2024 Brooklyn Bridge Park Season Preview Brochure

BROOKLYN

WELCOME!

Each year thousands of visitors come to this special waterfront Park to find joy, wonder, and exploration across a dynamic suite of arts and culture, recreation, and environmental education programs.

Brooklyn Bridge Park and Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy, the Park’s lead program partner, are thrilled to share the upcoming 2024 season with you. Come experience all Brooklyn Bridge Park has to offer!

FOR FULL PROGRAM DETAILS VISIT BROOKLYNBRIDGEPARK.ORG

ARTS & CULTURE

SOUND & COLOR! SPRING FESTIVAL

SATURDAY, MAY 18

11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

PARKWIDE - SEE BROOKLYNBRIDGEPARK.ORG

Kick off the season with a celebration of colors, culture, spring and unity. Our Kite Festival expands this year with live music and entertainment across the Park.

BAM DANCEAFRICA COMMUNITY CLASS ✔

SATURDAY, MAY 25

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

PIER 6 PLAZA

Families deepen their engagement with DanceAfrica in this outdoor class led by teaching artist Dánice Jones, learning rhythms and movement from Cameroon.

PHOTOVILLE

JUNE 1 - JUNE 16

EMILY WARREN ROEBLING PLAZA

Open-air exhibitions and classic shipping container galleries display hundreds of visual storytelling projects.

SUMMERSTAGE METOPERA

THURSDAY, JUNE 20

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

PIER 1 HARBOR VIEW LAWN

Experience one of the City’s beloved summer traditions! Enjoy arias and solos performed by artists from The Metropolitan Opera.

$ = Ticketed ✔ = Free but RSVP required

PUPPETS! WITH MANGO MOON

SATURDAY, JUNE 22

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

PIER 3 PLAZA

Join for an afternoon of puppetry! Build a puppet, sing catchy songs, learn fun academic strategies and social-emotional skills!

SHAKESPEARE AT SUNSET

SATURDAY, JUNE 29 & SUNDAY, JUNE 30 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

PIER 1 GRANITE PROSPECT

Theater 2020 presents a 75-minute fast-paced family-friendly rendition of Shakespeare’s comedy THE TEMPEST.

THE BIG BUSK WITH CITIZEN COPE ✔

SATURDAY, JULY 13 3:30 PM - 6:30 PM

SEE BROOKLYNBRIDGEPARK.ORG

Calling all acoustic guitar players! Musicians of all ages and abilities are invited to participate in this free concert where you are the performer. Hosted by Citizen Cope. See website for details & to sign up.

OPEN STUDIOS: FOGO AZUL

SUNDAYS: JULY 14, AUGUST 11, SEPT. 8 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

PIER 6 PLAZA

NYC-based all-women, trans, and nonbinary Brazilian Samba Reggae drum line Fogo Azul present live music in the Park!

MARK MORRIS DANCE GROUP ✔

SATURDAY, AUGUST 3

11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

PIER 1 HARBOR VIEW LAWN

Mark Morris Dance Group returns for a special outdoor performance and familyfriendly dance workshop.

HINDU LAMP CEREMONY

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10

3:00 PM - 7:30 PM

MAIN STREET PEBBLE BEACH

Dance artist and educator Aeilushi Mistry performs the traditional Hindu Aarti ceremony.

CELEBRATE WORLD STEEL PAN DAY

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10

SEE BROOKLYNBRIDGEPARK.ORG

Experience the sounds & tastes of Caribbean culture! The Carlos Lezama Archives and Caribbean Cultural Center will host performances, workshops and activities.

WALT WHITMAN’S SONG OF MYSELF

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

3:00 PM - 8:00 PM

PIER 1 GRANITE PROSPECT

The Walt Whitman Initiative’s annual “Song of Myself” Marathon is an open public reading of Whitman’s celebrated poem. Readers volunteer to recite the 52 sections. Register for a section in advance.

BAM PRESENTS: A CELEBRATION OF AFRICAN DIASPORIC DANCE ✔

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

PIER 6 PLAZA

Families celebrate DanceAfrica in this outdoor class led by teaching artist Yasmar Cruz on African and diasporic dance.

SOUND & COLOR! AUTUMN IN NEW YORK

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19

PARKWIDE - SEE BROOKLYNBRIDGEPARK.ORG

Join us this Fall as we celebrate the changing of the season at Brooklyn Bridge Park. Sound & Color! is a family friendly afternoon of music, arts and crafts, storytelling, lawn games and more - check website for details and schedule.

SOUNDS AT SUNSET

Enjoy free concerts on Fridays from local and international talent.

STEELY DAN HAPPY HOUR

FRIDAY, JUNE 21

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

PIER 3 PLAZA

The definitive Steely Dan Tribute featuring NYC’s elite touring and recording musicians, The Royal Scam. Opening DJ Set from Maurice Bernstein (founder Giant Step).

IGMAR THOMAS & MUSICAL GUESTS

FRIDAYS: JUNE 28 & SEPTEMBER 20

7:00 PM - 9:30 PM

PIER 6 PLAZA & LIBERTY LAWN

Maestro, Trumpeter, conductor, composer and arranger Igmar Thomas hosts Jam sessions with invited musical guests. Check website for program details.

YACOUBA SISSOKO

FRIDAY, JULY 12

7:00 PM - 9:30 PM

PIER 6 PLAZA & LIBERTY LAWN

World-renowned master kora player Yacouba Sissoko and his band SIYA share hauntingly beautiful sounds and music from West Africa.

BROOKLYN AMERICANA MUSIC

FRIDAY, JULY 26

7:00 PM - 9:30 PM

PIER 6 PLAZA & LIBERTY LAWN

Brooklyn Americana Music curates a taste of their award-winning festival featuring internationally touring singer-songwriters.

PAAK APPRECIATION

FRIDAY, AUGUST 2

7:00 PM - 9:30 PM

PIER 6 PLAZA & LIBERTY LAWN

Anderson devotees can hear songs, samples, and collaborations across Paak’s growing body of work (pre-Oxnard) with this DJ set and drum clinic, hosted by drummer and producer George “Spanky” McCurdy.

SOCIALS & DANCING

BIG SUMMER

We’re back with four opportunities to GET DOWN this summer! Join us for these all-age dance parties. Bring your good vibes and your best moves to Pier 3 Plaza!

BIG SUMMER PRIDE TWIRL

SATURDAY, JUNE 8

4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Celebrate Brooklyn Pride in the Park with Papi Juice & Friends, featuring DJ sets and performance at this free, all-ages event!

BIG SUMMER CHOP & VIBES

SATURDAY, AUGUST 17

6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Afrobeats, Amapiano & Highlife on the waterfront + Delicious food selections curated by African Chop House.

BIG HALLOWEEN GET DOWN

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31

6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Time to BOO-gie at our Halloween Party in the Park! Come in a costume or come as you are — Herbert Holler leads this must-notmiss all-ages Halloween dance party on the waterfront.

SHORE THING

WEDNESDAYS: JUNE 26, JULY 17, AUGUST 14, SEPTEMBER 18

6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

SEE BROOKLYNBRIDGEPARK.ORG

Get down while it goes down! Space Invader Social hosts an after work Sunset Social for New Yorkers looking for new connections and out of the ordinary experiences.

LAZY DAZE

Pack a blanket, some snacks, and join us for these chill Sunday afternoons at Pier 6 Liberty Lawn.

THE SOUL OF YACHT ROCK

SUNDAY, JUNE 9

Informal discussion & DJ set dedicated to the enduring legacy of what is now commonly referred to as yacht rock. Moderated by Scott Barkham (artist manager, yacht rock aficionado) with Gary Katz (producer, Steely Dan) and Rich Medina (world renowned DJ).

FRIENDS & LOVERS

SUNDAYS: JUNE 23 & AUGUST 4

Friends & Lovers return with their signature soulful vibes. Providing a safe space to let loose, be yourself, dance, make friends, and maybe fall in love.

LOVERS ROCK

SUNDAYS: JULY 21 & AUGUST 18

Join host Ma Cherie, DJ Jam Central, and special guests for an afternoon of Studio One, Lovers Rock, Afrobeats, Soca and dancehall.

BIG SUMMER PARTY WITH A PURPOSE! BENEFIT DANCE $

Love Saves the Day! A Disco tribute to David Mancuso, hosted by the Loft Party NYC

SATURDAY, JULY 20, 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM

PIER 3 PLAZA - BROOKLYNBRIDGEPARK.ORG FOR TICKETS

Join us at this party with a purpose on the waterfront. The Loft Party NYC, the longest running underground dance event in U.S. history, comes to Brooklyn Bridge Park for an evening of DISCO, live performance, and community. Strap on your dancing shoes and step out for an unforgettable celebration of music and dancing. This is a ticketed dance party, with proceeds benefiting Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy’s free programming — your support makes this happen. Secure your ticket today for this all-ages dance event!

EXHIBITIONS & TOURS

BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK SELF GUIDED AUDIO TOURS

SEE BROOKLYNBRIDGEPARK.ORG

Looking to become an expert of these 85 acres? Immerse yourself in our newly launched self guided audio tour. Explore the Park’s fascinating history; learn about its landscapes and restorations.

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

Huma Bhabha (b. 1962, Karachi, Pakistan) will present a series of four new large-scale figures at Pier 3 Greenway Terrace — hear their words on how to interpret these works!

OLUNTEER

Our vibrant volunteer community plays a vital role in keeping Brooklyn Bridge Park beautiful and Conservancy programs thriving! Whether you’re seeking flexible one-off experiences, or more committed roles, or individual or group experiences, there’s a way for you to make a meaningful impact.

HUMA BHABHA SCULPTURE EXHIBIT

PRESENTED BY PUBLIC ART FUND

ON DISPLAY APRIL 30 - MARCH 9, 2025

PIER 3 GREENWAY TERRACE

Four monumental painted and patinated bronzes were cast from carved cork and skull fragments to create mysterious figures that recall ancient effigies cut into tombstones.

WATERFRONT WALKS ✔ SEE BROOKLYNBRIDGEPARK.ORG

Join for a free docent-led walking tour of Brooklyn Bridge Park! Learn about the history of the Brooklyn waterfront, the Park’s sustainable design, and how the Park came to life.

WALT WHITMAN WALKING TOUR ✔

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Walk in the steps of Walt Whitman, learning how he explored and connected with the world around him.

PURPLE RAIN 40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION ✔

FRIDAY, JULY 26 & SATURDAY, JULY 27 6:30 PM - 10:30 PM

PIER 3 PLAZA & LAWN

2024 marks the 40th anniversary of Prince’s legendary album and movie Purple Rain. Brooklyn Bridge Park will mark this momentous anniversary with a special screening and dance party tribute. Check website for details and to RSVP.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES INCLUDE:

• Group gardening

• Coastal Cleanups

• Event support

• Environmental education

• Docents/tour guides

• Photographers

• Zone gardening

Explore and sign-up for opportunities at: BROOKLYNBRIDGEPARK.ORG/ VOLUNTEER.

FITNESS & RECREATION

Get moving with athletic and fitness opportunities on the waterfront! Free classes and low-cost leagues.

KAYAKING ✔

MAY 31 - SEPTEMBER 30

WEDNESDAYS & THURSDAYS, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

SATURDAYS, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

SUNDAYS 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM

PIER 2 DOCK

Glide along the water, with free kayaking presented in partnership with Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse! No experience needed, registration required.

YOUTH BASKETBALL

Kids ages 7-17 can learn basketball basics with FREE 2-hour clinics by KING HOOPS ✔ on Tuesday afternoons in June and July. Or for more serious players, join for METROBASKETBALL’s $ low-cost Youth Program on Saturday mornings for grades 3-6! See website for registration details for both.

WATERFRONT WORKOUTS

YOUTH & ADULT SOCCER

Join adult soccer leagues in the spring, summer, and fall, and youth leagues in the spring and fall. See website for details.

YOUTH & ADULT VOLLEYBALL LEAGUES $

Enjoy adult volleyball leagues and tournaments, and youth volleyball clinics throughout the year. See website details.

WIMBLEDON: THE HILL IN NEW YORK ✔

FRIDAY, JULY 12 - SUNDAY, JULY 14

EMPIRE FULTON FERRY

Wimbledon’s iconic fan destination, the Hill, returns to Brooklyn Bridge Park! Watch the tennis finals live and experience an authentic Championship!

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA

FRIDAY, JUNE 21

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

PIER 1 HARBOR VIEW LAWN

Celebrate International Day of Yoga with ONEYOGAHOUSE with a dynamic yoga practice and Sound Meditation.

ZUMBA WITH DODGE YMCA ✔

MONDAYS: MAY 6 - SEPTEMBER 30

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

PIER 3 PLAZA

Combines fast and slow rhythms to tone and sculpt the body. Free weekly workouts by top notch local fitness instructors!

PILATES WITH DODGE YMCA ✔

SUNDAYS: MAY 12 - SEPTEMBER 29

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

PIER 6 LIBERTY LAWN

Enhance your control, stability, coordination, endurance, balance, strength, and flexibility.

MORNING WELLNESS: PICK YOUR PRACTITIONER ✔

SUNDAYS: MAY 12 - SEPTEMBER 29

8:30 AM - 9:30 AM

LOCATION VARIES

Join for a rotating series of Sunday morning fitness and wellness classes; see website.

AMP’D WITH CHELSEA PIERS FITNESS ✔

WEDNESDAYS: MAY 1 - SEPTEMBER 25

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

PIER 2 TURF

Push your body to new limits with a challenging blend of bodyweight strength and cardio moves.

SUNSET YOGA WITH ABHAYA YOGA ✔

TUESDAYS: MAY 7 - SEPTEMBER 24

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

PIER 6 LIBERTY LAWN

Relax, breath, stretch, strengthen and condition — all with a gorgeous sunset!

Help us keep the joy flowing for NYC.

Whether you’ve soared kites at our Spring Festival or savored sunsets before a movie on the lawn, your membership matters. When you become a Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy member you help us keep the joy flowing free while unlocking exciting benefits for you and your family!

BECOME A MEMBER TODAY!

BROOKLYNBRIDGEPARK.ORG/JOIN

Questions? We’re here to help! membership@brooklynbridgepark.org

BROOKLYN BLACK TIE BALL $

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

PIER 2

Party with purpose at the Conservancy’s most significant fundraiser of the yearenjoy cocktails and dinner to support free programming all year long!

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

The Conservancy offers a range of environmentally focused programs for visitors of all ages! Join us to explore the plants, animals, and urban ecology of Brooklyn Bridge Park and the East River estuary. Stop by our ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER (99 Plymouth Street) for free weekly, drop-in OPEN HOURS, get up close and personal with our waterway at one of our community science programs, or join one of our special program series, including EARLY NATURE EXPERIENCES for preschoolers, TIDES Teens Interested in and Dedicated to Environmental Stewardship, and more.

COMMUNITY SCIENCE SEINING

SATURDAYS: JUNE 1, JULY 13, AUGUST 10, SEPTEMBER 28

PIER 4 BEACH

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!

COMMUNITY SCIENCE FISHING

FRIDAYS: JUNE 21 & SEPTEMBER 13

SATURDAYS, AUGUST 3 & OCTOBER 5

PIER 5

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.

ED CENTER BIRTHDAY

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER

Cue the confetti and cheer, it’s the Environmental Education Center’s 9th birthday bash! Enjoy celebratory activities, crafts and more.

To learn more and see details, visit BROOKLYNBRIDGEPARK.ORG/EDUCATION!

MOVIES WITH A VIEW

THURSDAYS, JULY 11 – AUGUST 29

LAWN OPENS 6:00 PM, MOVIES START AT SUNSET

PIER 1, HARBOR VIEW LAWN

Join the Conservancy to celebrate our 24th season of Movies With A View, Brooklyn’s beloved outdoor film series! Enjoy delicious food and drink, pre-show entertainment and more. Titles and details to be announced in late May!