Brooklyn Festivals in Full Swing

I discussed a few of the concert options last week. Another thing to take into consideration living in Brooklyn is the festivals and block parties, the icing on the cake that is called New York City. Sometimes you have to overcome boundaries (be it natural or man made) to really get the max from Gotham City.

Speaking of crossing boundaries, the Brooklyn Historical Society is amongst the supporters of Loving Day, a celebration of love overcoming institutionalized racism. Held in a park at 23rd & FDR right across the river from Greenpoint, they serve up bbq, beer, good music and good people. I always enjoy the annual celebration. Not only for the personal reasons of my mixed background, it is a great party. It's worth the trip into the city for an afternoon of fun. Matter of fact, it was the second video I made in the WILB video series.

A festival that has kicked off yesterday is the Northside Festival, giving a platform to emerging music and film. Only a few years old, it has grown quite quickly in the short time it has been around. Originally 50 bands, now they are bringing "350 bands in a span of four days to nearly every music venue across Williamsburg and Greenpoint (and some secret surprise spots too)".

A few other festivals worth mentioning this weekend. Every weekend is the festival of food known as the Smorgasburg, featuring a total of 75-100 vendors. This is also the third Sunday of June (time flies!!) so it's time for the Food Truck Rally at Grand Army Plaza. With all sorts of creative types, it has a festival feel. If fine art is your thing, this Sunday is the closing of the Brooklyn Waterfront Artist's showing. They will have the silent auction where you can get quality artwork at bargain prices. 

Speaking of art, I'm a little intrigued about the BangOn!NYC in 3D Festival, claiming to be the first of it's kind. They are billing it as a 3D-immersive festival in Williamsburg, featuring 2 stages of electronic music with 3D video mapping and a silent disco in a 40,000 sq ft air-conditioned indoor/outdoor warehouse. Also featuring food trucks, vendors, rides, aerial performances, large scale art installations and a giant 30' inflatable slide, it sounds like a fun afternoon.

 

There's many other such activities this weekend. I'm excited to go to the Mermaid Parade next weekend. I was really worried that that bitch Sandy hit Coney Island a bit too hard. But you know that tough, gritty spirit of Brooklynites won't let anything slow 'em down. What ever you do, this weekend, Brooklyn, have a great weekend!