Brooklyn’s Best Outdoor Dance Parties
After spending winter (and March and April… and some of May) holed up indoors, we’ve reached peak anticipation of balmy, summery evenings. Perhaps you plan to dance yrself clean at one of LCD Soundsystem’s many festival appearances, but in the realm of non-festival dance parties, but festivals can be overwhelming, keeping up with a lineup sometimes takes away from one’s commitment to the actual dancing.
While New Yorkers don’t get down nearly hard enough at concerts* (*the author’s highly subjective opinion), the sanctioned dance floor is another story. Combined with being outdoors, it’s an escapist’s paradise. We’re lucky to have some amazing options in Brooklyn. ..
Tiki Disco
What started as “an accident” in 2009 has grown into a household series of events and boat cruises in New York. The Sunday mainstay features resident DJs Eli Escobar, Andy Pry and Lloydski. Tiki Disco is known as much for its raucous dance floors as its good vibes. Billed as providing “with music for people who like music for people,” the size of the parties hasn’t compromised the more intimate feel of its early days.
Tiki Disco kicks off on May 15 at The Well, 272 Meserole Street, Bushwick
Mister Sunday
Moster Sunday proves the power of immersion when you don’t allow cell phones on the dance floor. You’ll get down in ways you haven’t when no one tries to stunt your rhythm with Snapchats and selfie requests. The Sunday afternoon danceathon is relocating from Gowanus Grove to Ridgewood’s Nowadays for the season. Residents Eamon Harkin and Justin Carter will spin the opening party on May 15, and are there all season with occasional guest DJs for when Harkin and Carter are on tour. For those less interested in dancing, the massive space also has ping pong, checkers, and an elusive little thing called grass.
Nowadays at 56-06 Cooper Avenue, Ridgewood; Every Sunday from May 15 through October 30
JunXion NYC
This Bushwick/East Williamsburg (who knows anymore) collective known as JunXion NYC goes further than just your average dance party with performers, artists and art cars. It’s a transportive party, your go-to if you’re seeking Burning Man vibes without the techstars (or hefty price). This season will kick off with a mobile “adventure party” which features multiple buses and a dance parade. Their pop-up dance parties of the nondestination variety are relocating from Bushwick to an as yet to be announced space in South Williamsburg. Sign up for the listserv to find out more!
The Brooklyn Mirage
Another Bushwick-ish spot that gathers burners and dance-musice heads alike is The Brooklyn Mirage. Relocating to a new but nearby location, the space reopens for the season on Saturday, May 21st. There are supposed to be improvements and surprises with the venue change. Known for house music, the it’s kicking off with the ever-popular The Cityfox Experience. The kick off party promises a veritable marathon of music, indoors and outdoors. It’s a bit pricy at $70 a ticket, but the event also promises visuals by Projektil, creature comforts and fine eats and libations. The setting and music set out to create an oasis amidst urban, industrial Brooklyn.
The Brooklyn Mirage at Johnson Avenue (exact address with ticket purchase)