As NYC dwellers we all make jokes about how it costs $200 just to step outside our apartment, but once the weather starts to warm up it’s hard to stay cooped up indoors. And now that summer is approaching–oh, and it’s going to be a hotter and rainier one than usual at that–we’ll find every excuse we can to be outdoors (on the sunny days, of course!). Thankfully, there’s tons of free programming heading to NYC so we can enjoy our time al fresco while still being able to afford a bagel for breakfast the next morning, and BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! is joining in on the fun.
BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! is New York City’s longest running free performing arts festival. For nearly half a century it’s been celebrating Brooklyn’s status as a global music crossroads with programming that spans continents, generations, and artistic disciplines, and this year marks its 47th anniversary.
BRIC (Brooklyn arts and media institution) just released its highly-anticipated lineup for the 2025 season of BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!, and this year’s theme is “Where Brooklyn Meets… The World,” which explores the rich tapestry of global sounds and stories that define the borough’s cultural landscape.
Programming will officially kick-off on Saturday, June 7th with BAYO in Brooklyn at BRIC House: A Conversation with DJ and global producer Michaël Brun, Council Member Rita Joseph, BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Executive Producer Saidah Blount, and BRIC President Wes Jackson. During this event they’ll discuss the importance of Haitian and Caribbean music to diasporic communities in New York.
In total, this season will include 14 free shows and four benefit concerts at the Lena Horne Bandshell in Prospect Park, as well as two off-site events. Saidah Blount, BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Executive Director, stated:
The magic of the performing arts lies in their power to move, unite, and inspire. This season, the Lena Horne Bandshell transforms into a global gathering place – where rhythms, stories, and cultures from around the world meet to form Brooklyn’s creative heartbeat. We’re proud to celebrate the diversity and depth of our borough through artists who reflect the many ways music and performance connect us all.
BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! 2025 lineup
- Saturday, June 7 – BAYO in Brooklyn: A Conversation with Michaël Brun at BRIC House
- Monday, June 9 – Opening Benefit Concert: Blue Note Jazz Festival & Live Nation Present Grace Jones & Janelle Monáe
- Friday, June 13 – Opening Free Concert: Mélissa Laveaux | Nathalie ‘TALIE’ Cerin | Riva Nyri Précil
- Saturday, June 14 – Family Day: Pippi Longstocking’s 80th Birthday Celebration with the Klezmatics!
- Thursday, June 19 – BRIC Celebration Brooklyn’s 3rd Annual Juneteenth in the Park
- Friday, June 20 – Habibi Festival at BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!
- Thursday, June 26 – Buscabulla | Chuwi | Paso Negro
- Friday, June 27 – A Tribute to Quincy Jones: The Greatest Night in Pop
- Saturday, July 12 – Benefit Concert: Still Woozy – Loveseat Tour
- Thursday, July 17 – Benefit Concert: Dinosaur Jr. + Snail Mail with special guest Easy Action
- Friday, July 18 – Benefit Concert: Men I Trust | strongboi
- Saturday, July 19 – BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! at Brower Park
- Saturday, July 26 – A Tribute to Quincy Jones: The Wiz
- Friday, August 1 – Mireya Ramos and the Poor Choices | Talibah Safiya | Morley
- Saturday, August 2 – Gogol Bordello | Puzzled Panther | Pons
- Thursday, August 7 – Emily Johnson / Catalyst
- Friday, August 8 – Adrian Quesada | Trish Toledo
- Saturday, August 9 – LYRICIST LOUNGE Anniversary Show
- Friday, August 15 – William Parker | NIKARA presents Black Wall Street
- Saturday, August 16 – Closing Night: Nick Hakim | Karriem Riggins (DJ set)