Families looking to experience the vibrant cultures of the Caribbean won’t have to leave New York City this summer. On Aug. 8, the Brooklyn Children’s Museum (BCM) will host its annual Celebrate the Caribbean festival, a lively day of music, art, storytelling, and interactive activities highlighting the rich traditions of the Caribbean diaspora.
Presented in partnership with the West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA), the free family-friendly event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the museum in Crown Heights, just steps from Brooklyn’s Little Caribbean neighborhood. The festival offers children and adults an opportunity to explore Caribbean heritage through hands-on experiences, live performances, and cultural demonstrations.
One of the day’s featured attractions will be a carnival headdress and bracelet-making workshop led by WIADCA, the organization behind Brooklyn’s iconic West Indian American Day Carnival. Young visitors will have the chance to create colorful carnival accessories while learning about one of the Caribbean’s most celebrated traditions.
Music will also take center stage throughout the festival. Harmony Music Makers will introduce families to the history and rhythms of the steel pan, the national instrument of Trinidad and Tobago, through interactive demonstrations that encourage audience participation. The event also celebrates World Steelpan Day, observed annually on Aug. 11, with a special storytime presented by the Brooklyn Caribbean Literary Festival exploring the origins and cultural significance of the beloved instrument.
Dance enthusiasts can enjoy energetic performances by the CarNYval Dancers, showcasing Afro-Caribbean dance styles that reflect the region’s diverse cultural influences. The celebration will also feature the award-winning Sesame Flyers Youth Company, whose colorful Moko Jumbies—traditional Caribbean stilt walkers—and youth dancers will lead a festive procession and rooftop dance party inspired by carnival celebrations across the islands.
Visitors can further immerse themselves in Caribbean culture through a Kalinda workshop presented by the Brooklyn Caribbean Literary Festival and Something Positive. The martial art combines movement, music, storytelling, rhythm, and oral traditions, offering families an engaging introduction to an important aspect of Caribbean history and cultural expression.
Throughout the day, festivalgoers can enjoy Caribbean food, browse local vendors, and connect with community organizations dedicated to preserving and celebrating Caribbean heritage.
Founded in 1899 as the world’s first children’s museum, Brooklyn Children’s Museum continues its mission of inspiring curiosity and celebrating the borough’s extraordinary cultural diversity. Serving approximately 300,000 children and caregivers each year, the museum offers exhibits and educational programs focused on art, science, music, and global cultures.
Celebrate the Caribbean promises to be a joyful day of learning, creativity, and community—bringing the sights, sounds, and traditions of the Caribbean to families of all ages in the heart of Brooklyn.