BROOKLYN ART MEETUP Make Art • Make Friends • Make Memories

Brooklyn Art Meetup is a free, open-air gathering where artists, musicians, vendors, and neighbors come together to make, share, and celebrate creativity in the heart of Maria Hernandez Park.

This isn’t a market or a show — it’s a living, breathing art space built by us, for us. Whether you’re performing, painting, vending, or just showing up to support, this space is for you. No gatekeeping. No pressure. Just community, joy, and real connection.

The mission? To protect Brooklyn’s creative soul by making space for local talent — especially those being pushed to the margins — and to build something that resists the erasure of culture through gentrification. We’re here to uplift each other, create with intention, and remind the city who this belongs to.

Expect:

• A live DJ set and open mic performances
• Painting, poetry, photography, and visual art
• Healing experiences + community energy
• Local vendors, artists, and collaborators — including YOU

? Check out the last event to see what we're building:? lailanigibson.com/event-list

We’ll be right in the center of the park — music on, art in motion, and joy in the air. Come as you are. All are welcome. Always.

This is 100% grassroots and fully organized by me, Lailani — no budget, just a deep love for creative culture and community care.

? Want to join in?Sign up to perform, vend, volunteer, or contribute creatively:? https://forms.gle/9Y9G8Zj8QLkYTWPK6

? Know an indoor venue or community space?I’m looking for partners to help keep this going through the colder months. DMs are open @nonlocalai.

? Stay connected:

• Creative Jobs Chat (DM me on IG to join):https://chat.whatsapp.com/L8QuxKjS60aLwfaQrKUThb
• Daily NYC Events + Meetup Chat:https://chat.whatsapp.com/LRPQBhg4Zrt7JQ1jU1k8TG
• Performer + Artist Collaboration Chat:https://chat.whatsapp.com/FlUcTUaIqjdF0NSgRU3OdF

Let’s protect creative spaces and make Brooklyn feel like ours again.

— Lailani@nonlocalai | lailanigibson.com

Subway:

• L Train to Jefferson Street Station. Walk northeast on Wyckoff Avenue, turn right onto Starr Street, and head straight to the park.
• M Train to Knickerbocker Avenue Station. Walk southeast on Knickerbocker Avenue, then turn left onto Starr Street to reach the park.

Buses:

• B38 – stops near DeKalb Ave & Knickerbocker Ave
• B57 – stops near Flushing Ave & Knickerbocker Ave
• B60 – stops near Wilson Ave & Suydam St

From Manhattan:Take the Williamsburg Bridge into Brooklyn → Continue on Broadway → Left onto Flushing Ave → Right on Knickerbocker Ave → Left on Starr Street. The park is at Starr & Knickerbocker.

From Queens:Take Jackie Robinson Parkway west → Exit at Bushwick Ave → Right onto Bushwick Ave → Left onto Flushing Ave → Right on Knickerbocker Ave → Left on Starr Street.

Street Parking:Free street parking is available on Starr Street, Suydam Street, Knickerbocker Avenue, and nearby side streets. Be sure to read parking signs carefully.

Nearby Garages (Paid):

• 115 Stanwix Street Garage – approx. 10-minute walk
• 60 Cedar Street Garage – approx. 15-minute walk

1. Knickerbocker Bagel – Bagels and coffee? 367 Knickerbocker Ave | ⏰ 7AM–3PM
2. Abracadabra Magic Diner – Turkish-Mediterranean brunch? 566 Onderdonk Ave | ⏰ Sat–Sun 9AM–9PM
3. Molasses Books – Coffee, books, and a cozy vibe? 770 Hart St | ⏰ 12PM–12AM
4. Hive Mind Books & Coffee Shop – Indie books + coffee? 219 Irving Ave | ⏰ Varies
5. Wyckoff Starr Coffee Shop – Neighborhood favorite? 30 Wyckoff Ave | ⏰ Sat–Sun 8AM–5PM
6. Your Way Cafe – Classic breakfast diner? 17 Wilson Ave | ⏰ 7AM–4PM
7. Dayglow – Craft coffee + colorful drinks? 8 Wilson Ave | ⏰ 8AM–5PM
8. Sips – Espresso + natural wines? 5 Central Ave | ⏰ 8AM–4PM
9. Nook – Cozy cafe for bites + coffee? 45 Irving Ave

1. El Regalo de Juquila – Authentic Mexican food? 1209 Myrtle Ave | ⏰ 10AM–4AM
2. Rebecca’s – Bar food, backyard hangout? 610 Bushwick Ave | ⏰ 4PM–4AM
3. Birdy’s – Dive bar eats? 1215 Myrtle Ave | ⏰ 2PM–4AM
4. Little Mo – Vietnamese comfort food? 1158 Myrtle Ave | ⏰ 12PM–11PM
5. 2 Chix – Brunch and fried chicken? 1022 Broadway | ⏰ 10AM–4PM
6. Zatar Cafe & Bistro – Mediterranean, open late? 1294 Myrtle Ave | ⏰ 8AM–1:45AM
7. Queen – Mediterranean cafe + cocktails? 247 Starr St | ⏰ 12PM–10PM
8. Tony’s and Orazio Pizza – NY style slices? 336 Knickerbocker Ave
9. Pacaya Guatemalan Restaurant – Homestyle eats? 251 Wilson Ave
10. El Jardin Azuyo – Ecuadorian meals + bar? 266 Suydam St
11. Arepera Guacuco – Venezuelan arepas? 44 Irving Ave
12. Maa Ka Dhaba – Indian takeout gem? 67 Stanhope St
13. Ayat Bushwick – Palestinian comfort food? 242 Knickerbocker Ave
14. Santa Salsa – Venezuelan street food? 234 Starr St | ⏰ 12PM–2AM
15. Sea Wolf – Seafood, tacos, cocktails? 19 Wyckoff Ave
16. Rosie Pizza Bar – Pizza and drinks? 128 Central Ave | ⏰ 12PM–Late
17. Alegria Bar and Grill – Salvadoran pupusas + vibes? 266 Suydam St | ⏰ 12PM–12AM
18. Tortilleria Mexicana Los Hermanos – Tacos + tortillas? 271 Starr St
19. Black Seed Bagels – Hand-rolled bagels? 379 Suydam St
20. El Encebollado de Víctor – Ecuadorian seafood stew? 280 Knickerbocker Ave

1. Starr Bar – Community bar + event space? 214 Starr St
2. Jupiter Disco – Retro dance club? 1237 Flushing Ave
3. Bunna Cafe – Vegan Ethiopian + cozy bar vibes? 1084 Flushing Ave

Info: Open to all! Come help set up tables, art areas, and signs, there is no experience needed. If you have an extra table or tent, bring it by and be part of building something beautiful.

Info: Open to all performers — sign up on-site
Sounds by @hamad.adventures
Light networking + warm-up energy

Info: Vendor Market, Live Art & Photography, Community Yarn Installation on the Fence (Drop-ins welcome, bring yarn)? Open Networking — connect, collab, and build

Info: 5-minute sets of music, movement, poetry, and more
? Lineup TBA —contact @nonlocalai to sign up

Info: Open mic moment to close it out together.
Final shoutouts + collective energy reset.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Maria Hernandez Park, Btwn Starr & Suddyam St, Brooklyn, United States