NYC is no stranger to roller rinks–from the city’s previous pop-ups including Rockefeller Center’s Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace and The DiscOasis at Wollman Rink to JFK Airport’s Retro Roller Rink–basically if you have a pair of skates, there has been an opportunity in recent years to show off your skills in NYC.
And, in true NYC fashion, we’re going even bigger and adding another rink on to the list in celebration of Black History Month!
Following a series of sold-out residencies and events around NYC, Black-owned roller rink pop-up The Roller Wave has returned to Brooklyn this February with its newest concept.
“After the Civil Rights Act passed in 1964, black Americans were still being shut out of roller rinks. Only one night a week was set aside black patrons under themes such as ‘Soul Night’ or ‘Martin Luther King Jr. Night.’ It was on these nights that organists were replaced with trendy music and icons like Bill Butler, dubbed ‘The Godfather of Roller Disco,’ brought roller disco to its peak in 1970s Brooklyn,” reads a press release.
The rink, which was founded in 2016 by Brooklyn-native Harry Martin, has hosted numerous wildly popular events all across NYC, including pop-ups at House of Yes, SoHo House, and The Knockdown Center.
They’ve also made their way through LA, Miami, and Atlanta.
The groovy roller rink has even garnered attention from quite a few big names in the business, including Alicia Keys, Didi Richardson, Janelle Monae, and more.
Skaters can expect an homage to “old school” establishments alongside modern elements, such as DJs spinning live music, delicious food and drinks, a live podcast space, an arcade, and even a VIP section. Additional family programming, skating lessons, wellness events, and more will also be offered.
“Mid-century black Americans laid the groundwork for the evolution of roller skating,” says Martin. “We are very excited to put the spotlight back on the Brooklyn community, and Atlantic Terminal Mall is the perfect epicenter to celebrate the community in an authentic and innovative way.”
You can reserve your tickets online. Sessions are priced starting at $19.50 for adults plus a $10 skate rental fee, and $14.50 for children plus a $5 skate rental fee.
“We are thrilled to welcome such an exciting and nostalgic experience back to the heart of Brooklyn,” notes Ehud Kupperman, head of Madison International Realty’s New York City Urban Retail Portfolio. “We are proud to be hosting The Roller Wave at our center and look forward to the fun and enjoyment it will bring to the local community.”
The Roller Wave will pop up at Atlantic Terminal Mall (625 Atlantic Ave., Brooklyn) now through Sunday, June 4.
You can lace up your skates and hit the rink Wednesday-Thursday 12p.m. – 10p.m., or Friday-Sunday 11a.m. – 2a.m. After 8p.m. the rink is adults only.
Get ready to get your groove on!