As a travel blogger for offMetro for the past decade, I’ve seen New York transform in ways that still leave me a bit wide-eyed. Yet, few spots capture the magic of the city’s evolution quite like Brooklyn Bridge Park. It’s where industrial grit meets urban green space, and this summer, it’s the place to be.
The park is celebrating its 15th anniversary with more than 50 free and low-cost events from May through October. Think concerts under the stars, dance parties, outdoor movies, and hands-on workshops—basically everything that makes New York summers iconic.
1. Why Visit Brooklyn Bridge Park This Summer?
Brooklyn Bridge Park isn’t just a patch of green with a nice view. It’s a cultural hub where you can kayak on the East River in the morning, catch a ballet class in the afternoon, and rock out to live music by sunset. Spanning 85 acres along the waterfront, it’s got playgrounds, sports fields, and some of the most Instagrammable picnic spots in the city.
One of my favorite things? The variety. Whether it’s wandering through public art installations or unwinding at the pop-up opera, it feels like the park’s always got a surprise tucked around the corner. During one visit, I stumbled on a free chamber music concert at the Boathouse—pure magic as the sun dipped behind the skyline.
Watch this video to get a glimpse:
2. What Events Should You Not Miss?
There’s a ton happening, but a few highlights really stand out. The Kite Festival on May 17 is pure joy—imagine a sea of colors soaring against the Manhattan backdrop. Then there’s the iconic ‘Movies with a View,’ back for its 25th season. Thursdays in July and August mean outdoor film screenings that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a dreamy summer night.
Music lovers, don’t sleep on the Sounds at Sunset series. Whether it’s electronic fusion with the Freelance Band or Latin jazz from the Reinaldo De Jesus Band, these shows hit different with a cool breeze off the river.
3. Event Lineup and Details
Arts & Culture:
- Kite Festival: Saturday, May 17, Pier 5
- DanceAfrica Community Class: Saturday, May 24, Pier 6, Liberty Lawn
- American Ballet Theatre Family Workshop: Saturday, May 31, Pier 6, Liberty Lawn
- Sounds at Sunset: Friday evenings throughout summer
- Metropolitan Opera: Saturday, June 14, Pier 1, Harbor View Lawn
- Brooklyn Chamber Orchestra: Friday, June 27
- Movies with a View: Thursdays in July and August, Pier 1, Harbor View Lawn
Fitness & Recreation:
- Zumba: Mondays
- Sunset Yoga: Tuesdays
- Amp’d: Wednesdays
- Pilates: Sundays
- Free Public Kayaking: May 28-August, Pier 4 Beach
- Juneteenth 5K: Saturday, June 21
- Adult Volleyball and Youth Soccer Leagues: May-October
Public Art:
- The Stories of Us: April 26-May 26
- Torkwase Dyson’s Akua: May 6-March 8, 2026
- Photoville Festival: June 7-22
Tours:
- Waterfront Walks: May-October
Environmental Education:
- Community Science Fishing: June 28, July 19, August 16, September 5, October 3
- Community Science Seining: May 20, June 7, July 12, August 2, September 20
4. How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Come prepared! Brooklyn Bridge Park may be beautiful, but it’s also sprawling. Bring a blanket, a portable speaker, and some snacks for a perfect picnic. Pro tip: hit up nearby Smorgasburg for food beforehand. Also, check the schedule ahead of time—some events require tickets.
If you’re into fitness, why not try sunset yoga or Zumba? Or, if you’re more of a spectator, catch the Juneteenth 5K or the youth basketball clinics. Either way, there’s energy in the air that’s hard to resist.
5. Is It Worth the Trip?
Honestly? Absolutely. Even if you’ve been to the park a hundred times, the anniversary programming gives it fresh life. It’s not just about being outdoors—it’s about celebrating community, creativity, and those fleeting summer nights you never want to end.
If you’re visiting Brooklyn this summer, make Brooklyn Bridge Park your first stop. Whether you’re flying a kite, dancing by the water, or just soaking in the vibe, you’ll leave with your own little piece of the city’s soul.
People Also Ask:
- What is Brooklyn Bridge Park famous for? It’s known for its stunning waterfront views, expansive green space, and vibrant summer programming, including outdoor movies, concerts, and fitness classes.
- How do I get to Brooklyn Bridge Park? Take the A, C, or F train to High Street-Brooklyn Bridge or the 2, 3 to Clark Street. You can also walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and head to the waterfront.
- Are the events free? Most events are free or low-cost. Check the park’s official website for any ticketed events: https://www.brooklynbridgepark.org/
Final Thoughts
Brooklyn Bridge Park doesn’t just host events; it creates memories. The park’s mix of nature, art, and community spirit makes every visit feel like a celebration. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, summer at the park never gets old.
Sarah Knapp is a Brooklyn based entrepreneur whose love for the outdoors and community building led her to the October 2013 creation of OutdoorFest. She has a BA in History, is a Wilderness First Responder and a NY state hiking, camp and boating guide. Her proudest achievement to date is reading the Aeneid in Latin. 
Allison was one of our first top writers and Chief Editor but is no longer working with offMetro. Allison is a native New Yorker, who has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne, Toronto and Los Angeles. She frequently contributed travel pieces to Family Travel Forum, using her own children as guinea pigs as they travel the globe. She never missed a chance to sample local delicacies, as her love for travel goes hand-in-hand with her love for food and wine. 
Josh Laskin is a freelance travel writer and photographer based in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. When he is not at work or on the road, you can find him in the mountains snowboarding, climbing, hiking, fly fishing, mountain biking, and eating bagel bites.
Annie is a travel writer, environmentalist, and surfer based in Venice, CA. She heads up our West Coast team, keeps our grammatical errors in check, and makes sure our California writers always have a plan for their next adventure. Follow Annie’s travels @annelisemcb.
Carly Pifer is a freelance writer who has been known to follow whims inspired by romantic movie scenes or colorful street style shots to India, Japan, Tunisia and Argentina. After stints living in Seoul, Boston, Paris and Los Angeles, writing and searching for something intangible, she landed somewhat steadily in Brooklyn and has begun to find inspiration in her more immediate surroundings. 
Kate E. O’Hara is a New York based freelance writer and photographer who loves all things food—especially the people who make it and market it. Her writing aims to capture the essence of the food experience; the stories that go well beyond a plate of ingredients. In addition to her love of food, Kate is also known to have a hankering for red wine and craft beer. You can also find Kate on Instagram