This post sponsored by The Freedom Party.
In the coming days and weeks, lots of dance parties will claim that they are The Party Of The Summer, but we think The Freedom Party sounds like it’s about to take that crown and run. It already won the Village Voice’s “Best Dance Party 2015” title, and, at 13 years old, is the longest running weekly dance party in NYC. Most recently, it called Brooklyn Bowl and Le Poisson Rouge home, but has just relocated on Saturdays to The Landing in Industry City at (638 Second Ave. in Sunset Park, one stop on the D or N from Atlantic to 36th Street, y’all).
When I asked Matt Kelly, who helps organize the parties for City Farm, what made the party so special, he was quick to say, “the space — it’s the size of a city block.”
It’s outdoors, right on the East River (take a break from Gowanus Canal fumes!), so, “you get a nice breeze off the water,” said Kelly, who’s 31 and lives in Bay Ridge. It also means that there is space to dance without elbows in your face and colliding drinks. The decor is fairly minimal, but modern. Wooden tables with red metal chairs and some industrial detailing throughout make for a chill, summery vibe. The people and the music are all the stimulation necessary! Plus, Brokelyn has a code for discounted tickets for you for every party this summer too.
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The DJs at the Freedom Party are not amateurs by any means. Their three resident DJs (DJ Cosi, DJ Herbert Holler, and DJ Marc Smooth) have been at the Freedom Party helm since its inception. They spin “soulful” hip hop, R&B, reggae, funk, pop, rock, house, 80s and 90s tracks, so there’s definitely something for any party person. Kelly emphasised The Landing’s top-notch sound system that allows you to hear the beats loud and clear no matter where you are within the venue (did I mention this isn’t amateur hour?).
He describes the party vibe as completely unpretentious, with people going crazy on the dance floor and having fun.
“I’m the worst dancer ever and I felt comfortable dancing everywhere,” he said.
Don’t get it twisted though, this is also a party for the dance party connoisseur. They have a proper rubber dance floor, so you can get your groove on for hours without shin splints. Because of the venue size and variety of activities at the party, everyone in your whole crew will find something to like.
The drink selection manages to balance refined choices with the guilty pleasures many of us crave on a hot night out. They have a high-brow selection of craft beers and wine, also feature rotating drafts, and wait for it … frozen margaritas! The bar itself is huge and they even have cocktails on tap, so you won’t have to miss all of “Crazy in Love” to get your Moscow Mule.
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While we at Brokelyn love us some bar popcorn, we appreciate more substantial food options for a night out. Fortunately, The Landing features a special menu by Adam Shepard, chef and owner of Lunetta, a popular Italian destination on Smith Street, who was praised in the New York Times for “stunning,” “worthwhile” and “honest” dishes. The Freedom Party grub is a little more casual, offered by Shepard’s aptly named outpost Dockside. The menu is comprised of meaty dishes like burgers, dogs, and brisket, along with options for the herbivores such as chopped salad, pickled veggies and chips with guac.
So escape the sweaty basement parties and shake your ass off outside at The Freedom Party Every Saturday from 7-12pm.
Brokelyn readers, we got you the hookup for $10 tickets (normally $15) with the code “freedom” when you buy a ticket online — there are a limited number of discounted tickets for every show this summer; check here for the full schedule.
For those seeking the more traditional club experience, there will be bottle service! For more information on VIP party packages and pricing, email info@thelandingbk.com.