The Downtown Brooklyn Arts Festival will return again this year in celebration of the Brooklyn Cultural District. The festival will showcase acclaimed local arts organizations and artists.
DBAF offers attendees a chance to immerse themselves in the best of Brooklyn’s arts and culture scene. Highlights of this year's featival include: family-friendly interactive art experiences curated by Brooklyn Conservatory of Music; a performance from the Afrofuturistic soulstress, Lollise; and festival closer Chop and Quench.
“DBAF is a celebration of the local artistic talent that makes Downtown Brooklyn a vibrant neighborhood for all to enjoy,” said Regina Myer, President of the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, in a press release. “From experimental art and dance performances to jazz and DJ sets, DBAF showcases the rich diversity of the arts and culture community in Brooklyn, which continues to grow and thrive. We look forward to welcoming the public to experience these exciting events right in the heart of Brooklyn’s cultural district at The Plaza at 300 Ashland.”
DBAF 2023 will take place on Friday, September 29 and Saturday, September 30, and feature a jam-packed lineup of free outdoor events at The Plaza at 300 Ashland, located at Flatbush and Lafayette Avenues.
DBAF 2023 Schedule of Events
Friday, Sept. 29
LayeRhythm
- 5:00pm-8:00pm
Freestyle dance group LayeRhythm will open the Downtown Brooklyn Arts Festival on Friday night.
Saturday, Sept. 30
Mark Morris Dance Group, kids hip hop dance class
- 11:00am-11:45am
The Mark Morris Dance Group presents a free kids hip-hop dance class, setting the stage for a fun and energetic start.
Brooklyn Conservatory of Music
- 11:55am-12:40pm
Brooklyn Conservatory of Music will bring their popular instrument petting zoo, allowing children to explore and interact with various musical instruments.
The Knights Orchestra
- 1:30pm-2:00pm
Prepare to be amazed by musicians from The Knights as they fearlessly venture into a vast universe of orchestral music. Their exploration opens new possibilities and promises an exhilarating musical journey like no other.
The Mark Morris Dance Group and The Knights present 'Water'
- 2:00pm-2:15pm.
The Mark Morris Dance Group, accompanied by musicians from The Knights, returns with mesmerizing choreography from their captivating short piece titled Water. With grace and fluidity, they effortlessly captivate audiences and leave them in awe.
L Train Brass Band
- 2:15pm-3:00pm
L Train Brass Band takes the stage, bringing their extraordinary modular collective to make The Plaza come alive with a fusion of genres. From popular music and hip-hop to funk and traditional New Orleans jazz, they'll have everyone dancing along.
Lollise
- 3:00pm-3:45pm
Lollise, an Afrofuturistic soulstress, graces the festival with her sonically powerful and irresistibly funky aesthetic.
DJ Hard Hittin Harry
- 3:45pm-6:00pm
DJ Hard Hittin Harry takes over next, providing a skillfully blended mix of diverse musical styles that guarantees an unforgettable experience.
Chop and Quench
- 6:00pm-8:00pm
Closing out this incredible festival is Chop and Quench – also known as "The Fela! Band." Comprised of talented musicians from the renowned musical FELA!, they bring their exceptional artistry to deliver an unforgettable performance that celebrates Fela Kuti's iconic compositions.
The Downtown Brooklyn Arts Festival is organized by the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership. A complete schedule can be found here: http://www.dbartsfestival.org/
