Top 10 August Family Events in Brooklyn | Brooklyn Bridge Parents

Close out summer with an August full of fun family events. Families can take a stroll in Bay Ridge, learn at a STEAM fair in Fort Greene Park, pay respects to loved ones at Brooklyn Bridge Park, celebrate Japanese food and culture in Prospect Park, participate in a sand sculpting contest in Coney Island, experience the Battle of Brooklyn in Sunset Park, and have tea in Prospect Park. And be sure not to miss Brooklyn Bridge Parents’ Back to School Bash at Summer Saturdays for Families at Atlantic Terminal Mall!

1. Summer at the Terminal: Reading Party & Community Family Day | Sunset Park

Head to the Brooklyn Army Terminal (140 58th Street) for a double-feature of free waterfront fun at Ferry Plaza Park. Kick things off on Thursday, August 6 (4:00–8:00 PM), with a Reading Party with Reading Rhythms—just bring a book and enjoy a relaxed evening of communal reading and guided conversation by the water. Keep the momentum going on Sunday, August 9 (2:00–6:00 PM), at Community and Family Day, featuring a packed lineup of family-friendly activities, live entertainment, and waterfront play designed for all ages. Find out more here.

2. Summer Stroll on Third Avenue

Friday, August 7th and Friday, August 14th | 6:00pm-10:00pm | FREE | Bay Ridge

Bring the whole family for a walk on Third Avenue. August 7th will take place between 82nd Street and Marine Avenue while August 14th will take place between 68th Street and 82nd Street. There will be live music and performances, outdoor dining, and more! On August 7th, the Brooklyn Chamber Orchestra will transform the Citizens Bank parking lot in Bay Ridge into an open-air concert experience – you don’t want to miss it!

3. Attend an outdoor concert or dance party with the kiddos

Brooklyn’s 2026 summer scene is packed with free outdoor concerts and community dance parties. Major highlights include Prospect Park’s BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! festival and the throwback Freedom Party in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Williamsburg’s Domino Square offers bi-weekly “Salsa by the Water” with beginner lessons, while Dumbo brings bluegrass to the Archway for the Brooklyn Americana Music Festival. For neighborhood block parties, locals can hit the legendary Soul Summit festival in Fort Greene Park or the Hancock Street Block Party in Bed-Stuy. Downtown Brooklyn adds a run of free plaza parties of its own, from Vinyl Nights at Albee Square to salsa lessons at Willoughby Plaza. All details here.

4. STEAMVentures Fair at Fort Greene Park

Saturday, August 8th | 10:00am-1:00pm | FREE | RSVP here | Fort Greene

STEAMVentures returns to Fort Greene Park for their Second Annual Fort Greene STEAM Fair. Kids can create solar-powered animals, reveal secret messages with invisible ink, make scratch art, decorate lightning bugs, and explore other hands-on science and art activities.

5. Hindu Lamp Ceremony at Brooklyn Bridge Park

Saturday, August 8th | 5:00pm-7:30pm | FREE | Brooklyn Bridge Park

The 14th annual Hindu Lamp Ceremony returns to Brooklyn Bridge Park. Dance artist and educator Aeilushi Mistry brings peace and harmony to the community as she performs the traditional Hindu Aarti ceremony on the banks of the East River at Pebble Beach. The Aarti ceremony is traditionally performed each morning and evening along India’s rivers, in order to convey gratitude to mother river, reflect on community, and remember loved ones. Join to make a blessing and pay respects to loved ones. Ajna Dance Company will be performing at 6:00pm and 7:00pm.

6. Smorgasburg Matsuri: Japan Meets Brooklyn in Prospect Park

Sunday, August 9th | 11:00am-6:00pm | FREE admission | Prospect Park

Smorgasburg, in partnership with Prospect Park Alliance, brings the magic of Matsuri to Prospect Park for the very first time! Experience a large-scale celebration of Japanese food and cultural influence, featuring curated Japanese guest vendors alongside Smorgasburg favorites, all offering Japanese-inspired specials for the day. Enjoy cultural performances, interactive activities, and limited-capacity omakase-style tasting experiences throughout the market.

7. The 34th Annual Coney Island Sand Sculpting Competition

Saturday, August 15th | 11:00am registration, 12:00pm-4:00pm competition | FREE | Register in-person | Coney Island

The 34th Annual Coney Island Sand Sculpting Competition returns on August 15th! Whether you’re a seasoned sculptor or just looking for a fun day at the beach, everyone is welcome to join in on the fun for free. The categories are Adult Solo Artist, Family, and Adult Group. Cash prizes will be awarded to the winners. Bring your buckets, shovels, and creativity!

8. The Battle of Brooklyn 250: The Meaning of Freedom at The Green-Wood Cemetery

Sunday, August 23rd | 10:00am-1:00pm | FREE | Get tickets here | Sunset Park

Step into 1776 at Green-Wood. Experience the Battle of Brooklyn with reenactments, stories, and a lively, family-friendly commemoration. Come gather where this country began. Two hundred and fifty years ago, parts of the first major battle of the Revolutionary War was fought on land that is now Green-Wood, and they are marking the anniversary with their biggest Battle of Brooklyn event ever! Immerse yourself in August 1776 through costumed interpreters, civilian and soldier stories, diverse perspectives on this pivotal moment, and a special parade and commemoration ceremony. In partnership with institutions across New York City, Green-Wood Cemetery is offering a fun-filled afternoon that honors those who fought and invites families to reflect on 250 years of American independence.

9. Summer Tea in Prospect Park

Sunday, August 23rd | 11:00am-4:00pm | FREE | RSVP here | Prospect Park

This year marks the 8th year of Summer Tea in Prospect Park. Join Tea Arts + Culture and Prospect Park Alliance for a full-day gathering in the park to steep and sip tea together with arts, music, and shared appreciation of nature.

10. Summer Saturdays for Families at Atlantic Terminal Mall

Join Brooklyn Bridge Parents and Atlantic Terminal Mall for Summer Saturdays with free water play, kids activities, giveaways and more fun. Come out to play, cool off, and make friends! The theme for this day is Back to School Bash.