Brooklyn is more than just one of New York City’s boroughs — it’s a cultural nexus where the world’s traditions come to life. Home to countless communities with roots around the world, Brooklyn’s festivals provide a window into a global range of traditions, music, food, and arts.
From lively parades to immersive art experiences and global culinary delights, these festivals bring together people from all walks of life. This year-round guide to Brooklyn’s cultural festivals is your ticket to exploring its vibrant celebrations, where every season offers something unique.
Brooklyn Academy of Music’s (BAM) Next Wave Festival
When: September – December
Where: Brooklyn Academy of Music, Fort Greene
BAM’s Next Wave Festival has been a cornerstone of Brooklyn’s cultural landscape for over three decades, offering avant-garde performances in theater, music, dance, and visual arts. This festival attracts global artists who push the boundaries of contemporary art.
It explores diverse cultural identities and thought-provoking narratives, making it a must-attend event for anyone interested in cutting-edge artistic expression.
The Next Wave Festival’s programming spans across different genres and languages, highlighting global experiences and cultures. Audiences can expect to see groundbreaking performances that tackle social justice issues, gender identity, and cultural heritage in innovative ways.
Past performances have included artists from Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, making it a truly global celebration.
Dumbo Arts Festival
When: September
Where: DUMBO neighborhood
The Dumbo Arts Festival, held in the trendy waterfront neighborhood of DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass), is a massive public art festival that transforms the streets, parks, and even the skyline of Brooklyn into an outdoor gallery. This festival showcases the work of local and international artists, offering installations, murals, light displays, and interactive exhibitions.
The festival fosters community engagement, with many of the installations being participatory, allowing attendees to interact with the art in real-time. It draws attention to the vibrant arts scene in Brooklyn and offers a platform for up-and-coming artists to gain exposure.
The festival also includes performances, film screenings, and panel discussions, making it a comprehensive celebration of art in all its forms.
Brooklyn Pride Festival
When: June
Where: Park Slope
The Brooklyn Pride Festival is a highlight of LGBTQ+ celebrations in New York City. Taking place in June to coincide with Pride Month, this festival emphasizes inclusivity, acceptance, and the celebration of diversity within the LGBTQ+ community. The festival includes a parade, a 5K Pride Run, and various performances and cultural events across Park Slope.
What sets Brooklyn Pride apart from other Pride festivals is its smaller, more intimate setting that encourages community engagement. The event has a family-friendly atmosphere and welcomes allies of the LGBTQ+ community. It’s a vibrant, joyous celebration that underscores Brooklyn’s commitment to diversity and equality.
Atlantic Antic Festival
When: Early October
Where: Atlantic Avenue, Downtown Brooklyn
The Atlantic Antic Festival, held in early October, is one of Brooklyn’s most beloved street fairs and the largest in New York City. Stretching across Atlantic Avenue, the festival features food, music, art, and culture from a variety of backgrounds.
Over one mile long, the festival offers everything from delicious street food and artisanal products to live performances that reflect Brooklyn’s multicultural identity.
What makes this festival unique is its focus on community and local businesses. Attendees can enjoy ethnic food from around the world, from Middle Eastern kebabs to Caribbean jerk chicken, and there’s also a dedicated area for children’s activities, making it a family-friendly affair.
The Great PUPkin Dog Costume Contest
When: Late October
Where: Fort Greene Park
For a quirky yet beloved Brooklyn tradition, the Great PUPkin Dog Costume Contest in late October is a Halloween event unlike any other. Held in Fort Greene Park, this fun and festive event celebrates pet owners who go all out to dress their dogs in creative, often humorous costumes.
Hundreds of dogs (and their owners) participate in the contest, with costumes ranging from movie characters to witty puns. It’s a lighthearted and entertaining way to spend a fall day and is particularly enjoyable for families, kids, and dog lovers.
Brooklyn Night Bazaar Holiday Market
When: November – December
Where: Greenpoint
Brooklyn’s iconic Night Bazaar transforms into a holiday market during November and December, offering locals and visitors a festive experience. Set in a large warehouse space in Greenpoint, the Holiday Market is a perfect destination for holiday shopping, live music, and great food.
With dozens of vendors selling unique, artisanal gifts, the market offers a wide variety of products, from handmade jewelry and vintage clothing to locally crafted goods, perfect for the holiday season.
In addition to shopping, the Brooklyn Night Bazaar Holiday Market hosts live music performances, arcade games, and pop-up food stalls serving international cuisine, making it an immersive experience.
Smorgasburg Winter Market
When: November – March
Where: Industry City, Sunset Park
Brooklyn’s Smorgasburg, renowned as one of the largest open-air food markets in the country, transforms into a Winter Market from November through March. Held at Industry City, this indoor version of the market continues the tradition of showcasing Brooklyn’s diverse culinary scene. While the outdoor market is known for its sunny weekends and picnic-style gatherings, the winter edition offers the same variety of food vendors but in a cozy, indoor setting.
The Smorgasburg Winter Market features over 100 vendors offering dishes that span the globe, from ramen and tacos to unique fusion foods and vegan options. It’s the perfect spot for foodies looking to try something new, and the festive winter ambiance adds to the holiday spirit.
Additionally, Industry City itself is a cultural hub, offering art installations, holiday markets, and pop-up shops, making it a multi-faceted destination during the winter months. Whether you’re a local or visiting Brooklyn for the first time, the Smorgasburg Winter Market is a must-attend event for those wanting to experience the borough’s rich culinary diversity.
Winterfest at Brooklyn Museum
When: November – December
Where: Brooklyn Museum, Prospect Heights
Winterfest at the Brooklyn Museum is a magical holiday festival that turns the museum grounds into a winter wonderland. This family-friendly event offers holiday-themed activities such as ornament-making workshops, gingerbread house building, and live musical performances. There’s also an artisanal market where visitors can shop for handcrafted gifts, jewelry, and seasonal treats.
One of the highlights of Winterfest is the Christmas tree lighting ceremony, which brings the community together to celebrate the start of the holiday season. The event also includes performances by local choirs and cultural groups, adding to the festive and inclusive atmosphere.
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Start planning your cultural adventure today! Explore hidden gems in Manhattan, discover Queens tourist attractions, check out our Brooklyn travel guide, and don’t forget to refer to the Manhattan visitors guide for all the must-see spots!
