Opening night is Brooklyn's summer kickoff — a headliner on the bandshell stage, 6,000 people on the lawn, and it's free. BRIC's bookings run from Afrobeat and jazz legends to indie headliners, so the opener is usually a big name. It's the start of a three-month calendar of free Thursday–Saturday nights. The bandshell's lawn fills by 7pm on opening night, so arrive with the gates.
What to expect
A free outdoor concert at the bandshell with an opener and headliner, 6–10pm; entry is free with a suggested donation, gates at the 9th St/Prospect Park West entrance.
Good to know
- 2027 dates not yet announced — based on the annual pattern; confirm on the official site
- Free (suggested donation); some benefit shows are ticketed
- F/G to 7th Ave or 15th St–Prospect Park; 2/3 to Grand Army Plaza
- Lawn is first-come; bring a blanket
- Season typically runs June through mid-September
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Common questions
Who headlines opening night?
Not announced until spring — 2026 opened with Sheila E.
Is the date confirmed?
No — based on the 2026 pattern (Thursday June 4); confirm on BRIC's site.
