Coney Island Polar Bears First Dip
Coney Island
January 1
http://www.polarbearclub.org/polarbears/index.htm
The Annual New Year's Day dip in the icy waters off Coney Island is the most well attended of the Polar Bear Club's frigid festivities. But if you miss this one, you can catch them any Sunday from October through April.
Annual Brooklyn Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Brooklyn Academy of Music
http://www.bam.org
Brooklyn Academy of Music, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, and Medgar Evers College of The City University of New York present New York City's largest public celebration in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Chinese New Year Celebration
8th Avenue, From 50th Street to 61st Street
The annual Brooklyn celebration of the Chinese New Year features traditional singing, dancing, a kung fu demonstration and an outrageous firecracker display. Outdoors. For more information, call the Brooklyn Chinese American Association, 718-438-0008
Brooklyn Irish-American Parade
Prospect Park West and 15th Street
Features marching bands, bagpipes, step dancing, and lively paraders of all ages. For more information, call the Brooklyn Tourism and Visitors Center, 718-802-3846
Dine in Brooklyn
Brooklyn invites you to "step up to the plate" and experience the fabulous offerings of its world-class restaurants. "Three courses, no attitude on the side." Complete list of participating restaurants coming soon!
Opening Day at Prospect Park
http://www.prospectpark.org
Help welcome spring to Prospect Park as Lefferts Historic House, the electric boat Independence, and the historic 1912 Carousel open for the season! Call 718-965-8999 for details.
Earth Week Celebration 2007
Prospect Park
Call (718) 965-8999 for details.
Brooklyn Underground Film Festival
Brooklyn Lyceum, Park Slope
The annual Brooklyn Underground Film Festival features 100 films from 12 countries including numerous World and United States premieres. The five-day festival includes innovative films, visual art, music, parties and discussions. Visit www.brooklynunderground.org for complete program listings. For more information, call 862-485-0025.
Annual Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival)
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
New York City's "Rite of Spring" celebrates 26 years! With over 200 trees in bloom, Brooklyn Botanic Garden's flowering cherries take center stage during this phenomenal weekend celebrating Japanese culture with over 60 events and performances. Enjoy traditional Japanese music and dance, taiko drumming, ikebana flower arranging, bonsai pruning, tea ceremonies, craft demonstrations, and workshops for both adults and children. For more information, call 718-623-7333
Brooklyn Designs
St. Ann's Warehouse and other locations TBA
New York's newest and most talked-about design show features designers and manufacturers of contemporary furnishings including furniture, lighting, rugs, and decorative accessories for home, office and garden.
Sundance Institute at BAM
Sundance Institute and the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) collaborate on a series of film screenings, performances, panel discussions, and special events that bring the activities of the Sundance Institute and the programming of its annual Film Festival to New York audiences. The exact film selection will be determined following the conclusion of this year's Sundance Film Festival. Check bam.org for updates.
Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition Pier Art Show
499 Van Brunt St, Red Hook
The Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition (BWAC, pronounced bee-wack) launches its 25th Anniversary Art Show at their 30,000 square foot Civil War-era warehouse space in Red Hook. Featuring more than 300 artists exhibiting 1,000 works of art, plus live music, slide shows, and an Artists Speak Series.
Norwegian-American Seventeenth of May Parade
95th Street to 67th Street on Fifth Avenue, Bay Ridge
Brooklyn's large Norwegian-American community celebrates its heritage and an independent Norway with a parade of regional traditional dress and a visit from Lief Erikson in full Viking regalia. Norwegian flags and thousands of visitors head over to Lief Erikson Park to enjoy festivities, traditional Norwegian music, and the annual crowning of Miss Norway. This year's parade celebrates Norway's culture, with a special appearance by Rolph Stang in a rendition of Henrik Ibsen. For more information, please call 718-745-6653.
BayFest/Blessing of the Fleet
Emmons Avenue & E. 27th Street, Sheepshead Bay
Thousands attend this celebration of a vibrant working fishing village. Entertainment includes traditional sea chanting and sailing demonstrations, clown acts, face painting, magic, giveaways, arts and crafts, and a spectacular NYC fireboat display. The day ends with a blessing of the fleet and free boat rides in the bay. For more information, call 718-646-9206
DanceAfrica
Brooklyn Academy of Music
BAM's annual celebration of African and African-American music, dance, and culture. More than just entertainment, the program includes classes, an outdoor bazaar featuring African crafts, food and more.
Historic Districts House Tours
Take a peak at how Brooklynites live and decorate their homes during one of several house and garden tours in Brooklyn's historic districts: Victorian Flatbush, Clinton Hill, Fort Greene, Park Slope, Brooklyn Heights, Prospect Heights, Lefferts Gardens, Boerum Hill and the Brooklyn Brownstone Garden District.
Clinton Hill House Tour
http://www.clintonhill.org
Fort Greene House Tour
http://www.historicfortgreene.org
Brooklyn Heights Association Landmark House and Garden Tour
http://www.brooklynheightsassociation.org
Park Slope Civic Council House Tour
http://www.parkslopeciviccouncil.org
Celebrate Brooklyn! Performing Arts Festival
Prospect Park West and 9th Street, Park Slope, all summer
http://www.celebratebrooklyn.org
One of the longest-running free summer outdoor performing arts festivals in America. Every year has a different lineup, but there's always something special for the more than 200,000 visitors who come to the Prospect Park Band Shell each summer in the park Brooklynites think of as their own back yard. Donation suggested. For more information, call Brooklyn Information and Culture (BRIC), 718-855-7882
Friday Night Fireworks & Cabaret on the Boardwalk
Coney Island boardwalk between 10th & 12th Streets
Astroland Presents Friday Night Fireworks and Cabaret featuring the Coney Island Circus Sideshow and Lex Grey and the Urban Pioneers.
Celebrate the Sun & World Ocean Day
New York Aquarium
Surf Avenue and West 8th Street, Coney Island
The Ocean and the Sun! Perfect together! The New York Aquarium celebrates World Ocean Day with a weekend full of fun activities, including GiGi and the Lend Me A Hand Band and storytelling with LuAnn Adams. And a day at the ocean would not be the same without the sun, so folks from Banana Boat Sun Care will be on hand all weekend with special giveaways.
Brooklyn Cyclones Opening Day
Coney Island
KeySpan Park is the place to be on Tuesday June 21st at 7pm as The Brooklyn Cyclones officially open their 2005 season at home again cross town rivals the Staten Island Yankees. All fans will receive a 2005 magnetic schedule courtesy of Pepsi. KeySpan Park is located at 1904 Surf Avenue in the heart of Brooklyn's Coney Island neighborhood. For more information call 718-449-8497
Mermaid Parade
Coney Island
http://www.coneyislandusa.com/mermaid.shtml
Unlike anything else on land or in the sea. Part fairy tale and part freak show, mermaids, sea creatures, antique cars and other true oddities wash up and march down Surf Avenue in Coney Island. Registration for participants begins on March 1. For more information, call Coney Island USA, 718-372-5159
Brooklyn International Film Festival
Cobble Hill Cinemas and Various Venues
Spanning over the course of 10 days in June, Brooklyn hosts an international competitive film festival that presents every year over 150 film premieres from over 80 countries. The films are divided in 5 categories: Narrative Feature, Documentary, Narrative Short, Animation, and Experimental. Film submissions are open from September 1 through March 15. For more information, visit festival's website, email 2007@wbff.org, or call 718-388-4306
Seaside Summer Concert Series
Asser Levy Park, Coney Island
Thursday nights in July and August, FREE, 7:30 p.m.
Longer running than the Martin Luther King, Jr. Concert Series, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz hosts the Seaside Summer Concert Series at Asser Levy Park in Coney Island, now in its 27th season. Enjoy Classic Rock, Contemporary, Oldies and the Annual "Salsa by the Sea" near the Coney Island Boardwalk Thursday nights in July and August. For more information, call 718-469-1912
Annual International African Arts Festival
Commodore Barry Park
Spanning five days and featuring world-class live music and dance, crafts, food, fashion, and children's programming, the International African Arts Festival will celebrate its joyous 34th anniversary this year at Commodore Barry Park near Vinegar Hill and the Brooklyn waterfront. Past performers include Sun Ra, Fela Kuti, and Gil Scott-Heron. For more information, please call 718-638-6700
Rooftop Films
http://www.rooftopfilms.com/
June-September
Summer-long film festival on some of the most romantic rooftops in New York City! Click here for their full calendar.
Independence Day Parade
76th Street, along 3rd Avenue, Bay Ridge
The parade route starts at 76th Street along 3rd Avenue to Marine Avenue up to 4th Avenue and then over to John Paul Jones Park at 101st Street. Commemorates America's 229th Birthday and honors the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces. For more information, contact Parade Chairman Anthony Palazzolo at 718-680-9216
Friday Night Fireworks & Cabaret on the Boardwalk
Coney Island boardwalk between 10th & 12th Streets, 8pm
Giglio Festival
Williamsburg
More than 200 people parade a 65-foot-tall, multi-ton, multi-tiered tower - on a platform filled with musicians! - through the streets of northern Williamsburg. The parade in honor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel must be seen to be believed. Check for details with Our Lady of Mount Carmel & St. Paulinus, 718-384-0223
Bastille Day
Smith Street near Bergen Street
One of Brooklyn's "Food Quarters" and shopping districts is transformed into a street fair in honor of the Gauls. The pi? de r?stance? French ex-patriots and expat-wannabes play France's "street game" P?nque on a bed of sand brought to South Brooklyn for the party.
The Village Voice Annual Siren Music Festival
Coney Island
This acclaimed indie rock festival returns to Coney Island once again for free music sponsored by the Village Voice beside historic Cyclone rollercoaster at Astroland Amusement Park and spectacular views of Atlantic Ocean. Bring your sunscreen! Click here for the line-up.
Aqua Nights at the New York Aquarium
New York Aquarium
Coney Island, Surf Avenue and West 8th Street
See the Aquarium at night, listen to live Doo Wop music under the stars, and enjoy a great view of the Coney Island Fireworks.
Annual Singapre Chili Crab Festival
66 Water Street, DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass)
12-6pm, rain or shine
"Once again, Tiger Beer takes over the Brooklyn waterfront and gives it the vibrancy and excitement of a massive Singaporean Street fair." Authentic food, live music, souvenirs, children's entertainment, traditional lion dancers, pedicab rides, and kickboxers from Brooklyn's own Gleason's Gym. FREE ADMISSION. Take the A/C trains to High Street; the F train to York Street; and the 2 train to Clark Street. By car, take Old Fulton Street to Front Street to Main and Water Streets. Water Taxi service will also be available.
Twilight Tours on the Electric Boat Independence
Prospect Park Audubon Center at the Boathouse
Enjoy a magical evening of strolling and cruising, accompanied by Prospect Park Audubon Center Naturalists, wine and cheese, and the Park's mysterious nocturnal fauna. Catch a ride on the whisper-quiet electric boat Independence, followed by guided exploration of the Park's nature trails. Tours fill up fast, so make your reservation early! (718) 287-3400 x114
Brighton Jubilee
Brighton Beach
Last Sunday in August
The Russian capital of the United States pulls out all the stops with this annual street fair just one short block from its world famous boardwalk. Hundreds of vendors and merchants attract over 125,000 visitors to this "global village" that will leave you wishing that you were back in the (former) U.S.S.R. Celebrating its 29th season. For more information, call the Brighton Neighborhood Association, 718-891-0800.
Rooftop Films
http://www.rooftopfilms.com/
June-September
Summer-long film festival on some of the most romantic rooftops in New York City! Click here for their full calendar. For more information call 718-417-7362
Open Water Swim Race at Brighton Beach
3300 Coney Island Avenue, Brighton Beach Coney Island Brighton Beach Open Water Swimmers present this race expecting a field of over 100 swimmers.For more information visit www.cibbows.org
Brooklyn's West Indian American Day Carnival & Parade
Eastern Parkway from Utica Avenue to Grand Army Plaza
Labor Day, 10 am-6 pm
By far, New York City's biggest and most spectacular parade. Over 2 million people a year line the streets of Eastern Parkway for this extravaganza! Ornate costumes complement the spectrum of Caribbean music -- soca, calypso, reggae, and steel pan! Come the day before for live music at the J'Ouvert Celebration. For more information, please call the West Indian American Day Carnival Association, 718-467-1797
Atlantic Antic
Atlantic Avenue, from Flatbush Avenue to the Brooklyn Waterfront
The street fair to end all street fairs. Say goodbye to summer in Brooklyn as more than 400 vendors of exotic foods and crafts and multiple entertainment stages shut down a mile of Atlantic Avenue from New York Harbor to the Atlantic Yards. You'll end up holding a falafel in one hand and a blintz in the other. In its 31st year.
Open House at the Mark Morris Dance Center
http://www.markmorrisdancegroup.org/
3 Lafayette Avenue
Apart of their 25th Anniversary Celebration, the Mark Morris Dance Group will hold an open house at the Mark Morris Dance Center, 3 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn. The open house will feature free dance classes for adults and children in Jazz, West African, Modern, Ballet, Tap and Yoga. Drop by to enjoy the festivities -- raffle prizes, refreshments, live music and more. No advanced registration required.
Rooftop Films
http://www.rooftopfilms.com/
June-September
Summer-long film festival on some of the most romantic rooftops in New York City! Click here for their full calendar. For more information call 718-417-7362
Date TBA!
Great Irish Fair
Dreier Offerman Park in Coney Island
This two-day celebration of Irish culture, traditionally held the weekend after Labor Day, was founded to help support Catholic Charities of Brooklyn & Queens. Enjoy great traditional live music and entertainment on many stages, Irish import vendors, arts & crafts displays, rides & games for children, and food from some of New York's best Irish restaurants.
(According to Catholic Charities of Brooklyn & Queens, the Great Irish Fair has been cancelled for 2006. http://www.ccbq.org/ for details)
Brooklyn Botanic Garden Chile Pepper Festival
Click here for more information This annual Brooklyn favorite celebrating nature's spiciest lasts all weekend. For more information, call the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 718-623-7200
OpenHouse New York
Visit the many fascinating spaces and places in Brooklyn free of charge. Each site will offer differen experiences, including guided tours, talks and conversations with the designers, exhibits, performances and childrens' activities. Visit their website for complete site listings.
Clinton Hill-Bed-Stuy Arts Festival
Part of the George Washington Carver Gallery Art Festival
Hall Street between Willoughby and DeKalb Avenue, 718-636-3554
Myrtle Main Street Festival
The Myrtle Main Street Festival, in connection with the Pratt Art Fair, will be taking place on Myrtle Avenue between Hall and Ryerson and on Hall Street between Willoughby and Dekalb. Sample tastings from local Myrtle restaurants, visit the game booths and moonbounce, and view the creative wares from numerous Brooklyn-based artists.
Brooklyn Academy of Music: Next Wave Festival
http://www.bam.org
Every fall season, the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) dedicates its programming to cutting-edge creations in the vanguard of contemporary theatre, music, dance, film, literature and new media by visionary artists from around the world. For more information call 718-636-4100
BK Fashion Week{end}
At the Tobacco Warehouses, DUMBO Contact rdavy@bkfashionwkend.com orcsandy@bkfashionwkend.com or call 718.684.4164 for more information. For portfolio submissions and complete event details, log on to http://www.bkfashionwkend.com
DUMBO Art Under the Bridge Festival
This DUMBO Arts Center (DAC) festival attracts 25,000 art lovers to the feet of the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges for an entire weekend in October. Featuring hundreds of artists, some you know and others to watch. For more information, call the DAC, 718-694-0831
Prospect Park Halloween Walk
Prospect Park Zoo
450 Flatbush Avenue
Brooklyn goes wild with face painting, mask making and encounters with "spooky" creatures at the Prospect Park Zoo's "Boo at the Zoo." For more information, call the Prospect Park Zoo 718-339-7339
Halloween Parade
7th Avenue in Park Slope
When author Thomas Wolfe wrote, "Only the dead know Brooklyn," he was talking about at least one spooky night of the year. On Halloween, Brooklyn's ghouls, ghosts, zombies, and mummies haunt this Park Slope family parade.
Halloween Festival at Fort Greene Park
http://www.fortgreenepark.org
Some of Fort Greene's favorite local arts organizations supply the day's entertainment. Cirque Boom Circus Theater sends its stilt walkers, clowns, and jugglers; Salt & Pepper Mime provides storytellers; and Fusha Dance Company exhibits its African drumming and audience participation dancing. Pony rides, hay rides, face painting, pumpkin decorating, games, and prizes for children. A costumer parade with prizes for children will take place at 2pm. For more information call the festival's presenter, the Fort Greene Park Conservancy, at 718-222-1461
Winter Festival
Lefferts Homestead Children's Museum in Prospect Park
The 18th Century Lefferts Family historic farmhouse celebrates the winter season with storytelling, toy-making, and delicious Dutch cookies in Prospect Park. For more information, call the Lefferts Historic House, 718-965-8999
Ice-Skating in Prospect Park Opens for the Season!
Wollman Rink
Wollman Rink is a great place for winter fun all season long! Take lessons, throw a skating party, take a leisurely spin around the ice, and enjoy a snack and a hot chocolate. Opening date is weather dependent. Call (718) 287-6431 to confirm.
Holiday Celebration at the Jewish Children's Museum
792 Eastern Parkway
The Jewish Children's Museum has a new Chanukah exhibit featuring a professional newsroom studio that has children "broadcasting" the Chanukah story to their friends. Also, visit the museum's special holiday workshops. At the museum's authentic olive press, participants squeeze their own olive oil. Visitors make their own scrumptious latkes, or potato pancakes, the traditional foods served on Chanukah. Additionally, kids will love building a giant Lego menorah, a replica of the one that once stood prominently in Jerusalem's Holy Temple. Call 718-467-0600 ext 8833 or click here for museum hours and more information.
Holiday Lights
A traditional Brooklyn holiday pastime. Cruise through the charming residential neighborhoods of Dyker Heights, Bay Ridge, and Bensonhurst for a grand tour of ornate holiday lights and fabulous animated displays. Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz will light the Brooklyn Borough Hall Christmas tree on Wednesday, December 13 and the Hanukah menorah on Monday, December 18.
December 31
New Years Eve Music & Fireworks
Celebrate the New Year with music and fireworks from the Grand Army Plaza entrance of Prospect Park. 11pm stage for live music, and midnight fireworks. For more information, please call 718-965-8999