The Ultimate Guide to a Summer Weekend in Brooklyn

Where Brooklyn at?

We’re fresh off celebrating the 30th anniversary of Spike Lee’s famed classic film, Crooklyn, and the NYC borough is still just as beloved as ever to the Black community. Although it may have changed significantly since Lee’s portrayal of Queenie and her family—yes, gentrification is very real—we can’t help but show love to BK and its place in our culture.

With its signature brownstone, tree-lined streets where friends and families still gather on stoops to the melting pot of cultures that call the area home, man, Brooklyn is truly special. Now, add to that summer weather and the neighborhoods really come alive.

If you’re in need of a quick weekend getaway or you just need new ideas outside of your normal NYC hangouts, check out our guide to the ultimate summer weekend in Brooklyn.

Friday

If you’re coming in from out of town, you’ll need some weekend accommodations. The recently opened Tru by Hilton Brooklyn is a great option that is also affordable—because, let’s be honest, NYC hotels can get pricey. Located in the Gowanus neighborhood, the property is steps away from the Union Street subway station and tons of locally owned food spots. There’s a fitness center, a cute 24-hour lounge with a vibrant mural paying homage to the borough, and breakfast is included with your stay.

Once you drop you bags, take the short walk down Union Street into the Park Slope neighborhood. It’s a multicultural area with tons of cute shops, eateries and more. Depending on the weekend, you may even catch a fun street fest featuring an array of local artisans, food vendors and street performers.

For lunch, and if you’re still down for some walking, make your way into downtown Brooklyn to visit the Dekalb Market Hall. Down in the basement, you’ll feel like you’ve literally been transported into a secret underground food world. Some of our favorites while there are Chef Shorne’s Fat Fowl for his viral oxtail grilled cheese and a rose lemonade. Or, stop by Harlem Soul Food for some of Chef Tami’s best dishes. After your meal, head back upstairs to peruse some of the stores and vendors. We fell in love with the aesthetic of The Black Home.

To stock up on your weekend beverages, and all Black-owned, pop into Happy Cork Brooklyn for its array of wines and spirits. Again, did we mention from Black-owned brands?

If you’re in town on the first of the month, there’s no other place to be on a Friday night other than the Brooklyn Museum’s First Fridays event. Paying homage to Black art and creativity, its literally the spot for all the cool kids. Throw on your best fit and prepare to simply be among your people.

Saturday

If you’re someone that enjoys a great outdoor workout session, see what free classes are being offered by NYC Parks during your weekend in town. There’s often a Saturday morning class at Herbert Von King Park. For your morning caffeine fix, head to one of the Brooklyn Tea locations or for something near the hotel, the honey lavender latte at Beanmonger Coffee is definitely worth it. We would also like to shoutout Bed-Stuy’s Je T’aime Patisserie where owner Jatee Kearsley is bringing a taste of Paris to BK by way of her baked goods and treats.

Spend most of your Saturday “smelling the roses” at Brooklyn Botanic Garden and then pursuing exhibits like the current Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beats and Alicia Keys (ends July 7) at the Brooklyn Museum. Or, you can get lost in the shelves of the Brooklyn Public Library.

When it’s time to indulge, we have a few recommendations: BunNan in Flatbush for authentic Haitian dishes, September in Bed-Stuy, Akara House in Crown Heights for Nigerian Cuisine, or Stella’s in Park Slope for your feel of Caribbean food. For a nice sit down option, Sisters Brooklyn has found a way to merge live music with great eats and drinks within its walls.

And for your Saturday evening, what’s a visit to NYC without taking in the theater and performing arts scene. While most would think you would need to pop into Manhattan to catch a show, you can actually catch Off-Broadway shows at the Billie Holiday Theater or you can be blown away by whatever events or shows are taking place at the Brooklyn Academy of Music aka BAM.

Sunday

It’s been an eventful weekend, but we aren’t done just yet. What’s a summer Sunday without brunch? Grab an Uber and head to Shane’s for his popular bunch options including fish and grits and the delicious lemon poppyseed pancakes. For a unique brunch experience, check out Mangoseed which is a speakeasy and eatery hidden in a bike shop.

End your weekend by simply being a tourist. Head to Brooklyn Bridge Park for your free souvenir aka a photo with the iconic bridge in the backdrop. If you happen to work up an appetite after your impromptu photoshoot, pop into Time Out Market and let your senses carry you from there.