Lena Horne Bandshell

Went here this past summer to see Still Woozy. The outdoor venue is really nice and we were able to stand in only the fourth row of people or so as we got there 30 minutes before the opener went on. Convenient location with some great restaurants around. Would definitely recommend seeing a concert here if you get the chance.

It was my first time being there for a concert. My friends and I went to see Raekwon! It was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! Very well organized, we were provided with some seating while others br9ught their own. It felt very safe. The Bandshell itself structurally is beautiful. The weather was perfect. It is a bit of a walk from the 2/3 train but so worth it as you can walk inside or alongside Prospect Park. I would definitely go again!

This was the anniversary of the Lyricist Lounge where my close friends and family performed to open up for Wu-Tang's finest Raekwon .

Nice venue to see performances. Celebrate Brooklyn does a great job each summer putting on the performances. Unlike Central Park you are allowed to bring chairs and food. The benefit shows usually don't provide seats for the general population (people either stand near the front or sit in the grass). The free shows do have thousands of chairs (or bring your blanket or chair and sit in the grass. The grass slopes upwards providing good sightlines. Be environmental and bring a refillable water bottle as there are two water stations [it'll also save you buying the $5 "Liquid Death" cans of water]. There are two entrances to the venue- 9th St. and 11th St. 11th St. is much less busy and if there are long lines it is the better way to get in. Don't bring cans or bottles. There is security at the gates and they will confiscate them.

Great venue! I came here for a benefit concert for BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn in partnership with the Blue Note Jazz Festival. Really great venue - the place is clean, the staff was friendly, and the sound setup is excellent.

I went here yesterday for Afropunk 2024! I had a great time. Aside from the food prices audio issues. My issue is with the landscape; a lot of area’s filled with sand (dust). There should be more grass in the area. Also, more sweeping in non-grass areas (like the main-stage). Hopefully Afropunk 2025 is done here too! Then, I can see the positive changes.

The Lena Horne Bandshell is such an awesome place to enjoy whatever activity is happening. Having attended two concerts there I must say the music sounds so good. I love the grass surrounding the stage area. It is well maintained. Very clean. Peaceful ambiance.

Great venue, named after an incredible woman! WuTang's Raekwon the Chef's Album turned 30!

First of all keep in mind this is brooklyn. I don't recommend driving. Parking is almost impossible in this area if you're doing anything in the day. The bandshell has concrete around the front. A lot of people stand and also put seats there. Towards the rear there is a grassy third area where people put down blankets and have a more relaxed view of the band shell. There's a pretty big backstage area one green room and another dressing room It is a nice open air theater. Especially here in the New York area. Keep in mind it's inside prospect Park which also will add to any parking or crowds

I attended my first concert at the Prospect Park Bandshell recently. We got tickets to see Janelle Monáe and the iconic Grace Jones. I had an incredible time and learned more about the space. I was told that there are a lot of free shows throughout the summer, which is really cool. This show, however, was ticketed. Some of us assumed the ticketed portion would have seats, but we were more on the grass side (which was fine, but next time we will be better prepared with lawn chairs). For those going here for a show, you cannot bring any liquids inside, not even water, but you can bring water bottles to fill up while you're in the park. There were plenty of food vendors, cocktail vendors, and portable restrooms. The lines were very long for the drinks, but because the venue is an open space I did not miss a minute of the show while waiting to get some wine. I'll definitely be back for more shows throughout the summer.

I went to BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn at the Lena Horne Bandshell, Brooklyn, New York for a summer concert this past weekend. The concert was amazing, so many people, the ambiance felt just right for a Saturday night in Brooklyn. I would recommend coming here for a concert. They have food and drinks available for purchase. It's also near the F and G trains. I had a blast here last weekend and I wanted to share my experience here with others. I saw still woozy he gave such a great show. He had so much energy. I can't wait to come back here for another event.

I've come to many shows at this location. And they can be absolutely amazing. The sound is great and the lighting department does a fantastic job with all the productions? The only set of staff less left to be less than desired is those who handle the seating, especially the Ada seating with many being incredibly rude and dismissive. In the future I'd like to see a little more variety in the food offerings as well.

No place beats NYC (Brooklyn-specifically) for free high-quality outdoor performances. I've seen so many spectacular shows here. It's open public space. Choose green grass and BYORefreshments and a chair/ blanket to sit on, alternatively, there are food kiosks, water stations and tons of seats if you prefer to pack light. This is a win-only situation. So if you're in town, swing by. Nearby: Central Library, Prospect Park Zoo

We loved BRIC at the bandstand with Trish and Adrien the music was great and the bandshell traditional but with a nice area for blankets chairs. Plenty of shade but it was an evening event. We had a lovely dinner near by and our family was pleased to spend such quality time with a multi cultural exposure. Go and see a show for your self!

Free Reggae concert and or by donation what is better on a beautiful Brooklyn Night. #SaturdayVibes

Had a wonderful time at the show. Third World is still amazing! Did not purchase any food or drinks, but from what I observed, everyone seemed to enjoy the offerings

Always phenominal, and the seating is on a slight hill, so you can picnic and still have a view in stadium type lawn seating. I prefer shows here over Central Park soundstage. It is so relaxing and enjoyable here!

Who doesn't love a great out door concert! I look forward to summertime because of all the outdoor activities and most of them I attend are FREE! This was the night Gary Clark Jr performed and he was FABULOUS! Words can't even describe the true talents and sound that this Guitarist has! Spectacular evening, sorry I didn't have photos to share but forgot my battery and phone ran out of juice! Check him out if you are not familiar with him. He's like a mixture of Blues, Rock, Soul, Funk...

I came here two nights in a row... just because, it's summer! Both nights we were entertained with great music and a great crowd. Child-friendly (one evening I met up with a friend with two young kids) and people are very chill. A few things to note, although this may sound repetitive and similar to other reviews: If you are set on sitting on the lawn (not by the chairs or standing area up front), bring a blanket! Or else, be prepared for your bottom to be covered with dirt or wet from the grass. No glass or cans allowed! But that doesn't mean you can't bring alcohol. One night I brought rosé in plastic bottles. There are options for food but not the best in my opinion. We brought our own food and enjoyed a picnic dinner! It gets crowded so if you want good seats, be there early. Even if you go later after work hours you will be able to find a spot somewhere between the spaces. It may just not be the best view!

Events likes these are big reasons why summers in NY are the best, and why I love Brooklyn so much. Came here with my roommate for a free/donation only Lucinda Williams show and had a blast. The crowd is super chill and laid back. Even if you don't come for the music, it's a great place to just to spread out on the grass, hangout, picnic, etc. Ambiance is great at night, with lights strung out amongst the canopy of trees. You can bring in your own food (but no drinks/beverages/bottles). Drinks can be purchased within the venue - and although not cheap, reasonable for NY standards (beer/wine for like $8). Sound is pretty good too, even if you're sitting in the back. Very impressed with how organized everything was, and how friendly all the staff were. Getting in and out of the venue was a cinch. Music line-up is usually impressive each year...I already can't wait for the Sylvan Esso show and the Punch Brothers show later this season!

Here at the BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn Event @ Prospect Park Bandshell is where I am currently enjoying watching the Rachid Taha/ Krar Collective perform...The show is fantastic! Celebrate Brooklyn Events are all at the Prospect Park Bandshell and these free concerts run through the months of June, July and August. When I got here for the Rachid Taha/ Krar Collective performance, I was pleasantly surprised to see no crowds or long lines to get into the venue. I was able to proceed into the show once the a staff person checked my bag. Staff are kind and helpful. I was able to purchase a delicious hamburger for $7 (although I would have liked more of a food selection which is why I gave them a 4 out of 5 stars...I really had my heart set on eating a hot dog ) and a bottle of iced tea for $3. The venue is spacious and they provide plenty of seating for everyone. There was also a cool raffle in which they picked some winners and gave them African music cd's as prizes! I liked the fact that there are great events like these in which one is able to have a good time and also support the arts!

Summertime in Brooklyn is the best time of year. So why not celebrate it with a concert in Prospect Park!? I attended my very first Celebrate Brooklyn event last night to hear the lovely sounds of Rhiannon Giddens and had a fantastic time. A few things to note if you're going to attend the next concert: - The Bandshell is located on the west side of the park and there was surprisingly a good amount of parking along Prospect Park West. F/G trains are close by though if you are subway ridin'. - Entrance to the event is free but donations are welcome. Be a good sport and donate the [minimum] $3 a person - it's a small amount to pay for such a great show. - Food and bottles of water are permitted into the event but should you forget to bring something then there are several options available. Drinks started at $2 (water bottles) and went up to $8 (glass of wine). - Bring something to sit on. The ground is uneven and has several dirt patches...so a blanket, towel, or chair is necessary - your bum will thank you. - Despite the trees throughout the area there are plenty of great spots to sit to see the stage. Sound is great in the area too... so there really isn't bad seat on the lawn to see the show. If you haven't gone and celebrated Brooklyn there's still time - the schedule says there are 8 more shows this summer. Grab a blanket. Pack a picnic. See you guys next weekend?

i saw phoebe bridgers in concert here last june and it was literally the best night of my life omg- id do anything to go back to that night !

I love these concert series. They are a great way to enjoy the pleasure of live music for free. There is a suggested donation of $3 at the gate and I gladly give. Idk how anyone could complain about that considering we'd have to fork over major bucks to see these artists elsewhere. They have lots of security, NYPD officers. There's usually one or two shops selling products fitting for the event but not necessarily goods that represent Celebrate Brooklyn itself. One was a simple t shirt shop. There's a decent selection of beers for sale. Not that bad for a concert venue. Price wss ok. Don't miss it. Shows usually run from 7/7:30 to around 10:30.

What an amazing venue. We were in the city for the weekend and decided to check out the concert at the Celebrate Brooklyn Festival. For a $5 donation we got an evening full of entertainment. The concert started off with Mamie Minch a Brooklyn blues musician. Enjoyed her music, she is a modern day old soul. Next up Sierra Hull and Justin Moses from Nashville, TN a Bluegrass Roots duo. Sierra is a great mandolin player. The top talent for the night was Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, a top Bluegrass Band. They were amazing. Amazing night of music for $5. The crowd was laid back and they were their to enjoy the music and the night. There are food vendors and drinks available for sale. If you don't want to pay the $5, you can set up chairs and blankets, behind the fenced in area and still enjoy the music. If I lived in Brooklyn, I would be at everyone of these shows, such a great way to experience different genres of music, celebrate Brooklyn, and enjoy the Summer in Prospect Park!

Saw a show at Prospect Park Bandshell on Saturday evening. A beautiful space that can host smaller shows for a more intimate crowd. Quality: Hard to complain about a free concert in a nice arena on a perfect evening. The Prospect Park Bandshell is set up well to provide good views of the stage regardless of where you settle in. They also host several food and drink stands along the outside edges. The sound system was solid, though a larger screen to show close-ups would be nice. Quantity: The arena can host around 7,000 guests. Value: Tickets depend on the event, but we went for a free concert. Ambiance: Prospect Park Bandshell sits on the west side of Prospect Park, towards the middle. It is a mid-size music venue, that can host around 7,000 people. The stage has rows of chairs that surround the bottom of the bowl, then a grassy area at the top. Trees and plant life are built into the arena, making it feel like a true part of the park. They have concessions and merchandise set up along the outer edges, which prevents interference with the show. It is a wonderful venue for a summer show. Crowd: A good crowd showed up for the free concert series. The front area quickly filled up, but there was plenty of space on the outer grass section. Service: Security kept things moving quick to get concert-goers into the arena and they had a ton of porta-pottys, so no bathroom lines. The only issue was the food and drink lines, which were long, and confusing as to what was offered and available. Parking: Tough to find a spot along the park when an event is happening.

been here a couple of times this summer. you can park out back and hangout in the lawn and bring your own food and drinks save for cans and glass. just a cool place to be. there are some obstructions like trees and the soundboard if you in the lawn area so be mindful of that. you can make a day of it in the park by playing in the ball fields, bbqing or having a picnic and then coming over here for a summer concert, most of which are free. one negative is that it is a little tough to hangout here if it rains. no real places to hide! so pack an umbrella or rain coat if the skys are grey!

Celebrate Brooklyn is a great summer tradition. I had not been in a couple of years, and I was impressed by the upgrades. With a bike valet, food by The Farm on Adderley, and an Etsy merch stand, Celebrate Brooklyn is everything about our borough that is both loved and mocked. For most shows, there is a small section of seating that is reserved for members and a general admission standing area close to the stage. If the idea of standing on sloped concrete for hours amid the teeming horde doesn't appeal to you, you're in luck. There's a spacious lawn beyond. Bring your folding chairs, have a picnic and sip your contraband artisanal cocktails, my friends. I chose the lawn and had a fantastic meal from The Farm on Adderley stand, located south of the stage. I had a cucumber, olive and pistachio salad and a bowl of cooked Swiss chard with tofu and pickled peppers. I also sampled some of the hubs' cheddar fries. This was a restaurant quality meal and far better than lugging a picnic basket. Yes, you can bring food if you want to. No, you cannot bring in any glass bottles or cans, but you can bring a water bottle (wink wink). I remembered waiting half an hour for the bathroom last time I was there and I was dreading it when the time came, but to my surprise, it was not bad. There was a fairly long line for the porta johns, but when I went into the actual women's room between bands, it was completely empty, a concert first for me. Overall, this is a great outdoor venue and it's something I look forward to every summer. If it's a free show, bring a few bucks to donate to BRIC on the way in. Their volunteers do a great job of handling the crowds.

My review isn't for the concert I went to (which was amazing) but for the location itself. I did love how quickly you got in and the staff at the front seemed very friendly, including the security guard who was a big Doctor Who fan and loved my Tardis backpack I had with me. However, once you were in, you were stuck (went to a paid benefit concert, not one of the free shows). There was no re-entry no matter what they said yet the women's bathroom pointed to go back OUTSIDE. So they had about 10 porta johns set up but the line got ridiculous during the show. There is only one area of the lawn that was properly sloped a la stadium style seating. While the rest was pretty even ground. Ugh. And a lot of spots were obstructed by trees. Also, a lot of people crowded behind the reserved seats standing so you can't see the band if you actually want to sit at your picnic blanket and enjoy yourself. You have to stand up and move up. Beers are $7-$8. Meh. Wine is $8. There was food but that's on the other side and I wasn't hungry. All cash only. There are spots that definitely do this better than they do with better slopes so you can see the stage. Not sure I'd hit up another concert here.

Awesome, fun, free concerts. A lot of great acts come through here, so keep an eye on the schedule! (If you missed Jason Isbell on 7/24/15, I feel sad for you. He was fantastic.) While the inside of the bandshell has the up-close views plus the drinks/merchandise, I personally prefer sitting on the outside just across the park road at the crest of the hill. You don't get a clear view of the stage, but the sound is perfect, you can set up your own little picnic, and then enjoy people-watching the rollerskaters and insane bicyclists rolling by during the show. Highly recommended for a chill summer night.

I usually come to one or two shows a year. If I lived in Brooklyn, I would come more often. Its always long line but it moves fast. You can bring in our own food, just no glass containers. Bring a blanket or chair because the seating fills up quick. I was lucky to get TD bank VIP pass! Free food and drinks. If you love music and live in BK or don't mind traveling there, I would recommend a membership!

I would have to say that Prospect Park is my favorite venues in NYC to see an outdoor concert. Been here many times over the years. Seen TV On The Radio, The National, and just last night, Sufjan Stevens. Normally I hate outdoor shows because the sound is usually horrible but that's not the case with this park. The sound quality actually impressed me. What's also great about this place is that you can bring a blanket to sit down and relax while hearing great music. It's not like Central Park summerstage where you have to stand for the rest of your life crammed in with sweaty people. Sometimes the line to get in can be long and wraps around the park but I actually timed it out. It came to about a 5 min wait to get to the entrance, so it moved pretty quickly. Another thing that is pretty key is that security is extremely cool. As long as you transfer beverages into plastic bottles they let you sneak in with whatever liquids you care to bring in as long as you're not blantantly obvious. Hint hint, to all the wine lovers out there. Just don't roll in there with a Nicholas Cage, Leaving Las Vegas, shopping cart full of the hard stuff. Celebrate Brooklyn in Prospect Park has yet to disappoint me. Aside from a few chatterboxes that have the night out because they were able to find a baby sitter, Prospect Park makes any concert experience a good one.

A $3 donation for hours of live music? How could anyone not have a blast either right in front of the stage grooving in your seat, or dancing on the grass with others swaying to the beat? And why, oh why, did I wait so long to enjoy Celebrate Brooklyn? Well, better late than never, right? From approximately 6 PM to 10 PM, in Prospect Park's Bandshell, bands and musicians of various genres perform in front of a packed park where people bring food and drinks and have a picnic while listening to great live music. As for the bathrooms... uh.... that's a misnomer- the only "bathrooms" are porta-potties. Celebrate Brooklyn is long over, but that doesn't mean I can't start counting down the days until next summer- and the next Celebrate Brooklyn event. I am so proud of living in Brooklyn!

Terrible sound, packed with douchebros who talked over what little of the music we could hear, and my spouse caught COVID (probably from the douchebros). Zero stars!

Free concerts? Yes please. Wait. Suggested donation a few bucks. Worth it. Yes. Two musical acts. Free air and stars. No booze inside venue. Take a picnic and invite some friends. Check web for acts. Repeat.

Free concerts and you can donate if you want to a good cause. If you missed out on this particular show, you're crazy!! I went to the Janelle Monae show yesterday, it was packed but I sure as hell didn't mind cause I got to see one of the best performers to hit the scene in the last five years. The line for the show went through the park and around the block, twice but it started moving once the gates opened. They do the typical searches for glass bottles, and other banned goods although people snuck in weed and the typical hipster moonshine mix in a milk bottle or whatever they can carry. Janelle puts on a great show, lights smoke, good music had everyone dancing and singing. Even Mayor DeBlasio and his family came out to represent. My feet were hurting but damn I had a wavy time. Heard JLo had some show in the BX. If you was dumb enough to go to that one and miss this, shame on you. They host a variety of acts on designated days so check online to see who's coming. And if you go please donate so that BRIC can keep providing free shows to the awesome boro that is Brooklyn. That is all.

I love a free concert in the park. BUT, you have to know what you're getting yourself into and come prepared. We sit just outside the fenced area where you can still see the stage. This way we can set up whenever we want. Downside is quick access to the bathroom. However, whether you are inside or out, it's best to bring some low back chairs and blankets. Also, beer/wine is $9 in the concert area...not sure if you can bring your own. So, another plus to sitting outside is you can bring your own food/drink. I'm giving it 5 stars, and it rained last night!!

Seating! They have seats here! I've been here a few times for shows and no matter where you are, you'll have a good view of the stage. The sound system isn't the best, but it works. Just watch out for when it rains!

My companion for the night shelled out 100 bucks for us to see the concert. It was/is her favorite band. We were situated on the grass and could not see the musicians nor did the park have a big screen or projector or the like to make the performance visible to the croud. At the end when everything was winding down and a large percentage of people left we went to the stage and enjoyed seeing the band play their last number for the evening. To sum up and clarify. The park does not make concerts worth going to.

Eeeeeh for a free show maybe - but not paid. The place is just run down. It needs a major overhaul. The seats were gross, rusting with paint flaking off (If I wore nice pants I would have had to stand in GA). They are also small and very close to each other (closer than a coach flight), add in the summer heat and I hope you like swapping sweat with the people next to you. The GA section was a mess. Barely any grass. The bars had janky wooden platforms to stand on since they were also a muddy mess. The beer/food was typical overpriced and small portion festival food. $8 for a cup of Broccoli? Get the fuck 'outta here. A small burger fries and a drink would be over $20. Thankfully the sound was good, and the show I saw was incredible, but the venue sucks.

Tradition...tradition!!! Celebrate Brooklyn has been a part of my life since I was a wee thing and had just moved to Brooklyn. Living across from the park in Windsor Terrace made it easy for my parents to schlep us to the bandshell so they could indulge in nearly free ($3.00) concerts. Basically, I was hugely spoiled by the variety of music I was able to take in. I've seen everyone from the New Pornographers to Vusi Mahlasela, peed in my pants because I drank too much iced tea when I was 7, ran around capturing fire flies and cicada shells while I was little and bored. The events they hold are so diverse that I can guarantee that you'll see someone you LOVE on the lineup. I don't even really bother checking because I'm SURE that even if I've never heard of the acts, they're going to kick some mayjuh bootay. If you're really cunning and do not want to spend $6.00 on Budweiser (who does?!?!?!), it's not too hard to smuggle in your own alcoholic beverages. In addition, you can bring a lovely picnic (leave the glass at home) to enjoy while you take in the miraculous beats, be it Aterciopelados (REPRESENT!!) or Deer Tick. The benefit concerts they hold are usually spectacular, despite the fact that after going to the same place for $3.00 it seems like highway robbery. I saw Animal Collective here and it was probably the most amazing live show I have EVER, ever seen. The atmosphere was just *perfect*, the aromas of summer (and weed, and cigarettes) were all around. I think it is definitely worth the price when you know that you're supporting an amazing cause that gives so much to the people of New York City. HIT. IT. UP.

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.

Free concerts in the park are something that makes Brooklyn in the summer worth it. I generally come and sit outside of the actual fenced in area. It is farther from the hoards of people, you can bring a picnic and beverages without any issue and you can bring your dogs. It isn't technically a part of the bandshell, but you will see that a lot of people opt for the rogue seating since it is way more low key. They put up a black piece of fabric for the paid concerts, so you can't see in well, but if the band isn't a huge deal to you, you can still enjoy the music. I would recommend going in for your favorite acts, but if you want a more casual park jaunt that happens to have music, totally sit outside. It isn't that much different than inside.

It's a recommended $3 donation for an outdoor concert (pay as you wish). This venue is pretty cool. My favorite part is the trees swaying behind the lawn could be heard rustling during the lulls in music. Music in a park is a quite relaxing experience. Green metal chairs are provided if you're waiting in line early enough to snag them which is likely more than an hour, an hour I think was worth spending to get the quality view. Otherwise bring a blanket for the lawn which is rather sandy, and don't expect to see much at all. Doors opened very prompt 6:30. Set time may all be subject to variation but based on my experience they held to the announced set times very strictly, which were conveniently tweeted before the show @CelebrateBklyn. I like this, because not all venues provide this accurately enough for a concertgoer to properly plan travel. The show I saw wrapped up around 10:30. It is somewhat hard to see (or hear) from the lawn due to rows of metal chairs in front of you, the chatter, and lack of elevation. Food was a-ok, provided by local farm-to-fork eateries. $6 (or 3 for $16) for sliders and salads that were not the most filling but adequate in a pinch. I wish there were a bigger option than sliders, so if you're really hungry, expect to pay $16 for a full meal and $8 for a beverage, or $2 for soda, or BYO water. You cannot bring your own food into the venue, though I have seen people smuggle goldfish and other small snacks.

It's pretty fun, I like that the shows are free but the lines are out of control. If you get in line at a certain point, the staff tells you "well you MIGHT get in... right before the show ends." Seems silly. I also always bring my own food in because the food lines stay long the whole night through, unlike the beer line. These shows also become a huge cloud of pot smoke, as I guess it becomes a no-enforcement type zone. I guess that comes with it.

I think I would give the Prospect Park Bandshell at least 4 stars if I had come to see a free concert and left all aglow from seeing one of my favorite bands for free. The place hosts a lot of great acts for free (with just a small suggested donation), but I was here last week for Belle & Sebastian and Yo La Tengo, which was one of the paid shows that help to support the rest of the free shows. The concert itself was worth every penny - Belle & Sebastian is one of my all-time favorite bands, and I had been waiting to see them live for years. The venue, on the other hand, was just OK and left a little to be desired. The sound quality was good, and the stage was at a good height and angle to see everything, but the place got really crowded. I looked around during the concert and realized there wasn't any space to move. Granted, it was a hot and humid evening, but it was packed to the point that I felt like I couldn't breathe. On our way here, we had walked through a lot of Prospect Park to get to the bandshell entrance. The park itself is huge, so I don't understand why the blocked-off bandshell area can't be just a bit bigger. Because so many people were packed in, there didn't seem to be enough porto potties, and the lines for both the porto potties and the beverages got pretty long at times. On the brighter side, the beverage tent had $2 waters and straw-ber-itas for the same price as beer which I think was around $8.

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.

I have been going for yearsssssssssssss...... By far one of the coolest venues to see some amazing artists/performances for dirt cheap or free.... My rules for you.... Yes - please donate at the gate.. it's your donations that keep these shows alive and well... give $3..give $5.. give $1.... it all helps... Please eat from the vendors... usually they have some great choices.. I love Two Boots... :)...but if not.. bring your own small bites Bring a great blanket/ sheet/ yoga mat to sit on...if you don't get there on time..and the seats are filled up... plus its more enjoyable to cop a squat and spread out.... (and please don't step on my blanket!!!).. and please be courteous to others when getting up and walking around... because you're blocking my view...... ;) Please pick up your garbage.. this is my park... your park...and we'd like to keep it nice and clean for your next visit..right? Check the online schedule...or join their mailing list...so you'll always be in the know...of what's going on... I look forward to getting my catalouge.. so I can check off which shows I want to hit up.... Enjoyyyyyyyyyyyy..... and come back next year ;)

After one year of living in Brooklyn, I finally took part in my first Celebrate Brooklyn concert last night and it was amazing. My friend Julie invited Cailyn and I to join her to see Passion Pit, one of the bands she knows I like. As she likes to say, she knows my kind of music :). Cailyn and I walked from my apartment to the 9th street entrance at Prospect Park West to meet Julie who was coming from covering a B.O.B event, she works in the music industry. As we were walking, and even as Julie was coming over to meet us we were bombarded by scalpers selling tickets outside the show. One would think this is convenient but if you bought a fake ticket, you're kinda screwed since after your bags are checked at the security check point, they officially scan your ticket. I'd definitely buy online. Once inside, the space was crowded but not so packed that you couldn't move. We headed over to the food and drinks to grab some sustenance before the show. The drink line moved quickly and the prices were reasonable. $2 for smart water, $3 for vitamin water, $6 for beer depending on what you got. The food was another story. While standing in line, the 3 of us realized the sandwich board was gone (sad face) but you could get a picnic dinner for about 8 bucks. They also had individual rice dishes ranging from $4-6. When you reach the counter, people are there to take your order and hand you a slip with your selections circled. They grab your dish for you and you move up the line to pay. Cailyn got the West Indian Vegetable Curry and I got the Indiana Red Beans and Rice with Jalapeno corn bread. Cailyn's dish was definitely better than mine with more flavor. My corn bread was dry and the Indiana Red Beans and Rice was just okay. After our meal we grabbed a few drinks and waited for Passion Pit to start. FYI, it's cash only. We admired and were really surprised (in a good way) by the diversity among the group there to see Passion Pit. We expected to be the oldest ones there among 16 year olds but, there was a pretty good amount of age diversity in the crowd. Plus points so we didn't feel so ancient! Passion Pit was amazing, their stage stood in the middle of an amphitheater type slope. Being the tiny thing I am, standing on the slope definitely helped with my viewing but the music was so good, you didn't really need to see. Mid concert, Julie ran to meet some friends and we bumped into my friend Marjana by chance. It's funny who you'll see at events. NYC is such a small town. After 2 1/2 hours of music and fun, it was time to head back to my apartment to make fun of The Hills and chill. Exiting the park was a bit of a zoo but that was to be expected. When exiting we passed by the bathrooms which I always try to address in my reviews. They were the standard port-o-potty deal and had an overpowering cleaner scent that was masking the stench of poo. Kinda gross so good thing I live near by! 15 minutes later and a stroll on the new sparkly bike path we were home with an awesome concert under our belts. Smiles all around.

For the past several summers I've been hitting up the free concert series here, and have to say its been a great experience. Each summer I'll check the listings and choose a couple I want to check out. I've had the opportunity to see some pretty great acts most recently Ghostface and the year before Raekwon. They have a bunch of different artists and bands each summer, my friend saw David Byrn here and said it was incredible. I would suggest getting there early if its someone who is going to draw a large crowd. If not, you might find your self on the wrong side of the chain link fence. Performers usually start going on stage around 7 or 8, so you'll want to get there around 4:30. Thats when the massive line starts forming. Beer is fairly priced, eight bucks will get you a 16oz can. Pretty good when you think about it. Admission is free after all. Food wise you may want to eat before you get there. The food is quality, just not the best quantity. Overall a really cool venue.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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!