It’s back-to-school week in Brooklyn, but the calendar is still full of family fun, with a live circus show in Downtown Brooklyn, the return of DUMBO Family Games on car-free Washington Street, a free Kids Clinic with CityPickle at Atlantic Terminal, and the Brooklyn Dribble Fan Fest with the NY Liberty in Brooklyn Bridge Park! And don’t miss the Red Hook Pinball Museum’s pop-up all week long, tons of back-to-school parties including BRIC Family Day, the Fort Greene Park Jazz Festival, and an art-making festival in Clinton Hill.
Where to watch the US Open Finals in Brooklyn today here.
Monday, September 1 | 10am
The parade will march down Eastern Parkway from Utica Avenue to Grand Army Plaza. It’s a celebration of Carnival with incredible costumes, plus steel-pan and calypso music.
Monday, September 1 | 12-5pm
Join for a Labor Day School Holiday in Prospect Park!
Leaf Litter | 12-3pm | Ever wondered what’s hiding beneath the leaves on the forest floor? Well, there are seeds, leaves, insects, and much more! Join us for our hands-on leaf litter activity to learn all about it.
Animal Encounter | 1-2pm | Join Alliance Naturalists in learning more about the animals in the Audubon Center’s collection.
Tree ID Walk | 2-3pm | Explore Prospect Park and witness how changing temperatures affect the trees.
Carousel Rides | 12-5pm | $3 per ride; $13 for a book of 5 tickets
Saturday, August 30 – Sunday, September 14 | Mondays–Thursdays, 2-8pm | Fridays–Sundays, 12-10pm | Free, donations accepted
Through Sunday, September 14, the Red Hook Pinball Museum will be set up at Red Hook’s Record Shop with free play on their full collection. You can play the first pinball machine ever made! Visit Monday–Thursday 2-8pm, Friday–Sunday (including Labor Day) noon-10pm! Free play, but donations accepted.
Mondays | 3:30-6:00pm
The Pier 2 Roller Rink in Brooklyn Bridge Park offers free admission hours on Mondays, Fridays, and Sundays. Roller skate with amazing views of the Brooklyn Bridge and lower Manhattan! Skate rental is $8 per person.
Monday, September 1 | 6-8pm | For all ages
Intro to Popstar Dance is a “no experience encouraged” dance class for the non-professional dancer to feel like a popstar for the evening. Taught by choreographer Alec Cohen, this class has been featured in the LA Times, NPR, and The New York Times and has sold out multiple times over in New York, Los Angeles, and beyond.
Tuesdays | 10am
Hopalong Andrew’s weekly shows at Whole Foods are FREE! Make sure to double check in his Instagram the morning of to make sure class has not been cancelled for any reason.
Tuesday, September 2 | 10am-12pm
Visit the BBP’s Education Station for all ages, located at the entrance to Pier 1, directly across from the Pier 1 Pavilion. Get up close to the stunning flowers that can be found on Pier 1: Count their petals and make your symmetrical floral bouquet with paint.
Tuesday, September 2 | 10:00am-1:30pm
Join for the 4th Annual Brooklyn Blends Back-t0-School Drive with free haircuts!
Tuesdays | 12:30-2:00pm | RSVP here
Our weekly postpartum support group offers a free, safe, and welcoming space for new parents, with emotional support, practical tips, and valuable resources to help navigate the physical and emotional journey after childbirth.
Tuesday, September 2 | 3-5pm
Join for a District 34 giveaway at Rodney Playground (Rodney St and South 3rd St.) to help your child get ready for this upcoming school year! A child must be present to receive school supplies. Supplies are given out on a first-come, first-served basis.
Tuesdays | 4:30-6:00pm
Bring your baby to Fontainhas for some cozy chai and hangs with other new moms. Hosted every week by the new mom pop-up POST.
Tuesday, September 2 | 5-7pm
Come for free ping pong in Brooklyn Commons, with DJ-Mike Doelo providing the soundtrack for each match! There will also be free lemonade and iced tea!
Tuesday, September 2 | 5:3o-7:00pm | RSVP here
Join for a conversation between Robin Wall Kimmerer, author of Bud Finds Her Gift, with Linda Sue Park.
Tuesday, September 2 | 6-8pm
Free Summer Concerts return to Shore Park Shore Rd & 79th Street, with the main band starting at 7pm and an opening act from School of Rock at 6pm! On September 2, join for two sets of classic rock: the Second Coming and Frankie Marra Band.
Wednesday, September 3 | 10:30-11:00am
Join for Outdoor Storytime at Cadman Park. We will be singing songs and reading stories on the grass right next to the Juneteenth Grove. For all ages and their grown-ups. No registration required.
Wednesday, September 3 | 12-1pm
Hailing from Quebec, Le Cirque Kikasse will present SANTÉ!, a vibrant circus show performed on their food truck in Brooklyn Commons Park.
Wednesday, September 3 | 1:00-2:30pm | Ages 13+
This program is designed specifically for teenagers aged 13+, not for children or their parents. Teens (13+), join us in a foraging series led by Journei Bimwala. From sidewalk cracks to rooftop edges, plants are everywhere. We’ll explore backyard botanicals, street trees, and make a calming dandelion tea together to celebrate the end of the series.
Wednesday, September 3 | 1:00-2:30pm | Register here
Celebrate fall by folding an origami maple leaf. Made with translucent kite paper in autumn hues, the completed leaf makes a striking window decoration. Supplies provided. Beginners welcome.
Wednesday, September 3 | 2-3pm
Come celebrate back to school with us at the Red Hook Interim Library! Come for a giveaway of pencils, library bag, and an arts and craft kit. There will also be a free book giveaway.
Wednesday, September 3 | 2:00-3:30pm | For teens
Stressed about school starting? Come unwind at Midwood Library before the start of a new school year! Open to all teens ages 13-19. We’ll have slime making, self-care bag making (period hygiene products, chapstick, etc.), squishies, and snacks!
Wednesday, September 3 | 2-4pm
Visit the BBP’s Education Station for all ages, located at the entrance to Pier 1, directly across from the Pier 1 Pavilion. Get up close to the stunning flowers that can be found on Pier 1: Count their petals and make your symmetrical floral bouquet with paint.
Wednesdays | 3-6pm | Reserve tickets here; free tickets are made available at 3pm the Monday before
Take advantage of free admission hours at the New York Aquarium form 3-6pm on Wednesdays. Note that advance timed tickets are required (max of 4 per group); the Wednesday Afternoon Ticket Store will open on Monday at 3:00 pm for that Wednesday’s reservations.
Wednesdays | 4-7pm
Join every Wednesday to participate in the Police Commissioner’s Day of Play! We will be at Shore Road Park (Shore Road and 79th Street) from 4-7pm every week. Activities include basketball, football, hula hoops, board games, and more.
Wednesday, September 3 | 6-9pm
In collaboration with Nieves Dance Studio, join every other Wednesday night for live music, dancing and salsa lessons! Free salsa lessons start at 6:15 pm and live music by Uptown Royalty and dancing begins at 7:15 pm.
Thursdays | 10-11am | Ages 5 and under | RSVP here
This nature program for ages 5 and under in Marsha P. Johnson State Park is FREE! Supplies are provided on a first come, first serve basis.
Thursdays | 10am-12pm | RSVP here
Calling all parents and caregivers with children! Join for a leisurely stroll along Prospect Park’s waterways.
Thursdays | 10am-3pm
Join Prospect Park Alliance for free nature programs at the Audubon Center:
Leaf Art | 10am–3pm – Create art inspired by trees and leaves.
Animal Encounter | 1–2pm – Meet animals with Alliance Naturalists.
Tree ID Walk | 2–3pm – Explore why trees shed their leaves on a guided walk.
Thursdays | 11:00-11:45am
Sing, read, and play with librarians from Brooklyn Public Library! Have fun hearing great picture books read aloud and playing with other children during this program featuring guest musical artists from Urban Stages. For children of all ages and their caregivers.
Thursday, September 4 | 3pm & 4pm
Puppets at the Park House presents “Plight of the Pollinators!” All programs are free and materials are provided. Showings at 3pm & 4pm will last approximately 20 minutes.
Thursdays | 3-5pm
Visit the Environmental Education Center for Open Hours. Open Hours offer the opportunity for self-led investigation with guidance by expert educators to reveal the hidden stories found within and around Brooklyn Bridge Park. Explore our critter and fish tanks, a 10′ model of the Park, and enjoy custom arts, crafts, and reading materials which rotate on a monthly basis.
Thursday, September 4 | 3:30-5:00pm | Ages 3+ | PG
Families with Children, join us at the Leonard Branch Library for fun at the movies. Recommended for kids 3+ and their families.
Thursday, September 4 | 3:30-5:16pm | Ages 5+ | G
After School Movie at Brooklyn Heights Library! For kids ages 5 and up. This week’s movie: “Monsters University” (2013). G. Run time: 1 hour and 44 minutes. No registration required; attendance limited by room capacity.
Thursday, September 4 | 5-6pm
500 Men Making a Difference is making sure our young scholars start the school year strong! Join us for our annual backpack & school supply giveaway. There will be free backpacks and school supplies and a special performances by Universoul Circus!
Fridays | 9:30-10:30am
Every Friday, City League Coffee invites parents, grandparents, siblings, caregivers and their little ones to join us for a fun-filled exciting hour. Each week is designed to feature a different activity that fosters a sense of togetherness between neighbors.
Fridays | 10am-3pm
Join Prospect Park Alliance for free nature programs at the Audubon Center:
Leaf Art | 10am–3pm – Create art inspired by trees and leaves.
Animal Encounter | 1–2pm – Meet animals with Alliance Naturalists.
Tree ID Walk | 2–3pm – Explore why trees shed their leaves on a guided walk.
Friday, September 5 | 1-4pm
Join for a community basketball game featuring our local youth. Kids will be receiving back-to-school supplies (while supplies last).
Fridays | 3-5pm
Visit the Environmental Education Center for Open Hours. Open Hours offer the opportunity for self-led investigation with guidance by expert educators to reveal the hidden stories found within and around Brooklyn Bridge Park. Explore our critter and fish tanks, a 10′ model of the Park, and enjoy custom arts, crafts, and reading materials which rotate on a monthly basis.
Friday, September 5 | 3:30-4:30pm | Ages 4-12
Join us in our craft room to create your very own book with library provided crafting materials.
Fridays | 3:30-6:00pm
The Pier 2 Roller Rink in Brooklyn Bridge Park offers free admission hours on Mondays, Fridays, and Sundays. Roller skate with amazing views of the Brooklyn Bridge and lower Manhattan! Skate rental is $8 per person.
Friday, September 5 | 4pm
Join every Friday from September 5 to October 17 to see the green roofs at Kingsland Wildflowers and explore (and purchase) plants from our Native Plant Nursery. This is a family-friendly event.
Friday, September 5 | 4-5pm | For teens
Join forTeen Reset! Today’s special guest is Sandy, a lovable therapy dog. Take a moment to relax pet Sandy, give her treats, and spend some quiet time journaling. Snacks and materials will be provided.
Friday, September 5 | 4-6pm | Register here
Learn the basics of catch-and-release line fishing! Participants of all ages will learn how to tie knots, bait a hook, drop a line, and (with some luck) reel up a fish! Registering in advance is not required, but is highly recommended to expedite your participation.
Friday, September 5 | 6-8pm
Join for the final Free Summer Concert on Shore Park Shore Rd & 79th Street, with the main band starting at 7pm and an opening act from School of Rock at 6pm! On September 5, the season closes with Irish Night and music by the Canny Brother Band!
Saturday, September 6 | 9:00-9:30am (ages 2-3) | 9:35-10:05am (ages 3-5) | 10:10-10:40am (ages 3-5) | RSVP here
Soccer Shots is an engaging children’s soccer program for ages 2 to 8. Join for a free day of soccer fun! There will be a Mini Class at 9:00-9:30am (ages 2-3), and Classic Classes for ages 3-5 at 9:35-10:05am & 10:10-10:40am.
Saturday, September 6 | 9am-4pm
This Saturday & Sunday, Cloudy Donut Co. in Brooklyn Heights is giving away free Cookie Monster donuts for kids. Mention Brooklyn Bridge Parents to redeem this special Back to School Offer! The shop is located at 14 Columbia Place, and will be open from from 9am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday. Arrive between 9:30am and 1pm to get your Cookie Monster donut while supplies last! The shop will offer an alternative donut to any child who misses out on the Cookie Monster.
Saturday, September 6 | 10-11am | Ages 11-13 | RSVP here
Come to this free one-hour clinic for kids ages 11-13. Designed to introduce the basics, this clinic will leave your child with an understanding of the rules, practice with the fundamentals, a few games under their belts, and new pickleball friends! Free paddle rentals and balls included.
Saturdays | 10am-12pm
Come downstairs for weekly complimentary entertainment for your little ones to enjoy. There will be balloon twisting, magic shows, face painting, circus performers, and more. Located in front of Osteria and Showroom Bakehouse.
Saturdays | 10am-12pm
Walks begin at the Prospect Park Audubon Center. No registration required. Children under 12 must be with an adult. Bring binoculars if available.
Saturdays | 10am-1pm
Join Prospect Park Alliance for free nature programs at the Audubon Center:
Leaf Art | 10am–12pm – Create art inspired by trees and leaves.
Animal Encounter | 11am–12pm – Meet animals with Alliance Naturalists.
Tree ID Walk | 12–1pm – Explore why trees shed their leaves on a guided walk.
Saturdays in September | 10am-4pm | Register here in advance!
All levels are welcome including first-time kayakers — life vests and all equipment provided, as well as instruction. Children under 18 must have an adult guardian present. Advance registration is required; make a reservation here. Do not walk-up without a reservation, as they will likely not be able to accommodate you!
Saturday, September 6 | 10:30am-12:30pm
Come to the Plaza at 300 Ashland to discover Brooklyn Public Library’s amazing resources: Kidsmobile + story times, arts and crafts, plus more services for adults.
Saturday, September 6 | 11am-2pm | RSVP here
Celebrate back to school and gymnastics! There will be games with your favorite coaches, crafts, face painting, and small bites! Bring the family, bring a friend — the more the merrier (please include this in your RSVP!) If the kiddos want to play inside, we will also be hosting free 30-minute open gym sessions with our experienced coaches!
Saturday, September 6 | 11am-2pm | Ages 10+
We have an excess amount of well loved and overstock books for kids and adult readers. Please sign up to come to our Brooklyn Navy Yard Book Hub to take as many books as you can carry. We are unable to accommodate anyone under age 10 in this space.
Saturday, September 6 | 12-4pm
Join BRIC for a Back-to-School Family Day, featuring a breakdance performance, a kid rapper performance, and a music-making area with technology for creating sounds. Children can also try robo-doodling, decorate back-to-school bucket hats, color images, make friendship bracelets, and contribute to a community mural. Free donuts will be available for the first 100 families!
Saturday, September 6 | 12-4pm
FAB Fulton invites you to a hands-on afternoon of art-making at ART360: Make It & Take It, an outdoor creative experience where you create your own artwork to take home! There will be canvas painting, bead making and stringing, and tape art. There will be activities for all ages, all supplies provided.
Saturday, September 6 | 12-4pm
53rd Assembly District Bushwick and Williamsburg, join us for our CommUNITY Resource Fair! There will be live performances, snacks and drinks, raffles and prizes (including bikes and gift cards), and games and fun for all ages. Open to all!
Saturday, August 30 – Sunday, September 14 | Mondays–Thursdays, 2-8pm | Fridays–Sundays, 12-10pm | Free, donations accepted
Through Sunday, September 14, the Red Hook Pinball Museum will be set up at Red Hook’s Record Shop with free play on their full collection. You can play the first pinball machine ever made! Visit Monday–Thursday 2-8pm, Friday–Sunday, noon-10pm! Free play, but donations accepted.
Saturdays | 12-10pm
Vanderbilt Open Streets offers free programs for the whole family on car-free streets in Prospect Heights! Check here to see what’s happening this week!
Saturday, September 6 | 1-4pm | Register here
Join for a free Back to School Open House at Champion Martial arts, with face painting, board breaking, balloons, spin-the-wheel prizes, and a quick taekwondo class! The first 100 children to attend will receive a free CMA Backpack & CMA Notebook!
Saturdays | 1-5pm
Visit the Environmental Education Center for Open Hours. Open Hours offer the opportunity for self-led investigation with guidance by expert educators to reveal the hidden stories found within and around Brooklyn Bridge Park. Explore our critter and fish tanks, a 10′ model of the Park, and enjoy custom arts, crafts, and reading materials which rotate on a monthly basis.
Saturday, September 6 | 2-4pm | For high school students
Come join our D&D group to play a continuous adventure! Ready-made level 3 character sheets can be provided or bring your own character! Space is limited, so priority is given to those in high school!
Saturdays | Performances at 2pm & 4pm
After presenting concerts for nearly 50 years in a floating concert hall at Pier 1, Bargemusic has relocated their chamber music concerts to the Boathouse at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 5. All concerts are free!
Saturday, September 6 | 2-10pm
Park Slope Open Streets is back for the fall! Open Streets will be car-free on 5th Avenue from Union to 4th Street, and there will be live music by Bucky Hayes & The Radio from 3-5pm between Garfield and Carroll.
Sunday, September 7 | 8am-5pm
Join the Brooklyn Bird Club and Prospect Park Alliance on the first Sunday of each month from September – November in search of dozens of species that visit the park. Please bring your own binoculars.
Sunday, September 7 | 9am-4pm
This Saturday & Sunday, Cloudy Donut Co. in Brooklyn Heights is giving away free Cookie Monster donuts for kids. Mention Brooklyn Bridge Parents to redeem this special Back to School Offer! The shop is located at 14 Columbia Place, and will be open from from 9am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday. Arrive between 9:30am and 1pm to get your Cookie Monster donut while supplies last! The shop will offer an alternative donut to any child who misses out on the Cookie Monster.
Sunday, September 7 | 9:00-9:30am (ages 2-3) | 9:35-10:05am (ages 3-5) | 10:10-10:40am (ages 3-5) | RSVP here
Soccer Shots is an engaging children’s soccer program for ages 2 to 8. Join for a free day of soccer fun! There will be a Mini Class at 9:00-9:30am (ages 2-3), and Classic Classes for ages 3-5 at 9:35-10:05am & 10:10-10:40am.
Sunday, September 7 | 9-10am
Go on a guided bird walk and learn about Marsha P. Johnson, in collaboration with McGolrick Bird Club. Binoculars provided!
Sunday, September 7 | 10-11am | $5 tickets here
Everything Grows in Jiddo’s Garden is the story of a young Palestinian girl and her Jiddo—her Grandpa!
Sundays | 10am-12pm
The Pier 2 Roller Rink in Brooklyn Bridge Park offers free admission hours on Mondays, Fridays, and Sundays. Roller skate with amazing views of the Brooklyn Bridge and lower Manhattan! Skate rental is $8 per person.
Sundays | 10am-1pm
Join Prospect Park Alliance for free nature programs at the Audubon Center:
Leaf Art | 10am–12pm – Create art inspired by trees and leaves.
Animal Encounter | 11am–12pm – Meet animals with Alliance Naturalists.
Tree ID Walk | 12–1pm – Explore why trees shed their leaves on a guided walk.
Sunday, September 7 | 10:30am-1:15pm | RSVP here
Play in the Square returns to Domino Square featuring family-friendly activities and performances. Twice monthly, bring the family to Domino Square for a fun-filled Sunday morning, featuring programming by local, talented children’s performers and educators. On September 7, join for:
10:30-11:15am | Creative Play with A Rosie Day
12:30-1:15pm | Rockin’ Sing-alongs with Ari the Sing-along Guy
Sunday, September 7 | 11:00-11:30am | RSVP here
It’s bedtime for beaches everywhere—and the Moon is ready to tuck them in. But when one shoreline snuggles up under the cozy blanket of the ocean…the other goes without cover!
CANCELLED: Sunday, September 7 | 11am-1pm
DUMBO Family Games has been cancelled on Sunday, September 7 due to inclement weather. The event will continue on Sundays in September and October.
Sunday Family Games on car-free Washington Street are back in Speptember: a great way to play, meet neighbors and enjoy an epic view! Free Legos, crafts and a rotating roster of activities for kiddos aged 1 to 8 every Sunday from 11am to 1pm in September and October (weather permitting). Curated by the DUMBO Business Improvement District x Brooklyn Bridge Parents and supported by Leaf Medical & Leaf Dental in DUMBO.
Sundays | 11am-2pm
Come downstairs for weekly complimentary entertainment for your little ones to enjoy. There will be balloon twisting, magic shows, face painting, circus performers, and more. Located in front of Osteria and Showroom Bakehouse.
Sunday, September 7 | 12-1pm
Join Empower Physical Therapy for a free 60-minute, equipment free workout where you will focus on bodyweight strength, mobility, and partner-based movement games. This class is accessible for all skill levels and is designed to make you feel connected and energized. Please bring your own mat!
CANCELLED: Sunday, September 7 | Dribble Parade from Pier 6 to Pier 2 starts at 1pm; Fan Fest at Pier 2 from 2-4pm
This event has been cancelled due to inclement weather. The New York Liberty are bringing back their biggest community celebration, The Brooklyn Dribble, to Brooklyn Bridge Park. Participants can join for a one-mile dribble parade, led by the Fogo Azul marching band, starting at Pier 6 and ending at Pier 2. The parade will end at Pier 2 with a Fan Fest, hosted by DJ Ria, featuring fitness classes by Shape Up NYC (2:20pm), performances from rapper Lil Mama (3pm) and the Timeless Torches (3:20pm), music by DJ Ty Michelle, food trucks, lawn games, basketball, face painting and more.
New this week! | Sundays | 1-5pm
Starting this week, the Environmental Education Center will have Open Hours on Sundays from 1-5pm! Stop in to learn about the Park and local ecology, including a 10’ model of the Park, visit our tank critters include fish, turtles, and frogs, and enjoy rotating monthly themes with crafts and activities!
Sunday, September 7 | 2-4pm
Come to Olive Street Garden for tours and fun at the garden’s block party!
Saturday, August 30 – Sunday, September 14 | Mondays–Thursdays, 2-8pm | Fridays–Sundays, 12-10pm | Free, donations accepted
Through Sunday, September 14, the Red Hook Pinball Museum will be set up at Red Hook’s Record Shop with free play on their full collection. You can play the first pinball machine ever made! Visit Monday–Thursday 2-8pm, Friday–Sunday, noon-10pm! Free play, but donations accepted.
Sundays | Performances at 2pm & 4pm
After presenting concerts for nearly 50 years in a floating concert hall at Pier 1, Bargemusic has relocated their chamber music concerts to the Boathouse at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 5. All concerts are free!
Sunday, September 7 | 8pm | PG-13
Every Sunday at 8pm, Habana Outpost screens a movie for free on their outdoor patio in Fort Greene.
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Updated: September 7, 2025. Main Image: DUMBO Family Games on car-free Washington Street.
