The Beach is back: 19 things to do this Memorial Day Weekend

By Joshua Encinias

Memorial Day Weekend ushers in the summer season with events at Coney Island, Governors Island and everywhere in between. Here’s what’s in store for the long weekend:

Governors Island rings in the season on Friday with two weeks dedicated to live music at We Belong Here, a series of 6 concert-driven parties. Vanderbilt Avenue Open Streets is happening all weekend (at various times, see below) and Marxfest jumps from Manhattan to Coney Island for a weekend dedicated to the The Marx Brothers.

Then, the beaches open for the season on Saturday. Make your way to the Brighton, Coney Island or Manhattan beaches for summer sun. If you plan to stay indoors, your kid’s favorite show Bluey is now a stage show and it comes to Kings Theatre on Saturday and Sunday with four performances. Fatboy Slim plays a late set at Knockdown Center on Saturday night.

The Queer Garden Event kicks off a summer of gay old times at Bk Backyard Bar on Sunday. Or you can indulge in the bottomless brunch with The Brooklyn Cyclones.

Monday has a day of flag planting in honor of America’s veterans at Cypress Hills National Cemetery. The borough’s 157th annual Memorial Day Parade steps off in Bay Ridge, and the Brooklyn Night Market comes to Industry City for the foodies among us.

Have a great three-day weekend.

Friday, May 24

‘Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea’
Open from May 24 through September 2
The New York Aquarium is transforming oceanic threats into art with its newest showcase. “Washed Ashore” is not just an exhibit, it’s a call to action that visually narrates the dire impacts of plastic pollution through 35 stunning sculptures made entirely from marine debris. 602 Surf Avenue. The exhibit is included in the cost of admission and prices vary.

We Belong Here: Opening Summer Parties on Governors Island
4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
We Belong Here is a music-driven experience on the historic Governors Island. The event is part of a 6 party series across 2 weekends to celebrate the start of NYC summer. Musicians performing this weekend include Le Youth, Simon Doty, Rinzen, and Exstra. See our Governors Island explainer which includes the best ways to spend 24 hours on the island. Ticket prices vary.

Vanderbilt Avenue Open Streets
Every weekend May through September.
Fridays from 5 to 10 p.m., Saturdays 12 to 10 p.m., and Sundays 12 to 5 p.m.
Vanderbilt Avenue’s Open Streets in Prospect Heights has activities and art for the entire community, including recurring programs like Skate Everything Skate School, Salsa Salsa Dance Studio, Shambhala Yoga & Dance Center, and New York Blood Center blood drives and more. Vanderbilt Avenue between Atlantic Avenue and Park Place. Free.

Marxfest
Friday through Sunday, various times
No, this isn’t celebration of class struggle. After a successful first weekend of Marxfest in Manhattan, this tribute to pioneer comedians The Marx Brothers comes to Coney Island with a cavalcade of stars, and it all takes place mere footsteps from the site of Henderson’s Music Hall, where Harpo Marx made his stage debut in 1908. 1208 Surf Avenue. Individual events cost $25-30 and a weekend pass is $100.

Jenny Slate: A Sneak-Peek of New Writing
7:30 p.m.
Jenny Slate previews her new writing at The Bell House on Friday night. Slate is an actor, comedian, co-creator of “Marcel the Shell,” and New York Times bestselling author of “Little Weirds.” 149 Seventh Street (Between Second and Third Avenues).

‘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 9. C’mon Everybody shows new episodes every Friday night in the front bar and lounge, so grab your girlies, gays, and theys to see the lewks that Jorgeous, Shannel, and the entire cast have in store. 21+. 325 Franklin Avenue. Free.

Saturday, May 25

Brooklyn Beaches reopen for summer
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through September 8
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. Keep an eye out for updates on openings and closings as the city is facing a shortage of necessary lifeguards. Brooklyn’s 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.

Bluey’s Big Play at Kings Theatre
11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday
When Dad feels like a little bit of Sunday afternoon time out, Bluey and Bingo have other plans! Join them as they pull out all of the games and cleverness at their disposal to get Dad off that bean bag. Bluey’s Big Play is a brand-new theatrical adaptation of the Emmy award-winning children’s television series, with an original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, and new music by Bluey composer, Joff Bush. Join the Heelers in their first live theatre show, featuring brilliantly created puppets, this is Bluey as you’ve never seen it before, brought to real life. 1027 Flatbush Avenue. Tickets start at $40.

Pinkster Carnival
12 to 3 p.m.
Discover the history of Pinkster, one of North America’s first African celebrations, at The Wyckoff House Museum on Saturday. The Pinkster Festival is a 350-year-old celebration of music, dance, and other cultural expressions of African heritage. Play with Colonial-era toys and games, explore Wyckoff’s historic house, and hear stories and music from Chief Baba Neil Clarke. Stick around to make some music of your own. 5816 Clarendon Road. Free.

Chromatica Ball Viewing Party
8 p.m.
Calling the Little Monsters: C’mon Everybody will show Lady Gaga’s new concert film “Chromatica Ball” in the front bar and lounge on Saturday night. Just Dance over to Bed-Stuy and have yourself a Bloody Mary while turning it out to Gaga. 325 Franklin Avenue. Free.

Fatboy Slim at Knockdown Center
10 p.m.
Fatboy Slim returns to Knockdown Center on Saturday night for a late set. Fatboy Slim has a busy summer with shows across Europe, the U.K. and New York. Syreeta and x3butterfly open. 52-19 Flushing Avenue. Tickets are $38.

Sunday, May 26

Brooklyn Museum Pop-up Market
10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., every Sunday through mid-November
Brooklyn Pop-up is a weekly artisan market at the Brooklyn Museum. Hosted at the museum’s front plaza, a revolving roster of 35-plus artisans, designers, and makers will be on hand selling contemporary fashion, accessories, home goods, food, beauty, jewelry and more. 200 Eastern Parkway. Free.

Montague Open Streets
12 to 5 p.m., every Sunday through June 30
The Montague Street Business Improvement District presents Open Streets again this summer season. This weekend’s events include a Brow Party hosted by European Wax Center, Kitten Season with Brooklyn Cat Cafe, Super Soccer Stars, and the Morrisania Band Project. Each Sunday features different events. Montague Street will be closed to car traffic between Clinton to Henry and Henry to Hicks Streets from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Free.

Rooftop Brunch & Baseball at Cyclones Park
1:30 p.m.
The Brooklyn Cyclones’ popular rooftop boozy brunch returns for the 2024 season. Guests can see the ballgame, the ocea, 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, hashbrown potatoes, and more. 1904 Surf Avenue Brooklyn. Tickets are $60.

Queer Garden NYC Summer Kick-Off
2 to 10 p.m.
This Memorial Day Weekend, Bk Backyard Bar and Whitney Day will host their kick-off Queer Garden Event on Sunday. Hang out with hundreds of NYC’s Queer cuties in the heart of Williamsburg for their Memorial Gay Weekend Party. Hosted by Mal from Netflix’s The Ultimatum: Queer Love, Queer Garden is a celebration of the Queer community, where they take-over BK Backyard with a line-up of local DJ’s, drinks and food trucks, and good hangs with hundreds of Queer cuties (allies welcome!). 86 N 11th Street. Tickets start at $20.

Monday, May 27

Memorial Day at Cypress Hills National Cemetery
8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
There are over 27,000 Veterans buried at Cypress Hills National Cemetery, and on Memorial Day, the public is invited to help plant flags at their grave sites. Cypress Hills also 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 national cemeteries this Memorial Day weekend in remembering their sacrifices. 625 Jamaica Avenue.

Brooklyn’s 157th Memorial Day Parade
11 a.m.
The United Military Veterans of Kings County’s 157th Memorial Day Parade takes place on Monday in Bay Ridge with Grand Marshall Brigadier General Dean P. Thompson, Commanding General 353 Civil Affairs Command. 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.

The 24th Annual Memorial Day concert at Green-Wood Cemetery
2 to 3:30 p.m.
Green-Wood’s beloved Memorial Day concert returns for its 24th 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

Brooklyn Night Market
4 p.m.
The last Monday night every month in Industry City comes alive with over 50 vendors serving up a culinary experience unlike any other. Against the backdrop of a sunset between two iconic city blocks, this foodie mecca draws in over 6,000 guests per event. It’s more than just a food festival: it’s a cultural phenomenon that celebrates the flavors, cultures, and community spirit of Brooklyn. 220 36th Street. Free.