Spring in Brooklyn really kicks off with a bang, bringing a wave of outdoor festivals perfect for families. I’ve been looking into all the fun happening this year, and it seems like a fantastic time to explore the borough with Emma and Sofia.
Outdoor Fun and Festivals
Spring Fairs and Markets
The Brooklyn Flea is back, running every Saturday and Sunday in DUMBO under the Manhattan Bridge arch from April through December. It’s a wonderful spot to find unique vintage items and handmade crafts. This is something I’m excited to check out with the girls, as they often find neat little treasures there.
Another local favorite is the SaintJamesJoy Block Party in Clinton Hill/Bed-Stuy on Saturday, April 25th. It celebrates its 6th anniversary with music, dance, and a real sense of community. It sounds like a truly spirited neighborhood event.
Good to Know: The SaintJamesJoy Block Party is free for everyone to enjoy.
For a taste of Greece, the Kimisis Theotokou Greek Festival in Park Slope runs from April 30th to May 3rd. It offers authentic Greek food, live music, and dancing. I know Sofia would love the traditional music, and the promise of plenty of baklava is always a good sign!
Park Slope also hosts its own neighborhood picnic on Saturday, May 2nd, at the 4th Street Plaza. It’s a free event organized by community groups, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own food. They even have a dessert contest, which could be fun for Emma if she’s feeling creative with her baking.
The Church Avenue Street Fair in Flatbush on Sunday, May 3rd, sounds like a cheerful, family-friendly affair. This street will be closed to cars, offering rides, performances, and local vendors. It’s described as one of Brooklyn’s underrated stretches, making it an interesting alternative to more crowded events.
Arts and Culture Outdoors
DUMBO gets musical with a Dance Party held on monthly Fridays from May through October in the Archway Plaza. These free events are a great way to enjoy dancing outdoors under the Manhattan Bridge. It’s a simple, fun activity that doesn’t require much planning.
The Show Brooklyn Some Love Fest on Saturday, May 9th, at City Point & Albee Square Plaza is designed with young families in mind, especially with Mother’s Day just around the corner. There’s a Mother’s Day Flower Bar, a Brooklyn Museum on Wheels, and even an African dance workshop. It covers a range of activities suitable for young children.
Good to Know: The Show Brooklyn Some Love Fest is an indoor and outdoor event, suitable for ages 1–10.
Speaking of the Brooklyn Museum on Wheels, this mobile arts initiative will be traveling to various Brooklyn neighborhoods from May through October. It offers hands-on art-making and cultural storytelling. I saw that it will be at the Kite Festival in Brooklyn Bridge Park on May 16th, which sounds like a perfect combination of activities.
The Atlantic Avenue ArtWalk takes place from May 9th to 17th, turning Atlantic Avenue into a 1.5-mile self-guided art tour. Around 150 Brooklyn artists will display their work in over 70 participating shops, restaurants, and galleries. This feels like a relaxed way to explore local art.
The Brooklyn Bridge Park Kite Festival on Saturday, May 16th, is a highlight. It’s the one day of the year when kite flying is officially open to the public in the park. They offer free kite decorating (while supplies last) and kite borrowing, plus live music and crafts. It’s a classic spring activity that’s always a hit with kids.
Good to Know: You can also borrow a kite to fly if you don’t have your own.
Both Fort Greene Park and Willowtown will have their own neighborhood fairs on Saturday, May 16th. The Fort Greene Park Health Fest includes a Kids Zone with Lego building and crafts, alongside health screenings and food tastings. The Willowtown Spring Fair is known for being a charming neighborhood tradition with vendors and activities.
That same day, Saturday, May 16th, Brooklyn Heights hosts its “Longest Table” event, a communal potluck on a car-free Remsen Street. It’s a wonderful way to connect with neighbors over shared food, with tables and chairs provided.
Photoville Festival also starts its run on May 16th and continues until May 30th, with over 85 free outdoor exhibitions across all five boroughs. The opening weekend in Brooklyn Bridge Park includes family-friendly activities like a photo booth and arts and crafts.
Brooklyn Bridge Parents have their own Spring Fling on Montague Street in Brooklyn Heights on Sunday, May 17th. It promises to be a free, family-friendly street fair.
Also on Sunday, May 17th, the Fabulous Fifth Avenue Fair takes over a large stretch of Fifth Avenue in Park Slope. It’s described as a Park Slope institution with vendors, food, and music.
Memorial Day weekend brings DanceAfrica at BAM from May 22nd to 25th, celebrating African dance and music with a free outdoor bazaar on Saturday through Monday. The Bay Ridge Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 25th, is a long-standing tradition honoring veterans.
Summer Kick-Off Events
June begins with the Brooklyn Greek Festival, running all week from June 1st to June 7th in Downtown Brooklyn. This street fair is known for its delicious traditional Greek food, live music, and folk dancing. It’s a fantastic way to experience a bit of Greek culture.
On Friday, June 5th, there’s a Family Dance Jam with a Craft + Carry Pop-Up Pour in Downtown Brooklyn. It’s an outdoor dance party with music and a lively atmosphere, perfect for an early evening outing.
For soccer fans, the Kids Soccer Village and Watch Party on Wednesday, June 17th, in Downtown Brooklyn sounds like a great event. It offers soccer-themed crafts, games, and a live screening of the England vs. Croatia match. Emma would likely really enjoy the craft stations.
The iconic Coney Island Mermaid Parade is scheduled for Saturday, June 20th. This is a truly unique and colorful tradition that steps off at Surf Avenue. Watching the parade is free, though there is a fee to participate.
Good to Know: The Mermaid Parade is a free event for spectators. Arrive early for a good viewing spot.
Mid-July brings the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Giglio Feast in Williamsburg. This historic 12-day festival features carnival rides, Italian food, and the impressive “Dancing of the Giglio,” where a massive tower is carried through the streets. Dates for 2026 are still to be announced, so it’s worth checking their website closer to the time.
BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! festival runs from July 18th through August in Prospect Park. This is New York’s longest-running free outdoor performing arts festival, offering a variety of performances. While most are free, some benefit concerts require tickets.
Autumn Celebrations
As the school year begins, the Brooklyn Bridge Parents Back-to-School Party on Sunday, September 13th, on Montague Street in Brooklyn Heights sounds like a fun way to celebrate. It offers free kids’ activities, games, and community vendors.
The Brooklyn Book Festival takes over Downtown Brooklyn on Saturday, September 26th. Its Children’s Day features author readings, workshops, and activities specifically for younger readers and their families. It’s part of a larger, free literary festival.
Closing out the season, Atlantic Antic returns on Sunday, September 27th. This is one of Brooklyn’s largest and oldest street fairs, stretching ten blocks along Atlantic Avenue. It’s packed with local vendors, food, live music, and family activities.
I’m really looking forward to exploring these festivals with Emma and Sofia. It seems like there are so many wonderful outdoor activities planned across Brooklyn throughout the year, offering unique experiences for families.
