The 2025 BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! festival lineup has been released, celebrating Brooklyn’s status as a global music crossroads with programming that spans continents, generations, and artistic disciplines. Running from June 7 through August 16, the season showcases the festival’s ongoing commitment to musical discovery and cultural exchange.
This year’s theme, “Where Brooklyn Meets… The World,” pitches the borough’s festival as a renowned discovery platform that brings together emerging global artists and established talent, while exploring the rich tapestry of global sounds and stories that define the borough’s cultural landscape.
BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn 2025, presented in partnership with Prospect Park Alliance and NYC Parks, includes 14 free shows and 4 benefit concerts at the Lena Horne Bandshell in Prospect Park and 2 off-site events. The season will commence on June 7, with BAYO in Brooklyn at BRIC House: A Conversation with DJ and global producer Michaël Brun, Council Member Rita Joseph, BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Executive Producer Saidah Blount, and BRIC President Wes Jackson where they will discuss the importance of Haitian and Caribbean music to diasporic communities in New York.
Programming at the Lena Horne Bandshell will kick off with a benefit concert on June 9, presented by Blue Note Jazz Festival and Live Nation in partnership with BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!, featuring cultural icon Grace Jones co-headlining with multi hyphenate virtuoso Janelle Monáe. These legendary artists, fresh from their World Pride performances, embody the visionary spirit at the heart of the festival.
Mélissa Laveaux, Nathalie ‘TALIE’ Cerine, and Riva Nyri Précil headline the first free concert of the season on June 13, building on the momentum of the festival’s opening conversation with Michaël Brun on June 7. This powerful lineup celebrates Brooklyn’s vibrant Haitian community as these powerhouse singer-songwriters blend traditional Haitian folk music with contemporary pop, jazz, and funk influences—continuing the festival’s exploration of Haitian and Caribbean musical traditions.
Family Day on June 14 features a special celebration of Pippi Longstocking’s 80th birthday, a significant literary and cultural milestone being marked worldwide in 2025. The beloved Swedish children’s book character comes to life through puppet performances by the Parks PuppetMobile and a musical read along by writer Jacqueline Woodson and Brownstone Brass presented by The Center for Fiction and Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, with support from the Swedish Consulate. The day culminates with a lively performance by NYC’s beloved Klezmatics, whose accordion-forward compositions nod to Pippi’s favorite instrument.
The season showcases a broad range of musical genres, bringing together artists from across cultures and musical traditions. For the second time, BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! hosts a punk night, with legendary innovators Gogol Bordello bringing their explosive energy to the bandshell on August 2, 2025. Alternative rock pioneers Dinosaur Jr., a towering influence on the indie rock scene for decades, co-headline a benefit show with indie sensation Snail Mail on July 17.
BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! continues its tradition of bridging musical worlds on August 1, showcasing unexpected connections between seemingly disparate genres. Latin Grammy-winning mariachi vocalist Mireya Ramos joins forces with country and western band The Poor Choices, revealing the surprising stylistic, cultural, and sonic connections between Mexican mariachi and American country traditions. This innovative collaboration, preceded by New York-based musician and activist Morley, and Memphis soul artist Talibah Safiya, exemplifies how Americana’s broad appeal transcends conventional boundaries—a perfect embodiment of the festival’s “Where Brooklyn Meets… The World” ethos.
Global rhythms take center stage throughout the season. Habibi Festival returns on June 20 with an expanded focus featuring artists from across the Southwest Asia and North Africa (SWANA) region, opening with Palestinian-born, Berlin-based rock artist Rasha Nahas, followed by a genre-blurring set led by French-Tunisian saxophonist and composer Yacine Boulares featuring Sofiane Saidi and Israa Shalaby. Adrian Quesada of Black Pumas explores psychedelic boleros on August 8 with collaborator Trish Toledo, while Buscabulla headlines a night of Puerto Rican musicians on June 26, showcasing the remarkable diversity within Latin music.
The performing arts extend beyond music with an innovative performance by Yup’ik artist, activist, and choreographer Emily Johnson / Catalyst on August 7. By immersing the audience in over 4,000 square feet of handmade quilts and movement that extends beyond the stage, Johnson uplifts the words of Indigenous writers and storytellers and calls us to reconnect with nature, adding an important dimension to the festival’s international dialogue.
Film and music intersect in a two-part tribute to the late, great composer, musician and producer Quincy Jones. The celebration begins June 27 with a screening of The Greatest Night in Pop, documenting Jones’ production of “We Are the World,” preceded by an 80’s themed DJ set from Rontronik and a conversation with director Bao Nguyen. The tribute continues July 26 with a screening of The Wiz, showcasing Jones’ iconic soundtrack and cinematic legacy.
Jazz enthusiasts will be treated to a powerhouse double bill on August 15, opening with vibraphonist Nikara Warren’s project NIKARA presents Black Wall Street a sound collage weaving Hip-Hop, jazz, neo-soul, and Afro-Caribbean influences, followed by free jazz legend William Parker‘s masterful interpretations of Duke Ellington compositions.
The 3rd Annual Juneteenth in the Park celebration (June 19) presents Ghost-Note with supporting acts including Voices of a People’s History and DJ Flash Gordon Parks, centering Texas artists and underrepresented histories, while the Lyricist Lounge Anniversary Show on August 9 will celebrate the 34th anniversary of Lyricist Lounge and the 30th anniversary of an iconic Hip-Hop album to be revealed in July.
Pop innovation comes to the forefront with Still Woozy‘s synth-driven soundscapes (July 12) and the atmospheric indie pop of Men I Trust supported by strongboi (July 18), demonstrating how today’s trailblazing artists continue Brooklyn’s tradition of musical exploration.
The 2025 season culminates with Brooklyn-based psychedelic soul innovator Nick Hakim, who blends psychedelia, R&B, and soul into hazy, richly textured songs that feel both intimate and otherworldly. Emmy-winning drummer, rapper, and producer Karriem Riggins, known for his work with jazz and Hip-Hop legends, opens with a dynamic DJ set. Curated by Jill Newman Productions.
Beyond the Lena Horne Bandshell, the 2025 edition of BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! expands its Brooklyn footprint this season, collaborating with local elected officials and Rooftop Films to bring a dynamic mix of film, Hip-Hop, and reggae to Brower Park on July 19.
“The magic of the performing arts lies in their power to move, unite, and inspire,” said Saidah Blount, BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Executive Director. “This season, the Lena Horne Bandshell transforms into a global gathering place – where rhythms, stories, and cultures from around the world meet to form Brooklyn’s creative heartbeat. We’re proud to celebrate the diversity and depth of our borough through artists who reflect the many ways music and performance connect us all.”
“Every summer for the last forty-seven years, BRIC has been proud to showcase the best talent from around the world at the Lena Horne Bandshell in our beloved Prospect Park in partnership with our friends at the Prospect Park Alliance,” said Wes Jackson, BRIC President. “In these days and times we are proud to provide a space where communities can come together and enjoy a few moments of respite. For three generations we have remained committed to providing free and low cost programming to all of Brooklyn and New York City. Let’s do it again! See you at the Bandshell.”
“BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! at the Lena Horne Bandshell in Prospect Park is a beloved flagship event, and a clear sign of summer for our community,” said Morgan Monaco, President of Prospect Park Alliance. “Music and performing arts are a powerful uniting force, and do so much to help keep us thriving in good times and in bad. I’m grateful that Prospect Park is a source of inspiration for artists of all kinds and a haven for our community to come together to enjoy music and performances. The festival has brought a wide range of free music, performances and family programming to Brooklyn’s Backyard and we look forward to an exciting season ahead with the many diverse communities that call Brooklyn home.”
“Every year, BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! fills Prospect Park with music, energy, and community, demonstrating the power of our public spaces to bring people together,” said Sue Donoghue, NYC Parks Commissioner. “I’m grateful to our partners at BRIC and Prospect Park Alliance for organizing this iconic summertime event, enhancing Brooklyn’s Backyard with free performances by artists from around the world.”
2025 BRIC CELEBRATE BROOKLYN! SEASON AT-A-GLANCE
SATURDAY, JUNE 7
BAYO in Brooklyn: A Conversation with Michaël Brun at BRIC House
MONDAY, JUNE 9
Opening Benefit Concert: Blue Note Jazz Festival & Live Nation Present Grace Jones & Janelle Monáe
FRIDAY, JUNE 13
Opening Free Concert: Mélissa Laveaux | Nathalie ‘TALIE’ Cerin | Riva Nyri Précil
SATURDAY, JUNE 14
Family Day: Pippi Longstocking’s 80th Birthday Celebration with the Klezmatics!
THURSDAY, JUNE 19
BRIC Celebration Brooklyn’s 3rd Annual Juneteenth in the Park
FRIDAY, JUNE 20
Habibi Festival at BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!
THURSDAY, JUNE 26
Buscabulla | Chuwi | Paso Negro
FRIDAY, JUNE 27
A Tribute to Quincy Jones: The Greatest Night in Pop
SATURDAY, JULY 12
Benefit Concert: Still Woozy – Loveseat Tour
THURSDAY, JULY 17
Benefit Concert: Dinosaur Jr. + Snail Mail with special guest Easy Action
FRIDAY, JULY 18
Benefit Concert: Men I Trust | strongboi
SATURDAY, JULY 19
BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! at Brower Park
SATURDAY, JULY 26
A Tribute to Quincy Jones: The Wiz
FRIDAY, AUGUST 1
Mireya Ramos and the Poor Choices | Talibah Safiya | Morley
SATURDAY, AUGUST 2
Gogol Bordello | Puzzled Panther | Pons
THURSDAY, AUGUST 7
Emily Johnson / Catalyst
FRIDAY, AUGUST 8
Adrian Quesada | Trish Toledo
SATURDAY, AUGUST 9
LYRICIST LOUNGE Anniversary Show
FRIDAY, AUGUST 15
William Parker | NIKARA presents Black Wall Street
SATURDAY, AUGUST 16
Closing Night: Nick Hakim | Karriem Riggins (DJ set)
Comments are closed.