Ditmas Park Events Spotlight Plus: August 29–September 5
Whether you’re looking to party at the annual Caribbean Day parade and festival, catch an outdoor movie, or birdwatch — this is your spot for the best events in (and immediately around) Ditmas Park. In honor of the upcoming holiday weekend, here is your extended weekday and weekend events listing — and stay tuned for our full guide to Labor Day on Thursday. If you have an event to share, email us at editor@ditmasparkcorner.com.
Annual New York Caribbean Carnival & West Indian-American Day Parade
When: Various times from Thursday, September 1 to Monday, September 5.
Where: Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway.
What: The annual New York Caribbean Day festival kicks off with events on Thursday, and culminates in the famed West Indian Day Parade on Monday, September 5 (Labor Day). Pre-parade events include live music on Thursday, September 1; a free College Fair on Friday, September 2; an all night brass fest beginning on Friday, September 2; and a Junior Carnival and Parade on Saturday, September 3. Check out the full events listings for more info.
How Much: Pay per event, but the parade is free to attend.
Comedy at Bar Chord
When: Monday, August 29 at 9pm.
Where: Bar Chord, 1003 Cortelyou Road between Coney Island Avenue and Stratford Road.
What: Check out the best local comedy at this monthly show, hosted by Brandon Scott Wolf. Also, if you’re looking for some live music when everything else is closed for Labor Day, check Bar Chord’s full schedule this week and weekend!
How Much: Free show, but don’t forget the drinks at the bar.
Outdoor Movies: Barbershop The Next Cut at Amersfort Park
When: Tuesday, August 30 at 7pm (movie begins at sundown).
Where: Amersfort Park, 1041 East 38th Street between Avenues I and J.
What: Free summer movies outdoors ends on a high note, with Barbershop: The Next Cut on a beautiful Tuesday evening. Join Council Member Jumaane Williams and Assembly Member Nick Perry for refreshments, live music and contests. For more info, email Farah Louis at flouis@council.nyc.gov.
How Much: Free
Outdoor Movies: The Taking of Pelham One Two Three in Kensington
When: Thursday, September 1 at 9:30pm.
Where: Avenue C Plaza, the corner of McDonald Avenue and Avenue C in Kensington.
What: Celebrate the end of summer with the first outdoor movie screening at the plaza, featuring The Taking of Pelham One Two Three. There will be seating for 50 people, so it might be best to BYOC if you’re going to be late. Note: This movie is rated R, so make it a date-night. Special thanks to the Kensington Stewards!
How Much: Free
Q Train: Ditmas Park’s only Queer Party
When: Thursday, September 1 starting at 7pm.
Where: Sycamore Bar, 1118 Cortelyou Road between Stratford and Westminster Roads.
What: The Q Train party returns to Sycamore every first Thursday of the month, this time featuring live outdoor theater The Cross at 7pm, bingo hosted by Ariel Speedwagon at 8pm, DJ Gogo Gadget at 10pm and a late-night “Boylesque” performance by Kevin Klash.
How Much: Free, but don’t forget drinks at the bar.
Majah Hype and friends at the Kings Theater
When: Saturday, September 3 at 8pm.
Where: The Kings Theater, 1027 Flatbush Avenue.
What: Check out this live comedy showcase featuring Majah Hype, Rip Micheals, Mugga, Haitian V, Trixx fr Toronto and entertainers from around the world.
How Much: Tickets start at $40.
Smorgasburg at Prospect Park
When: Sunday, September 4 11am-6pm.
Where: Prospect Park, Breeze Hill (Located near Lakeside and the Lincoln Road entrance).
What: Hungry after a weekend of festival-hopping? Stroll over to Smorgasburg to find 100 vendors and food from all over the world every Sunday at Breeze Hill, located near Lakeside and the park’s Lincoln Road entrance. Find the market on Google Maps here. Presented in partnership with Prospect Park Alliance. Dog friendly.
How Much: Food individually priced.
Pop-Up Audubon Nature Exploration at Prospect Park
When: Sunday, September 4, sessions from 10am to 3pm.
Where: Prospect Park Audubon Center, near the Lincoln Road entrance; additional location at Nethermead field.
What: Come out for a morning of nature events for the whole family at the Audubon Center, including Nature Play at 10am, Discovery Pack at 10am, Blooming Naturalists at 12pm, and Bird Watching at 12pm and another session at 2pm at Nethermead field.
How Much: Free
Labor Day Celebration in Prospect Park
When: Monday, September 5 from 12pm to 5pm.
Where: Prospect Park locations — the Nethermead, the Audubon Center and Lefferts Historic House.
What: Bring the whole family for a day of activities, including a nature exploration, walking tours, and a race around the park. Check out the full schedule for more details.
How Much: Free
Flatbush Food Court on Labor Day
When: Monday, September 5 from 6pm to 10:30pm.
Where: Sycamore Bar, 1118 Cortelyou Road between Stratford and Westminster Roads.
What: Not everything is closed for Labor Day! Come out to Sycamore to enjoy food in the backyard garden, this week featuring high-brow pub grub from a new vendor: The Lovin’ Bite.
How Much: Priced per item.