvisational dialogue. Twoubadou Lakay is tradition reimagined through a contemporary lens. Their sound is both intimate and expansive—grounded in lakou culture, yet reaching across the diaspora—creating a musical space where heritage, memory, and innovation meet.
Twoubadou Lakay’s Haiti Cultural Exchange residency will feature core members Bobby Raymond, Markus Schwartz, Gary Josama, Gama Josama, Joe Montour, Camille Hostin and Roland Cameau in revolving formations. Twoubadou Lakay invites audiences into a living, breathing experience of Haitian musical expression—honoring the past while shaping its future.
Twoubadou Lakay’s five-week residency at HCX will feature unique performances weekly.

Practicing Brooklyn NOW: Working Locally in a Global City
2026-04-30 18:30 - 20:00
What does it mean to build a practice rooted in Brooklyn? This panel highlights architects and designers whose work is deeply embedded in Brooklyn’s neighborhoods. Speakers will discuss building a local practice, working with community clients, and balancing local impact with broader professional pressures.
Brooklyn NOW! 2026, presented at BPL’s Library for Arts & Culture, celebrates the design forces actively shaping our borough today. Opening in April 2026, the exhibition highlights how architects, builders, and visionaries are reimagining Brooklyn’s streets, homes, and civic spaces. The exhibition will be accompanied by five in-person public programs, including a gallery opening that invites visitors to engage directly with the ideas and people behind the work.

CBH Talk | Confronting Climate Change Part 1: Understanding Deniers
2026-04-30 18:30 - 20:00
Confronting Climate Change is a three-part series that explores one of the most urgent issues of our times. Join leading thinkers, scientists, journalists, and advocates for these vitally important conversations.
Part One: Understanding Denial—Manufacturing Doubt, Shaping Debate
Part One of Confronting Climate Change examines the rise and persistence of climate denial, asking how doubt about the well-established scientific consensus has been deliberately cultivated, and to what effect. This conversation explores the networks of influence behind denial, from fossil fuel industry funding to media ecosystems that amplify skepticism, as well as the social and political forces that have entrenched resistance to climate policy in public life.
The conversation features environmental writer and activist Bill McKibben, whose decades of work have helped define how we understand the climate crisis and the opposition to addressing it. He is joined by Ricky Bradley, Executive Director of Citizens’ Climate Lobby, who brings a strategist’s perspective on how beliefs are formed, how misinformation spreads, and what it takes to build political will for climate action across ideological divides.
The program is moderated by Rebecca Hersher, correspondent on NPR’s Climate Desk, whose reporting on climate science, extreme weather, and human adaptation offers a clear-eyed view of how these debates play out in real time. Together, they unpack how denial has been organized and sustained, and consider what it will take to move beyond it.
To learn more about and register for Part 2 of Confronting Climate Change click here and for Part 3, click here.

Exhibition Tour, The Battle of Brooklyn: Fought and Remembered
2026-05-01 15:00 - 16:00
Join the Center of Brooklyn History for a free tour of The Battle of Brooklyn: Fought and Remembered.
In August of 1776, the first and largest battle of the American Revolution took place in what is now Brooklyn, NY. The Battle of Brooklyn: Fought and Remembered uses primary source material from the Center for Brooklyn History’s collection to relay the story of this turning point in American history, sharing the events of this battle with new relevance.
On this in-depth tour of the exhibition, visitors will get a tour of the exhibition, featuring artifacts, archival documents, artwork, and exclusive access to rare maps that bring the summer of 1776 alive, 250 years later. This tour will also offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the process of putting together this exhibition at the Center for Brooklyn History.

Music & Machines: A Panel discussion (in partnership with the Brooklyn Book Festival)
2026-05-04 18:30 - 19:30
A discussion with journalist and authors Liz Pelly (Mood Machine: The Rise of Spotify and the Cost of the Perfect Playlist) and David Hadju (The Uncanny Muse: Music, Art and Machines from Automata to AI).

How is technology shaping the future of music, and what does that mean for artists, listeners, and culture?
Join the Brooklyn Book Festival and the NYU 370 Jay Project for Machines & Music, a dynamic conversation exploring the evolving relationship between music and technology. The discussion moves from early mechanical instruments to today’s AI-driven soundscape and considers how these shifts are changing the way music is created, distributed, and experienced.
Whether you are a student, creative, technologist, or simply curious about how platforms like Spotify and emerging AI tools are transforming the industry, this event offers a chance to hear directly from leading voices thinking critically about these changes.

Wednesday Wonders
2026-05-06 15:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-13 15:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-20 15:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-27 15:00 - 16:00
Enjoy the wonders of Abolitionist Place—where every Wednesday in May and June offers a new adventure! Presented with support from Council Member Lincoln Restler and the New York City Council.
May 6, 13, 20 and 27
Brianna Kalisch
Brianna Kalisch isn’t just a stilt walker — she’s a multi-talented circus artist, performer, and creative producer whose work blends physical artistry with storytelling. Catch her as she struts through the park and learn the art of stilt walking! All skill levels are welcome and equipment will be provided. Registration required: Sign up here!
June 3, 10 and 24
Flow Juggle
Toss some fun into your day with Brooklyn’s favorite juggler, Martin Kalwill. Whether you’re a total beginner or looking to up your juggling game, Martin has tips and tricks for all. All skill levels are welcome and equipment will be provided.

Table Tennis Thursdays
2026-05-07 12:00 - 14:00, 2026-05-14 12:00 - 14:00, 2026-05-21 12:00 - 14:00, 2026-05-28 12:00 - 14:00
Team DBP will be serving a series of lunchtime ping pong games. Find a partner, grab a paddle and let the games begin!
Register to join the fun. One registration per person.

Integrated Design & Media (IDM) Showcase: Spring 2026
2026-05-07 17:00 - 20:00
Please join NYU Tandon to enjoy a variety of newly developed games, immersive installations, and films – ranging in subjects of Emerging Media, Communications, Urban, Health, Sustainability and many more!

Abolitionist Place 2nd Anniversary Celebration
2026-05-08 14:00 - 16:00
Join us as we celebrate the two-year anniversary of our favorite park, Abolitionist Place. Enjoy an afternoon of live music, balloon art, , fun face-painted tattoos, treats, and more. More details to come!

Show Brooklyn Some Love Fest
2026-05-09 11:00 - 14:00
Celebrate Brooklyn moms with a joyful day of fun featuring a pick-your-own bouquet flower bar, DJ Mike spinning in Albee Square, hands-on crafts, the Brooklyn Museum on Wheels, and family photo moments.

Interactive Telecommunications Program (ITP) / Interactive Media Arts (IMA) Spring Show
2026-05-10 14:00 - 18:00, 2026-05-11 16:00 - 20:00
A two-day exhibition of creative interactive projects from NYU’s ITP, IMA & Low Res.

NYU Game Center Spring Showcase 2026
2026-05-13 18:00 - 22:00
Join the annual NYU Game Center Spring Showcase! Students will be showing playable demos of their work made over the course of this past year. You are encouraged to meet and chat with students about their game making process at this huge end of year celebration!

Who is showing?
The Showcase will feature projects from all graduating Capstone and Thesis students, as well as a selection of digital and non-digital games made in a range of design, studio, and development courses at the NYU Game Center.
What can I expect to see?
At least 50 games will be present at this showcase! A map will be provided to you in the form of a program booklet.
Non-alcoholic refreshments will be provided. BYOB 21+ with ID.

BAM DanceAfrica Outdoor Bazaar
2026-05-23 12:00 - 22:00, 2026-05-24 12:00 - 20:00, 2026-05-25 12:00 - 20:00
The nation’s largest celebration of African diasporic dance and music returns for its 49th year this Memorial Day Weekend. BAM DanceAfrica’s global marketplace of Black arts and crafts will be on the Plaza again this year.
