Tag: Free

Movie Nights in Prospect Park Return for 2025

May 15, 2025

Spend your summer nights in Prospect Park with Paramount+ Movie Nights in Brooklyn, the free, outdoor movie series presented by Paramount+, BK Mag, and BSE Global in partnership with Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and Prospect Park Alliance.

“There’s no better way to spend a summer night than a movie in the park,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “I’m so thrilled Paramount+ Movie Nights in Brooklyn are returning for yet another year with an exciting lineup of movies at some of Brooklyn’s most iconic public spaces. A major thank you to BK Mag, BSE Global and Paramount+, as well as Prospect Park Alliance, Fort Greene Park Conservancy, McCarren Park, and Alliance for Coney Island for ensuring this summer staple only gets sweeter with time.”

“We are grateful to Borough President Reynoso for continuing this long-cherished tradition of bringing our community together for free movie nights under the stars in Brooklyn’s backyard, and to Paramount+, BSE Global and BK Mag for their support of this truly beloved summer series,” said Morgan Monaco, President of Prospect Park Alliance, the non-profit organization that sustains, restores and advances Prospect Park.

Prospect Park Movie Lineup:

Mean Girls
Wednesday, July 30
Cady Heron is a hit with The Plastics, the A-list girl clique at her new school, until she makes the mistake of falling for Aaron Samuels, the ex-boyfriend of alpha Plastic Regina George.
RSVP

The Smurfs
Wednesday, August 6
When the evil wizard Gargamel chases the tiny blue Smurfs out of their village, they tumble from their magical world into New York City.
RSVP

Sonic The Hedgehog 3
Wednesday, August 13
Taking refuge on Earth, when Sonic uses his incredible speed and accidentally knocks out the power in part of the United States, he catches the attention of Dr. Robotnik and must stop him from using his unique power for world domination.
RSVP

Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade
Wednesday, August 20
In 1938, after his father goes missing while pursuing the Holy Grail, Indiana Jones finds himself up against the Nazis again to stop them from obtaining its powers.
RSVP

Miss Congeniality
Wednesday, August 27
Gracie Hart, a tomboyish detective, is forced to infiltrate the Miss United States beauty pageant as a contestant after her department learns that the event is under threat from an anonymous bomber.
RSVP

This event series is free and open to the public, and RSVPs are not required for entry.

The films will begin shortly after sundown at the north end of the Prospect Park Long Meadow, located nearest to the Grand Army Plaza entrance and Third Street  Entrance.

Please note that the movie may be cancelled in the case of inclement weather.

c. BRIC

BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Announces 2025 Lineup

May 8, 2025

Summer is just around the corner, which means it’s time to get ready for a season of music, dance and more at the Lena Horne Bandshell! The 2025 BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival, kicks off on Saturday, June 7 for a season of free shows, benefit concerts, dance performances, film screenings, and more. The festival, presented in partnership with Prospect Park Alliance and NYC Parks, is back for its 47th annual season of bringing communities together for summer fun in Brooklyn’s Backyard.

BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! is known for its distinct curatorial mix that elevates emerging artists, popular indie talent and showcases legacy artists from all genres and subgenres. This season, BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! is paying homage to the the borough’s rich tapestry with the theme “Where Brooklyn Meets… The World.” The theme is a tribute to of global sounds and stories that define Brooklyn’s cultural landscape with a season that showcases the festival’s ongoing commitment to musical discovery and cultural exchange.

“BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! at the Lena Horne Bandshell in Prospect Park is a beloved flagship event, and a clear sign of summer for our community,” said Morgan Monaco, President of Prospect Park Alliance. “Music and performing arts are a powerful uniting force, and do so much to help keep us thriving in good times and in bad. I’m grateful that Prospect Park is a source of inspiration for artists of all kinds and a haven for our community to come together to enjoy music and performances. The festival has brought a wide range of free music, performances and family programming to Brooklyn’s Backyard and we look forward to an exciting season ahead with the many diverse communities that call Brooklyn home.”

Executive Director of BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!, Saidah Blount, stated, “The magic of the performing arts lies in their power to move, unite, and inspire. This season, the Lena Horne Bandshell transforms into a global gathering place – where rhythms, stories, and cultures from around the world meet to form Brooklyn’s creative heartbeat. We’re proud to celebrate the diversity and depth of our borough through artists who reflect the many ways music and performance connect us all.”

“Every summer for the last forty-seven years, BRIC has been proud to showcase the best talent from around the world at the Lena Horne Bandshell in our beloved Prospect Park in partnership with our friends at the Prospect Park Alliance,” said Wes Jackson, BRIC President. “In these days and times we are proud to provide a space where communities can come together and enjoy a few moments of respite. For three generations we have remained committed to providing free and low cost programming to all of Brooklyn and New York City. Let’s do it again! See you at the Bandshell.”

“Every year, BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! fills Prospect Park with music, energy, and community, demonstrating the power of our public spaces to bring people together,” said Sue Donoghue, NYC Parks Commissioner. “I’m grateful to our partners at BRIC and Prospect Park Alliance for organizing this iconic summertime event, enhancing Brooklyn’s Backyard with free performances by artists from around the world.”

Tickets are available for many of this season’s benefit shows, and the majority of the festival’s performances are free to the public. For more information, check out our BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! page, and for the full line-up, scroll down!

Saturday, June 7, BAYO in Brooklyn: A Conversation with Michaël Brun at BRIC House

Monday, June 9, Opening Benefit Concert: Blue Note Jazz Festival & Live Nation Present Grace Jones & Janelle Monáe

Friday, June 13, Opening Free Concert: Mélissa Laveaux | Nathalie ‘TALIE’ Cerin | Riva Nyri Précil

Saturday, June 14, Family Day: Pippi Longstocking’s 80th Birthday Celebration with the Klezmatics!

Thursday, June 19, BRIC Celebration Brooklyn’s 3rd Annual Juneteenth in the Park

Friday, June 20, Habibi Festival at BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!

Thursday, June 26, Buscabulla | Chuwi | Paso Negro

Friday, June 27, A Tribute to Quincy Jones: The Greatest Night in Pop

Saturday, July 12, Benefit Concert: Still Woozy – Loveseat Tour

Thursday, July 17, Benefit Concert: Dinosaur Jr. + Snail Mail with Easy Action

Friday, July 18, Benefit Concert: Men I Trust | strongboi

Saturday, July 19, BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! at Brower Park

Saturday, July 26, A Tribute to Quincy Jones: The Wiz

Friday, August 1, Mireya Ramos and the Poor Choices | Talibah Safiya | Morley

Saturday, August 2, Gogol Bordello | Puzzled Panther | Pons

Thursday, August 7, Emily Johnson / Catalyst

Friday, August 8, Adrian Quesada | Trish Toledo

Saturday, August 9, LYRICIST LOUNGE Anniversary Show

Friday, August 15, William Parker | NIKARA presents Black Wall Street

BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn Logo

The Public Theater Returns to Prospect Park

April 18, 2025

Join Prospect Park Alliance and The Public Theater for the Mobile Unit’s performance of the beloved romantic comedy Much Ado About Nothing at one of the most scenic areas in Brooklyn’s Backyard! 

The Public Theater: Much Ado About Nothing
Saturday, June 28 + Sunday, June 29, 6:30 pm – Prospect Park Peninsula
Let us know you’re coming + receive more information!

The Public Theater’s Mobile Unit celebrates its 15th year with a tour across all five boroughs, including two nights of free theater in the heart of Prospect Park. Directed by Rebecca Martínez, this new take on the classic tale of love, deception, and misunderstandings blends Spanish, music, and Shakespeare’s timeless wit. 

All performances take place outdoors at the Prospect Park Peninsula. Chair seating is available but limited, and admission is on a first-come, first-served basis. RSVP is not required for entry, but recommended to receive details and exciting content about the show.

Pinkster Day Celebration in Prosepct Park

Pinkster Celebration in Prospect Park

April 9, 2025

Prospect Park Alliance is excited to open the 2025 season on Sunday, May 4 at the Lefferts Historic House with a vibrant celebration of Pinkster, featuring master drummer Chief Baba Neil Clarke, the Pinkster Players and friends. This dynamic event honors African cultural heritage in New York through music, storytelling, performances and more.

RSVP for the May 4 Pinkster Celebration!

Pinkster, the Dutch word for Pentecost, was historically the sole occasion each year when enslaved Africans in New York could legally gather with their families, engage in music and dance and trade goods. In doing so, enslaved Africans preserved their cultures, established new rituals and transmitted cultural wisdom to Africans stripped from their homelands and families, helping give communities the strength to endure the brutality of slavery. Over time, Pinkster transformed into one of the oldest African cultural festivals in what became the United States. In 1811, however, New York began outlawing this important centuries-old holiday, forcing African New Yorkers to preserve its traditions in private. Revivals of Pinkster have been growing in popularity since the 1970s and Chief Baba Neil Clarke has been a continuous spark, lighting the way for future generations in his work to preserve and continue the tradition.

Born and raised in Bedford Stuyvesant, Chief Baba Neil Clarke is a master drummer, performer and culture ambassador who received the Yoruba chieftaincy title, Alufopejo Awo of Osogbo in 2016, in recognition of his cultural preservation efforts. He has toured the world performing with artists such as Randy Weston, Harry Belafonte, Dianne Reeves and Miriam Makeba. Clarke is also a scholar who researches and teaches the history of percussion, and especially the role of the African drum in the Americas. His leadership in Pinkster celebrations spans decades and includes collaborations with institutions like Philipsburg Manor, Weeksville Heritage Center, and many others across the state—several of which still have Pinkster celebrations every year. “I got involved in Pinkster on invitation more than 20 years ago. It was just a drumming gig for me at the time, but it went well, and I kept doing it. Year after year, I learned more about the history of Pinkster through conversations, personal research and being immersed in the tradition,” shares Chief Baba Neil Clarke.

For Clarke, drumming is more than just music—it is a form of service and deep listening. “To be a drummer is to be of service. You must be able to listen,” he explains. “Being an African drummer is different from being in a drum circle. You are playing a specific rhythm for a ceremony or dance as a trained African drummer as opposed to jamming. That dynamic of listening to other ideas and what is being specifically expressed is very important.” He draws a parallel to New York’s built history: “I live in Bed-Stuy where people walk and gawk at the brownstones and their beauty. But how many are paying attention to the foundations? We take foundations for granted. Pinkster is a historical foundation of previously enslaved people and a historical foundation of the United States.”

Lefferts Historic House hosted its first Pinkster celebration in 1990 and now is in its third consecutive year reviving the Pinkster tradition as part of the Alliance’s ReImagine Lefferts initiative, which seeks to re-envision the mission and programming of the Lefferts Historic House museum to focus on exploring the lives, resistance and resilience of the Lenapehoking and the Africans enslaved by the Lefferts. The Pinkster celebration at Lefferts Historic House holds deep personal significance for Clarke. “It’s an honor and a privilege for Prospect Park Alliance to consider its importance and embrace Pinkster at Lefferts Historic House,” he says, “It is also a bit humbling. This is something very close to my heart and what I grew up doing. As a teenager we were frequently chased when we gathered to drum. To have an institution acknowledge and celebrate this history means a lot.”

Chief Baba Neil Clarke envisions a future where Pinkster is recognized as a state holiday akin to the Juneteenth national holiday, highlighting its profound significance in both New York and United States history. He emphasizes the importance of active participation, encouraging individuals to engage with the celebration firsthand to fully grasp its essence and contribute to its evolution. He is interested in imagining what Pinkster would look like if it had continued into the 20th century, envisioning African dancers, spoken word, jazz and gospel. “By maintaining the core of the heart and soul of Pinkster, we can then artistically imagine what it would look like if it were to have continued,” shares Clarke. This year, the Alliance continues to host part of the Pinkster tradition, inviting the community to partake in the festivities and deepen their understanding of the historical and cultural importance of Pinkster.

RSVP for the May 4 Pinkster Celebration. Plus, the celebration continues with Pinkster events throughout Brooklyn:

Saturday, May 17 at Wyckoff House Museum
Sunday, June 1 at Weeksville Heritage Center

Generous funding for the Pinkster Celebration as part of the ReImagine Lefferts Initiative is provided by the Mellon Foundation.

Molière in the Park Returns to LeFrak Center at Lakeside

While LeFrak Center at Lakeside is closed for the seasonal transition to warm weather fun, you won’t want to miss a month of free theater in the heart of Brooklyn’s Backyard!

Join Prospect Park Alliance and Molière in the Park for a free full production of The Imaginary Invalid at LeFrak Center at Lakeside in Prospect Park.

The Imaginary Invalid, Molière’s last play, was originally written as an immersive Comedy-Ballet where theater, dance and music are intertwined. Gravely ill while writing and performing this play, Molière explores the fear of death and the exploitation it can breed through his infinitely witty dialogue and in-your-face satire. Molière in the Park’s production will feature a new translation by Lucie Tiberghien, as well as original choreography by FlexN dancer Cal Hunt and music by cellist Jonathan Akuma Moore. The show is roughly 100 minutes with no intermission.

Learn more and reserve your free tickets here!

Performance Dates:

Thursday, May 8, 7:30 pm

Friday, May 9, 11 am – Student Matinee

Friday, May 9, 7:30 pm

Saturday, May 10, 3:00 pm + 7:30 pm

Sunday, May 11, 7:30 pm

Monday, May 12, 7:30 pm – Opening Night Reception at 6 pm + Benefit Show at 7:30 pm, plus a post-show celebration with the cast and crew!

Wednesday, May 14, 11 am – Student Matinee

Thursday, May 15, 7:30 pm

Friday, May 16,  7:30 pm

Saturday, May 17, 3:00 pm + 7:30 pm

Sunday, May 18,  7:30 pm

Tuesday, May 20, 7:30 pm

Friday, May 23,  7:30 pm

Saturday, May 24, 3:00 pm + 7:30 pm

Sunday, May 25, 3:00 pm

Sunday May 25, 7:30 pm

 

About Molière in the Park

Molière in the Park’s (MIP) mission is to promote empathy and unity within the diverse communities in Brooklyn through the arts. MIP offers free opportunities for all to come together in Prospect Park and experience the benefits of theater. MIP’s vision is of a Brooklyn where all communities can benefit equally from access to theater and the Arts.

Celebrate Earth Day in Prospect Park

April 8, 2025

Earth Day is nearly here! Get involved and help Prospect Park Alliance care for Brooklyn’s Backyard—home to Brooklyn’s last remaining forest, only lake and countless species of plants and wildlife. Celebrate your planet this upcoming Earth Day through lending a hand volunteering, joining a birding tour for the BIPOC community, enjoying family friendly nature programs and more.

Outdoor Afro Community Birding Tour: Fallkill Trail
Sunday, April 20, 9:30–11:30 am
Litchfield Villa, Free, RSVP!
Celebrate Earth Day with Prospect Park Alliance and Outdoor Afro, an organization that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature, for a community birding tour for the BIPOC community as we explore the newly debuted Fallkill Trail. Observe various bird species and connect with your local community in a shared appreciation for nature and wildlife.

Earth Day in Prospect Park
Sunday, April 20, 10 am–1 pm
Prospect Park Audubon Center, Free, RSVP!
Join Prospect Park Alliance, Audubon NY, Flatbush Gardener and Prospect Park Zoo this Earth Day for a day of celebrating our planet’s natural beauty and raising awareness about bird species that call it home. Learn about park stewardship and the ways we can all be Park Champions to support these feathered friends through various seasonal activities, hands-on crafts and nature walks to celebrate Earth Day.

Global Youth Service Day in Prospect Park
Sunday, April 20, 11–1:30pm
Peninsula, Free, Registration Required
Join Prospect Park Alliance to learn the value of service and meet other families and friends in Brooklyn’s Backyard. On this day of giving back brought to you by the Apple TV series, Jane, volunteers will learn about the importance of mulching, composting and decomposition and help restore forest trails in one of Prospect Park’s most scenic areas, the Peninsula.
Appropriate for families with youth ages between 4-13.

Register Today Button

Sunset Series
Tuesday, April 22, 5–7 pm
Prospect Park, Free, Registration Required
Join Prospect Park Alliance for a new weekday evening volunteer opportunity. Make the most of longer days in the warmer months and join the Alliance to get outside and lend a hand at locations throughout Brooklyn’s Backyard. Volunteers will help with invasive plant removal, litter pickup and mulching. We will meet at 5:00 pm and wrap up no later than 7:00 PM, which gives you time to get home before dark or enjoy the sunset in the park afterwards!
Appropriate for ages 14 and up.
Register as an Individual or Register as a Group

Register Today Button

Park Pitch In: Earth Day Service
Saturday, April 19, 11 am–2 pm
Parkside + Ocean Avenue Entrance, Free, Registration Required
This Earth Day, give back to Brooklyn’s Backyard by caring for Prospect Park’s trees. Volunteer with Prospect Park Alliance to support our urban oasis by caring for street trees along the park perimeter, cultivating soil, laying down mulch, and removing litter from the tree beds along Parkside + Ocean Avenue.
Appropriate for groups, teens ages 14+ and adults.
Register as an Individual or Register as a Group

Register Today Button

8 Ways to Welcome Spring

Prospect Park is where Spring comes to life! With the change in season right at our front door, check out 8 activities to welcome the season and explore Prospect Park’s cherished destinations for seasonal fun throughout our 585 acres of meadows, woodlands and waterways. Plus, don’t miss the jam-packed activities open for you and your little ones this spring break!

1. Spend Spring Break in Brooklyn’s Backyard
Make the most of Spring Break in Prospect Park with family-friendly fun! This school break from Monday, April 14–Friday, April 17, visit the Prospect Park Audubon Center from 12–4 pm to get hands-on with seed and planting activities, experience an animal encounter and learn about the park’s trees and plants as well as the wildlife that call the park home. Plus, from 12–5 pm, take a spin on the park’s beloved Prospect Park Carousel.

2. Lend a Hand at a Spring Volunteer Event
Explore your park while giving back to the park you love all season long. Join Prospect Park Alliance for Park Pitch-In events on select Saturdays and Sundays to tackle a range of projects from tree care to removing invasive plants and weeds, picking up trash and much more. Check out the Sunset Series on Tuesday evenings from April – August to help with invasive plant removal, litter pickup and mulching to help Brooklyn’s Backyard thrive this season.

3. Go Birdwatching + Experience Spring Migration
Springtime is a peak season to admire the many vibrant feathered friends that pass through Brooklyn’s Backyard during Spring Migration. Prospect Park is located along the Atlantic Flyway, making it ideal for spotting migrating songbirds and more in spring. Make the most of the season with bloom-filled trees to compliment the vibrant species that frequent the park. Learn more about the 250+ bird species that can be spotted in Prospect Park, and join an upcoming Saturday morning Introduction to Birdwatching Walk or First Sunday Outing with the Brooklyn Bird Club.

4. Enjoy Family-Friendly Nature Programs + Pop-Up Audubon Events
Don’t miss family fun at the Audubon Center! Visit the Boathouse for nature programs on Thursdays–Sundays and holidays to get to know the plants and animals that call Brooklyn’s Backyard home through seasonal spring discovery stations, family bird walks and more.

5. Take a Spin on the Historic Carousel
Celebrate the start of spring at opening day of the beloved 1912 Carousel, one of the most popular attractions in Prospect Park. Kick off the season on Friday, March 28, with your little ones to enjoy rides on Thursdays–Sundays and school holidays from 12–5 pm. Plus, the Carousel offers packages for birthday parties for you to plan a celebration your little one will never forget.

6. Enjoy a Spring Bloom Walk
There’s nothing like a walk among spring blossoms in your park. Check out peak destinations to make the most of this season throughout the park. Plus, want to explore the park with a group on a guided route? Don’t miss weekly Wellness Walks on Fridays from 10 am–12 pm to boost your health and wellness on a scenic stroll, and weekly Stroller Walks for parents and caregivers with little ones to explore on Thursdays from 10 am–12 pm.

7. Spring Break Holiday Program
Make the most of Spring Break! Register for the Prospect Park Tennis Center’s Spring Break Holiday Program for intensive group instruction for both adults and youth of all levels of experience from April 14 – April 18 from 1–4 pm. Our accomplished staff of tennis professionals gives players personal attention while they acquire game fundamentals and increase their skill level

8. Honor a Loved One This Arbor Day
Commemorate a loved one and plant community trees at Prospect Park Alliance’s annual Arbor Day planting event on Friday, April 25. The Alliance’s arborist chooses the species and location of the trees, and all donors and their honorees are invited to participate in the tree planting on the morning of Arbor Day. By joining, you will not only help raise critical funds towards our mission to sustain, restore, and advance Prospect Park, but you will also participate in an ideal way to honor and celebrate your loved ones in a communal setting.

c. Grace Jeon / Smorgasburg

Smorgasburg Announces New 2025 Vendors

March 24, 2025

Everyone’s favorite outdoor food market is back in Prospect Park! Kicking off its milestone 15th season on Sunday April 6, Smorgasburg  is back in Prospect Park on Breeze Hill every Sunday through October. Presented in partnership with Prospect Park Alliance, this year’s Smorgasburg lineup features over 70 new and returning local vendors spanning culinary traditions, family recipes, viral street snacks and comfort foods reimagined. From pastrami-packed sandwiches to tea blends steeped in tradition, the 2025 class of vendors showcases global flavors, each uniquely crafted for New York’s most beloved open-air food market. Informed by flavors, techniques and stories from around the world, this is food and drink from everywhere, but found only in New York, at Smorgasburg.

We hope you have worked up an appetite this winter because highlights include PIG ME UP’s authentic and modern Thai street food, classic Jamaican comfort food from Coco Bred, made-from-scratch NYC Deli sandwiches from Pastrami Underground, Culto Italiano’s authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas, and many more. This year’s Smorgasburg season opens with a remarkable breadth and depth of new vendors. Joining returning favorites, the full, mouth-watering lineup of new vendors coming to Prospect Park is below:

12 Chairs Shuk A beloved Israeli restaurant inspired by the vibrant street food of Tel Aviv, 12 Chairs has been serving great food, warm hospitality, and feel-good vibes for over 20 years—bringing people together over memorable meals and shared moments.

B&E Fish and Chips B & E Chips serves criminally delicious, traditional British beer-battered fish and hand-cut, twice-cooked chips. Created by longtime Smorgasburg vets, Chef Ben Tomaiuolo (Paper Plate, Fedoroffs, Bon Chovie) and Chef Evan Fuchs, B & E Chips brings authentic, mouthwatering flavors to every plateCafecito

Cafecito Social, founded by Gaby Tejada, a Guatemalan mom, celebrates heritage, community, and exceptional coffee. Sourcing rare, ethically produced beans directly from small farms in Guatemala, the café offers a vibrant space to connect and experience the rich flavors and traditions of Gaby’s homeland.

Chocolate on Tap is a dessert brand specializing in premium chocolate-covered strawberries, inspired by a concept discovered in Borough Market, London. With a menu expanded through extensive testing, the brand quickly gained popularity, amassing a strong social media following and securing partnerships with Oishii Berry and Zadig & Voltaire.

Coco Bred reimagines traditional Jamaican cuisine by transforming beloved island meals into soft, handheld coco bread pockets. Blending authentic flavors with a modern twist, Coco Bred offers a convenient and delicious way to experience Jamaican comfort food on the go.

Culto Italiano is a premier catering company specializing in authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas with a modern touch. Founded in 2020 by Corrado Cervelli, it started as a small brick-oven operation and has since grown into a sought-after catering service in New York and New Jersey. Known for its commitment to quality ingredients and traditional techniques, Culto Italiano delivers a memorable dining experience through its artisanal pizzas.

Dragon Lulu is an Asian confection brand specializing in dragon beard candy—a delicate, hand-pulled candy floss wrapped around toasted nuts and freeze-dried fruit. With a focus on tradition and craftsmanship, Dragon Lulu brings this unique, melt-in-your-mouth treat to modern dessert lovers.

Gobi’s Goods  A French-Filipino fusion bakery from Gobind Lutero, CEO of Ube donut, blending French baking techniques with traditional Filipino and American flavors, offering modernized pastries and uniquely flavored croissants.

Knot of this World Pretzels Owned & Operated from the same location in Long Island for 75 years, Knot of this World Pretzels serves Long Island’s best soft pretzels (2016-2024), hand-twisted and fresh-baked. A family-owned business, bringing old-fashioned New York-style pretzels to Long Island and beyond.

MARBRÉ A Brooklyn-based pâtisserie, owned by Hafsa Koita, specializing in artisan madeleines, inspired by French tradition and crafted with organic ingredients—perfect for everyday indulgence or elegant gifting.
Musubin’ – Musubin’ is redefining NYC street food with fresh, flavorful Japanese rice balls (onigiri)—a healthy, modern twist on a classic favorite.

Pasta Wheel After a trip to Italy, Shaban Paljevic was inspired and Pasta Wheel was born. The concept offers restaurant-quality pasta on the go—simple, delicious, and made with the finest ingredients for a quick yet elevated dining experience.

Pastrami Underground Louis Addonizio’s personal passion project, Pastrami Underground is dedicated to perfecting the ultimate pastrami. Backed by 40 years in the business—nearly 30 at Mill Basin Kosher Deli—Pastrami Underground delivers a classic, time-honored taste that stands up to the greats.

PIG ME UP is dedicated to providing authentic and modern Thai street food, offering a unique fusion of bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and vibrant culinary experiences. Their mission is to bring the essence of Thai street food culture to their customers.

Wakari Tea offers super-premium matcha, globally sourced from the finest tea gardens. Crafted for serenity and indulgence, each blend transforms everyday moments into luxurious experiences. Founded by Jacqueline Rodney, a visionary taste curator and global tea enthusiast, Wakari Tea is the embodiment of a refined and soulful tea experience. Born out of a love for tradition and a passion for exploration, Jacqueline’s journey began in Brooklyn, where she was immersed in the intimate ritual of sharing tea with friends and their families. From mastering the art of chai to uncovering the complex spices and healing properties of ancient ingredients, her path is rooted in a deep respect for global tea traditions often overlooked in the West.

Learn more about Smorgasburg and plan your visit.

Pinkster Day Celebration in Prosepct Park

Community Writing Workshop: Mapping Black History in Brooklyn

February 3, 2025

Calling all writers and artists! This Black History month, join Prospect Park Alliance partners Voices of Lefferts and GrowHouse for a series of free writing workshops to record and map Black history in Brooklyn to create a collective archive. All genres of writing, as well as visual art, are welcome. Those selected will learn about the history of Black Brooklyn with local experts, work with a writing coach, and have their work published! 

These free community workshops will take place every other Saturday from February 22 through May 31 from 3-5 pm at sites throughout Brooklyn, including Lefferts Historic House in Prospect Park. 

Sign Up Today: prospectpark.org/mapping-black-history

Space is limited! Sign up by February 14. Participants will be selected and notified by February 18. Questions? Contact info@voicesoflefferts.org

Mapping Black History in Brooklyn marks the 400th anniversary of New York’s founding as “New Amsterdam,” which also marked the occupation of Lenapehoking, the native land of the Lenape, and the enslavement of Africans by the Dutch. This project builds on a Black History and Heritage Corridor established last year by GrowHouse. 

In addition to Lefferts, the workshops will delve into history at the Flatbush African Burial Ground, Center for Brooklyn History and Weeksville Heritage Center. Participants will explore a trove of archives, artifacts and research with experts and public historians, and selected writers will also work with a dedicated writing coach. This community effort will produce new interpretive signage at Black historic and contemporary sites, and will include publishing two special issues of Voices of Lefferts and producing a podcast series.

Writers and artists from across the borough with of all levels of experience are invited to share their stories, reflect on where we’re headed as a nation and to build an archive to combat the erasure of history by those aiming to turn back the clock on the study of history, civil rights, voting rights, reproductive rights and more. Organizers are also looking for community members to conduct oral histories, and volunteers who are willing to share their time, talents and skills on this timely and important project. 

Plus, Calling Young Brooklyn Visual Artists!

GrowHouse’s second annual Youth Design Competition for visual artists ages 15-24 kicks off on Monday, February 10! This is a chance for emerging creatives to showcase their work on signs all over Brooklyn, gain mentorship from professional artists and designers, and compete for a $1,000 cash prize.

Keep an eye out for more details to come in the coming weeks for passionate young artists who want to make an impact through design. Interested? Sign up for updates from GrowHouse to stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks!

Celebrate Black History Month in Prospect Park

Celebrate Black History Month in Prospect Park! Join Prospect Park Alliance and our partners at the 67th Precinct Clergy Council, the Shirley Chisholm Cultural Institute and the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s Center for Health Equity & Community Wellness for family-friendly events in Brooklyn’s Backyard to honor Black history, create community artwork centered on peace, hear about the actual history of Black History Month and celebrate the legacy of Black trailblazers in Brooklyn.

Peace Over Prejudice: Black History Month
Sunday, February 16, 2–5 pm
Lefferts Historic House, Free, RSVP!

Join Prospect Park Alliance and the 67th Precinct Clergy Council for an afternoon of painting, history, food and community at Lefferts Historic House. This unique spin on the traditional “sip and paint” invites our community to contribute to a collective artwork, blending creativity and community-building, while standing against hate and recognizing Black history. 

Shirley Chisholm Superhero Cape and Resiliency Workshops
Sunday, February 23, 12–4 pm, Resiliency Workshop Begins at 2 pm
Lefferts Historic House, Free, RSVP!

Join Prospect Park Alliance, the Shirley Chisholm Cultural Institute and the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s Center for Health Equity & Community Wellness at Lefferts Historic House for a family-friendly event for all ages to create and showcase superhero capes inspired by the legacy of Shirley Chisholm and participate in an all-ages workshop beginning at 2 pm on Cultivating Resilience Through Self-Compassion.

Brooklyn trailblazer Shirley Chisholm was a superhero and so are you! Bring scraps of fabric or use of fabric provided to decorate your own superhero cape, inspired by Chisholm and her legacy as a beacon of perseverance and dedication in Brooklyn and far beyond. As a leader and an advocate for residents of Brooklyn and the country at large, Chisholm made a profound impact fighting for equality for all.

At 2 pm, join the interactive all-ages community workshop, Cultivating Resilience Through Self-Compassion, designed to help you navigate fear and uncertainty. Through guided activities tailored for all age groups, you will map the physiological signs of stress and joy in your body, identifying what triggers these feelings and what restores balance. By recognizing these cues, you’ll learn how to “breathe life” into the practices that bring peace and resilience. This workshop starts at 2 pm and lasts 90 minutes.

These events are part of the Alliance’s ReImagine Lefferts initiative to re-envision the mission and programming of the Lefferts Historic House Museum in Prospect Park to focus on exploring the lives, resistance and resilience of the Indigenous people of Lenapehoking, whose unceded ancestral lands the park and house rests upon, and the Africans enslaved by the Lefferts family. By focusing on stories of resistance, resilience, empowerment and joy, while also recognizing the legacies of dispossession, enslavement and oppression, the Alliance seeks to create a safe space for engaging with our collective past as well as contemporary issues affecting our communities today.