The Top Festivals, Markets & Live Shows in Dumbo, Brooklyn

Markets

Shopping in Dumbo is never a dull experience. If anything, locals and tourists get to immerse themselves in the local culture as they go about their sprees. And the following markets attract the most attention:

Brooklyn Flea

When? From April to December on weekends.

This market runs from morning to evening and is home to a wide variety of vintage, handcrafted, and antique goods. Whether you are looking for art, clothing, furniture, or jewelry, you are sure to find something worth your while. And you can also snack on the go, thanks to the food vendors who offer all sorts of delicious cuisines. To get the most value, take your time when going through the stalls and don’t be in a rush to buy anything. The right item will find you.

Time Out Market New York

When? Open daily throughout the year.

New York is home to different cuisines from all over the world. However, trying different restaurants can often prove challenging due to time and other constraints. This market eliminates these barriers by housing different restaurants with diverse cuisines under one roof. And as you dine, you get to look over Manhattan and take in its views. Our advise would be to be open to different foods and try a little of this and a little of that – you might discover a delicious meal that never would have crossed your mind.

FAD Market

When? Select weekends in the spring and fall.

The focus of this market is fashion, art, and design. As such, every time it takes place, local artisans come together to show off their collections of handmade items, which range from jewelry to home accessories and skincare items. As you would expect, the items here are highly unique and of great quality. So, even as you support a local business, you also get to go home with something that’s of amazing quality. Since the dates are always changing, we would advise you to check their website for their next pop-up.

Live Shows

Do you love watching live performances? If yes, you are in luck, as Dumbo is home to many of these. And while we would love to cover each option, we will focus on the ones that get people talking throughout the year, as follows:

St. Ann’s Warehouse

When? Fall to Spring.

Many people come here for the views. After all, with the open gardens, guests get to enjoy expansive views of Manhattan. But people don’t just walk away with great pictures. Instead, they also leave with stories of performances that captured their hearts. With thought-provoking works on display, people cannot help but feel drawn to the rawness of it all. Since these shows are often in high demand, it’s best to book your ticket in advance.

Live at the Archway

When? Thursday evenings in Summer.

As the sun’s rays beat down on locals and tourists in the summer, this event is often in full swing. With collaborations between musicians and artists, the event showcases different artworks and music styles, which speak to the diversity of Dumbo as a whole. And with the Archway serving as a backdrop, guests get to enjoy a beautiful setting as they sway their way into the dead of the night.

Superfine

When? Most weekends.

With a restaurant and bar serving good food and drinks, this intimate entertainment spot is perfect for casual hangouts. As local artists put on a show, you can kick back, chat with your friends, and nod to the beat of the music. Sometimes, the musicians put on rock. And at others, they perform jazz or funk. This variation keeps the performances exciting as you never quite know what you will get.

Annual festivals (Dumbo Drop, Brooklyn Book Festival Events)

The Dumbo Arts Festival used to be all the rage back when it existed. But it has since been replaced by art events that take place throughout the year, which also serve to celebrate the local arts community. So, where can you be part of this action?

Brooklyn Book Festival

When? September.

While these events take place across five boroughs, some of the events take place in Dumbo, in locations such as St. Anne’s Warehouse. You get to immerse yourself in literature as you hear from your favorite writers, discover emerging voices, and connect with other readers. For the talks, we would recommend arriving early as these sessions often have a lot of traffic.

Movies with a View.

When? Thursday evenings in July and August.

Outdoor movies pair perfectly with stunning views. And where else can you get a full view of the Manhattan Skyline if not at the Brooklyn Bridge Park? You get to watch movies and listen to music in a relaxed setting as you occasionally glance at the beauty around you. To get the most out of this experience, we would advise you to arrive early and book a comfortable spot with a great view.

Photoville

When? June.

Like we said, the Dumbo Arts Festival may now be a thing of the past. However, the tradition lives on through events like Photoville, which celebrates outdoor photography by showcasing it in shipping containers that have been turned into art galleries. As you look at the various artworks from all over the world, you get to be part of a story that unfolds with every picture, while also taking in the creativity of the setups.