NYU Game Center Spring Showcase 2026
2026-05-13 18:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York)
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.

Table Tennis Thursdays
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, 2026-06-18 12:00 - 14:00, 2026-06-25 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.

Mizik Ayiti! Residency Spring Series | Twoubadou Lakay
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.

Wednesday Wonders
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, 2026-06-24 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.

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.

We Outside! A BK Juneteenth Vol. IV
2026-06-20 12:00 - 20:00
651 ARTS presents its We Outside! A BK Juneteenth, Vol. IV, a commemoration of African-American emancipation featuring a day of performances and activities. More information TBA.

Lunchtime Entertainment - Kréol Fest
2026-06-23 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. Set in the heart of Downtown Brooklyn, the Commons provides the perfect backdrop for vibrant arts and culture.
Kréol Fest is a vibrant celebration that showcases the rich tapestry of Creole culture through an eclectic mix of music, dance, visual arts, literature, fashion, and cuisine. Join Natie Music, Rouler Killer, and a diverse array of artists from Creole communities around the world for an unforgettable experience that honors and unites a shared heritage.

En Garde Arts Presents: playdate Fest!
2026-06-25 18:00 - 20:00
playdate Fest!, En Garde Arts’ curated summer performance series spotlighting award-winning musicians and musical-theatre artists, returns in its biggest iteration yet. This year’s edition is curated by Modesto “Flako” Jimenez, a Dominican-born, Brooklyn-raised multidisciplinary artist. Presented in collaboration with the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership—with support from Council Member Lincoln Restler and the New York City Council.

Friday Night Dance with Public Service!
2026-06-26 17:00 - 20:00
Public Service is a dance party for the people, by the people. Conceived and DJ’d by Toribio + Mickey Pérez, the pair pays homage to NYC’s block party/park jam culture by fusing 50+ years of American dance music alongside rhythms from the African, Caribbean, and South American diasporas. Powered sonically by Karlala Soundsystem, Public Service honors the musical past while simultaneously paying tribute to the present & future.

Lunchtime Entertainment - saxofshaolin
2026-06-30 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. Set in the heart of Downtown Brooklyn, the Commons provides the perfect backdrop for vibrant arts and culture.
Saxophonist and composer Ben Chin leads saxofshaolin, a captivating fusion of Eastern and Western musical influences. Drawing from American, Southeast Asian, and Afro-Caribbean traditions, he creates a sound that celebrates cultural connections. As a Hakka Chinese immigrant and nomad, his music blends traditional and contemporary elements, making it both danceable and spiritual.
