It was 1979 when the founders of BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn sought to reinvigorate Prospect Park, which back then wasn’t considered the safest place to be.

“Let’s really change the perception, not only of the park, but all of Brooklyn, so I say that we really changed really what Brooklyn is, so the Brooklyn you have today really has its home at this concert series,” said Wes Jackson, president of BRIC. 

What You Need To Know

  • BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn is a free performing arts festival in its 45th season

  • Performances are held at the Lena Horne Bandshell inside Prospect Park, with one show at Highland Park in Cypress Hills

  • The festival is produced by BRIC, the Brooklyn-based arts and cultural institution

  • There are more than 20 free shows, with four benefit shows to help subsidize the free performances

Jackson says over the years, many artists have played at the festival’s home at Prospect Park’s Lena Horne Bandshell.

“Patti Labelle, Willie Nelson, Prince, so we have had those legends, but we’ve also had Ari Lennox, J.Cole, before they really blew up,” he said.   

This year’s festival features over 20 free shows, and four benefit shows to help subsidize the free performances. This summer will also include a show at Highland Park in Cypress Hills.

The lineup for summer 2023 includes Rickie Lee Jones, John Cale, Joe, and Marcia Griffiths. Jackson says they curate performances that are all about discovery.

“You are a rock guy, I’m a hip-hop guy. This is a place we can come and see each other’s music and be with each other, and be welcome, and that’s what Brooklyn is all about,” he said.

For a full schedule of performances, head to BRIC's website.