After living through my first NYC summer I have to say, Celebrate Brooklyn is my favorite part of summers in New York! I made it out for half-a-dozen shows and loved every second of it. Yes, it helped to be fun-employed for a while because I could make it out early to nab a great seat, but I'm sure that even the gainfully employed 9-5 crowd can make it out for a great show. The acts that were booked this summer were phenomenal and just a measly $3 suggested donation is low for the quality being put out. I try to give 'em $5 instead, a small extra contribution, but extra nonetheless because they deserve it. Thanks, Celebrate Brooklyn, for an awesome 2010 season. read more

Prospect Park Bandshell - For big bands make sure you show up early, so you're not caught in a massive line like this - Performing Arts Near Me

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Summer! Prospect Park! Concerts! Yeah! The bandshell at Prospect Park holds about 7000 people; 2000 seats in front of the stage and room for ~ 5000 more on the lawn. Most events are free, with a $3 suggested donation*. Other events are "benefit" shows, designed to raise money for the series, and are ticketed like a traditional performance. There are always great acts on the schedule, some years stronger than others, but consistently interesting and diverse. Something for everyone. For folks really wanting to get involved, you can become a "friend" of the series to support their efforts, which brings certain perks and exclusive advantages, depending on how much you wish to contribute. The performances are rain or shine, there is food and beverage available, as well as an abundant supply of port-o-potties. Most people bring blankets and stake their claim on the lawn, perhaps even preparing a picnic of sorts. Local residents, or others who can't be bothered to pay or deal with the crowds, set up shop outside the barriers, which run the perimeter of the venue. I love seeing shows here. I have seen all kinds of crazy stuff, from one end of the spectrum to the other, and have always had a blast. Very relaxing vibe in an amazing setting. Can't ask for much more, in my opinion. Truly a Brooklyn (and greater NYC, for that matter) institution and a must-do. _______________________________ * If you can't afford to donate 3 bucks to such an awesome cause, I think you need to re-evaluate your situation a bit. read more

I saw Andrew Bird last night in Prospect Park. Awesome. I got a little annoyed though because they kept letting people in even though it was getting super crowded. In addition, at least 80% of the people there were pretend hipsters - they weren't there to listen to the music. They just wanted to be seen (or scene) and talk with their friends. Go somewhere else please. I'm trying to enjoy my concert. Anyway, I'm hoping it was just crowded because it was the first event for the summer. Other than that, great music and a great venue. I love Andrew Bird's music. Celebrate Brooklyn is a great program. read more

These series of concerts are incredible. This is my second year living in Brooklyn, and I look forward to seeing the lineups for all of their summer concert series every year. The events have great food and great beer, not to mention fantastic musicians. Keep your eye on their lineups and make sure you head there! If you can't get in to the show, I've had a lot of great nights just bringing a blanket and sitting outside the band shell with some food, beer, and good friends. You can still hear the music very well and have an awesome time. It could be a good idea to bring a blanket inside too! There's a green inside the band shell for you to sit down on if you'd like along with seats that are closer up. read more

Great music and we were able to walk in with our drinks from home (in plastic bottles). Had the best time watching Talib Kweli! Awesome energy and plenty of porta potties too! Highly recommend. read more

Prospect Park Bandshell - Performing Arts Near Me

Just One more Tradition Making Brooklyn A magical place during the summer. read more

Lovely in every way--this is a beautiful reminder of what it means to live in NYC. Made a last-minute decision to run and see Swell Season from the nosebleed section of the grassy (no chairs) area. Even if you don't have a blanket or a clear view of the stage, it is still the best way to spend a summer evening when you're strapped for cash and craving culture. Since it's nearly free, there's no stress about knocking folks off of seats or getting there right on time or any of that silly business that enters your mind when you have to pay a lot for entertainment. For me, it's one of the few truly stress-free, low-cost events around. However, in the interest of your bottom not falling asleep, do bring that blanket. And in the interest of your tummy not rumbling too much--leftover Chinese takeout goes really well with that "what it means to live in NYC" theme. Enjoy! read more

If you love people and are passionate about music, then this is the place for you. Time and time again, I have been blown away by musical acts I have never heard of before! Not to mention watching the sun give way to the moon with thousands of fans. Try and catch a concert before the summer is up and create a great memory. read more

Maybe I caught this place on a bad night...because all of these other reviews seem overwhelmingly positive. But, I didn't love it. I went to see Guster, Ben Folds and Barenaked Ladies and upon arriving at the park, found a line a half a mile long just to get into the venue. It took a really long time and I just made it in for the beginning of Guster's set. The seats are just metal folding chairs not super comfortable for 75 dollars a ticket. Also, the lines for food were insane and it seemed like the vendors really couldn't keep up with the number of people trying to purchase things. In addition, the food places didn't sell any drinks, not even non alcoholic so you had to get in another line for that. It was incredibly crowded everywhere. The show sounded great so that was positive but overall, the venue did not really impress me. I might have a different opinion if it was a free show but I definitely won't be spending 75 dollars to go back there again. read more

The series of concerts at Prospect Park are great. The only thing I didn't like about them was waiting on line because they are so popular. There is limited seating on folding chairs, which I never sit in because 1) the sound is really loud that close (so if you like that kind of thing, get there a couple of hours early and go for the seats), and is plenty good if you're on the grass (or even outside the venue!) and 2) I bring a blanket or two to sit on, as well as food for a picnic. Best to go with a bunch of friends who are also bringing food. However, if you have money burning a hole in your pocket, overpriced food and drinks (including alcohol) are available. Alcohol and any kind of glass containers are not allowed in from outside, so be careful of that. The first time I went I didn't realize this and a guy from security literally stomped over, yelled at me "NO GLASS IN HERE!", confiscated my red wine, and demanded to search my backpack for more. The bottle was half-empty at the time, though, so I just laughed it off and the next time went there with my red wine in a repurposed plastic pepsi bottle. :) read more

Tell me something good.....tell me ..tell me...tell me..Tell me that you like it yea....OOhhh Chaka Khan. Well having seen many a show here in the last 30 years plus. Its always a treat to see top performers for free. So I never attended an opening nite before it was quite different than I have ever experienced before. Chaka Khan opened the Celebrate Brooklyn for 2015 and it was a beautiful nite to celebrate Brooklyn. The line was long as hell to get in before the gates opened at 6pm but worth the wait. One thing they do have is being a donor for different price scales. You get selective seats but opening nite that goes out the window. Major sponsors and politicians hogged the front row seats. Which shrinked the regular free seats for us regular folks. I had to stand with my friend for the show but it was worth the wait as the wafting smell of cannabis floated thru the air. Chak Khan came out and sang songs of her catalog that have won her grammys. The band rocked during her break for outfit change! They kept playing sans Chaka and all the solos which were first class. They streamed the show online on the website which they announced rite before the show started. Politicians making appearances which was not good at all, we dont need to hear speeches from 25 politicians on any occasion..save the sound bites for your re-elections. Overall the band shell is a wonderful venue to see great acts free or thru purchased fundraiser tickets. FYI - Read the fine print and all details if you decide to become a donor for the season. This season is all sold out already. Lol read more

Love this venue! Live music at outdoor venues is one of my favorite things to do and Celebrate Brooklyn shows do not disappoint. The venue is conveniently located right off of the 9th street entrance of Prospect Park. Will call, merchandise, food and drinks, and the bathrooms are all clearly marked and easy to find. I got there about a half hour after doors opened and had no trouble getting my tickets at will call. Celebrate Brooklyn offers a variety of free shows and also brings in big acts like the The National and Neutral Milk Hotel for about $45/50 a ticket. Everything about Celebrate Brooklyn is very well organized, from purchasing and picking up tickets to finding your way around the venue with friendly people to answer any questions you may have. You have a great view of the stage no matter where you sit and sound quality is awesome. They do a good a job of not over selling so that it is not overcrowded. read more

I came here to see Interpol 7/21/15. It was my first time here. I noticed that people were either gathering to wait by the stage or sitting on the lawn. Me and my friend chose to sit on the lawn. The only thing I'm kicking myself over was the fact that I didn't bring a mat or picnic blanket. Definitely don't forget that! You can bring your own lawn chairs and food. They also sell food there which was pretty good and alcohol is on site. If you bring a water bottle make sure it's not glass! The bathrooms were horrendous but not surprising considering the hordes of people that were there. I think the seats in front of the lawn are reserved for members only. All in all, it was a good experience in the summer. read more

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There's nothing quite like the New York philharmonic in Prospect Park under a moonlit sky playing the dance music from West Side Story, Romeo and Juliet, and ending with Once upon a Dream.. just add fireworks! What a performance. I have been attending the Celebrate Brooklyn concerts for the last 10 years and I wonder why ANYONE would miss this fabulous free concert series. Of course there is suggested donation of $3.00 -- and it's worth 20 times that amount. Where else can you see and hear world class performances in such an amazing environment? You can come early and sit in a chair in the first row- or bring your picnic and spread a blanket on the grass ( my choice ), lay back and dream to the fabulous music. You can even watch an old time classic movie - Like The Wizard of Oz - on a GIANT screen - complete with a live music accompaniment and say your favorite lines out loud with hundreds of other like minded Movie goers. There's something for everyone's taste from Hip Hop to Mozart - and Sunday afternoons usually hold a family concert so the kids can get their own groove on after sweating it out at the playground right next to the band shell.. If you don't have time to pack a picnic - there are food and drink wagons around too. Don't forget to bring some bug spray, and someone to snuggle with under the stars. See you in the Park! read more

Super sweet! I love going to the concerts, just scoping out what was happening and enjoying the performances. For three bucks, you get some great entertainment, and you're sure to have a great time. Only downside is the bathrooms, that are outside the bandshell and not so very clean. Bring a blanket or something to sit on! read more

I just love it here and it reminds me yet again that Brooklyn stands on its own as a concoction of theater, food and diversity. Summer in the city is amazing and there are always things to do! I've been to a few concerts here this summer and I've loved them all read more

Oh yeah...Rhiannon Giddons of The north Carolina chocolate drops tearin it up tonight. Wow. She can Sing!! read more

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Be forewarned - it's fun to picnic during a free show at Celebrate Brooklyn, but during the ticketed shows they install a taller than thou covered fence. And I feel like the barricaded area has crept even farther up the "freeloaders picnicking area". But it's a beautiful feeling when you lay down on your blanket and stare at the two stars you can see between the tree branches while your favorite music is playing in the background. read more

If you haven't been to this, WHY NOT?! I've only been on the night they are free - unfortunately (and FORTUNATELY), the benefit nights sell out quite fast! You can enjoy a glass of wine or beer for $8, and there are always a few shops to buy unique jewelry / arts and crafts. There are seats for those who would prefer to sit on a chair, but many love the grassy area. We got in super quick - doors were at 6 but we got there just before 7 and had no issue. The suggest donation is $3, which isn't much considering you get to enjoy good music with a good vibe. One thing I found while enjoying the Latina music last Friday... love. You can see love in everyone around - with fathers and their sons, mothers and daughters, and relationships. I wish I could've taken my DSLR around to snap the candid moments, because you can just feel the amount of happiness on a fresh summer night in Brooklyn. read more

Greatest idea ever. Saw andra day here and had a blast. Free. Great security. Great location. Sells food and drinks. Or you can bbq outside the gates and still listen to the shows read more

Another reason why the borough of Brooklyn is amazing. Nothing like having a bit of culture while enjoying the buzz and beauty of Prospect Park during the summer! read more

Five stars for the number of great shows they put on each year, most of which are free. What you need to know: most shows, come early if you want a seat; otherwise, bring a chair or blanket to picnic, but no guarantee you'll be able to see. Sound: generally great, but be prepared for dead spots. Food: you can buy from the Farm at Adderly stand; it looks pretty good but I've never tried it. We usually bring a sandwich from Russos or a Han-Noi bahn mi. Booze: they sell beer; not crazy expensive. We usually bring a cocktail in a thermos and security doesn't seem to care as long as the glasses are plastic. Smoking: allegedly none but not enforced. The worst thing: mostly everyone talks loudly through all the shows, even ones they paid for. It's seriously annoying. I guess it's the outdoor picnic atmosphere but it sucks! Tip: if you can't get in to a show (for example, tonight there must be a record crowd for Chronixx an there is a line around the block), or a show is sold out, or you are too cheap to buy a ticket, go sit in the grass on the other side of the road behind the concert area. You can't see at all (for paid shows, there is a curtain) but you can hear really well. We aren't inside grooving tonight but I'm enjoying the tunes and my cocktails just the same. read more

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Absolutely the best venue to see a show. Every view is a good one. The venue has a bowl shape so that no matter where you are standing you can see the stage. Sometimes the line to get in to paid shows gets a bit overwhelming, but if you get there at a decent time you wont run into this problem. You can bring your own food in too! read more

Prospect Park Bandshell - Lumineers // Aug 3 @cosgrome - Performing Arts Near Me

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I attended a free show. I did not try the food, but it looked delicious! They were from local restaurants in Brooklyn. There was a VIP section in front of the normal seat section, so do not have high hopes of being close to the stage. They also have a grass area behind the seats for people to bring blankets. I saw a lot of people bring in their own food. A man next to me brought in a whole rotisserie chicken. DSLR cameras seemed to be allowed. I am pretty sure you cannot bring in your own alcohol, but they did not check hard. read more

Nice outdoor arena. Surprisingly spacious and the acoustics are great so that it's not horrendously too loud. I was impressed with the food selection and the cheddar fries were awesome. read more

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I love love love that the Prospect Park bandshell exists. I mean, you can't beat $3 suggested donation performances outside, with picnic supplies and thermoses allowed. Beer/wine and snacks are available for sale as well. At least once a year they have a good classic film, and there's a mix of types of music/performances throughout the summer. Bigger-name bands charge for tickets, but if you're not that much of a fan that you want to pay/see, you can camp outside and still hear just fine (although you really can't see, because they put up big tarps on the fence.) Even inside, getting a clear line of sight can be an issue, as there are a number of trees and poles located in inconvenient places... but just relax, lie back on the grass and enjoy... Or you can sit up front in the provided chairs... but sitting on the grass is more fun. However, I'm deducting a star for: a. a significant lack of toilet paper in the porta-potties. Remember to bring your own! and b. a glut of hipster parents who somehow think it is perfectly fine for their entitled brats to play soccer inside the venue, screaming, yelling, and repeatedly kicking their ball into the picnics and at the heads of people trying to quietly enjoy a film. OK, the venue isn't responsible for parents who don't bother to teach their children appropriate behavior, but security should have addressed it. read more

So it's ok that it gets so full at these great outdoor $3-donation shows every summer that random strangers end up sitting or standing on my modest blanket arranged on the grass. The performers are world class. The night sky is beautiful. We are all young and happy. Bring: a bunch of Trader Joe's edibles + cash for the conventional beers or the artisanal ice creams being sold + friends. Or make friends. You're standing on my blanket; we might as well get to know each other. read more

It's was a great experience as always plus it's was free and if you want you could have bring a blanket or chair and sit on the grass. read more

Prospect Park Bandshell - Performing Arts Near Me

We look forward to going to the Bandshell every summer. Lots of great concerts and shade. Bring some wine coolers and a blanket (if you dont like sitting on the grass) The park is a beautiful oasis in the heart of Brooklyn and closely located to the Park slope and Brooklyn Heights restaurants. The 3 train stops at Grand army plaza and is a short walk from the station. read more

I volunteered this summer with Celebrate Brooklyn and it was a great experience. The food was great, particularly the potato pierogis and fries. It's a great venue, and they book great talent and excellent musicians. Whenever you go, you are almost guaranteed a good time. read more

Overpriced, pretentious food and drink aside, the actual venue and acts that come by are pretty great. Grab your boo, and a blanket and get ready to meet new friends as everyone and their non-gender-conforming-cuddle-buddy stomp their dirty shoes all over it. Wait in the excessively long porta-potty lines with glee, and struggle to see the stage over the dad with the whiny 4 year-old on his shoulders, who's just happy to be out of the house for once without the nag, nag, nag of his crumbling relationship. Let the cacophony of hundreds of people talk over the music you came to see, because, friend, they're not here for the act, they're here to socialize, and you will hear about every facet of their wild and fast barista life and. you. will. enjoy. it. read more

This place rivals Terminal 5 for being the worst venue in New York. For the sold out paid shows, unless you show up massively early to wait in a huge line (so that you can obnoxiously take up twice the space you need on the grass, I guess) or have actual seats, you are guaranteed to be standing behind a tree, attempting to be slender man near a footpath, or otherwise consigning yourself to not actually seeing the show particularly well. This is fine for the free shows they do but definitely not for the paid ones. This is probably a schlep for most people and, FYI, when the show is over, most of the places nearby to grab something to eat or drink will be closing. read more

Great venue. The food menu was so different from any concert I've ever been to. I'm not sure if it changes from event to event, but there were definitely good choices. I had the kale salad. And a 7 dollar 10oz red wine? Nice! I would say if you need to take a drug test soon after you come here be careful. Lots of people smoking weed all around me. It doesn't bother me though. Overall I had a great experience. read more

Last night was my very first Celebrate Brooklyn ever and I am already excited to attend ten more! I was one of many of a sea of people rocking to The Legendary Roots Crew, Talib Kweli, Blitz the Ambassador, and other acts representing various types of music from Africa. I got in pretty early hoping to meet with Germaine but he ended up oversleeping... but lucky for me I got in line early and at first landed in center seats in Row 4. As soon as I noticed that they were allowing the overflow of people to stand in front of stage I left my spot to get right in front of the stage (best move ever!). To make the whole evening sweeter we were adorned with the 20% chance showers that the weather forecast predicted to make this summer event more special even if I did spend 30 minutes curling my hair to perfection... lol. Seeing Talib perform "Hot Thing" live with the Roots and experiencing my favorite Live rendition of "You Got Me" totally topped my night. I kept thinking to myself, How amazing that I only donated $3 to get into the park! My friend Germaine introduced me to Blitz the Ambassador earlier this year when he was in Berkley, California but unfortunately I was unable to attend. This was my first time seeing him perform complete with a live ensemble of horns, drums, guitar, and drums! He was LIVE and in full effect! His performance was amazing and his drummer cute too boot! I am definitely looking forward to seeing more live shows by Blitz! The Roots graciously started the late evening show for us and returned to rock the stage with Talib just before the sun set making the perfect sunset with Talib pumping out his "L" sign and having us all screaming "LOVE"... This is a memorable night in my book and by far the best musical experience I've had since relocating to this side of the coast. I was burning calories and screaming my lungs out from beginning to end! I don't think Rock the Bells can top this.. but we shall see! read more

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The music was great, the crowd was civilized. The fries at the food stand were really tasty. They have metal chairs to sit on which fill up really fast or you can bring your own chair/blanket and sit in the grass in the back. The sound system was really good for an outdoor event. The bathroom was decent and was being tended to the entire time. You can not bring in glass bottles or beer and if you leave you can not come back in, but for a free event (small donation) this was a very fun evening! arrive early to make sure you beat the very long line that will form and get yourself some good seats. read more

I LOVED THIS, and am so, so glad I went. As mentioned by others, the doors open an hour before showtime (I think around 6:30?), which means by the time I arrived at 7:30 there were no green folding chairs left. Not a problem though, as many people just stood behind the last row of chairs. You'd think the folks sitting on the lawn would be annoyed, but no - it's just a very chill vibe (and I don't think you can see much from the lawn even if folks weren't standing directly in front of you). The acoustics for the Secret Sisters/Nickel Creek show were lovely, and the night was perfect weather for a concert. Beer line was NEVER long - I walked right up two different times. Just an excellent, highly recommended experience! read more

I went to see a few concerts here in the summer. I usually go at least once every year. I LOVE THE SUMMER CONCERTS. I went to a Childish Gambino concert a few years ago and it was amazing. Definitely my favorite concert I've ever been to. The music was great. The atmosphere and the crowd was very diverse and energetic. The people are positive and not ghetto. Word of advice, LINES AND CROWDS are crazy... but the park is clean and beautiful so just embrace the wait before a concert or event. Speak to people. Bring a sheet and lay out like you're on the beach. Idk enjoy yourself. It's a park! Anyways, I love this place. 5 stars! Oh yea the wine and food is good too. read more

The Chaka Khan gig last night, June 3, 2015, was the worst "public" outdoor event I've ever been to. It was really a money raising gala for BTIC's wealthy supporters and not remotely a public, free concert. They fenced the whole area around the supposedly public Prospect Park bandshell, so no one could get near it. We got there at 6:30pm (1.5 hrs beforehand) and were told they were full, yet most of the fenced in area was empty - it was waiting for their sponsors and their friends to fill. The actual public was kept far, far away (you could not see the stage) behind high chicken wire fences - so the only concert we had was a bit of the sound. No consideration was given to the public as no speakers were placed farther out (like the NY Phil do) so the sound could be heard and no TV screens so real, local folk might see the show too. Yet I noticed on leaving, and walking past the mega tents and closed off area around the bandshell - they had installed dozens of screens for the donor's to watch the show without leaving their food and drinks! It was a sham and Chaka should be ashamed to have been associated with it and BRIC. I say New Yorkers really need to take back their public park spaces from these non-public organizations - it felt like an insult to us to attend. read more

Here's the thing I love about Celebrate Brooklyn: Unless you LOVE a band in the "I want to have the lead singer's babies" kinda way, hearing them live is about HEARING them, right? So when CB is just way too crowded, or sold out, or you don't want to try so hard to smuggle your own booze in, you can sit outside of the venue and still have a great experience! read more

My favorite venue to see a concert in the NYC area. I love Prospect Park and I love Celebrate Brooklyn. Predominantly, most of the shows are free, and the others cost around $45. My favorite part of living in NYC is coming to Park Slope and spending a night at this venue. Bring a picnic, that special someone, or a group of friends, and you will surely have a wonderful evening. I heart Brooklyn. read more