c. Martin Seck

2016 Summer Checklist

August 11, 2015

There’s no shortage of fun to be had in Brooklyn during summer. In fact, the sheer number of options can be daunting! But worry not, Prospect Park fans, because we’ve got you covered, with our guide to some of the Park’s top events and attractions this summer.

BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival – It wouldn’t be summertime in Brooklyn without this mainstay of music and arts taking over the Bandshell. In addition to the highly touted benefit shows (with acts this year like Herbie Hancock and case/lang/veirs), the lineup features a wide array of acts and performers, ranging from the Violent Femmes, to Femi Kuti, to a live-score-accompaniment to David Bowie’s Labyrinth.

The Carousel – Bring the family to a Brooklyn classic, the Prospect Park Carousel! The tried-and-true children’s ride isn’t only fun for a sping, but the ornate woodwork and painting of the structure itself provides a perfect old-timey photo-op.

New York Philharmonic – Celebrate the 51th summer of free outdoor programming from the NY Philharmonic. Alan Gilbert leads the Orchestra in Beethoven’s Overture to Fidelio, Symphony No. 3, Eroica; and Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto, featuring Anthony McGill on clarinet. As always, fireworks to follow!

Smorgasburg – Beautiful surroundings and eclectic offerings from 100 of the city’s most innovative purveyors of tasty treats? What more could you ask for? Smorgasburg provides both on the Park’s Breeze Hill, and convenes every Sunday through October.

Yoga in the Park – Looking to balance your summer indulgences with a little outdoor exercise and mindfulness? Head to the Long Meadow every Thursday evening for free community yoga classes brought to you by the Prospect Park Alliance, Bend and Bloom Yoga and lululemon Brooklyn.

Boating and Biking at the LeFrak Center at Lakeside – Celebrate the return of boating to the Lake with a spin on a pedal boat, or cruise around the Park in one of the bike rentals, including surreys, coupes, choppers and quad sport bikes.

Water Play – Perhaps you’ve been to the new Splash Pad Water Play Area at the LeFrak Center, named Best of New York by New York Magazine, but did you know there are five playgrounds with water features? Take your kids to each location to cool off this summer.

Of course this is just the tip of the summer activity iceberg here in the Park, check out our events calendar for more great summer pastimes.