This is the strongest free bill of the night: EMEL's protest-pop has filled major halls worldwide, Nesrine reinvents the cello as a North African pop instrument, and the Habibi Festival — normally a ticketed downtown series — brings its roster to Prospect Park for nothing. It plays like a mini world-music festival compressed into one evening. Bring a blanket and arrive early; the lawn fills fast for bills this stacked.
What to expect
Multiple sets rolling across one evening at New York's longest-running free outdoor festival, with a dance-forward finish from Yalla! Party Project. Food vendors and a beer garden operate inside the bandshell grounds; the lawn is picnic-blanket territory.
Good to know
- Enter at Prospect Park West and 9th St — F/G to 7 Av or 2/3 to Grand Army Plaza
- Free entry, no tickets needed; the suggested-donation line moves faster than it looks
- Lawn seating is first-come — blankets and low chairs welcome
- Food and drink vendors on site, or picnic from Park Slope's shops
- Rain-or-shine unless severe weather is announced
- Great pick for a group with mixed music tastes — the bill spans ballads to full dance party
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Common questions
Is the Habibi Festival at Celebrate Brooklyn really free?
Yes — it's part of BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!'s free summer season at the Lena Horne Bandshell. No ticket is required.
Who is performing?
EMEL, Mai Elgizouli, Nesrine, Yacine Boulares with the Habibi Festival House Band, and Yalla! Party Project.
Can I bring food and drinks?
Picnics are welcome on the lawn; outside alcohol is not permitted, but the venue sells beer and wine.
