Drummer's Grove is the one place in Prospect Park where the soundtrack is made on site, by whoever brings an instrument, and on a permitted Congo Square Sunday the circle runs all afternoon with a market set up beside it. Dancers form in the middle, the rhythm shifts every twenty minutes, and nobody is performing at anybody. If you want a Sunday that costs nothing and asks nothing of you, walk in from Parkside and stay as long as the drums do.
What to expect
An open circle of hand drummers under the trees with dancers in the middle and listeners ringed around on the grass and benches, plus vendor tables in the market area beside it. The circle builds through the afternoon and is loudest in the late-day hours.
Good to know
- The Parkside Avenue and Prospect Park stops on the B and Q put you closest to the Grove
- Bring a blanket — seating is grass, benches and low walls
- Drummers who want to sit in generally bring their own instrument
- The circle is at its fullest in the afternoon rather than at the start
- Shade is uneven, so a hat helps on a bright day
Going? Keep it.
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Common questions
Where exactly is Drummer's Grove?
Inside Prospect Park near the Parkside Avenue and Ocean Avenue entrance, just off the park loop.
Can anyone join in?
The circle has always been open to players who bring an instrument; listeners and dancers ring the outside.
Is there anything to buy?
A vendors market is permitted alongside the circle in the adjoining marketplace area.
