Courtesy the Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade
Launch into summer: 15 thing to do this Memorial Day Weekend
Giant flowers to fill Montague Street and brats to fill your bellies at Cyclones Park's new brunch. Plus, roll-bounce to Beyoncé!
The weather has been a bit bipolar lately, but that’s not the case this weekend: Memorial Day is forecast to have a high of 75! The beaches are officially open! So let’s get outside because this Memorial Day Weekend is shaping up to be a great one.
Make summer memories at the Beyoncé roller disco on Friday night at LeFrak Center at Lakeside Prospect Park. Our beaches reopen for the summer on Saturday and you can celebrate the Brooklyn Bridge’s 140th birthday with a guided tour. The Cyclones debut their new rooftop boozy brunch on Sunday with views of Coney Island. And last but not least, the 156th Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade is on Monday morning and you can slay the boots down house at House of Yes that afternoon.
Here are our picks of the long weekend litter:
Friday, May 26
Beyoncé Dreamland Roller Disco
7 to 10 p.m.
We can’t think of a better kick-off to summer than an old school roll-bounce. The LeFrak Center at Lakeside Prospect Park’s summer skate series begins tonight with Bey bops. The center transforms into an immersive roller skating experience that will transport you into a fabulous retro roller disco dreamland. Over the summer you can expect tunes from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s, with a red carpet to take pics for the ‘gram. All ages. 171 East Drive. Tickets are $27.
‘RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars’ viewing party
8 p.m.
Just when you thought it was safe to turn off the TV, RuPaul is back with “All Stars” Season 8. C’mon Everybody shows new episodes every Friday night in the front bar and lounge, so grab your girlies, gays, and theys to see if Jimbo and her giant, fake boobs will conquer the season like she’s conquered the internet. 21+. 325 Franklin Avenue. Free.
The Rodeo Rave
11 p.m.
The Rodeo Rave is a modern country rave coming to The Meadows on Friday night. This Country Music DJ dance party spins all the hits and deep cuts from your favorite country artists, including Shania Twain, Kacey Musgraves, Luke Bryan, and the queen herself, Dolly Parton. Boot scoot your way over for one hell of a night. 21+. 17 Meadow Street.
Saturday, May 27
Brooklyn Beaches reopen for summer
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through September 10
The Brighton, Coney Island, and Manhattan beaches reopen on Saturday for the summer. During beach season, lifeguards are on site from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and swimming isn’t permitted before or after they’re on duty. Our beaches are open through Labor Day weekend, so soak up the sun while you can. Text BEACH to 55676 to receive real-time opening, closing, and water quality information. Get in there before it gets gross.
Brooklyn Museum Pop-up Market
10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., every Sunday through mid-November
Brooklyn Pop-up kicks off the season this Saturday — note that this has been rescheduled from Sunday this week only — for a weekly artisan market with 30-plus vendors at Brooklyn Museum. Hosted at the museum’s front plaza, this year the pop-up expands its food offerings and will offer new activations and other initiatives to bring Brooklyn together. This week, Brooklyn Magazine editor Brian Braiker will be the afternoon’s DJ, which we’re not sure is an enticement or deterrent. 200 Eastern Parkway. Free.
The Brooklyn Bridge Turns 140!
Anniversary walk from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The iconic Brooklyn Bridge is turning 140, and to celebrate, there’s a guided tour of the bridge on Saturday morning. The day begins with a short history lesson about the bridge’s innovative design and how it changed the Brooklyn landscape forever. Next, you’ll stroll to the Brooklyn Bridge tower. The tour is designed for children and families but all can attend. RSVP’s are highly recommended and the tour begins at the Emily Warren Roebling Plaza and will be fully outside. Free.
Montague Street Blooms
12 to 6 p.m.
Tiptoe through the tulips and other giant flowers at Montague Street Blooms, a 6-foot tall pop-up flower park installation presented by the Montague Street Business Improvement District. Created by artist Piera Bonerba, owner of Le Meraviglie Art Studio, and artist Emanuele Simonelli, this magical pop-up will bloom during Open Streets on Montague Street every Saturday in June and July (except June 10), between Henry and Hicks Streets in Brooklyn Heights.
Music For The Masses: Dark ’80s New Wave Nite
11 p.m.
Brooklyn’s favorite New Wave party returns from the ashes of winter on Saturday. Alex English and Andi play all the dark 80s new wave tunes you love by Depeche Mode, New Order, Joy Division, The Cure, Sisters Of Mercy, and even more than we can possibly list. Put on your black eyeshadow and head over to Saint Vitus Bar because Heaven Knows (You’re) Miserable. 21+. 1120 Manhattan Avenue. Tickets are $17.
Sunday, May 28
Rooftop Brunch & Baseball at Cyclones Park
1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
The Brooklyn Cyclones debuted a brand-new rooftop boozy brunch for the 2023 season that promises stunning views. Guests will be able to see the ballgame, the ocean, and Coney Island while noshing on brunch and quaffing unlimited beer, mimosas and Bloody Marys. Brunch starts at 1:30 p.m. (game time is 2 p.m.) and includes breakfast breads and spreads, fruit, yogurt, Cyclones brunch sliders, and hashbrown potatoes. 1904 Surf Avenue Brooklyn. Tickets are $71.
MDW at Harriet’s Rooftop
3 to 10 p.m.
Harriet’s Rooftop at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge kicks off the summer season this weekend with Hot Honey Sundays. They’re bringing the community together on Sunday to sip, sway, and socialize. Hot Honey Sundays amplify the voice of the local arts and entertainment community, and this week’s performers include DJs Deo’Jorge, JKriv, Anna Collecta, and special guest Justin Strauss. Tickets are $23.
The Day Party celebrates year five
3 to 11 p.m.
The Day Party is an annual, urban cultural arts event filled with live music, performances, art, and a rotation of DJs spinning throughout the day. They’re celebrating their fifth anniversary with a stacked summer concert lineup at the new Brooklyn Boardwalk, starting with A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie headlining on Sunday. Their can’t-miss Memorial Day Weekend concert will also feature sets from DJ Clue, DJ Spade, and special guests. Food and drinks will be available to purchase on-site from a half dozen diverse food vendors. 3027 W. 15th Street. Tickets are $45.
Monday, May 29
Memorial Day Ceremony at Cypress Hills National Cemetery
11 a.m.
Cypress Hills National Cemetery honors those who have fallen in service to our country at this public Memorial Day commemoration ceremony hosted by the Department of Veteran’s Affairs. Cypress joins more than 130 of our national cemeteries this Memorial Day weekend in remembering their sacrifices. 625 Jamaica Avenue.
Brooklyn’s 156th Memorial Day Parade
11 a.m.
The United Military Veterans of Kings County’s 156th Memorial Day Parade takes place on Monday in Bay Ridge. The route goes from 78th Street and Third Avenue, then runs to John Paul Jones Park on 101st Street and Fourth Avenue. The parade includes a memorial service with a 21-gun Salute by the Veteran Corps of Artillery and a performance of “Taps.” Click here for route details.
Memorial Day concert at Green-Wood Cemetery
2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Green-Wood’s beloved Memorial Day concert returns for its 23rd year. Bring your blanket, a picnic, and some friends for a somber-yet-joyful commemoration of Memorial Day. Green-Wood welcomes the talented high-school musicians of the ISO at Third Street Symphonic Band, led by music director Paul Corn and hosted by guest conductor Brian P. Worsdale for this year’s performance. 500 25th Street. Free with a $10 suggested donation.
Memorial Day at House of Yes
3 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Shake off the weightiness of Memorial Day at House of Yes! Come shine in the sunshine with delicious chillness, hot snaxxx, sweet music, and dirty dancing. The party lasts nine hours with indoor or outdoor options and good times for all. There’s pool party surprises, shenanigans, and games by clowns, freaks, and queens. 2 Wyckoff Avenue. Tickets are $12.