Full Calendar Here and Below
Downtown Brooklyn Partnership (DBP) today announced the spring and early summer lineup of its annual events series, “Downtown Brooklyn Presents,” which celebrates the people and the plazas of one of the nation’s fastest growing downtowns. Visitors can experience the vibrant and creative energy of Downtown Brooklyn as we unveil Downtown Brooklyn’s new, long-awaited open space, Abolitionist Place, salute PRIDE, commemorate Juneteenth and get physical with our popular outdoor dance classes.
“Downtown Brooklyn will spring into the season with a stellar lineup of the free performances and programming the community knows and loves,” said Regina Myer, President of Downtown Brooklyn Partnership. “And this year, Abolitionist Place with offer even more public space for everyone to enjoy the outdoors and sunshine after a long winter. We are excited for Downtown Brooklyn’s return as a hub for fun and community and look forward to seeing people enjoy our sunny plazas and other seasonal offerings.
Car-Free Earth Day will kick off the outdoor events season at Albee Square and Albee Square West on April 20th with exciting activations, bike riding 101 classes, and a special performance by Bash the Trash. Our popular Albee Square Happy Hour music series at Al B’s beer garden features Check the Rhime, a Downtown Brooklyn hip hop karaoke set to a live band, and we introduce a new series, ElectronicaFest, featuring today’s brightest MPC beats musicians.
Come June, we will celebrate PRIDE throughout our plazas with stellar performances by Justy, The Bad Judies and Robert Garcia, the world’s favorite BoyGirl at Brooklyn Commons Park. Friday Night Dance! will return to The Plaza at 300 Ashland with Benny Soto’s 718 Sessions’ Pride Party featuring DJ Danny Krivit for an unforgettable night of dancing under the stars.
At The Plaza at 300 Ashland, 651 Arts will host its Fourth Annual Juneteenth event and Mark Morris Dance Group will kick off our Movement Mondays series with hip hop, waacking and house music dance classes with choreographers Jillian Roberts, CocoMotion, Kim Holmes and Dani Criss.
Brooklyn Commons Park will serve-up a new season of Ping Pong with The Push and our beloved Natarsha McQueen’s Zumba class will make us dance into fitness with today’s hottest beats. Lunchtime at The Commons sizzles with music by Lollise, Kinto Zono and a puppet slam with Puppets Come Home.
With its wide array of programming and performances this spring and early summer, Downtown Brooklyn’s public spaces will come alive in an unforgettable way! Advanced registration is encouraged, and in some cases specified below, participants need to sign a waivers in order to participate.
Downtown Brooklyn Presents
spring 2024
downtown brooklyn car-free earth day
Saturday, april 20 | 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
ALBEE SQUARE + ALBEE SQUARE WEST
Join us for Earth-friendly and car-free activities including music, fashion, cycling lessons, and more. Albee Square West will be closed to traffic, so bring your bike or roller skates, and enjoy activities and music at Albee Square. Sponsored by Raising Cane’s.
Zumba with McQueen Fitness
Wednesdays, May 1 – June 26 | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Brooklyn Commons Park
Natarsha McQueen‘s beloved Zumba series returns! Devoted fans and new recruits come together every Wednesday to dance their way to fitness and fun. Each class guarantees synchronized moves to some of the most infectious music! Registration required.
Albee Square Happy Hours: Check the Rhime
Thursdays, May 2 – May 30 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Brooklyn Commons Park
Channel your favorite MC and spit the verses that have kept us in love with Hip Hop for five decades. Vibe curator, Dot Ichiro provides the beats, The Band keeps the groove, and YOU provide the verses. Co-host Tai Allen will check the rhime!
ping-pong with the push
Tuesdays, May 7 – 28 | 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Brooklyn Commons Park
DJ Mike Doelo and The Push are back for another series of ping pong match ups. Participants will be required to sign a waiver for this event upon online registration. Sign up!
Pickleball at brooklyn commons park
Weekdays, May 7 – 19 | 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Weekends, MAY 6 – 19 | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Brooklyn Commons Park
Get in on the craze and try your hand at the dynamic and addictive sport of pickleball. Grab your favorite opponent and drop by to play!
READING ROOM AT ABOLITIONIST PLACE
Wednesdays, may 15 through may 29 | 2:00 PM
abolitionist place
A pop-up reading room that offers a curated collection of books and a place to read together in public. Designed for New Yorkers of all ages and always free!
Alvin Ailey’s Revelations Celebration Community Workshop
Saturday, June 1 | 2:00 PM
The Plaza at 300 Ashland
Adam Space (Rain location)
Alvin Ailey’s Revelations is the world’s most popular work of modern dance. Learn excerpts from this masterpiece conducted by former Ailey company members Amos Machanic and Cheryl Rowley-Gaskins, with live music by Ailey percussionist, Roderick Jackson. Join with your friends and family – all ages are welcome! Dance for a moment, remember it for a lifetime.
Movement Mondays
Mondays, June 3 – 24 | 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
The Plaza at 300 Ashland
Mark Morris Dance Group kicks off the series with the experts in dance and movement.
Photograph: Richard Termine
Lunchtime on the Commons
Thursdays, June 6 – 27 | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Brooklyn Commons Park
Throughout June, visitors to Brooklyn Commons will be captivated by incredible performances and our stage will come alive with diverse sounds and entertainment that caters to all. From PRIDE to pulsating entertainers and puppeteers, the lineup showcases the Commons as the perfect backdrop for arts and entertainment in Downtown Brooklyn.
Albee Square Happy Hours: ElectronicaFest
Thursdays, June 6 – 27 | 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Albee Square
Join Thomas Piper, the futuristic pop singer-songwriter and producer, and the next generation of hybrid producer-musicians from the hi-to-the-lo-fi scene for a journey into the electronica sphere. This new dimension of sound will leave you inspired every Thursday in June at Albee Square.
FOURTH ANNUAL JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION WITH 651 ARTS
Saturday, June 15 | 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm
The Plaza at 300 Ashland
651 ARTS presents its Fourth Annual Juneteenth Celebration, a commemoration of African American emancipation featuring a day of performances and activities. This year’s Celebration will include a special presentation with — Registration is required.
FRIDAY NIGHT DANCE! AT THE PLAZA
Friday, June 14 | 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
The Plaza at 300 Ashland
This summer through September, 2nd Fridays on The Plaza sizzle with some of New York City’s favorite dance parties. We kick off the series with Benny Soto Presents 718 Sessions PRIDE on The Plaza Party with Danny Krivit.
En Garde Arts Presents: playdate fest
Friday, June 14 | 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
The Plaza at 300 Ashland
playdate is En Garde Arts’ curated summer performance series, celebrating early career theatre and music artists through a series of backyard gatherings. En Garde Arts is bringing the best of these performers to the general public with playdate fest!
THE BROOKLYN POETRY SLAM
TUESDAY, JULY 2 | 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
THE PLAZA AT 300 ASHLAND
The Brooklyn Poetry Slam’s monthly, popular event is celebrating seven years at Downtown Brooklyn cultural institution, BRIC! Join us for an incredible evening of poetry and community, led by co-founders Mahogany L. Browne and Jive Poetic!
