Fun Things To Do in Dumbo Brooklyn This May
Dumbo, Brooklyn, might just be one of New York City’s most photogenic and vibrant neighborhoods — and there’s no better time to explore it than May. With waterfront parks blooming into life, buzzing local markets, rooftop patios, and outdoor art popping up on every corner, it’s the perfect time to discover the best things to do Dumbo Brooklyn has to offer this spring. Whether you’re visiting for the views, the food, or the culture, this guide will help you plan the perfect day in one of Brooklyn’s coolest areas.
If you’re ready to explore one of Brooklyn’s coolest areas, here’s your guide to the fun things to do in Dumbo Brooklyn this spring.
Things To Do in Dumbo Brooklyn This May: Parks, Views, Food & Art
Walk Through Brooklyn Bridge Park
Stretching 85 acres along the East River, Brooklyn Bridge Park is a showstopper. You can stroll along scenic piers, picnic by the waterfront, kayak in free summer programs, or simply soak in skyline views that feel unreal.
- Address: 334 Furman St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
- Website: https://www.brooklynbridgepark.org/
- Contact: (718) 222-9939
Explore the TimeOut Market
TimeOut Market Brooklyn isn’t just a food hall — it’s a gathering of some of NYC’s best chefs and vendors all under one roof. From fresh pizza slices to elevated fine dining plates, it’s the perfect spot to snack and hang out after walking along the river.
- Address: 55 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
- Website: https://www.timeoutmarket.com/newyork/
- Contact: infonyc@timeoutmarket.com
Catch Views from the Rooftop at Empire Stores
Hidden inside the Empire Stores warehouse complex, this rooftop patio offers sweeping views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline. Plus, it’s free and open to the public, so you don’t need a reservation to enjoy the scenery.
- Address: 53-83 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
- Website: https://empirestoresdumbo.com/
- Contact: No central phone; individual businesses inside
Stroll Along Washington Street
You’ve probably seen the famous photo — the Manhattan Bridge perfectly framed between the red-brick buildings of Washington Street. This is Dumbo’s most iconic photo spot, but it’s worth walking the whole street for galleries, cute cafes, and boutiques.
- Location: Intersection of Washington St & Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
- Website: https://www.dumbo.nyc
- Contact: (718) 237-8700 (DUMBO Improvement District)
Visit the Brooklyn Flea Market
Every Sunday from April through October, the Brooklyn Flea sets up in Dumbo, filling it with vintage finds, handmade crafts, jewelry, art, and some delicious street food. It’s a Brooklyn shopping experience you won’t want to miss.
- Address: 80 Pearl St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
- Website: https://brooklynflea.com/
- Contact: (718) 928-6603
Ride Jane’s Carousel
This beautifully restored 1922 carousel sits right on the waterfront and offers a whimsical experience for kids and adults alike. Riding the carousel with the Brooklyn Bridge in the background is a true NYC memory-maker.
- Address: 1 Old Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
- Website: https://janescarousel.com/
- Contact: (718) 222-2502
Catch a Show at St. Ann’s Warehouse
Known for its edgy theater productions and unique musical performances, St. Ann’s Warehouse is one of Dumbo’s cultural treasures. If you’re visiting in May, check their calendar for thought-provoking shows and concerts.
- Address: 45 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
- Website: https://stannswarehouse.org/
- Contact: 718-254-8779
Experience Live at the Archway
Under the Manhattan Bridge Archway, you’ll often find free concerts, dance nights, and pop-up art installations. “Live at the Archway” events turn this historic space into a lively open-air venue, perfect for soaking up local Dumbo culture.
- Address: 155 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201 (Archway under Manhattan Bridge)
- Website: https://dumbo.nyc/live-at-the-archway/
- Contact: (718) 237-8700 (DUMBO Improvement District)
Enjoy a Coffee at Butler Café
Dumbo is full of great coffee shops, but Butler Café stands out for its artisanal pastries, stylish vibe, and relaxing corner spots. It’s a great place to recharge between sightseeing.
- Address: 40 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
- Website: https://butler-nyc.com/
- Contact: (718) 923-0090
Walk the Brooklyn Bridge at Sunset
Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge into Manhattan — or starting from Manhattan and ending in Dumbo — is one of the best free experiences in the city. May evenings bring cooler breezes and golden-hour views that are simply breathtaking.
- Entry Point in Dumbo: Washington St & Prospect St near the Brooklyn Bridge entrance
- Website: https://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/infrastructure/brooklyn-bridge.shtml
Visit Powerhouse Arena Bookstore
Part bookstore, part event space, Powerhouse Arena is a hub for indie publishing, art, and photography books. It’s the perfect cozy escape if you want a break from walking — and you might catch a live book signing or art event.
- Address: 28 Adams St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
- Website: https://powerhousearena.com/
- Contact: (718) 666-3049
Explore Dumbo Walls
Dumbo isn’t just about waterfront views — it’s also a living outdoor gallery. Dumbo Walls is a collection of massive street art murals scattered throughout the neighborhood, painted by internationally recognized artists.
- Location: Around Water Street and Pearl Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
- Website:https://dumbo.nyc/
- Contact: (718) 237-8700 (DUMBO Improvement District)
Snap Photos at Main Street Park
This charming part of Brooklyn Bridge Park sits right where the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges converge, offering some of the best skyline views in the city. It’s less crowded than the main piers, making it perfect for a peaceful stroll.
- Address: 1 Main St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
- Website: https://www.brooklynbridgepark.org/places/main-street/
- Contact: (718) 222-9939
Ride the East River Ferry
Skip the subway for a bit and hop on the NYC Ferry! The East River route stops right in Dumbo and offers scenic views of Manhattan and the Brooklyn waterfront for just a few dollars.
- Address: Dumbo Ferry Terminal, Old Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
- Website: https://www.ferry.nyc/routes-and-schedules/east-river/
- Contact:help@ferry.nyc
Enjoy Art Installations at Empire Fulton Ferry Park
Part of Brooklyn Bridge Park, Empire Fulton Ferry often hosts pop-up art pieces and performances throughout the warmer months. Check the event listings for open-air exhibits and special programs during May.
- Address: 26 New Dock St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
- Website: https://www.brooklynbridgepark.org/places/empire-fulton-ferry/
- Contact: (718) 222-9939
With its cobblestone streets, waterfront parks, iconic bridges, and creative energy, Dumbo is one of Brooklyn’s most exciting places to explore — and May is the perfect time to do it. Whether you’re catching free concerts under the Manhattan Bridge, admiring skyline views from rooftop patios, browsing indie bookstores, or bouncing through oversized balloon sculptures, you’ll find plenty of fun things to do in Dumbo Brooklyn.
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