Common — Oscar and Grammy winner, and one of hip-hop's most explicitly political voices — takes the Lena Horne Bandshell with special guests for a night built around Harry Belafonte's civil rights work, at the festival Belafonte himself would have recognized as public art in the truest sense. It is free, it is outdoors, and Celebrate Brooklyn! is the longest-running free outdoor performing arts festival in the country. If you only get to one Prospect Park show all summer, make it this one.
What to expect
The Bandshell lawn fills early with blankets and folding chairs, and the free general-admission section stretches back under the trees. Expect a set that moves between Common's catalog and spoken tributes, with guest performers rotating through. Food and drink vendors line the plaza just inside the Prospect Park West entrance.
Good to know
- Enter at Prospect Park West and 9th Street — it is the closest gate to the Bandshell
- Free admission is first-come, first-served; arrive well before the set to get lawn space
- Bring a blanket or low chair — tall chairs get moved to the back
- F, G and R trains to 15th Street–Prospect Park or 4th Avenue–9th Street
- The lawn gets muddy after rain; wear shoes you don't mind
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Common questions
Do I need a ticket?
No. General admission to the Bandshell lawn is free; BRIC also sells limited benefit seating that supports the festival.
Can I bring food and drinks?
Outside food is fine. Alcohol is not permitted in the park, and vendors sell beer and food on site.
What happens if it rains?
Celebrate Brooklyn! shows generally go on in light rain; cancellations are posted by BRIC and Prospect Park Alliance before showtime.
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