Raining cats and dogs?! Not over here in NYC, at least not this May. Instead, it’ll be raining elephants as NYC’s annual Dumbo Drop makes its beloved return!
For six years now the quirky tradition has released thousands of toy elephants from rooftops to parachute down over one of NYC’s most iconic streets, Washington Street in Brooklyn, and it’s returning for its seventh year on Friday, May 30th, 2025. Here’s what you need to know:
What is NYC’s annual Dumbo Drop?
The event is exactly as it sounds–on the big day, thousands of toy elephants parachute down from the rooftops above Washington Street. Beyond being a fun spectacle to watch, Brooklyn’s beloved Dumbo Drop is actually a fundraiser. Proceeds from the event support Dumbo’s Title 1 public schools, PS307 Elementary and The Dock Street Middle School.
Each year a different neighborhood artist designs the elephants’ parachute. This year, Zeph Farmby was selected as the artist.
When is NYC’s annual Dumbo Drop?
The annual Dumbo Drop will return this year on Friday, May 30th, 2025.
What time is NYC’s annual Dumbo Drop?
Similar to past years, this year’s Dumbo Drop will be split into two drops: 5 pm and 7 pm.
Is the Dumbo Drop free to attend?
Being the event is a fundraiser the Dumbo Drop is not free to attend. Tickets are priced starting at $15 and include a souvenir toy elephant, a guaranteed spot to view the drop (on Washington Street between Front Street and Water Street), and entry into that drop’s prize sweepstakes with a chance to win major neighborhood prizes. Prizes include the following:
- A six-month Family Membership to Life Time gym in Dumbo ($5,000 value)
- A two night stay at 1Hotel Brooklyn Bridge ($1,800 value)
- A Summer of Laughs Pass to The Rat for two ($1,500 value)
- Summer of Wellness Pass to Sound Mind Center for two ($600 value)
- $500 to Dumbo’s famed Almondine Bakery
- An Escape Room experience for six at Beat the Bomb ($500 value)
- $300 to spend at ArtWise, a rare prints purveyor in Dumbo
Drops are ticketed separately, and individuals ages two and older are required to purchase a viewing ticket.
What else happens at the Dumbo Drop?
Beyond the parachuting elephants, other exciting activations will take place throughout the day, including some fun kid-friendly activities such as the free Dumbo Archway Party from 4 pm to 7 pm. Party highlights include:
- A free Kids Zone, featuring 20+ activities for kids aged 1-10
- A free Bouncy Slide
- A Bedazzling Extravaganza
New this year, ticket holders can enjoy a special themed photo opp and live music by The Jelly. Plus, bites will be available for purchase at Taste of Dumbo, a Dumbo restaurant row, and a Beer Garden will give attendees the chance to enjoy drinks al fresco.
Alexandria Sica, President of the Dumbo Improvement District, stated:
Brooklyn’s favorite iconic event is back! We look forward to the sheer delight on people’s faces and seeing these little guys fly every year. This year’s line up of restaurants and family activities makes this basically the best Friday night ever in Dumbo.