A vibrant community arts day, a courtyard party, and salsa in the street!
Plus, learn to make focaccia at Summer Bread and Brews, sip coffee & shop vintage finds at the Summer Vintage Market, and get involved with the community at the NY Civic Fair.
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Here’s what’s happening this week:
Rooted in Pride, a public outdoor art exhibition celebrating Brooklyn’s queer community, will be presented by Arts Gowanus in collaboration with Brooklyn Pride and the Old Stone House! The exhibition will be on view June 1st through August 1st at the Old Stone House.
“BKMAG is excited to announce Planet Brooklyn, a first-of-its-kind music festival, is coming to not one or two, but three, iconic stages this year. We’ll be bringing top-notch performances from global hit-makers and buzzing local artists to BAM, Brooklyn Paramount, and Barclays Center on August 23 and 24. The shows will be both free and ticketed, and each day of the festival will be accompanied by block parties around the venues, featuring DJs and hundreds of food vendors and merchants from across the borough.” [Brooklyn Magazine]
Green-Wood Cemetery announces that Meera Joshi will succeed Richard J. Moylan as President. Moylan, who led the organization for 39 years, will step down at the end of June [Patch].
The Community-led Atlantic Avenue Mixed-Use Plan, which will bring 4,600 new homes to Prospect Heights, Crown Heights, and Bedford-Stuyvesant, has been approved by the city. 1,900 of the homes will be permanently affordable for local residents. The plan, which includes $215 million for infrastructure, streets and parks, has been in the works for a decade [BK Reader].
Our Top Picks
Events with an asterisk* tend to sell out- reserve tickets early!
Thursday, May 29th (Today):
One Love Fest @ Prospect Park Boathouse, 11am-7pm: One Love Fest is back for year 4, and I AM CaribBEING and Prospect Park Alliance are bringing the best of Caribbean culture to the Boathouse in Prospect Park. Get ready for live music that’ll keep you moving, dance workshops, and performances that are full of flavor. You’ll find Caribbean vendors, makers, and some of the best island food in Brooklyn! It’s fun for all, so come along and let’s vibe together! Come through & celebrate Caribbean vibes like never before. FREE—RSVP recommended.
One Love Fest. 📸: Prospect Park Alliance
Friday, May 30th:
Pastels & Plant Swap @ Mathilde, 5-8pm: Exchange seeds, cuttings, and indoor & outdoor plants— and draw them! Pastels and colored pencils, paper, and potting soil provided, and additional materials welcome. Some plant scenes will be set up in the back garden to sketch. No experience? No problem! As always, CraftyHour is all about low-stakes creativity — there are no rules or expectations. Erin Scottberg, local artist and horticulturist of Full Sun Studios, will be on hand to give botanical drawing pointers — or just a little creative encouragement. Happy hour is extended until 8pm for participants! FREE.
Summer Bread & Brews @ Zoller’s Fine Foods, 7-9pm: Learn to make delicious and gorgeous focaccia while tasting the best of Montauk Brewing's summer selection! You'll leave with a sheet of your custom designed focaccia, along with a Beach Beer Sampler. $65.
Saturday, May 31st:
Summer Vintage Market @ Variety Coffee (312 7th Ave), 10am-4pm: Sip coffee and shop vintage clothes, accessories, and home goods. FREE.
Community Day @ Powerhouse Arts (Gowanus)— Saturday, May 31st, 11am-5pm: Join Powerhouse Arts for a celebration of creativity, connection, and joy—featuring hands-on workshops, art activities, live performances, and more! Meet artists and fabricators and take part in hands-on activities for all ages at this event that takes place across three floors in the Powerhouse Arts purpose-built art-making facility. FREE with RSVP.
American Ballet Theatre Family Workshop @ Brooklyn Bridge Park, 11am-12:30pm*: Join American Ballet Theatre for an interactive dance workshop exploring the magic of storytelling in classical ballets! Designed for children ages 4–12, this session includes a ballet warm-up inspired by the seven movements of dance and time to learn and share a short excerpt from ABT’s repertoire. No prior dance experience required—just bring your energy and favorite dance attire! FREE—pre-registration required.
Bike Day @ Prospect Park— 2-5pm*: This family-friendly, educational afternoon of fun will offer something for everyone, whether you're new to cycling, a delivery worker, a parent, or a seasoned commuter. Enjoy giveaways, conversations around bike infrastructure, cyclist protocol, and safety conversations, free minor bicycle repairs, NYC bicycle maps, delivery worker support & protocol, adult group rides, a children’s learn-to-ride workshop, & more. FREE—advance registration required for some events.
Courtyard Party @ Leroy’s Place, 4-8pm: Kick off summer with the first courtyard party of the season at this art gallery & gift shop in South Slope! Enjoy vinyl DJ sets from Psychic Records. refreshments, and good vibes. FREE.
Salsa Dancing @ Vanderbilt Open Streets, 5pm: Outdoor dance season returns to Vanderbilt Open Streets starting this weekend! Each month, head to Vanderbilt Ave for music, movement, community vibes, and a free salsa class at 5:00 PM with Salsa Salsa NYC followed by a dance party ‘til 9:00 PM. FREE.
Sunday, June 1st:
Prospect Park Yoga @ Grand Army Plaza Entrance, 11am: Prospect Yoga seeks to provide easy access to outdoor, high-quality, professional movement classes to all corners of Prospect Park and to give NYC residents more reasons to inhabit public space and be outside. Classes are offered at various times throughout the week at 4 different locations. Today’s class is open level vinyasa-based class. First class is $10/drop in $23.
Tuesday, June 3rd:
NYC Civic Fair @ Fabrik DUMBO, 6-8pm: Looking to get more involved at the local level—but not sure where to start? This Civic Fair connects New Yorkers with local organizations tackling the city's biggest challenges—from housing and transportation to elections and streetscapes. Think of it like a career fair, but for community and civic impact. Meet the people doing the work, explore causes you care about, and find the right place to lend your voice, skills, or time. Groups in attendance include: Abundance New York, Climate Club Friends, Indivisible BK, Maximum New York, New Kings Democrats, New Liberals, Open New York, Open Plans, Regional Plan Association, Riders Alliance, Sunrise Movement NYC, Transportation Alternatives, and more! Suggested donation of $10 (to help supplement the cost of food, snacks, and drinks.)
Wednesday, May 4th:
BAM Free Music— Riccie Oriach @ Brooklyn Academy of Music, 7pm: This music series is held in BAM’s Peter J. Sharp building and features DJ Ultra Violet before and after the performance. Dominican singer, guitarist, percussionist, and sound engineer Riccie Oriach has forged a distinctive musical style that fuses punk and hard rock with traditional Caribbean rhythms like merengue, bachata, and samba- guaranteed to make listeners move on the dance floor. FREE— RSVP recommended.
National Book Foundation’s 2025 5 Under 35 Ceremony @ Littlefield’s, 7-10pm (in person & virtual): Join the National Book Foundation’s 5 Under 35 honorees for an evening of readings and celebration! Since its inception in 2006, 5 Under 35 has highlighted a total of 100 remarkable fiction writers whose debuts and subsequent works have impacted readers around the country and world. Books will be available on site thanks to Books Are Magic. Doors open at 6:15pm. 21+. $12/ livestream is FREE.
Book ahead for these popular events:
Bonsai Bar @ Strong Rope Brewery (Gowanus)—Sunday, June 11th @ 6:30pm: Beginner workshops are perfect for you to grab your friends, grab a drink and come make tiny trees! Learn the fundamental skills and techniques behind the art of bonsai. Teachers will introduce core concepts and guide your experience as you pot, prune, and design your very own bonsai tree! Included in the ticket price is a tree of your choosing, a ceramic pot to replant your tree, and two hours of bonsai wisdom. $85.
Prospect Park Soiree—Saturday, June 21, 2025, 5-10pm: Wear your most festive attire, prepare a delicious feast, bring your favorite bottle of wine, and dine and dance under the stars in one of Prospect Park’s most scenic locations. Event proceeds and a portion of wine sales benefit Prospect Park Alliance, the non-profit organization that sustains, restores and advances Prospect Park for the benefit of the diverse communities that call Brooklyn home. $65.
Did we miss anything? Add in comments below. 👇
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Local Business Buzz ✨
The Ripped Bodice is a USA Today 10Best nominee for Best Independent Bookstore! Cast a vote daily through Monday, June 2nd.
Luya Omakase and Wine Bar is now displaying artwork by local artists in their restaurant! Pieces by the first featured artist, Natalya Kayner, are now on the wall and available for purchase!
Slope Steal of the Week 💰
Bar Louise is offering half off bottles of wine on Wednesday evenings!
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Makes me want to move to Park Slope!
Um…. this is AMAZING tysm