Brooklyn Bridge Park has officially unveiled its lineup for the 2026 outdoor season! From the World Cup Fan Zone and Met Opera Summer Recital to fishing, kayaking and the Harvest Festival, there is plenty to keep families busy all summer and into the fall. Here is your guide to the best kids and family activities coming to Brooklyn Bridge Park this year:
Festivals & Special Events
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Annual Kite Festival: The official season kicks off on Saturday, May 16, taking over the Pier 5 turf from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Enjoy kite-flying, live music, arts, and crafts. It’s the one day of the year that kite-flying is permitted in the park! Bring your own kite, or snag one of the limited giveaways/loaners.
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Photoville Festival: Celebrating its 15th year, this interactive photography festival runs from May 16–30. Check our Photoville 2026 Guide for families here.
- The Metropolitan Opera returns with their annual Met Opera Summer Recital on Wednesday, June 17. Met stars perform arias and duets at Pier 1 Harbor View Lawn.
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World Cup 2026 Fan Zone: Soccer fans of all ages can head to Emily Warren Roebling Plaza for live match viewings, exciting activations, and community fun from June 13 to July 19. Check out our Fifa World Cup Guide for Brooklyn families here.
- Hindu Lamp Ceremony on Saturday, August 8, brings dance artist and educator Aeilushi Mistry to perform the traditional Hindu Aarti ceremony on the banks of the East River at Pebble Beach, with the opportunity for the public to make a blessing.
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Harvest Festival: To close out the season, the annual fall celebration takes place on Saturday, October 17. Expect an all-day bash with a pumpkin patch, lawn games, face-painting, crafts, and live music.
Reading & Outdoor Movies
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Reading Parties: Bring your favorite books to the park’s new reading parties, held at Pier 6 on select Sundays: June 7, August 2, and September 20.
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Movies With A View: Celebrating its 26th season, free outdoor movies return to the Pier 1 Harbor View Lawn on Thursday evenings in July and August (starting July 2). Come early for a sunset picnic! This year, the series is expanding to include a special dedicated Family Film Night on Friday, September 18.
On the Water & STEM
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Free Kayaking: Glide through a protected embayment on the East River at Pier 2! Sessions run on Wednesdays and Thursdays (5:00–7:00 PM) and Saturdays (10:00 AM–3:00 PM). Sundays are dedicated to Family Kayaking from 12:00–2:30 PM. The season kicks off May 27, and 2 weeks advance registration is required. No experience is necessary, and all equipment is provided!
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What Lives In the East River?: Older teens (14+) can learn to use a seine net to humanely catch and release marine life, while younger kids can observe the amazing catches up close. Dates include May 30, June 7, July 15, August 1, and September 26.
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Catch-and-Release Fishing: Kids can learn the basics of angling with all equipment provided by the Maritime Youth Alliance. Sessions run on June 21, July 19, August 15, September 12, and October 4.
- Stargazing: Join the Amateur Astronomers Association to peer through high-power telescopes at the moon, stars, and planets. Catch them on May 20, June 10, July 15, August 12, and September 16. Starts between 7.30 and 8.30 pm depending on the date.
Sports & Active Fun
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Youth Basketball Clinics: Free clinics led by King Hoops return to the Pier 2 courts on Saturday mornings from June 7 through August 29 from 9 am to 11 am. Kids ages 7 to 17 can learn the basics or develop more advanced skills.
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Youth Soccer Leagues: In partnership with MetroSoccer, leagues are offered for kids in grades 1–6 during the spring and fall (advance paid registration required).
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Stroller Run & Walk: Active parents of little ones can join DUMBO Dads for a morning workout at 8:30 AM on the last Sunday of each month.
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Juneteenth 5K: On Saturday, June 20, participate in a family-friendly 5K run/walk celebrating freedom and unity along the waterfront (paid ticketed registration required).
For the most up-to-date schedule, weather cancellations, and registration links, visit the official Brooklyn Bridge Park website.
