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Brooklyn, NY

Things to Do in Brooklyn

By , About.com Guide

Brooklyn's events and attractions are as diverse as its residents, and that's the real beauty of the borough: There's something for everyone. Regardless of what you're looking for, the odds are that you'll find it here.
  1. APRIL & MAY IN BROOKLYN
  2. BROOKLYN BRIDGE
  3. CYCLING & RUNNING IN BROOKLYN
  4. SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS
  5. BRUNCH
  6. SHOPPING
  7. 9/11 IN BROOKLYN
  8. CALENDAR MONTH-BY-MONTH
  9. VISITORS GUIDES TO SPECIAL SPOTS
  1. CONEY ISLAND
  2. DUMBO
  3. PARK SLOPE
  4. WILLIAMSBURG
  5. WINTER IN BROOKLYN (DEC-MARCH)
  6. SPECIAL HOLIDAY GUIDE
  7. SPECIAL HALLOWEEN GUIDE
  8. SPECIAL BACK-TO-SCHOOL GUIDE

APRIL & MAY IN BROOKLYN

Spring in Brooklyn's an exciting time of year, as the parks and gardens begin to bloom, and Easter and Passover holidays, along with spring school vacations, create occasions for family festivities. Check out the Botanic Garden Cherry Blossom Festival and much more.

BROOKLYN BRIDGE

Come on! Have you hiked over the beautiful, the soulful, the iconic and much discussed Brooklyn Bridge yet? Biked it? Proposed marriage on it? What are you waiting for?

CYCLING & RUNNING IN BROOKLYN

Everybody's biking. And it's fun to ride around, now that we've got so many bike lanes (though never enough). Autumn's a great time to have a good ride to Coney Island, or around Prospect Park, or down to Brooklyn Bridge Park. Here's a compendium of tips, routes, bike shops and more for Brooklyn cyclists.

SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS

Prospect Park

Brooklyn is full of green spaces just waiting to be explored. Whether you're interested in biking or beaches, flowers or fishing, you're sure to find it here.

BRUNCH

Enjoy brunch in Brooklyn, from a simple but delish pizza to one of New York's fanciest restaurants, the River Cafe. Brunch comes in many flavors: American, seafood, Middle Eastern, Latin, diner, French, Italian and more.

SHOPPING

Sure, you can find chain stores, and a remarkable variety of small designer shops, too, in Brooklyn. And, there's a range of vintage shopping opportunities, too.

9/11 IN BROOKLYN

2011 marked the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center towers in New York. The September 11, 2001 attacks had a profound impact on the 2.5 million residents of Brooklyn, some of whom who suffered death or loss of loved ones and acquaintances, injury, shock, PTSD, and heightened anxiety. The repercussions of 9/11 are still felt borough-wide.This event continues to be part of the fabric of Brooklyn's community and spiritual life and culture,and the tenth anniversary will resonate throughout Brooklyn.

CALENDAR MONTH-BY-MONTH

Want to know what's happening in Brooklyn in a given month? What special events are scheduled for July 4th, or Memorial Day weekend, Thanksgiving or Christmas? Find out using this quick-links monthly calendar.

VISITORS GUIDES TO SPECIAL SPOTS

So you've heard a lot about the borough of Brooklyn and want to see it...or, you're a lifelong resident with out of town guests bursting with questions about what's happening in Brooklyn. Here are some basic places you won't want to miss, whether you're touring for a few hours or a few days.

CONEY ISLAND

Coney Island

Brooklyn is a huge borough, and you could spend weeks exploring its many diverse neighborhoods and historic landmarks. Here are some ideas to get you started.

DUMBO

The tiny neighborhood with the elephantine name, DUMBO's claim to fame is the first rule of real estate: location, location, location. The views are spectacular, not only of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan, but also of the East River, the Statue of Liberty, boats, and the famous Manhattan skyline. Explore old warehouses, cool restaurants, and in summer take the ferry.

PARK SLOPE

One of New York's most famous neighborhoods, Park Slope boasts a 19th century ambiance with a very 21st century population of professionals, writers, and of course, moms. See what all the fuss is about.

WILLIAMSBURG

Williamsburg, Brooklyn is chock-ablock with cool music venues, bars, beer halls, indie coffee shops and cafes, poetry readings, creative vibes and interesting shopping.

WINTER IN BROOKLYN (DEC-MARCH)

What to do in winter? There are movies, concerts, outdoor activities such as skating and sledding, and of course wonderful restaurants, museums and more to explore in Brooklyn. And, from Thanksgiving to New Year's, there are seasonal concerts, holiday festivities, and shopping galore.

SPECIAL HOLIDAY GUIDE

So much to do, and so much fun, this month! Find out where to see Christmas trees and Hanukkah memorahs lit, where to celebrate Kwanzaa, get the skinny on some great shopping opportunities at craft fairs and flea markets, and more. Do you know where to hear the Messiah and watch the Nutcracker, or find seasonal puppet shows for the kids? Where to join in a cute little Santa Parade? Get the scoop on the holidays in Brooklyn, whether you've lived here for a quarter century, or are visiting for a half a day.

SPECIAL HALLOWEEN GUIDE

Get ready! Halloween's around the corner! Find out where to get costumes, find parades, and more.

SPECIAL BACK-TO-SCHOOL GUIDE

It's that time of year again. With kids going back to school, they'll need shoes and backpacks, pencils and even computers. Find out about back to school shopping in Brooklyn.

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