Downtown Brooklyn Partnership (DBP) recently announced the spring lineup of its annual event series Downtown Brooklyn Presents, and judging by how jam packed it is with fun, free programming you definitely will not want to miss out.
Downtown Brooklyn Presents celebrates the people and the places of one of the nation’s fastest growing downtowns, and the spring launch is only the start of an exciting season.
Kicking off the season is a series complementing The Plaza’s interactive public artwork COMMON GROUND, which gives way to Earth Day events, ping pong happy hours, zumba classes, and more.
This year, Downtown Brooklyn will also host several events to celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip hop, Pride Month, and Juneteenth, from their version of hip hop karaoke to commemorative performances and activities.
See Downtown Brooklyn Presents’ schedule below:
COMMON GROUND Performances
Pratt Institute’s fashion department closes the installation with JUNIOR THESIS – a fashion performance featuring selected works from year-end collections.
- Saturday, April 22, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Downtown Brooklyn Car-Free Earth Day
An exciting and earth-friendly activation on the plaza at Albee Square. Albee Square West will also be closed to traffic all day, so bring your yoga mats, bikes, scooters, and roller skates and enjoy a car-free street!
- Saturday, April 22, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Willoughby Walks
For two consecutive weeks, lounge in lawn chairs and revel in a car-free streets! Downtown Brooklyn Partnership and DOT close the streets and transform them with art, music, exercise classes, and fun activities — all free and open to the public!
- Thursday, April 27, 2 p.m. – 8 p.m.
- Wednesday, May 3, 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Albee Square Happy Hours: Check the Rhime
In honor of Hip Hop 50, channel your favorite MC and spit the verses that have kept you in love with the genre for five decades. Vibe curator, Dot Ichiro provides the beats.
- Thursdays, May 4-25, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
BAMkids SpringFest
A day of free musical performances, interactive activities, and showcases of local talent, celebrating the spirit of spring and themes related to environmental advocacy and care. Co-curated by the BAMkids Parent Advisory Circle.
- Saturday, May 6, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Ping Pong Happy Hours
DJ Mike Doelo and The Push are back for another series of ping pong match ups. The series is free to the public.
- Tuesdays, May 9-30 & June 6-20, 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Zumba with Dodge YMCA
Natarsha McQueen’s beloved Zumba series returns. Devoted fans and new recruits sweat it out each Wednesday to choreographed dance moves set to lively beats.
- Wednesdays, May 10, 17, 31 & June 7, 14, 21, 28, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
BKLYN Kids Indoor/Outdoor Block Party
Brooklyn Bridge Parents brings block party fun to Downtown Brooklyn at both City Point and Albee Square with free, fun activities for families with kids ages 1 to 10.
- Saturday, May 20, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
BAM DanceAfrica Outdoor Bazaar
The nation’s largest festival of African and African American dance, music, and culture is back with this beloved annual event.
- May 27-29, Times TBD
Lunchtimes @ Brooklyn Commons Park
Thursdays in June are filled with lively lunchtime entertainment.
- Thursdays, June 1-29, 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Bare Feet Downtown Brooklyn
Bare Feet with Mickela Mallozzi returns for another cultural journey through music and dance. Seasoned pros and first-time dancers are all welcome to join on The Plaza’s dance floor for fun and exciting moves.
- Thursdays, June 1-22, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Juneteenth Weekend
651 ARTS presents the 651 ARTS’ Third Annual Juneteenth Celebration, a commemoration of African American emancipation featuring performances and activities.
- Saturday, June 17, Time TBD
Brooklyn Poetry Slam
This monthly, popular event is celebrating six years and hosts and cultivates an incredible evening of poetry and community, supported by beats from DJ Jive Poetic.
- Tuesday, Jun 27, 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Check out the full calendar of events here.
“We are excited to announce a 2023 spring calendar that will give Brooklynites ways to come out and enjoy our public spaces,” said Regina Myer, President of Downtown Brooklyn Partnership. “Downtown Brooklyn Presents transforms the neighborhood with a vibrant calendar of events and having residents and visitors join us for fun, fitness, and entertainment outside.”