Summer certainly isn’t over yet! Go-to Brooklyn parent resources Macaroni KID Brooklyn NW and Brooklyn Bridge Parents have teamed up to bring you some of the best local family events remaining in the summer calendar.
1. Catch a Free Kid-Friendly Outdoor Movie
Dates and locations below – Among the many not-to-miss summer experiences in NYC is a free outdoor movie in the park. Make it a family affair (or date night)! Invite friends, pack a picnic and lawn chairs, and arrive early to catch the sunset.
- “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” at Transmitter Park in Greenpoint Friday 8/4, 8pm
- “The Nutty Professor” at Prospect Park Long Meadow Wednesday 8/9, 6:30pm
- “Despicable Me” at Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 1 Wednesday 8/9, 6pm
- “Avatar: The Way of Water” at Transmitter Park in Greenpoint Friday 8/11, 8pm
- “Bend it Like Beckham” a ferry ride away on Governor’s Island Friday 8/11, 7pm
- “Guardians of the Galaxy” at Prospect Park Long Meadow Wednesday 8/16, 6:30pm
- “Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back” at Brooklyn Army Terminal in Sunset Park Saturday 8/19, 7pm
- Public Choice Vote: “The Addams Family” or “Little Women” or “Romeo + Juliet” at Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 1 Thursday 8/24, 6pm
- “Dom Salvador & Abolition” at Commodore Barry Park in Fort Greene Friday 8/25, 8pm
2. Entertain the kids with free activities from Brooklyn Bridge Parents
Dates and locations below – Head outside to Washington Street in DUMBO to enjoy the summer vibes. Activities include legos, blocks, games, and crafts.
- DUMBO Family Games on Washington Street Sundays through Labor Day, 11am-1pm
3. Catch a special event at summer hotspot Coney Island
Dates below – Check the ultimate summer destination off your bucket list. Pair an event with a trip to Luna Park, New York Aquarium, or a Brooklyn Cyclones game.
- Weekly Fireworks Show Fridays through Labor Day, 9:45pm
- Brooklyn Beach Sports Festival Saturday 8/5, 9am-5pm
- Sand Sculpting Competition Saturday 8/12, 8am-4pm
4. Boogie down at a free summer dance party
Dates and locations below – Bring the family to a joyful and inclusive community dance party hosted by local DJs. A summertime staple for 13 years, Soul Summit brings the hills of Fort Greene Park alive with intergenerational families, food, and dancing.
- Soul Summit Music Festival in Fort Greene Park Sunday 8/6, 3-8pm
- Vinyl Nights Dance Parties at Albee Square in Downtown Brooklyn Thursdays through Labor Day, 5-8pm
- Big Summer Get Down celebrating 50 years of Hip Hip in NYC in Brooklyn Bridge Park Saturday 8/19, 6-10pm
- Friday Night Dance Series with Soul Summit at The Plaza at 300 Ashland in Fort Greene Friday 8/25, 6-8pm
5. Take a moment to reflect at the 11th annual Hindu Lamp Ceremony in Brooklyn Bridge Park
Saturday 8/12, 4-7:30pm – Dance artist and educator Aeilushi Mistry will bring peace and harmony to the community as she performs the traditional Hindu Aarti ceremony at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s 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. Walk-up attendees will decorate palm leaf lamps and release them along the East River to make prayers and pay our respects to loved ones. (Lamps will be gathered after the ceremony as to not pollute.)
6. Cool down with the community at The Winter Social in Cobble Hill Park
Thursday 8/17, 6-8pm – Started as an opportunity for Cobble Hill neighbors to connect during 2020, The Winter Social offers a growing community of friendly folks who BYO drinks and treats, and simply have a great time together. While the event is not strictly geared towards kids, attendees are a diverse and inclusive mix of folks schmoozing in Cobble Hill Park. The theme for this month’s event is “Water Party” and hosts are encouraging BYO squirt guns, spray bottles, bathing suits, and hydrating treats!
7. Take the family for a stroll through Myrtle Avenue’s Summer Nights Block Party
Friday 8/18, 5-8pm – Celebrate the start of a summer weekend with FREE activities up and down Myrtle Avenue! Music, art, crafts, games, raffles, wine tastings and more!
8. Check out Brooklyn’s first ever Summer Streets event
Saturday 8/25, 7am-1pm – Summer Streets is an annual celebration of New York City’s most valuable public space – our streets. Eastern Parkway between Grand Army Plaza and Buffalo Avenue will be closed 7am-1pm on August 25th for walking, biking, and play. Citi Bike will offer a limited number of complimentary day passes to non-members. Use the code CITISUMMER on the Citi Bike app to receive unlimited complimentary unlocks on Citi Bike for 24 hours
9. Cheer on contenders at the South Slope Soap Box Derby
Saturday 8/26, 12-3pm – For 15 years, KoKo NYC has offered Soap Box Workshops for kids ages 8-14 to create soap box cars from found objects and recycled materials. This year, close to 100 kids will race their fun, funky, eco-friendly gravity racers in the South Slope Derby while hundreds more friends, family and community members cheer them on. In addition to the race, visitors will enjoy food vendors and a raffle.
10. Celebrate Caribbean culture at the West Indian American Day NY Junior Carnival at the Brooklyn Museum
Saturday, 9/2 – The West Indian American Day Carnival Association produces Caribbean culture and art events including the NY Junior Carnival at the Brooklyn Museum. The event will feature live performances, Junior King & Queen, community wellness sponsors, and a back-to-school giveaway.
