Downtown Brooklyn

Music & Machines: A Panel discussion (in partnership with the Brooklyn Book Festival)
2026-05-04 18:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York)
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, 2026-06-03 15:00 - 16:00, 2026-06-10 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, 2026-06-04 12:00 - 14:00, 2026-06-11 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!

Mizik Ayiti! Residency Spring Series | Twoubadou Lakay
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.

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.

Lunchtime Entertainment at The Commons - Te Encontro no Samba
2026-06-02 12:00 - 14:00
Visitors to Brooklyn Commons Park will be swept up in dynamic performances as the lunchtime stage comes alive with a rich mix of music and entertainment.
Te Encontro no Samba (TENS) is an Afro-Brazilian music project founded in 2017 to promote Brazilian culture in the United States. What began as a small “roda de samba” performance group has since evolved into a range of artistic and cultural initiatives, marked by an infectious sound and a vibrant celebration of Afro-Brazilian traditions.

Family Dance Jam + Craft + Carry Pop-Up Pour
2026-06-05 17:00 - 20:00
Bring the whole family for an outdoor dance party with music, and a lively neighborhood vibe, plus libations provided by Craft + Carry for those 21 years of age and older.

The Brooklyn Poetry Slam
2026-06-09 18:00 - 20:00
Join us for the 2026 finale of BRIC’s Brooklyn Poetry Slam, hosted by the series’ esteemed co-founders, poets Mahogany L. Browne and Jive Poetic, and featuring the Poetry Slam winners from earlier in the season.

Summer Stories: The BKLYN Reading Scene
2026-06-13 13:00 - 17:00
Kick off summer reading with Reading Rhythms, Downtown Brooklyn Partnership and City Point hosting an inspiring community event blending books, music, and storytelling for readers of all ages. Registration is required.
RSVP link coming soon.

Fútbol Watch Party and Sound + Fury Pop-up Pour
2026-06-16 14:30 - 20:00
Catch France vs. Senegal, then stay for the Norway vs. Iraq match at the best outdoor soccer watch party in Downtown Brooklyn. Enjoy an afternoon of live music and dance with Babacar Mbaye, followed by a set from DJ YB. Between goals, grab a cold drink at the Sound + Fury pop-up bar—and soak up the high energy and festival atmosphere all afternoon.

Kid’s Soccer Village and Watch Party
2026-06-17 15:30 - 18:00
Brooklyn Commons Park will transform into Downtown Brooklyn’s Soccer Village for the day. Join us for an afternoon of soccer-themed crafts, goal-shooting activities, Duplo LEGO play, foosball tables, live screen printing and more—and catch the England vs. Croatia match! This event is in partnership with Brooklyn Bridge Parents, Brooklyn FC, Fresh Grocer, and Dave & Buster’s.
