Spring marks the return of Brooklyn’s outdoor festival season — and 2026 is shaping up to be a big one. From the Brooklyn Kite Festival to the Atlantic Antic, here’s your guide to the street fairs, cultural celebrations, and open-air events worth putting on the calendar this year. We’ll keep updating this guide as new dates are confirmed — bookmark it and check back!
Spring
Brooklyn Flea
Saturdays + Sundays | DUMBO Archway | April–December | FREE
The beloved vintage and makers market is back under the Manhattan Bridge arch at 80 Pearl Street in DUMBO, running weekends through December. brooklynflea.com
DUMBO Dance Party
Monthly Fridays, June–October | 6–8pm | DUMBO Archway Plaza | FREE
Free outdoor dancing under the Manhattan Bridge arch — one of Brooklyn’s best free summer rituals. Register here.
Brooklyn Museum on Wheels
May–October | Various Brooklyn Neighborhoods | FREE
The Brooklyn Museum’s Airstream-housed mobile arts initiative returns for its 2026 season — traveling to seven Brooklyn neighborhoods from May through October with hands-on art-making, cultural storytelling, games, and pieces from the museum’s teaching collection. Free and open to the public; activities are first come, first served. Brooklyn Bridge Parents is a partner on the season’s opening stop. Full info here.
- June 4 — Flatbush: at the Brooklyn-Queens Day Block Party, a celebration centering Caribbean identity, memory, and storytelling.
- June 14 — Fort Greene Park: at the Juneteenth Celebration with The Lay Out — a day of music, art, and cooperative economic programming honoring Black joy and community.
- July 25 — Coney Island: at City of Water Day. Coastal-themed activation with tactile encounters with marine materials from the Staten Island Museum.
- August 8 — Williamsburg: at ENVSN Fest, programming uplifting young women of color in entrepreneurship, innovation, and cultural leadership.
- September 27 — Atlantic Avenue: at Atlantic Antic / Playtopia, with manga-inspired programming threaded through one of Brooklyn’s biggest street fairs.
- October 24 — Kensington: at the Day of the Dead Parade, joining Casa Cultural’s community-led celebration of remembrance and ritual.
Photoville Festival
May 16–30 | Brooklyn Bridge Park + all 5 boroughs | FREE
New York City’s favorite photo festival returns for its 15th year, with 85+ free outdoor exhibitions across the city. The free Opening Weekend Community Celebration takes place Saturday, May 16 (12–10pm) and Sunday, May 17 (12–8pm) at Emily Warren Roebling Plaza in Brooklyn Bridge Park — with two full days of family-friendly activities, including a photobooth, tintype portraits, arts and crafts with Creatively Wild, doggy “PAW-traits,” plus a Smorgasburg pop-up. Opening Night’s special program, Boroughs in Focus, runs Saturday May 16 from 7:30–9pm. Our guide for families here.
DanceAfrica at BAM
May 22–25 | Fort Greene | Tickets from $21 | Free outdoor bazaar Sat–Mon
North America’s largest festival of African dance and music, this year spotlighting the culture of Uganda, returns to BAM for Memorial Day weekend. Performances run May 22–25; the free outdoor African Bazaar — with food, crafts, and live performance — runs Saturday, May 23 through Monday, May 25. bam.org
Bay Ridge Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 25 | 11am | Third Avenue, Bay Ridge | FREE
One of Brooklyn’s oldest and most beloved parades, marching down Third Avenue in Bay Ridge to honor the borough’s veterans.
DUMBO Drop
Friday, May 29 | Drops at 5pm & 7pm | Car-Free Washington Street, DUMBO | Ticketed ($18.75+)
The beloved DUMBO neighborhood party returns for its annual flying elephant spectacle! Thousands of parachuting toy elephants rain down from the rooftops surrounding Washington Street, Brooklyn’s most iconic block, in two drops at 5pm and 7pm. Tickets include a souvenir toy elephant, a guaranteed spot on the block between Front and Water Streets, and an entry into each Drop’s prize sweepstakes. Doors open at 3:30pm for the 5pm Drop and 6:00pm for the 7pm Drop. Extras include a live set by The Jelly on the Main Stage, a flash mob dance party, and a photobooth. All proceeds benefit DUMBO’s Title 1 public schools — PS307 and The Dock Street School. Get tickets on Eventbrite. More details at dumbo.nyc/dumbodrop.
32nd Annual FunOn5th Festival in Bay Ridge
Sunday, May 31| 10am – 6pm | Bay Ridge’s 69-85 Streets on 5th Avenue | FREE admission
a day of family fun along Bay Ridge’s 5th Avenue. It features local restaurants and retailers, vendors, live music, and amusement rides. Sponsored by New York-Presbyterian and the 68th Precinct Community Council. Follow @fifthavenuebk on Instagram for hours and lineup details.
Summer
Brooklyn Greek Festival
Monday, June 1 – Sunday, June 7 | Schermerhorn Street between Court Street and Boerum Place, Downtown Brooklyn/Brooklyn Heights | FREE admission
The Brooklyn Greek Festival returns for a full week of traditional Greek food, live music, folk dancing, and family activities. Hosted annually by the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral, this beloved outdoor street fair brings a taste of Greece to Downtown Brooklyn — think souvlaki, spanakopita, loukoumades, and plenty of baklava. See our photos from last year’s festival.
Family Dance Jam with Craft + Carry Pop-Up Pour
Friday, June 5 | 5–8pm | Abolitionist Place, 110 Willoughby Street, Downtown Brooklyn | FREE
A Brooklyn Bridge Parents event! Bring the whole family for an outdoor dance party with music and a lively neighborhood vibe, plus libations from Craft + Carry for those 21 and over. More details.
Summer at Domino Park 2026
June–September | Domino Park, Williamsburg Waterfront | FREE
Two Trees has unveiled Domino Park’s 2026 summer lineup — a season of free public events across Domino Square, Flex Field, and the Williamsburg waterfront, anchored by the return of the Sugar Sugar! performance series, plus live music, wellness classes, family programming, and Movies in the Square. Full calendar at dominopark.com/events.
- June 3–25, Wed/Thu evenings — Sugar Sugar!: free outdoor experimental performance series at Domino Square’s waterfront amphitheater, returning for its second season with dance, puppetry, theater, and music.
- Sundays from June 7 — Play in the Square: interactive workshops, performances, and activities for kids.
- June 20 — Juneberry Festival: live music, food, plant-based craft workshops, and a chance to taste the rare berry that grows throughout the park.
- Six evenings from July 7 — Movies in the Square: double features against the Manhattan skyline; full lineup announced in June.
- July 15 — Summer Skate in the Square: Domino Square transforms into a one-night pop-up roller rink with DJ Saint James Joy.
- August 14 — Don Juan preview (Molière in the Park): work-in-progress preview ahead of the September run.
- August 30 & September 20 — Spellbound Theater: interactive bilingual English/Spanish family performances.
- Throughout the season — Sunrise & Sunday Yoga, Summer Fitness Series, Croquet on the Field, Salsa by the Water, Típico P’al Pueblo, Sunset Sessions, Meet the Beekeeper, Craft Nights, Dominoes Socials with Capicu!, and GrowNYC’s Greenmarket on Sundays.
Summer at the Terminal — Brooklyn Army Terminal
June–October | Sunset Park Waterfront | FREE
The 2026 “Summer at the Terminal” series transforms NYCEDC’s 59-acre Brooklyn Army Terminal campus in Sunset Park into a free public destination — waterfront food festivals, outdoor films, community markets, cultural heritage celebrations, and family days running June through October. Full schedule here.
- June 4, 2–6pm — Community Market + Local Makers: a curated waterfront market with local artisans, small businesses, and emerging Brooklyn brands.
- June 7, 1–7pm — Ferry Food Fest 2026: a waterfront food festival with local eats, live music, and community at Ferry Plaza.
- June 13, 7–10pm — Rooftop Films Screening: free outdoor film along the BAT waterfront, presented with Rooftop Films.
- July 9, 4–8pm — Sunset Sip and Stroll Market: a twilight community market for shopping and strolling the waterfront.
- July 12, 1–7pm — Latin Flavors and Culture: a waterfront celebration of Latin culture with music, dance, food, and community programming.
- July 23, 4–8pm — Salsa Night: a high-energy evening of salsa music and dancing on the waterfront.
- July 26, 10am–2pm — Wellness on the Waterfront: a wellness-focused day to slow down, recharge, and enjoy the harbor.
- August 6, 4–8pm — Cinema Night and Happy Hour: a movie night by the water with refreshments and a happy-hour atmosphere.
- August 9, 2–6pm — Community and Family Day: a family-friendly day of activities, entertainment, and waterfront fun for all ages.
- August 27, 2–6pm — Asian Culture Day: a waterfront celebration of Asian culture through music, dance, food, and community programming.
- August 30, 2–6pm — End of Summer Event: a closing-weekend gathering of live entertainment, food, and family activities along the waterfront.
- September 19, 7–10pm — Rooftop Films Screening: a second free outdoor film at the BAT waterfront, with Rooftop Films.
- September 27, 2–8pm — Hispanic Heritage Waterfront Festival: in partnership with the Sunset Park Empowerment Center, honoring Hispanic cultures through art, music, and culinary traditions.
- October 31, 2–7pm — Día de Los Muertos Celebration: with ArtBuilt and Casa Cultural — a communal ofrenda, crafts table, face painting, live music, and performances.
Brooklyn Bridge Park 2026 Festivals & Special Events
May–October | Brooklyn Bridge Park | FREE
Brooklyn Bridge Park has unveiled its 2026 lineup of festivals and special events — free, family-friendly programming spanning the waterfront from Pier 1 to Pier 6, with everything from outdoor screenings to the fall Harvest Festival. Full calendar at brooklynbridgepark.org/events.
- World Cup Fan Zone | June 13–July 19 — outdoor screenings of matches throughout the tournament.
- Met Opera Recital | June 17 — a free evening recital under the stars at the Harbor View Lawn.
- Movies With A View | Thursdays, July 2–August 20 — the long-running outdoor film series on the Harbor View Lawn; bring a blanket.
- Hindu Lamp Ceremony | August 8 — a community lamp-lighting on the waterfront.
- Family Film Night | September 18 — a kid-focused evening screening on Pier 1.
- Harvest Festival | October 17 — the seasonal closer; pumpkins, live music, and family activities across the park.
Kids Soccer Village and Watch Party
Wednesday, June 17 | 3:30–6pm | Brooklyn Commons Park, Downtown Brooklyn | FREE
A Brooklyn Bridge Parents event! Brooklyn Commons Park transforms into Downtown Brooklyn’s Soccer Village for the day. Enjoy soccer-themed crafts, goal-shooting activities, Duplo LEGO play, foosball tables, live screen printing, and more — plus catch the England vs. Croatia match. In partnership with Brooklyn Bridge Parents, Brooklyn FC, Fresh Grocer, and Dave & Buster’s. More details.
Coney Island Mermaid Parade
Saturday, June 20 | 1pm | Surf Avenue, Coney Island | FREE to watch
The 44th annual Mermaid Parade — Coney Island’s wildest and most colorful annual tradition — nearly didn’t happen this year, after organizers faced a funding shortfall following a costly fight against a casino development proposal. They made it, though — thanks in part to new funding announced by BP Reynoso! The procession steps off at 1pm at West 21st Street and Surf Avenue, rolls east, and ends at Steeplechase Plaza on the boardwalk around 4pm. Watching is free; there’s a fee to march. Arrive early for a good spot. coneyisland.com
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Giglio Feast
Mid-July (exact 2026 dates TBA) | Williamsburg — around Havemeyer Street & North 8th | FREE
One of Brooklyn’s most iconic and historic street festivals, the Giglio Feast has been held in Williamsburg every July since 1887. Centered around the stunning Dancing of the Giglio — a 70-foot, four-ton tower carried through the streets by over 100 men, with a live brass band playing from its base — the 12-day festival features carnival rides, games, Italian food, and nightly entertainment. Check olmcfeast.com for 2026 dates and schedule.
BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!
July 18–August | Lena Horne Bandshell, Prospect Park | Mostly FREE; benefit concerts ticketed
New York’s longest-running free outdoor performing arts festival opens July 18 with a benefit concert headlined by Australian indie pop duo Royel Otis. Most performances throughout the summer are free; benefit shows require tickets. Bring a blanket and plan to picnic. bricartsmedia.org
West Indian American Day Carnival & Parade
Monday, September 7 | Eastern Parkway, Crown Heights | FREE
New York City’s largest cultural celebration and one of the biggest carnivals in the world. J’Ouvert — the pre-dawn parade of mud, oil, powder, and steel bands — begins at 4am. The main Labor Day parade steps off mid-morning along Eastern Parkway from Utica Avenue to Grand Army Plaza, with floats, dancers in elaborate costumes, soca, calypso, and reggae. Over a million people line the route. A full week of events leads up to the parade. wiadcacarnival.org
Fall
Brooklyn Bridge Parents Back-to-School Party
Sunday, September 13 | 12–4pm | Montague Street, Brooklyn Heights | FREE
A Brooklyn Bridge Parents event! Our annual Back-to-School Party returns to car-free Montague Street. Expect free kids’ activities, games, crafts, face painting, community vendors, and a kick-off for the new school year. Free and family-friendly — right in the neighborhood.
Brooklyn Book Festival Children’s Day
Saturday, September 26 | Downtown Brooklyn | FREE
Author readings, workshops, book signings and activities for kids and families, plus a children’s book market — part of the largest free literary festival in New York. brooklynbookfestival.org
Atlantic Antic
Sunday, September 27 | Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn Heights to Boerum Hill | FREE
One of Brooklyn’s biggest and oldest street fairs, stretching over 10 blocks of Atlantic Avenue through Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill, Boerum Hill, and beyond. Local vendors, food, live music, and family activities. Join us for PLAYTOPIA by Brooklyn Bridge Parents in Boerum Hill with free kids activities, the Brooklyn Museum on Wheels and more! atlanticave.org
Smith Street Neighbors & Makers Street Fair
Saturday, October 17 | 11 am – 2 pm | Cobble Hill
A fall-filled celebration with local makers, community and a Brooklyn Bridge Parents kids zone with free kids activities on car-free Smith Street from Bergen to Union.
Know of a festival we missed? Let us know and we’ll add it to the guide! Do you want all local parenting news in your inbox? Sign up for our weekly newsletter now!
