'Downtown Brooklyn Presents' Event Series Returns April 20

BROOKLYN, N.Y. – The Downtown Brooklyn Partnership (DBP) has announced its annual “Downtown Brooklyn Presents'' spring/summer events series calendar.

Highlights included unveiling downtown Brooklyn new open space, Abolitionist Place, celebrating PRIDE, commemorating Juneteenth and a number of other outdoor events.

“Downtown Brooklyn will spring into the season with a stellar lineup of the free performances and programming the community knows and loves,” said Regina Myer, President of Downtown Brooklyn Partnership. “And this year, Abolitionist Place will offer even more public space for everyone to enjoy the outdoors and sunshine after a long winter.”

The current event calendar will run from April 20 to July 2. The series is expected to continue through the end of the year.

Here’s the rundown of this year’s events and programs:

Downtown Brooklyn Car Free Earth Day

Saturday, April 20 | 11-3:30 p.m.
Albee Square + Albee Square West

The event will feature car-free activities including music, fashion, cycling lessons, and more. Albee Square West will be closed to traffic.

On Albee Square:

● Trashaganza! by Bash the Trash weaves together interactive songs, science, and environmental messaging about plastic pollution and climate change.
● DJ Boogie will spin throughout the event with sets inspired by nature’s elements.

● Make art from reused materials with Materials for the Arts. Build mosaics and other art projects with old CDs and vinyl!
● Brooklyn Book Bodega will offer free, environmentally themed books as part of their mission to increase the number of 100+ book homes for kids 0-18 in NYC.

● Learn to hand sew and knit plastic fashionable items, repurpose your t-shirt with Black Girls Sew.

● PulpMobile invites visitors to make recycled paper while creating awareness about our environment.
● Write poetry with Poets in the Park.

● Learn all about composting with BK ROT and also take home some of Brooklyn’s finest compost forgrowing vegetables, herbs and also for jump starting soil remediation.

On Albee Square West:

● Dance your way to fitness with Brooklyn’s Natarsha McQueen and her popular Zumba class.

● Learn to ride a bike with Bike New York! Bike New York teaches kids 5 - 14 how to ride safely along Albee Square West (which is closed to traffic for the day), while parents and guardians cheer them on! (TBD)

● Test a CLIP Bike and meet its team.

Zumba with McQueen Fitness

Wednesdays, May 1- June 26 | 6-7 p.m.
Brooklyn Commons Park

Natarsha McQueen's Zumba series returns! Devoted fans and new recruits come together every Wednesday to dance their way to fitness and fun. Each class guarantees synchronized moves to some of the most infectious music. Registration required.

Albee Square Happy Hours: Check the Rhime

Thursdays, May 2-30 | 5PM-8PM
Albee Square

Channel your favorite MC and spit verses. Dot Ichiro will provide the beats. Tai Allen will co-host.

Ping Pong

Tuesdays, May 7-28 | 5-7:30 p.m.
Brooklyn Commons Park

DJ Mike Doelo and The Push are back for another series of ping pong match ups. Participants will be required to sign a waiver for this event.

Pickleball

Weekdays, May 7 – 19 | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Weekends, May 7 – 19 | 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Brooklyn Commons Park

Get in on the craze and try your hand at the sport of pickleball. Grab your favorite opponent and drop by to play.

Alvin Ailey’s Revelations Celebration Community Workshop

Saturday, June 1 | 2 p.m.
The Plaza at 300 Ashland
Adam Space (rain location)

Alvin Ailey’s Revelations is the world’s most popular work of modern dance. Learn excerpts from this masterpiece conducted by former Ailey company members Amos Machanic and Cheryl Rowley-Gaskins, with live music by Ailey percussionist, Roderick Jackson. Join with your friends and family – all ages are welcome! Dance for a moment, remember it for a lifetime.

Movement Mondays

Mondays, June 3 - 24 | 6-7 p.m.
The Plaza at 300 Ashland

Mark Morris Dance Group kicks off the series with the experts in dance and movement.

June 3: Hip Hop with Jillian Roberts
June 10: Waacking with CocoMotion
June 17: House with Kim Holmes
June 24: Hip Hop with Dani Criss

Lunchtime on The Commons

Thursdays, June 6 - 27 | 12-2 p.m.
Brooklyn Commons Park

Throughout June, the Brooklyn Commons will be the sight for a number of performances. From PRIDE to pulsating entertainers and Puppeteers.

June 6: Brooklyn PRIDE!
June 13: Lollise
June 20: Kinto Zonó
June 27: Puppets Come Home!

Albee Square Happy Hours: ElectronicaFest

Thursdays, June 6-27 | 6-8 p.m.
Albee Square

Join Thomas Piper, the futuristic pop singer-songwriter and producer, and the next generation of hybrid producer-musicians from the hi-to-the-lo-fi scene for a journey into the electronica sphere.

June 6: Thomas Piper, Chenoa Tarin & Nothing Neue and special guests
June 13: Thomas Piper, Nate Trio, Nelson Bandela and special guests
June 20: Wavy Bagels, Margo McDonald and Quixotic & Nemiss
June 27: Thomas Piper, Natie and special guest

Nimbus Kitchen and Chefs for Impact Bake Sale

Saturday, June 8 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Bridge Street Shared Street

Downtown Brooklyn Partnership and Nimbus Kitchen are bringing together their culinary community for a Bake Sale featuring our esteemed pastry chef partners, raising funds for our youth programming and community garden initiatives. Come and sample some of the best pastries from noted New York City chefs. More details to come.

Fourth Annual Juneteenth Celebration with 651 Arts

Saturday, June 15 | 12-8 p.m.
The Plaza at 300 Ashland

651 ARTS presents its Fourth Annual Juneteenth Celebration, a commemoration of African American emancipation featuring a day of performances and activities. This year’s Celebration will include a special presentation — registration is required.

Friday Night Dance! at The Plaza

Friday, June 14 | 5-8 p.m.
The Plaza at 300 Ashland

This summer through September, 2nd Fridays on The Plaza sizzle with some of New York City’s favorite dance parties. We kick off the series with Benny Soto Presents 718 Sessions PRIDE on The Plaza Party with Danny Krivit

En Garde Arts Presents: playdate fest

Friday, June 21 | 5-7p.m.
Abolitionist Place

Playdate is En Garde Arts’ curated summer performance series, celebrating early career theater and music artists through a series of backyard gatherings. En Garde Arts is bringing the best of these performers to the general public with playdate fest!

The Brooklyn Poetry Slam

Tuesday, June 25 | 6--8 p.m.
Tuesday, July 2 | 6:-8 p.m. (rain date)
The Plaza at 300 Ashland

This popular event is celebrating seven years at Downtown Brooklyn’s cultural institution, BRIC. Join co-founders Mahogany L. Browne and Jive Poetic for evening of poetry and community.