This Saturday in Brooklyn offers teens a range of ways to build skills, express themselves, and connect with peers who share their interests. From tabletop gaming and visual arts to music and dance, these 10 picks span different neighborhoods and activity types—with most events free or low-cost. Whether you're looking to deepen an existing passion or try something new, there's something here for every kind of creative, social, or skill-building experience.
1Top Pick
FREE
Weekends: Social Skills + Dungeons & Dragons (ages 9-16)
Sat, May 16 · 12:00 PM
BGL Center Slope · Park Slope
Registering siblings? A 5% discount on each session will be applied on the checkout page. LIFE SKILLS THROUGH GAMEPLAY As featured in U.S. News and School Library Journal , our Social Skills program o
Ages 9–16Course
Build social confidence and creative problem-solving through D&D gameplay designed specifically to teach life skills. This program offers structured social interaction with peers in a collaborative storytelling environment.
2Top Pick
FREE
Weekends: Girl Adventurers: Dungeons and Dragons
Sat, May 16 · 12:00 PM
BGL Annex · Park Slope
Every Saturday afternoon, Game Lab is reserved for our gaming girls! Girl Adventurers was developed by two women who are passionate about games and wanted to provide a dedicated space for girls to con
Ages 6–14Course
A dedicated gaming space created by women for girls to explore tabletop gaming and build community with other female players. Dungeons & Dragons develops strategic thinking, creativity, and leadership in a welcoming peer group.
3Top Pick
FREE
Weekends: Saturday Night Dungeons & Dragons (Middle/High School)
Sat, May 16 · 7:00 PM
BGL South Slope · Park Slope
ABOUT THE PROGRAM S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y Night D&D rocks! Our expert Game Masters will guide your children through epic stories with a mix of action, adventure, acting, and puzzles. We usually play Dungeons
Ages 10–18Weekly
Join expert Game Masters for Saturday evening D&D campaigns that combine action, acting, and puzzle-solving for middle and high school players. This program challenges teens to think critically while collaborating with peers on epic narratives.
4Top Pick
FREE
Weekends: Teen Pass
Sat, May 16 · 2:00 PM
BGL Park Slope: Center Slope (310 7th Ave at 8th St) or South Slope (479 7th Ave at Windsor Pl ) · Park Slope
ABOUT THE PROGRAM For our Game Lab veterans– we’ve got just the program for you. Our beloved Teen Pass program returns to BGL, where teens ages 12 and up can play board games, D&D, Magic, and more wit
Ages 12–16Course
Game Lab's Teen Pass offers experienced gamers a space to play board games, D&D, Magic, and more alongside peers with shared interests. This is an excellent way to deepen gaming skills and build friendships with other teen gamers.
5Top Pick
musicFREE
Pre Pro 1 Choir
Sat, May 16 · 1:15 PM
Creature Space · Gowanus
The Ephyras Choir is a collaborative ensemble class that builds strong, confident musicians. Alongside engaging repertoire, students receive focused training in aural skills and foundational music the
Ages 0–18Course
Develop musical confidence and aural skills as part of a collaborative choir ensemble at Creature Space in Gowanus. The Ephyras Choir provides focused training in foundational music theory alongside engaging repertoire.
6Top Pick
FREE
Photoville 2026 Opening Weekend in Brooklyn Bridge Park
Sat, May 16 · 12:00 PM
Brooklyn Bridge Park · Dumbo
Photoville presents a free Community Weekend: a visual storytelling event bringing various artists to Brooklyn Bridge Park, featuring 65 exhibitions and free public programming from VSCO, the Penumbra
Explore 65 photography exhibitions and free public programming at Photoville's Community Weekend in Brooklyn Bridge Park. This event celebrates visual storytelling and connects teens with contemporary artists and creative professionals.
7Top Pick
danceFREE
BAM DanceAfrica Community Day in Bed-Stuy Restoration Plaza
The official kickoff to DanceAfrica 2026, this vibrant celebration features performances by The Billie’s Youth Arts Academy Dance Ensemble–now in its 30th year as part of the festival – alongside sele
Experience live African dance performances by accomplished youth ensembles and professional dancers at the official DanceAfrica kickoff event. This celebration centers Black artistic traditions and offers exposure to diverse performance styles.
8Top Pick
FREE
Future Artists
Sat, May 16 · 5:15 PM
Brooklyn Art Club (Brighton) · Brighton Beach
We provide a fun and creative environment where your children can develop their imagination and improve their artistic skills. • Our studio is staffed only by professional art teachers. • The studio p
Ages 9–14
Develop artistic skills in a studio taught by professional art teachers in a creative, supportive environment in Brighton Beach. This program helps teens build confidence in their artistic abilities through hands-on creative practice.
9Top Pick
From $25
Artudio Open Studio!
Sat, May 16 · 11:00 AM
ARTUDIO · Greenpoint
OPEN STUDIO AT ARTUDIO! 🎨 Drop in for unstructured art play in our inspiring studio space! Perfect for little artists (and their grown-ups) who want to create at their own pace. What's Included: $25/
Ages 1–18Drop-in
Drop into ARTUDIO's open studio space in Greenpoint for unstructured creative exploration at your own pace with materials available. This flexible format allows teens to experiment with art-making without pressure or prescribed outcomes.
10Top Pick
FREE
Kite Festival in Brooklyn Bridge Park
Sat, May 16 · 11:00 AM
Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 5 · Brooklyn Heights
Brooklyn Bridge Park kicks off its spring and summer programming season with this beloved kite-flying fest. This family-friendly event takes over BBP's Pier 5, offering all ages the opportunity to wat
Ages 5+
Participate in Brooklyn Bridge Park's spring kite-flying festival, a family-friendly event that offers both spectating and hands-on participation opportunities. This outdoor event provides a relaxed social atmosphere in a scenic waterfront location.
More Events
FREE
Maker Girls at East Flatbush
Sat, May 16 · 3:00 PM
East Flatbush Branch - Brooklyn Public Library · East Flatbush
Builds creativity, community, adventure, and leadership in every girl. Through projects, play, and games, participants build confidence, explore arts and science, and make friends. For girls ages 7–13
Ages 7–13
FREE
Dance Parade + DanceFest in the East Village
Sat, May 16 · 12:00 PM
Tompkins Square Park · South Slope
Dance Parade returns to the streets, celebrating its 20th-annual procession and festival with 10,000 dancers and more than 100 unique styles of dance.
danceFREE
BAM DanceAfrica Tribute to the Ancestors at Weeksville Heritage Center
Sat, May 16 · 10:00 AM
Weeksville Heritage Center · Crown Heights
DanceAfrica's traditional tribute to those who have passed features music and drumming, dance performances, and a libation ceremony conducted by the Council of Elders.
artFREE
Rooted & Steeping
Sat, May 16 · 1:00 PM
Maple Street Community Garden · Prospect Lefferts Gardens
This event invites you to center yourself, nourish your senses, and connect with neighbors near and far through the art of tea, natural dyeing, and poetry.
outdoorFREE
Family Camping: Brooklyn
Sat, May 16 · 6:00 PM
Salt Marsh Nature Center · Marine Park
The Urban Park Rangers celebrate the tradition of camping and we look forward to welcoming your family. Families are chosen by lottery. Lottery registration opens on Monday May 4.
artFREE
Community Engagement Tea
Sat, May 16 · 1:00 PM
Jerome Glenmore Corner Stone Community Garden · East New York
Gardeners and community members are invited to learn about Chinese Tea Ceremony, make connections in nature and build community through tea. All are welcome!
From $25
Artudio Open Studio!
Sat, May 16 · 12:00 PM
ARTUDIO · Greenpoint
OPEN STUDIO AT ARTUDIO! 🎨 Drop in for unstructured art play in our inspiring studio space! Perfect for little artists (and their grown-ups) who want to create at their own pace. What's Included: $25/
Ages 1–18Drop-in
outdoorFREE
Farmhouse Family Day: Pinkster Celebration
Sat, May 16 · 12:00 PM
Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum · East Flatbush
Discover the history of Pinkster, one of New York's oldest celebrations rooted in African traditions.
sportsFREE
LaBlast® Fitness
Sat, May 16 · 10:30 AM
Brooklyn Public Library - New Utrecht · Bensonhurst
This dance fitness program is based on ballroom dances, including those seen on Dancing with the Stars.
festivalFREE
Queens International Children's Festival 2026
Sat, May 16 · 12:00 PM
Rufus King Park · Cypress Hills
Free family fun in Queens! RSVP for free family fun at the Queens International Children's Festival.