It’s a bird, it’s a plane, no it’s…an elephant! The ninth annual Dumbo Drop is gearing up to make its beloved return this May for a tradition you’d only see in New York City–when thousands of elephants fall from the sky!
No, we’re not talking real elephants, of course (imagine?!), but the event is just as exciting.
The Dumbo Drop is exactly as it sounds: on Friday, May 29, 2026, thousands of toy elephants will parachute down from the rooftops above Washington Street–the borough’s most iconic block. Each year a different neighborhood artist designs the elephants’ parachute. This year, Christian Vera was selected as the artist.
Similar to past years, this year’s Dumbo Drop will be split into two drops: 5 pm and 7 pm.
Tickets, priced starting at $18.75, include a souvenir toy elephant, a prime spot to view the Drop, and entry into that Drop’s prize sweepstakes with a chance to win major neighborhood prizes–think: a 6-month membership to Life Time gym ($5,000 value), a table setting for six from Fishs Eddy ($500 value), a two-night stay at 1Hotel in Brooklyn Bridge Park ($1,800 value), and more!
Ticket holders also have access to a lineup of extra fun on car-free Washington Street, including:
- A live set by The Jelly on the Main Stage
- A flash mob dance party hosted on the LifeTime Stage
- A photobooth with free commemorative prints
- A Drop-themed craft for kids and kidults with Creatively Wild
- Lego fun with Brooklyn Bridge Parents
- Giveaways
- Restaurant Row (with local “tastes” priced $7)
Though New Yorkers love our “things you’d only ever see in NYC” moments, the event is more than just a quirky spectacle to watch–it’s actually a fundraiser. Proceeds from the event support Dumbo’s Title 1 public schools, PS307 Elementary and The Dock Street Middle School.
Alexandria Sica, President of the Dumbo Improvement District, stated:
Dumbo Drop is one of the most unique and memorable sights in New York City. You won’t want to miss this and we are so proud to put on this event and raise funds for our neighborhood schools!
🐘 Know Before You Go
- Where: Washington Street, Brooklyn
- Date: Friday, May 29, 2026
- Time: 3:30 pm – 7:30 pm | Drops at 5 pm & 7 pm
- Tickets: Start at $18.75
FYI: Drops are ticketed separately. All individuals ages 2 and older are required to purchase a viewing ticket to witness the Drop.
