Brooklyn Bridge Park (BBP) and Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy (Conservancy) announced their 2024 season line-up of free and low-cost arts, fitness, recreation and educational opportunities from May through October.
There will be movie showings, fitness classes, dance parties and fishing seminars, according to a news release.
“We’re really proud and excited to share our new and expanded program offerings this year,” said Nancy Webster, executive director of Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy. “Our team has worked to curate an amazingly diverse and robust range of offerings across arts and culture, dance and socials, fitness and recreation, and environmental education to provide fun and enrichment for tens of thousands of New Yorkers this season.
Full details on all programs and events, as available, can be found at brooklynbridgepark.org and the event calendar at brooklynbridgepark.org/events.
Here are some highlights:
Arts and culture
The season formally kicks off with the Conservancy’s Sound & Color! Spring Festival on Saturday, May 18 from 11:00am to 5:00pm. A celebration of colors, culture, spring, and unity, this event expands the Conservancy’s beloved Kite Festival by adding music.
The Conservancy’s most popular series, Movies With A View returns with free outdoor movies on Thursday evenings in July and August at Pier 1 Harbor View Lawn. Dates include July 11, July 18, July 25, August 1, August 8, August 15, August 22, and August 29.
On Saturday, May 25, Brooklyn Academy of Music’s DanceAfrica Community Class provides a fun-filled, outdoor class, to learn rhythms and movement from Cameroon, led by BAM teaching artist and performance art education scholar, Dánice Jones. BAM returns to the Park on Sunday, September 22 for BAM Presents: A Celebration of African Diasporic Dance led by teaching artist Yasmar Cruz. Both events are hosted at Pier 6 Plaza and free to attend, but require advance registration.
Socials and dancing
The Big Summer Get Down dance party series expands with four opportunities to GET DOWN this summer, with all-age dance parties at Pier 3 Plaza. Big Summer Pride Twirl on Saturday, June 8 brings Papi Juice and Friends to the Park to celebrate Brooklyn Pride, with DJ sets and performances. Big Summer Party With A Purpose! Benefit Dance on Saturday, July 20 presents a ticketed disco tribute to David Mancuso, hosted by the Loft Party NYC. Attendees can join for an unforgettable celebration of music and dancing, with proceeds benefiting Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy’s free programming. Big Summer Chop and Vibes on Saturday, August 17 brings Afrobeats, Amapiano, and Highlife and delicious food selections, all curated by African Chop House. The series closes out with Big Halloween Get Down on Thursday, October 31 with Herbert Holler amping the music for the must-not-miss Halloween bash on the waterfront.
Make new friends and celebrate the magic of summer in NYC at Shore Thing, a new after-work sunset social for New Yorkers looking for new connections and out of the ordinary experiences. This roaming monthly social will happen at locations across the park and is hosted by Space Invader Social in partnership with the Conservancy.
Fitness and recreation
From May through September, the Conservancy’s popular free weekly Waterfront Workouts take place in locations across the Park. Classes include Zumba with Dodge YMCA on Monday evenings, Sunset Yoga with Abhaya Yoga on Tuesday evenings, Amp’d with Chelsea Piers Fitness on Wednesday evenings, Pilates with Dodge YMCA on Sunday mornings, and new rotating series Morning Wellness: Pick Your Practitioner on Sunday mornings. Registration opens at the beginning of each month for that month’s classes.
During the Conservancy’s popular free kayaking program, run in partnership with Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse, visitors can enjoy gliding in a protected embayment on the East River on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, 5:00 pm to 7:00pm, as well as Saturdays, 10:00am to 3:00pm, beginning May 31 and running through the end of September. No experience is necessary; basic instruction, life vests, and all equipment is provided. Children under 18 must have an adult guardian present. Advance registration is required, open two weeks ahead of each date.
In honor of International Day of Yoga on Friday, June 20, ONEYOGAHOUSE will lead a free dynamic morning yoga practice and sound meditation at Harbor View Lawn at Pier 1, with intention setting, breath work and Vinyasa flow experience.
Exhibitions and tours
Led by Conservancy volunteer docents, free Waterfront Walks are offered twice monthly on Sunday mornings and Tuesday evenings from May to October, with advance registration. Participants can learn about the history of the Brooklyn waterfront, the Park’s sustainable design, and how the Park came to life, while enjoying scenic views.
The Walt Whitman Initiative will lead a free Walt Whitman Walking Tour on Saturday, September 14, learning how he explored and connected with the world around him.
Education
The Conservancy’s Environmental Education Center at 99 Plymouth St. provides a fun destination for families, with Open Hours on Thursdays and Fridays (3:00pm to 5:00pm) and Saturdays (1:00pm to 5:00pm) throughout the year. Highlights include a 250-gallon aquarium filled with critters from the East River, a ten foot scale model of Brooklyn Bridge Park, crafts and monthly educational themes and activities. The Education Center’s ninth anniversary celebration, Ed Center Birthday, will take place on Saturday, September 7 with celebratory activities and crafts.
The Conservancy’s education team runs free Community Science Fishing clinics which provide the opportunity to learn the basics of catch-and-release fishing from expert anglers, including how to tie knots, bait a hook, drop a line and reel up a fish! Equipment provided; all ages welcome. Dates include Friday, June 21, Saturday, August 2, Friday, September 13, and Saturday, October 5, at Pier 5. Community Science Seining lets attendees discover the East River’s amazing biodiversity as our staff use a seine net to humanely catch-and-release marine life, including fish, jellyfish, crabs, and more! Held on Saturdays, June 1, July 13, August 10, and September 28 at Pier 4 Beach. Both event series are all-ages.
