Smorgasburg Returns, First Saturday, and a Stacked Arts Scene
Brooklyn is delivering one of the best weekends of the spring so far. From the return of Smorgasburg in Williamsburg to Brooklyn Museum’s First Saturday and a loaded lineup at venues across the borough, there’s something for every taste and budget. Here’s your complete guide to making the most of April 4-5 in Brooklyn.
Smorgasburg Opens for the Season — Saturday and Sunday
The largest weekly open-air food market in America is back. Smorgasburg kicks off at Marsha P. Johnson State Park in Williamsburg on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., featuring over 70 vendors including 22 new additions serving everything from small-batch ice cream to globally inspired street food. On Sunday, the market moves to Breeze Hill in Prospect Park, same hours. Entry is free — just bring your appetite and your wallet for the vendors. This is one of those quintessential Brooklyn experiences that never gets old, and opening weekend always draws an energetic crowd.
Brooklyn Museum First Saturday — Saturday, April 4
Brooklyn Museum’s beloved First Saturday returns from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. with “Inkwells,” a celebration of National Poetry Month. The evening features live performances, readings, and art-making inspired by global poetic traditions. First Saturdays are free and open to all — it’s one of the best cultural deals in the entire city. The museum is located at 200 Eastern Parkway in Prospect Heights.
Bringing the Sham to BAM — Saturday, April 4
Over at BAM Fisher, a five-hour celebration of the SWANA (South West Asian and North African) creative community kicks off at 6 p.m. “Bringing the Sham to BAM” features live music, poetry, a marketplace, a gallery, a DJ, short films, and performers including Nadine El Roubi, The Brooklyn Nomads, Dania, Soof, Mona Miari, and Zafer Tawil. It’s a rare chance to experience the depth and diversity of Brooklyn’s SWANA arts scene all under one roof.
April Fools Comedy Jam — Saturday, April 4
Barclays Center hosts the April Fools Comedy Jam at 8 p.m. with a heavyweight lineup: Marlon Wayans, Tommy Davidson, Bill Bellamy, and Bruce Bruce on the comedy side, plus performances from Jadakiss and Fat Joe. If you’ve been looking for a big night out, this is it. Check Barclays Center’s website for remaining ticket availability.
Art, Beats, and Lyrics — Saturday, April 4
At Industry City in Sunset Park, “Art, Beats, and Lyrics” connects hip-hop and funk artists from Detroit, New York, Richmond, and Atlanta. The event starts at 7 p.m. and features artists including Bruiser Wolf and SALIMATA. Best part? It’s free until capacity is reached, so show up early to secure your spot.
Sunday Highlights — April 5
Sunday offers a change of pace. Join the Spring Tree Walk at the Naval Cemetery Landscape at 2 p.m. for an educational stroll exploring ten local tree species along the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway. Or head to Public Records in Gowanus at 4 p.m. for Sundays in The Atrium with Soul Summit, a Fort Greene DJ collective spinning records in a semi-covered outdoor space. And if you want to give back to your neighborhood, the community trash cleanup meets at Miss Barb’s in Flatbush at 1 p.m. with free coffee and biscuits to follow.
What You Need to Know
- Smorgasburg — Saturday in Williamsburg, Sunday in Prospect Park, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., free entry
- First Saturday “Inkwells” at Brooklyn Museum (200 Eastern Pkwy.) — 5 to 10 p.m., free
- Bringing the Sham to BAM — BAM Fisher, 6 p.m., SWANA arts celebration
- April Fools Comedy Jam — Barclays Center, 8 p.m., check for tickets
- Art, Beats, and Lyrics — Industry City, 7 p.m., free until full
- Spring Tree Walk — Naval Cemetery Landscape, Sunday 2 p.m.
Spending the whole weekend in Brooklyn? Our best brunch guide has neighborhood-by-neighborhood picks to fuel your Saturday and Sunday mornings. And for more on navigating the borough safely, check out our NYC neighborhoods safety guide.
Brooklyn’s bringing the heat this weekend. Pick your adventure and get out there.
