Spring has officially arrived, and Brooklyn Bridge Park has flipped the switch on one of New York City’s best-kept fitness secrets: a full season of free outdoor classes on the waterfront. From Zumba at Pier 3 to bootcamp on the sports turf at Pier 2, the park transforms into an open-air gym every week from now through late September — and it won’t cost you a cent.

Whether you’re a Brooklyn regular or making the trip across the bridge, here’s everything you need to know to get your workout in with a killer view of Lower Manhattan as your backdrop.

The 2026 Class Lineup

Brooklyn Bridge Park partners with top NYC fitness organizations to bring a rotating schedule of classes to the waterfront all season long. Here’s what’s running now through late September 2026:

• Zumba with Dodge YMCA — Mondays, 6–7 PM | Pier 3 Plaza | Through September 29
• Sunset Yoga with Abhaya Yoga — Tuesdays, 6–7 PM | Pier 3 Central Lawn | Through September 30
• Amp’d Bootcamp with Chelsea Piers Fitness — Wednesdays, 6–7 PM | Pier 2 Sports Turf | Through September 24
• Pilates with Dodge YMCA — Sundays, 10:30–11:30 AM | Pier 3 Central Lawn | Through September 28

All classes are free and open to all fitness levels and ages. Registration and a waiver are required — you can sign up in advance at the Brooklyn Bridge Park website to secure your spot. Classes do fill up, especially on warm evenings.

Fort Greene Park Kicks Off Its Season Too

Just a short walk from the waterfront, Fort Greene Park is also launching its outdoor fitness season this month. The park is kicking things off on Saturday, May 3 with a free event in partnership with Chelsea Piers. Fort Greene has long been a neighborhood favorite for informal running loops and group workouts — the park’s rolling terrain makes it ideal for hill repeats and bodyweight circuits.

Fort Greene Park: Bordered by DeKalb Ave, Washington Park, Myrtle Ave, and Cumberland St, Brooklyn | Transit: G train to Fulton St or Clinton-Washington Aves; C train to Lafayette Ave

Running the Brooklyn Bridge Park Greenway

Can’t make a class time? The 1.3-mile Brooklyn Bridge Park greenway along the East River is one of the city’s most scenic running routes. Start at DUMBO’s Main St Plaza and run south toward Atlantic Ave for a flat, car-free path with unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline, the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, and the harbor. You can extend your run by connecting to the Columbia Street Waterfront District path heading south.

Early mornings (before 9 AM) and weekday evenings are the best times to run when the waterfront is less crowded with tourists and families.

Getting to Brooklyn Bridge Park

Brooklyn Bridge Park stretches along the East River waterfront in Brooklyn, with multiple entry points depending on your pier.

• Pier 2 & 3 (main fitness area): Enter at Furman St and Joralemon St | Transit: 2/3 train to Clark St, or A/C to High St
• DUMBO / Main St Plaza: F train to York St
• NYC Ferry: The South Williamsburg and DUMBO/Brooklyn Heights routes stop right at the park
• Parking: Limited metered street parking; the NYC Ferry is highly recommended

What to Bring

• Water bottle — water fountains are available in the park but bring your own for class
• Yoga mat or towel — for yoga and Pilates sessions on the lawn
• Layers — May evenings near the water can be 5-10 degrees cooler than inland; bring a light jacket for post-workout
• Sneakers with traction — the grass lawns can be dewy in the morning
• Sunscreen — the waterfront offers minimal shade, especially for evening classes with the setting sun over the harbor
• Registration confirmation — classes require pre-registration; have it ready on your phone

Pro Tips for Getting the Most Out of Waterfront Fitness

Arrive 10 minutes early. Waterfront classes are popular and the check-in process takes a few minutes. Showing up early also lets you grab a prime spot with the best view.

Combine your workout with the rest of the park. Brooklyn Bridge Park has playgrounds, a restored carousel (Jane’s Carousel), picnic lawns, and food vendors at Pier 1 and Pier 6. Make a full afternoon out of it.

Check the Shape Up NYC schedule too. NYC Parks runs free Shape Up NYC fitness classes at dozens of locations across all five boroughs. The full catalog is searchable at nycgovparks.org.

Watch the weather. Waterfront classes are outdoor and weather-dependent. Check the park’s social media or website the morning of your class for any cancellations due to rain.

The City Is Your Gym — Starting Now

You don’t need an expensive membership or a crowded indoor studio to stay active in New York City. Brooklyn Bridge Park’s free fitness season is proof that some of the best workouts in the city come with spectacular views, fresh air off the harbor, and zero cost at the door. Grab your mat, lace up your sneakers, and get out there — the waterfront is waiting.

For the full Brooklyn Bridge Park class schedule and registration: brooklynbridgepark.org | For Shape Up NYC classes across all boroughs: nycgovparks.org/events/shape-up-nyc