Brooklyn is renowned for its lively and diverse community, and the outdoor street festivals that take place throughout the year are a testament to this. Here are the top five street festivals in Brooklyn that you should check out:
1. West Indian American Day Carnival And Parade
The West Indian American Day Carnival and Parade is an annual event that promotes and celebrates Caribbean culture including the arts, food and history. This street festival features an explosive parade and other events that center around Caribbean food and music on and around Labor Day each year in Crown Heights.
2. Atlantic Antic
Hosted by the Atlantic Avenue Local Development Corp., Atlantic Antic is an annual street festival that spans over 10 blocks on Atlantic Avenue in Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill and Brooklyn Heights. With a mix of local businesses, food vendors, live music and activities for families, there is something for everyone. The organization also hosts other events in Brooklyn throughout the year including Pride festivities and the Atlantic Avenue Artwalk.
3. Coney Island Mermaid Parade
Taking place in mid- to late-June every year is the Coney Island Mermaid Parade, a time-honored tradition celebrating Brooklyn's artistic revelry and ingenuity. Thousands of New Yorkers and tourists flock to Coney Island every year to see the elaborate and colorful mermaid costumes and animatronic floats, and to spend the day at the beach.
4. Bushwick Collective Block Party
Held in June, the Bushwick Collective Block Party festival combines Brooklyn's love for graffiti, street art, music and food. There's always a great line up of rap and hip-hop artists that perform, and have included big names like Raekown and Ice-T.
5. African International Festival
The African International Festival celebrates African culture and takes place around the 4th of July at Commodore Barry Park in Fort Greene. The event features music and dance performances, lots of food and a marketplace that showcases African arts and crafts. The theme in 2024 was “We Are All As One” and featured performances from the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, Grammy nominee Etana, Ray Chew and other dance and drum ensembles.
Attending any of these street festivals in Brooklyn is an excellent opportunity to experience the borough's vibrant and diverse community. Each festival offers a unique cultural experience, and you'll have the chance to explore different neighborhoods while enjoying delicious food and entertainment.
