Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend has arrived, with family-friendly events honoring the civil rights leader, days of service, and plenty more free activities across the borough. Families can join the 40th annual tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. at BAM, BAMkids Celebrates MLK Day, a guided history walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, Beam Camp Try It Day in Red Hook, author readings at Books Are Magic and Greenlight Bookstore, Plus, story times, music performances, and nature programs in local parks!
Our new Events Calendar is here featuring convenient filters by category, location, ages, dates and more to make your Brooklyn social life as fun and meaningful as possible.
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MONDAY
Moozika! at Clinton Hill Library | Clinton Hill
Monday, January 12 | 11am-12pm | Ages 0-5
Featuring a dynamic mix of playful all original songs, Moozika! uses puppets, dancing scarves, children’s stories, and other props to create a joyful and age-appropriate learning environment that helps children discover the joy of creating music with others.
Limited Free Tickets for Roebling Rink | Brooklyn Bridge Park
Limited FREE tickets for local residents (with valid NYC ID) on a first-come, first-served basis | Mondays–Thursdays | 2-4pm, 4:30-6:30pm, 7-9pm
Brooklyn Bridge Park’s ice skating rink has returned to Emily Warren Roebling Plaza, offering skating beneath the Brooklyn Bridge. NYC local residents can claim limited quantity of free tickets in-person offered during sessions one, two, and three on Mondays-Thursdays (Session 1: 2-4pm, Session 2: 4:30-6:30pm, Session 3: 7-9pm). Tickets are issued on a first-come, first-serve walk-up basis, with valid ID to show residency.
Music Explorers Free Demo Classes at NY Preschool & Kids Club | DUMBO
Monday, January 12 | 3:15-4:00pm | Ages 3-5
Get moving or grooving at a FREE Music Explorers class for ages 3-5! An exciting journey of sound, rhythm, and creative expression, Music Explorers uses playful musical activities to develop foundational music skills while building confidence, social connections, and cognitive abilities.
TUESDAY
Free Music Show with Hopalong Andrew at Whole Foods | Gowanus
Tuesdays | 10am
Hopalong Andrew’s weekly shows at Whole Foods are FREE! Make sure to double check in his Instagram the morning of to make sure class has not been cancelled for any reason.
Limited Free Tickets for Roebling Rink | Brooklyn Bridge Park
Limited FREE tickets for local residents (with valid NYC ID) on a first-come, first-served basis | Mondays–Thursdays | 2-4pm, 4:30-6:30pm, 7-9pm
Brooklyn Bridge Park’s ice skating rink has returned to Emily Warren Roebling Plaza, offering skating beneath the Brooklyn Bridge. NYC local residents can claim limited quantity of free tickets in-person offered during sessions one, two, and three on Mondays-Thursdays (Session 1: 2-4pm, Session 2: 4:30-6:30pm, Session 3: 7-9pm). Tickets are issued on a first-come, first-serve walk-up basis, with valid ID to show residency.
Music Explorers Free Demo Classes at NY Preschool & Kids Club | Brooklyn Heights
Tuesday, January 13 | 3:15-4:00pm | Ages 3-5
Get moving or grooving at a FREE Music Explorers class for ages 3-5! An exciting journey of sound, rhythm, and creative expression, Music Explorers uses playful musical activities to develop foundational music skills while building confidence, social connections, and cognitive abilities.
Middle School Makerspace at Brooklyn Heights Library | Brooklyn Heights
Tuesday, January 13 | 4:00-5:30pm
Middle schoolers: this is your space to dream big, get messy, and make cool stuff! Our Makerspace is stocked with tools, supplies, and gadgets for you to invent, build, and create whatever you imagine.
New Mom Meet Up at Fontainhas | DUMBO
Tuesdays | 4:30-6:00pm
Bring your baby to Fontainhas for some cozy chai and hangs with other new moms. Hosted every week by the new mom pop-up POST.
WEDNESDAY
Limited Free Tickets for Roebling Rink | Brooklyn Bridge Park
Limited FREE tickets for local residents (with valid NYC ID) on a first-come, first-served basis | Mondays–Thursdays | 2-4pm, 4:30-6:30pm, 7-9pm
Brooklyn Bridge Park’s ice skating rink has returned to Emily Warren Roebling Plaza, offering skating beneath the Brooklyn Bridge. NYC local residents can claim limited quantity of free tickets in-person offered during sessions one, two, and three on Mondays-Thursdays (Session 1: 2-4pm, Session 2: 4:30-6:30pm, Session 3: 7-9pm). Tickets are issued on a first-come, first-serve walk-up basis, with valid ID to show residency.
Free Admission at New York Aquarium | Coney Island
Wednesdays | 3-6pm | Reserve tickets here; free tickets are made available at 3pm the Monday before
Take advantage of free admission hours at the New York Aquarium form 3-6pm on Wednesdays. Note that advance timed tickets are required (max of 4 per group); the Wednesday Afternoon Ticket Store will open on Monday at 3:00 pm for that Wednesday’s reservations.
Teen Time: Mosaic Tile Coasters at Brooklyn Heights Library | Brooklyn Heights
Wednesday, January 14 | 4-5pm
Beads and boards! Exploding Kittens, Uno, Jenga, and more! Snacks provided.
Anime Club at Central Library | Prospect Heights
Wednesday, January 14 | 4-5pm | Ages 12+
Do you love anime? Do you want to get together with other fans of anime and manga? Join us in the Info Commons Lab while we draw, eat snacks, and chat about anime.
THURSDAY
Limited Free Tickets for Roebling Rink | Brooklyn Bridge Park
Limited FREE tickets for local residents (with valid NYC ID) on a first-come, first-served basis | Mondays–Thursdays | 2-4pm, 4:30-6:30pm, 7-9pm
Brooklyn Bridge Park’s ice skating rink has returned to Emily Warren Roebling Plaza, offering skating beneath the Brooklyn Bridge. NYC local residents can claim limited quantity of free tickets in-person offered during sessions one, two, and three on Mondays-Thursdays (Session 1: 2-4pm, Session 2: 4:30-6:30pm, Session 3: 7-9pm). Tickets are issued on a first-come, first-serve walk-up basis, with valid ID to show residency.
Community Access Thursdays at Brooklyn Children’s Museum | Crown Heights
Thursdays | 2-5pm | Reserve here
Play at Brooklyn Children’s Museum for FREE during Community Access Thursdays, every Thursday afternoon from 2-5pm! Plus, say hello to BCM’s live animals during Animal Encounters, led by expert animal maintainers! Get a personal introduction to some of BCM’s most fascinating creatures, including turtles, lizards, snakes, and more.
Open Hours at Environmental Education Center | Brooklyn Bridge Park
Thursdays | 3-5pm
Visit the Environmental Education Center for Open Hours. Open Hours offer the opportunity for self-led investigation with guidance by expert educators to reveal the hidden stories found within and around Brooklyn Bridge Park. Explore our critter and fish tanks, a 10′ model of the Park, and enjoy custom arts, crafts, and reading materials which rotate on a monthly basis.
Nature Storytime at Environmental Education Center | Brooklyn Bridge Park
Thursday, January 15 | 3:00-3:30pm | Walk-ups only; first-come, first-served
Held on the third Thursday of every month (during Open Hours), librarians from the Adams Street Library lead for an exciting and engaging storytime session, along with singing and rhymes. Stick around after to check out all the animals and activities in the room during Open Hours!
Flex Olympics at Brooklyn Children’s Museum | Crown Heights
Thursday, January 15 | 3:30-4:15 pm
Show off your moves at Brooklyn Children’s Museum’s Flex Olympics dance workshop! Learn street dance fundamentals, develop your own signature style, and compete in playful dance challenges. Flex is a high-energy street dance that was born in Brooklyn in the 1990s, inspired by Jamaican dancehall.
Story Time at Fontainhas | DUMBO
Thursdays | 4:30-5:30pm
Come to Fontainhas every Thursday at 4:30pm for a free story time and singing! Open to all. Bring your little ones for a fun story, enjoy a glass of chai or wine, and meet other parents!
Cinema From the Margins: The Kite Runner at Adams Street Library | DUMBO
Thursday, January 15 | 5:30-7:45pm | PG-13
After fleeing Afghanistan as a child, a novelist returns years later and uncovers the fate and long-kept secret of his childhood friend, set against decades of upheaval from the fall of the monarchy to the Taliban era. This 2-hour-7-minute film is the January pick for Cinema From the Margins, a curated series spotlighting underrepresented voices, with a brief introduction and optional post-screening discussion in celebration of Muslim Heritage Month.
Brooklyn Bridge Park x Sofar Sounds: January Concerts at Roebling Rink | DUMBO
Thursdays (January 8–29) | 7-9pm
Join for Sofar Sounds pop-up concerts at Roebeling Rink on Thursday evenings, January 8 through January 29. If you’re just looking to enjoy the performance, tickets are free; if you’d like to skate, tickets are $16 for a 60-minute session on the ice. The performance starts at 7pm, offering two surprise artists each evening, and concluding by 9pm.
FRIDAY
Limited Free Tickets for Roebling Rink | Brooklyn Bridge Park
Limited FREE tickets for local residents (with valid NYC ID) on a first-come, first-served basis | Fridays | 12:30-2:30, 3-5pm, 5:30-7:30pm
Brooklyn Bridge Park’s ice skating rink has returned to Emily Warren Roebling Plaza, offering skating beneath the Brooklyn Bridge. NYC local residents can claim limited quantity of free tickets in-person offered during sessions two, three, four on Fridays. (Session 2: 12:30-2:30pm, Session 3: 3-5pm, Session 4: 5:30-7:30pm). Tickets are issued on a first-come, first-serve walk-up basis, with valid ID to show residency. Note: Session 1 on Fridays (10am-12pm) is reserved for field trips. If not booked, will be opened for general public purchase.
Red Hook Pinball Museum | Red Hook
Fridays | 1-10pm
With a new location at 362 Van Brunt Street, the Red Hook Pinball Museum is now open for free play (with donations accepted) every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, from 1-10pm! It’s NYC’s only vintage pinball museum, with games from 1871-1971, and you can play on the first pinball machine ever made!
Open Hours at the Environmental Education Center | Brooklyn Bridge Park
Fridays | 3-5pm
Visit the Environmental Education Center for Open Hours. Open Hours offer the opportunity for self-led investigation with guidance by expert educators to reveal the hidden stories found within and around Brooklyn Bridge Park. Explore our critter and fish tanks, a 10′ model of the Park, and enjoy custom arts, crafts, and reading materials which rotate on a monthly basis.
Books Are Magic Storytime: Kadir Nelson: Basket Ball | Brooklyn Heights
Friday, January 16 | 7pm
Award-winning creator Kadir Nelson delivers the perfect gift for basketball fans of any age—a beautifully illustrated history of the game and its key players over the years—in this companion to his bestselling We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball.
Stargazing at Marsha P. Johnson State Park | Williamsburg
Friday, January 16 | 6-7pm | RSVP here
Did you know you can see stars in Brooklyn? Learn about the winter constellations and gaze at the night sky with us! All ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
SATURDAY
parkrun | Brooklyn Bridge Park
Saturdays | 9am | Sign up here
parkrun is a free, worldwide, weekly event where people of all ages and abilities walk, jog, run, or volunteer in a 5k event on Saturday mornings–in Brooklyn, you can join every week in Brooklyn Bridge Park! Families register online and receive a barcode which will record their time. All ages are welcome, and there is a coffee and catch-up after each run!
The History of the Brooklyn Bridge & Guided Walk | Brooklyn Bridge Park
Saturday, January 17 | 10:00-11:45am | Registration recommended, but does not guarantee a spot
Join the Education department for an interactive lesson of the Brooklyn Bridge’s history, followed by a walk on the bridge up to the Brooklyn tower as part of our Expert-Led Explorations series.
Introduction to Birdwatching Outings | Prospect Park
Saturdays | 10am-12pm | Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult
Every Saturday, join Prospect Park Alliance and a member of the Brooklyn Bird Club on an introductory walk to learn the basics of birding. All levels are welcome and walks will begin at the Prospect Park Audubon Center. No registration necessary. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Please bring binoculars if you have them.
Weekend Nature Exploration | Prospect Park
Saturday, January 17 | 10am-1pm
Join Prospect Park Alliance for nature education programs on Saturdays and Sundays at the Prospect Park Audubon Center, the first urban Audubon Center in the nation.
- Leaf Art | 10–12 pm | Have fun exploring the unique features of trees and their uniquely shaped leaves. Let your creativity flourish as you craft art inspired by nature.
- Animal Encounter | 11 am–12 pm | Join Alliance Naturalists in learning more about the animals in the Audubon Center’s collection.
- Nature Walk | 12–1 pm | Are you curious about how invasive insects, like the Spotted Lanternfly, prepare for winter? You’ll get hands-on experience in citizen science as we observe how insect and plant life prepare for seasonal changes.
Free Children’s Events at Dekalb Market Hall | Downtown Brooklyn
Saturdays | 11am-2pm
Every weekend, Dekalb Market Hall (downstairs at City Point) offers balloon animals, face painting, and more! Located in front of Osteria and Showroom Bakehouse.
Open Hours at the Environmental Education Center | Brooklyn Bridge Park
Saturdays | 1-5pm
Visit the Environmental Education Center for Open Hours. Explore the critter and fish tanks, a 10′ model of the Park, and enjoy custom arts, crafts, and reading materials which rotate on a monthly basis.
Red Hook Pinball Museum | Red Hook
Saturdays | 1-10pm
With a new location at 362 Van Brunt Street, the Red Hook Pinball Museum is now open for free play (with donations accepted) every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, from 1-10pm! It’s NYC’s only vintage pinball museum, with games from 1871-1971, and you can play on the first pinball machine ever made!
SUNDAY
Weekend Nature Exploration | Prospect Park
Sunday, January 18 | 10am-1pm
Join Prospect Park Alliance for nature education programs on Saturdays and Sundays at the Prospect Park Audubon Center, the first urban Audubon Center in the nation.
- Leaf Art | 10–12 pm | Have fun exploring the unique features of trees and their uniquely shaped leaves. Let your creativity flourish as you craft art inspired by nature.
- Animal Encounter | 11 am–12 pm | Join Alliance Naturalists in learning more about the animals in the Audubon Center’s collection.
- Nature Walk | 12–1 pm | Are you curious about how invasive insects, like the Spotted Lanternfly, prepare for winter? You’ll get hands-on experience in citizen science as we observe how insect and plant life prepare for seasonal changes.
Martin Luther King Day of Service at Park Slope Jewish Center | Park Slope
Sunday, January 18 | 10:30am-12:30pm
Join Park Slope Jewish Center to honor Dr. King’s legacy with a day of service that includes art projects, cooking and food-kit packaging, sorting and packing books for children, and writing letters to policymakers in support of immigrants.
Books Are Magic Storytime: Torrey Maldonado: Just Right | Brooklyn Heights
Sunday, January 18 | 11am
Award-winning novelist Torrey Maldonado’s heartwarming picture book debut celebrates loving caregivers and highlights the powerful impact they can have on the life of a child.
Free Children’s Events at Dekalb Market Hall | Downtown Brooklyn
Sundays | 11am-2pm
Every weekend, Dekalb Market Hall (downstairs at City Point) offers balloon animals, face painting, and more! Located in front of Osteria and Showroom Bakehouse.
Gather Around the Campfire: Nature Story Time at Fort Greene Park Visitor Center | Fort Greene
Sunday, January 18 | 11:00am-12:30pm
Beam Camp Try it Day at Beam Center | Red Hook
Sunday, January 18 | 12-4pm
Join Beam Camp in Brooklyn for a free, family-friendly “Try It Day” featuring hands-on workshops led by campers and staff, including building Bug Bots and Cardboard Armor, with all materials provided. Plus, camp traditions like name games, reflections, and s’mores!
Story Time with Chuchu Wang at Greenlight Bookstore | Fort Greene
Sunday, January 18 | 1-2pm
New York–based children’s book author and illustrator Chuchu Wang presents her debut picture book Rus and Moose, followed by a guided drawing and coloring activity. Snacks will be provided.
Open Hours at the Environmental Education Center | Brooklyn Bridge Park
Sundays | 1-5pm
Starting this week, the Environmental Education Center will have Open Hours on Sundays from 1-5pm! Stop in to learn about the Park and local ecology, including a 10’ model of the Park, visit our tank critters include fish, turtles, and frogs, and enjoy rotating monthly themes with crafts and activities!
Red Hook Pinball Museum | Red Hook
Sundays | 1-10pm
With a new location at 362 Van Brunt Street, the Red Hook Pinball Museum is now open for free play (with donations accepted) every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, from 1-10pm! It’s NYC’s only vintage pinball museum, with games from 1871-1971, and you can play on the first pinball machine ever made!
MONDAY (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)
Brooklyn MLK Family Day of Service at The Senesh School | Carroll Gardens
Join for a family-friendly morning of service, open to all. Families will take part in hands-on, age-appropriate activities—such as kid-friendly cooking, packing hygiene and care kits, assembling adaptive-product kits, making cards, and sorting donated children’s books—to support local and global organizations and literacy efforts across New York City.
MLK Day: Prospect Lefferts Garden Street Tree Care | Prospect Lefferts Gardens
Monday, January 19 | 10am-12pm | Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult | Registration required
Join NYC Parks Stewardship as we celebrate the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.! Volunteers will work with us to care for local street trees! Volunteers will learn how to aerate, cultivate, mulch, and identify street trees. They will also learn about the important roles street trees play in New York City.
Community Clean-up for MLK Day of Service | Bed-Stuy
Monday, January 19 | 10am-12pm
Come to Preston Community Garden for a community clean-up on the 2026 MLK Day of Service! Help garden members clear up debris in the unkept public area surrounding the garden.
40th Annual Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at BAM | Fort Greene
Celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at this annual event. Join for a day of reflection, family-friendly activities, and celebration of all who carry Dr. King’s vision of justice and equality forward.
Volunteer Workday: Her-King Alagantic Community Garden | Bed-Stuy
Monday, January 19 | 11am-3pm | Register here
Join the Her–King Alagantic Community Garden group and GreenThumb staff for a volunteer day on the 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service! We will be working together to build new metal beds for the upcoming season and help upkeep the garden as a vital public green space. Beginners are welcome! No prior experience necessary.
BAMkids Celebrates MLK Day: Nurturing the Seeds of Resilience at BAM | Fort Greene
Register here
Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy with hands-on activities including creating a collaborative mural, participate in movement exercises, and write letters of encouragement to your future self:
- Run, Walk, Crawl—Just Move! (11:45am, 1:30 & 3pm): Move at your own pace—run, walk, crawl, or pause—because every step counts.
- Dear Future Me (11:45am, 1:30 & 3pm): Write or draw a message to your future self reflecting hope, strength, and growth.
- Dr. MLK Jr. Bingo (11:45am, 1:30 & 3pm): Play a bingo-style game that explores Dr. King’s life and values.
- CommUNITY Tape Mural: Garden of Joy (Ongoing): Help create a collaborative tape mural celebrating unity, color, and community.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day School Holiday in Prospect Park | Prospect Park
Join Prospect Park Alliance for nature education programs at the Prospect Park Audubon Center.
- Nature Around Us | 12–3 pm | Enjoy different seasonal discovery stations and nature themed activities that will introduce you to the plants, insects and animals that call the park home.
- Winter Wilderness Walk | 3–4 pm | Join an Alliance Naturalist for a tour of how plants and animals live in the winter months.
Just Mercy at BAM Rose Cinemas | Fort Greene
Monday, January 19 | 1pm | PG-13 | No ticket or RSVP required
For Martin Luther King Jr. Day, BAM will offer a free screening of the film Just Mercy (2019). Based on lawyer and social justice activist Bryan Stevenson’s memoir and his history-making battles for justice in Alabama, Just Mercy brings to the big screen the incendiary case of Walter McMillian (Jamie Foxx), a Black man wrongly convicted of murder and sentenced to death. With the system stacked against them, Stevenson (Michael B. Jordan) refuses to back down as he fights to prove Walter’s innocence.
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Updated: January 11, 2026. Main Image: BAMkids Celebrates MLK Day: Nurturing the Seeds of Resilience at BAM.
