There are plenty of ways to soak up some culture with your sunshine this July -- The parks of Brooklyn are filled with free concerts, free outdoor movies, and more, and I've tried to give you at least one great event option for nearly every day of the month. Enjoy!
- Tuesday, July 1
Opera on Tap
Enjoy music under the stars while sipping beer and enjoying food from local purveyors. Opera on Tap, a kid-friendly event, is free.
6pm (kids' show); 8pm (adults' show) in J.J. Byrne Park (across from The Old Stone House in Park Slope)
- Thursday, July 3
International African Arts Festival
This four-day event will feature live music, dance, performance art, and more.
10am to 9pm through July 6, Commodore John Barry Park, Navy Street and Flushing Avene
(718) 638-6700
- Friday, July 4
Happy Fourth of July!
Celebrate Independence Day in Brooklyn with these great Fourth of July events.
- Saturday, July 5
First Saturday at the Brooklyn Museum
This month's theme is "Viva Africa!" Celebrate with a free night of movies, arts, and entertainment.
5pm to 11pm at the Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway
(718) 638-5000
- Sunday, July 6
Brooklyn Cyclones
Nothing says summer like baseball. Watch as Brooklyn's favorite sports team faces off against the Mahoning Valley Scrappers.
5pm in Keyspan Park, 1904 Surf Avenue
- Tuesday, July 8
Summerscreen Opening Party at McCarren Park Pool
This free weekly outdoor movie series kicks off tonight with "Wet Hot American Summer." The event will also feature live music (brought to you by four Brooklyn bands) and food from local restaurants.
Doors open at 4pm, with music until the movie begins at 8pm
McCarren Park Pool in Williamsburg
- Wednesday, July 9
Music at the Bridge
Brooklyn bar Barbès curates performances by Las Rubias del Norte, The Parker String Quartet, and The Mandingo Ambassadors at this free night of music.
6:30pm to 9:30pm at the Tobacco Warehouse at Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park/Brooklyn Bridge Park
- Thursday, July 10
Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival
This annual event kicks off with live music, special (surprise) performances, and more. Tickets are $25.
Concert starts at 9pm (doors open at 8pm).
Brooklyn Masonic Temple, 317 Claremont Avenue
(718) 855-7882
- Friday, July 11
Brazilian Girls in Prospect Park
Expect to hear bossa nova, jazz, rock, and electro beats in this Celebrate Brooklyn performance.
7pm at the Prospect Park Bandshell
- Saturday, July 12
Beth Orton in Prospect Park
British singer-songwriter Beth Orton performs in Prospect Park as part of the Celebrate Brooklyn festival.
7:30pm at the Prospect Park Bandshell
- Sunday, July 13
Murakami at the Brooklyn Museum
This is your last chance to see this Japanese artist's works in Brooklyn. The show, which has been running for the past few months, closes today.
11am to 6pm at the Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway
(718) 399-8440
- Monday, July 14
New York Philharmonic in Prospect Park
In its 44th year, this free concert series hits Prospect Park today with music by Bach, Beethoven, and more.
8pm at the Prospect Park Ballfields
- Tuesday, July 15
Spoon Benefit Show in Prospect Park
Popular band Spoon plays in Prospect Park. Tickets are $35.
Doors open at 5:30pm; show starts at 8pm at the Prospect Park Bandshell
- Wednesday, July 16
311 & Snoop Dogg at Keyspan Park
With special guest Fiction Plane. Tickets are $42.
6pm in Keyspan Park, 1904 Surf Avenue
(718) 449-8497
- Thursday, July 17
BAM Rhythm & Blues Festival at MetroTech ]
Jazz singer Phoebe Snow performs as part of BAM's free summer R&B fest.
12pm at MetroTech, intersection of Flatbush and Myrtle Avenues
(718) 636-4100
- Friday, July 18
Puppet Show for Kids
This free puppet show about the Brooklyn Bridge is for kids and by kids.
11am to 12pm (also on Thursday) at Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park
(718) 802-0603 x12
- Saturday, July 19
Wild Arts Weekend at the Prospect Park Zoo
Get wild with Brooklyn-based artists. Zoo-loving kids will want to be a part of this two-day celebration that involves dancing, arts and crafts, and animals, of course.
Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 5:30pm at the Prospect Park Zoo, 450 Flatbush Avenue
(718) 399-7339
- Sunday, July 20
The Brooklyn Flea
Founded by the same minds behind real estate blog Brownstoner.com, the Brooklyn Flea brings together the city's most popular sellers of vintage goods, clothes, crafts, jewelry, and more.
10am to 5pm at the Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School, 357 Clermont Avenue at Lafayette
- Monday, July 21
Brooklyn Independent Film Series
Watch "Son" and "Chronic Town" at this bimonthly, free independent movie series.
7pm at Barbés, 376 9th Street (at Sixth Avenue)
(718) 965-9177
- Tuesday, July 22
Pig Butchering Class at the Brooklyn Kitchen
Butcher Tom Mylan of Marlow and sons/Diner/Bonita will teach you everything that you ever wanted to know about the pig in this popular class. $75.
6:30pm to 8:30pm at the Brooklyn Kitchen, 616 Lorimer St (718) 389-2982
- Wednesday, July 23
Music at the Bridge
Brooklyn bar Jalopy curates performances by The Wiyos, Rob Reddy's Tenfold, The Otis Brothers, and Al Duvall at this free night of music.
6:30pm to 9:30pm at the Tobacco Warehouse at Empire-Fulton Ferry State Park/Brooklyn Bridge Park
