{"id":205708,"date":"2026-04-22T04:01:58","date_gmt":"2026-04-22T04:01:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/205708\/"},"modified":"2026-04-22T04:01:58","modified_gmt":"2026-04-22T04:01:58","slug":"enjoy-a-soccer-village-dancing-and-poetry-in-downtown-brooklyn","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/205708\/","title":{"rendered":"Enjoy a Soccer Village, Dancing And Poetry in Downtown Brooklyn"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Downtown Brooklyn Partnership presents a plethora of free performances, family-friendly activities and f\u00fatbol watch parties this spring and summer.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.downtownbrooklyn.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Downtown Brooklyn Partnership<\/a> announced its spring and early summer lineup of its annual events series, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.downtownbrooklyn.com\/dtbk-presents\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Downtown Brooklyn Presents<\/a>, which celebrates the people and plazas of one of the nation\u2019s most booming downtowns.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The creative energy of Downtown Brooklyn will be on full display as we stilt walk and dance through Abolitionist Place, commemorate Juneteenth, and showcase some of the best curated lineups of live entertainment. The spring programming launch sets in motion a season of outdoor arts and performances that build community and honor culture.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe start of our annual Downtown Brooklyn Presents event lineup represents one of the most exciting times here in Downtown Brooklyn,\u201d said Regina Myer, president of Downtown Brooklyn Partnership. \u201cThe open spaces that connect and serve our community will come alive with a dynamic calendar of events for everyone to enjoy, from family-friendly crafts to swinging nighttime dance parties. We look forward to seeing Brooklynites, New Yorkers and other visitors make the most of our neighborhood this Spring and Summer.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN PRESENTS 2026: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.downtownbrooklyn.com\/events\/?category%5B%5D=11&amp;order=recent\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Spring\/Early Summer Calendar<\/a><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Tandon Research Excellence Exhibit<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Friday, April 24 | 1:00pm &#8211; 4:00pm<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Brooklyn Commons Park<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">This annual outdoor event features student and faculty projects that demonstrate the scope of engineering at NYU Tandon, and its potential to improve the world. Celebrate their academic contributions and experience incredible projects, enjoy giveaways, food trucks, a photo booth, and more!<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Wednesday Wonders<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Wednesdays in May and June | 3:00pm &#8211; 4:00pm<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Abolitionist Place<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Enjoy the wonders of Abolitionist Place\u2014where every Wednesday in May and June offers a new adventure! Presented with support from Council Member Lincoln Restler and the New York City Council.<\/p>\n<p>Brianna Kalisch (May 6, 13, 20 and 27)<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Brianna Kalisch isn\u2019t just a stilt walker \u2014 she\u2019s a multi-talented circus artist, performer, and creative producer whose work blends physical artistry with storytelling. Catch her as she struts through the park and learn the art of stilt walking! All skill levels are welcome and equipment will be provided.<\/p>\n<p>Flow Juggle (June 3, 10 and 24)<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Toss some fun into your day with Brooklyn&#8217;s favorite juggler, Martin Kalwill. Whether you\u2019re a total beginner or looking to up your juggling game, Martin has tips and tricks for all. All skill levels are welcome and equipment will be provided.<\/p>\n<p>Table Tennis Thursdays<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Thursdays in May and June | 12:00pm-2:00pm<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Brooklyn Commons Park<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Team DBP will be serving a series of lunchtime ping pong games. Find a partner, grab a paddle and let the games begin!\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Show Brooklyn Some Love Fest<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Saturday, May 9 | 11:00am &#8211; 2:00pm<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Albee Square, Albee Square West and City Point<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Celebrate Brooklyn moms with a joyful day of fun featuring a pick-your-own bouquet flower bar, DJ Mike spinning in Albee Square, hands-on crafts, the Brooklyn Museum on Wheels, and family photo moments.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">BAM DanceAfrica Outdoor Bazaar<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Saturday, May 23 | 12:00pm &#8211; 10:00pm<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Sunday + Monday, May 24-25 | 12:00pm &#8211; 8:00pm<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The Plaza at 300 Ashland<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The nation\u2019s largest celebration of African diasporic dance and music returns for its 49th year on Memorial Day Weekend. <a data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.bam.org\/danceafrica26&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1776875730480000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2RXIhGSNoRSfyhMXSgua9d\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bam.org\/danceafrica26\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">DanceAfrica<\/a>\u2019s global marketplace of Black arts and crafts will be on the Plaza again this year.<\/p>\n<p>Finding Grace Community Workshop<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Saturday, May 30 | 2:00pm &#8211; 3:15pm<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The Plaza at 300 Ashland<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Adam Space (rain location)<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Inspired by Ronald K. Brown\u2019s Grace, this workshop introduces participants to his movement style through a guided warm-up and choreography. Participants explore themes of transformation, healing, and compassion through movement; discovering how grace can be embodied in dance and in everyday life.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Live @ MoCADA<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Saturday, May 30 | 4:00pm &#8211; 8:00pm<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The Plaza at 300 Ashland<\/p>\n<p>Lunchtime Entertainment<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Tuesdays, June 2, 23 and 30 | 12:00pm &#8211; 2:00pm<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Brooklyn Commons Park<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Visitors to Brooklyn Commons Park will be swept up in dynamic performances as the lunchtime stage comes alive with a rich mix of music and entertainment. Set in the heart of Downtown Brooklyn, the Commons provides the perfect backdrop for vibrant arts and culture.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">June 2: Te Encontro no Samba<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Te Encontro no Samba (TENS) is an Afro-Brazilian music project founded in 2017 to promote Brazilian culture in the United States. What began as a small \u201croda de samba\u201d performance group has since evolved into a range of artistic and cultural initiatives, marked by an infectious sound and a vibrant celebration of Afro-Brazilian traditions.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">June 23: Kr\u00e9ol Fest<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Kr\u00e9ol Fest is a vibrant celebration that showcases the rich tapestry of Creole culture through an eclectic mix of music, dance, visual arts, literature, fashion, and cuisine. Join Natie Music and a diverse array of artists from Creole communities around the world for an unforgettable experience that honors and unites a shared heritage.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">June 30: saxofshaolin<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Saxophonist and composer Ben Chin leads saxofshaolin, a captivating fusion of Eastern and Western musical influences. Drawing from American, Southeast Asian, and Afro-Caribbean traditions, he creates a sound that celebrates cultural connections. As a Hakka Chinese immigrant and nomad, his music blends traditional and contemporary elements, making it both danceable and spiritual.<\/p>\n<p>Family Dance Jam + Craft + Carry Pop-Up Pour<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Friday, June 5 | 5:00pm &#8211; 8:00pm<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Friday, June 12 | 5:00pm &#8211; 8:00pm\u00a0(Rain Date)<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Abolitionist Place<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Bring the whole family for an outdoor dance party with music, and a lively neighborhood vibe, plus libations provided by Craft + Carry for those 21 years of age and older.<\/p>\n<p>The Brooklyn Poetry Slam<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Tuesday, June 9 | 6:00pm &#8211; 8:00pm<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The Plaza at 300 Ashland<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Join us for the 2026 finale of BRIC&#8217;s Brooklyn Poetry Slam, hosted by the series\u2019 esteemed co-founders, poets <a data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fmobrowne.com%252Findex.html%26data%3D05%257C02%257Cjvale%2540downtownbrooklyn.com%257C9415a91f2ace4cd6b63e08dd6568d640%257Cdab2247362e64d02b519a58f389c74fe%257C0%257C0%257C638778223168093639%257CUnknown%257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%253D%253D%257C0%257C%257C%257C%26sdata%3DGaM064GqgPsrzgFdzz803mzWudFzZtgQ1AlFKcDI9uE%253D%26reserved%3D0&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1776875730480000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3qzz61uY34x7EO0BYjfoTF\" href=\"https:\/\/nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmobrowne.com%2Findex.html&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cjvale%40downtownbrooklyn.com%7C9415a91f2ace4cd6b63e08dd6568d640%7Cdab2247362e64d02b519a58f389c74fe%7C0%7C0%7C638778223168093639%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=GaM064GqgPsrzgFdzz803mzWudFzZtgQ1AlFKcDI9uE%3D&amp;reserved=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Mahogany L. Browne <\/a>and <a data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.jivepoetic.net%252F%26data%3D05%257C02%257Cjvale%2540downtownbrooklyn.com%257C9415a91f2ace4cd6b63e08dd6568d640%257Cdab2247362e64d02b519a58f389c74fe%257C0%257C0%257C638778223168122149%257CUnknown%257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%253D%253D%257C0%257C%257C%257C%26sdata%3DOM4VZPpDdTuhXmYVoCa1HcK7DP7UTU3ub%252Bnr93Hgff0%253D%26reserved%3D0&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1776875730481000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2UYSJU4q7_CMaAF9FNNNs2\" href=\"https:\/\/nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jivepoetic.net%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cjvale%40downtownbrooklyn.com%7C9415a91f2ace4cd6b63e08dd6568d640%7Cdab2247362e64d02b519a58f389c74fe%7C0%7C0%7C638778223168122149%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=OM4VZPpDdTuhXmYVoCa1HcK7DP7UTU3ub%2Bnr93Hgff0%3D&amp;reserved=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Jive Poetic<\/a>, and featuring the Poetry Slam winners from earlier in the season.<\/p>\n<p>Summer Stories: The BKLYN Reading Scene<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Saturday, June 13 | 1:00pm &#8211; 5:00pm<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Saturday, September 26 Rain Date<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Abolitionist Place<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Kick off summer reading with Reading Rhythms, Downtown Brooklyn Partnership and City Point hosting an inspiring community event blending books, music, and storytelling for readers of all ages. Registration is required. [add link]<\/p>\n<p>F\u00fatbol Watch Party and Sound + Fury Pop-up Pour<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Tuesday, June 16 | 2:30pm &#8211; 8:00pm<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Brooklyn Commons Park<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Catch France vs. Senegal, then stay for the Norway vs. Iraq match at the best outdoor soccer watch party in Downtown Brooklyn. Enjoy an afternoon of live music and dance with Babacar Mbaye, followed by a set from DJ YB. Between goals, grab a cold drink at the Sound + Fury pop-up bar\u2014and soak up the high energy and festival atmosphere all afternoon.<\/p>\n<p>Kid\u2019s Soccer Village and Watch Party<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Wednesday, June 17 | 3:30pm &#8211; 6:00pm<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Brooklyn Commons Park<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Brooklyn Commons Park will transform into Downtown Brooklyn\u2019s Soccer Village for the day. Join us for an afternoon of soccer-themed crafts, goal-shooting activities, Duplo LEGO play, foosball tables, live screen printing and more\u2014and catch the England vs. Croatia match! This event is in partnership with Brooklyn Bridge Parents, Brooklyn FC, Fresh Grocer and Dave &amp; Buster\u2019s.<\/p>\n<p>We Outside! A BK Juneteenth<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Saturday, June 20 | 12:00pm &#8211; 8:00pm<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The Plaza at 300 Ashland<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">651 ARTS presents its We Outside! A BK Juneteenth, Vol. IV, a commemoration of African-American emancipation featuring a day of performances and activities.More information TBA.<\/p>\n<p>En Garde Arts Presents: playdate Fest!<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Thursday, June 25 | 6:00pm &#8211; 8:00pm<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Abolitionist Place<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">playdate Fest!, En Garde Arts\u2019 curated summer performance series spotlighting award-winning musicians and musical-theatre artists, returns in its biggest iteration yet. This year\u2019s edition is curated by Modesto \u201cFlako\u201d Jimenez, a Dominican-born, Brooklyn-raised multidisciplinary artist. Presented in collaboration with the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership\u2014with support from Council Member Lincoln Restler and the New York City Council.<\/p>\n<p>Friday Night Dance with Public Service!<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Friday, June 26 | 5:00pm &#8211; 8:00pm<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The Plaza at 300 Ashland<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Public Service is a dance party for the people, by the people. Conceived and DJ&#8217;d by Toribio + Mickey P\u00e9rez, the pair pays homage to NYC&#8217;s block party\/park jam culture by fusing 50+ years of American dance music alongside rhythms from the African, Caribbean, and South American diasporas. Powered sonically by Karlala Soundsystem, Public Service honors the musical past while simultaneously paying tribute to the present &amp; future.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Downtown Brooklyn Partnership presents a plethora of free performances, family-friendly activities and f\u00fatbol watch parties this spring and&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":205709,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[36],"tags":[98,100,99,81546,9,24,63],"class_list":{"0":"post-205708","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-brooklyn","8":"tag-brooklyn","9":"tag-brooklyn-headlines","10":"tag-brooklyn-news","11":"tag-downtown-brooklyn-presents","12":"tag-new-york","13":"tag-new-york-city","14":"tag-nyc"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/205708","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=205708"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/205708\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/205709"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=205708"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=205708"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=205708"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}