Full sequinned mas costumes, steel pan and soca at nine in the morning, danced by kids as young as toddlers pushed in decorated strollers: Junior Carnival is Brooklyn's Caribbean community parading before the enormous adult one takes Eastern Parkway. WIADCA runs the largest Caribbean carnival in North America, and this is the warmest way into it. If you want Carnival costume craft up close without the crush, come Saturday morning.
What to expect
Bands of young masqueraders assemble at Kingston Avenue and St. John's Place, then move along Franklin Avenue to President Street and on to the Brooklyn Museum. Expect elaborate handmade costumes, trucks with soca and steel pan, and families lining the route with chairs. The finish at the museum plaza is where the costume judging energy peaks.
Good to know
- Take the 2, 3, 4 or 5 to Franklin Avenue, or the 2 or 3 to Eastern Parkway–Brooklyn Museum for the finish line.
- Watching from the sidewalk is free; only registered masqueraders need to sign up with a band.
- The route is long, so pick one spot rather than trying to follow the parade on foot.
- Bring sun protection and water; there is very little shade along Franklin Avenue.
- This is the family-friendly leg of Carnival week and is far calmer than the adult parade.
- Streets along the route close to traffic, so do not plan to drive or park nearby.
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Common questions
Where is the best place to stand?
The Brooklyn Museum end at Eastern Parkway is where the bands finish and perform, so it has the most sustained action. Franklin Avenue midway gives you closer sightlines to individual costumes.
Is this the same as the big West Indian Day parade?
No. Junior Carnival is the children's parade run by WIADCA earlier in the weekend. The full adult parade is a separate, much larger event on Eastern Parkway on Labor Day itself.
Can my child take part?
Children up to age 17 can masquerade, but they need to register through one of the participating mas bands in advance rather than joining on the day.
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