I went to grab a cup of coffee down the block this afternoon and came back with a sunburnt nose, so while we keep harping on the fact that summer’s almost here, IT REALLY IS ALMOST HERE. And with that in mind, Brooklyn Bridge Park’s released their full free summer lineup — we were already pretty pumped for free movies like Roman Holiday and Rocky, but now the Free Stuff Season’s just looking better and better. Here are a few gratis events of note:
CITY OF WATER DAY: It turns out all that water surrounding New York isn’t really just some huge toxic puddle waiting to swallow us all. Or, maybe it is, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t play in it from time to time. On July 20th, the city will celebrate all that water by offering free kayaking and other fun H20-based activities by the Pier 2 waterfront.
FREE SHAKESPEARE: Don’t pretend you’re not a lit-nerd. BBP’s bringing you two Shakespeare plays this summer, with A Midsummer Night’s Dream being performed by Theater 2020 from June 7-9, and Much Ado About Nothing being performed by Random Access from June 28-30.
BOOKS BENEATH THE BRIDGE: Last summer, Patti Smith blew my mind by reading a selection of Just Kids, backdropped by the Lower Manhattan skyline at sunset. This series is back again, and bookstores like Word, BookCourt and Powerhouse Arena will be hosting free readings on Monday nights in July and August.
DUMBO ARTS FESTIVAL: Once again, summer’s end will be marked with this arts and culture fest in Dumbo; Participants and installations haven’t been announced yet, but expect a lot of color, and some wacky performances.
ETSY CRAFT PARTY: Instead of ordering a hand-knit artisanal ear warmer online, why not learn to make one yourself? The Brooklyn Etsy crew’s holding a June 20th day of crafting in a warehouse in Dumbo. BYO-twee.
The rest of the events can be found here. See you in Brooklyn Bridge Park, y’all!