By Whitney Jordan & Katarina Hybenova
It is not an exaggeration to say Bushwick Open Studios weekend has never had this many (excellent) parties.
As much we love to stroll endless artist studios, we love to party and play just as much–in a backyard, on a roof, or simply in the streets. Enjoy our list of best events and parties during Bushwick Open Studios 2015, and don’t forget to hydrate–ideally in an open fire hydrant (if you must open it safely).
1. Bushwick Collective Block Party
Troutman St between St. Nicholas & Wyckoff Aves
SAT 12-6PM, indoor events 6PM-midnight
Transport yourself to another world with the staple of Bushwick fun, Bushwick Collective Block Party. Held on the block with amazing street art murals (and rad bars!), get ready for some live painting action, beer tent, food trucks, street performers, raffle and giveaways. After 6PM, head indoors to see bands.
Pickthorn, 61 Wyckoff Ave
FRI-SUN 2-10PM
Pickthorn, a hair and coloring salon is famous for two things: one is that they color hair of the baddest models and actors, and two they organize purely amazing Color Me Bushwick, a three day festival featuring 27 bands, vendors, activities, food and drink. You don’t want to miss this one!
3. Grattan Street Performance Block Party
12 Grattan St
SAT 12-6PM
Traditional block party featuring gallery and food trucks, performance installations as well as live music is organized by Pine Box Rock Shop, Spread Art and thingNY on a closed off Grattan St between Bogart St and Morgan Ave. Fun!
Pine Box Rock Shop, 12 Grattan St
SAT 8PM-2AM
After the Grattan Street Block Party stay at Pine Box Rock Shop a little bit longer, ideally sipping on a craft beer, for their soul and hip hop showcase curated Alec Stephens III. The bands performing will include I AM THE THIRD, Gentleman Brawlers, or Kassapurush.
The Living Gallery, 1084 Broadway
SAT 1PM (BBQ potluck); 2:30PM (slideshow)
Local non-profit organization, Slideluck, usually travels the world to put on food, art and community events featuring slideshows of art works submitted through open calls. During BOS they’re staying at home, playing slideshows of art dedicated to Bushwick. Come by early for a BBQ potluck!
6. Bushwick Open Studio Rooftop Party Presented by Sugarlift & Livestream
Sugarlift, 200 Morgan Ave
SAT 12-5PM $10-35
Local online gallery Sugarlift is inviting you all for a good old rooftop party. They’ll be feeding you with delicious BBQ from Arrogant Swine and getting you tipsy/sober with Sixpoint beer/Bruce Cost Ginger Ale–all that for free, so hopefully you won’t mind the cover. A gallery show of some of the Bushwick’s best street artists will be on view as well (Rubin, Elle, Sonni, ASVP, Eelco Virus, London Kaye, ChrisRWK & Veng, and more).
Roll Up Brooklyn, 382 Jefferson St
FRI 6-8:30PM (art opening), 8:30-12PM music
Newly opened motorcycle garage, Roll Up Brooklyn, is inviting every tough guy and gal in Bushwick to their kickoff party. All their bikes will be parked on the curb, so that you can admire 15+ artists exhibit and enjoy three awesome bands from Brooklyn, DC and Montreal (Guerilla Toss, Loud Boyz, JACKIE); free beers/booze/refreshments from Six Point Brewery, Hendrick’s Gin, Bruce Cost Ginger Ale with cheap food from Little Mo.
8. House of Screwball’s 3rd Annual Bushwick Open Studios Rooftop Party
142 Stockholm St
FRI 8PM-late
Did you say you want to chill in a gentle breeze overlooking Manhattan skyline more? Then you must attend 3rd annual BOS party organized by a party & tarot collective, House of Screwball. They will have DJs, performances and a cake to celebrate the birthday of co-founder Darcy Leonard.
9. Grand Opening Weekend at The Shop Brooklyn
The Shop Brooklyn, 234 Starr St
FRI-SUN
Motorcycle BBQ joint, which reincarnated itself in Bushwick after it closed in Williamsburg in 2011, has been one of Bushwick’s most awaited establishments to open. Teasing us with their 5,000 square feet warehouse, since 2013, The Shop Brooklyn is finally opening in a grand style during the BOS weekend. They will have King Holiday and few other bands playing on Friday night, and all weekend they’ll be serving awesome meat and drink specials. Be on a lookout for some free samples of sausage and other goodies on the street in front of the The Shop.
10. Arts in Bushwick Community Day
Maria Hernandez Park
SAT 11AM-4PM
Organized by Arts in Bushwick’s tireless Community Projects committee, the long-running Community Day Festival can always be counted on for being a dynamic showcase of the neighborhood’s vibrant dance and performing talent, and this year is no different, with performances from Good Yoga, Brooklyn Acts, Still Waters, and more.
11. Rooftop Dance Party at The Vasquez
The Vasquez, 93 Forrest St
SAT 9PM-1AM $20 ($10 for artists participating in BOS)
Norte Maar and The Vazquez Building are hosting a rooftop dance party celebrating BOS 2015! Dance to DJ JoJoSOUL and drink beer from Bushwick’s own Braven Brewing.
12. The Cobra Club Variety Show
The Cobra Club, 6 Wyckoff Ave
SAT 9PM-late
If you’re bored on Saturday night [giggles] head to The Cobra Club for live music, comedy, magic, and burlesque with MC Ralf St. Pierre who is an actor, instructor, comic, and host of mighty popular Kings of Karaoke. Wet Leather is an upbeat rock band, will provide our senses with some “anxiety-pop” and “dork-funk.” The showcase will be immediately followed by karaoke!
13. Fine and Raw’s 3rd Annual Space Boogie Boogaloo
Fine and Raw Chocolate, 288 Seigel Street
SAT 9PM-2AM
Booze milkshakes, local beer and chocolate: the most gluttonous party celebrating Bushwick Open Studios is happening at Fine and Raw. Don’t be fooled by their name, Fine and Raw’s April Waffle Brunch Party was off the hook (and yummy), and with DJ sets by A-Rock and Burchan, expect some space odyssey goodness.
Scumbags & Superstars, 16 Wilson Ave
SAT 1:02pm-9:37PM
Sometimes, it pays to be a circus freak. Clowns, a bearded lady contortionist, free tequila, BBQ, live animals and DJs, of course round out the lineup for Saturday’s Phony Island Carnival. Presented by Napkin Killa, Espolon Tequila, Famous In Bushwick, and Scumbags & Superstars, there will also be a pop-up shop. Catch the action and a margarita behind the Scumbags & Superstars store.
Wonton Foods, 220-222 Moore St
SAT 11PM-6AM
No, wait time!* Say what? Beer, ice cream, pizza and art are promised at Roberta’s Art Party. Dancing is encouraged with sets by DJ Spliffington, DJ Trice Cat and Instagram favorite, Hot Girls Eating Pizza. *Bushwick Daily does not guarantee there will be no wait time*
16. Official BOS 2015 Launch Party and Seeking Space Exhibition
Be Electric Studios, 1298 Willoughby Ave
FRI 7PM-12AM
As you can see, there are SO MANY parties happening this weekend, but only few can call themselves “official.” Like cheering in the new year, celebrate the start of Bushwick Open Studios 2015 at Be Electric Studios. Presented by Tumblr, the official party accompanies the Seeking Space Exhibition – already recommended by the New York Times – and guests can enjoy drinks from Pine Box Rock Shop, Brooklyn Brewery and Bruce Cost Ginger Ale. A digital photo booth and DJ sets from David Kiss and NSR make this a must-attend.
17. Official BOS Closing Party & Cinema Sunday
Bushwick Community Dark Room, 110 Troutman St
SUN 5PM-1AM
Cinema Sunday, Bushwick Open Studio’s resident film showcase, presents two short film programs screening features from local filmmakers, many of which have had national releases. After the screenings, Pine Box Rock Shop, Sixpoint Brewery, Mominette and Bushwick Bakery will provide refreshments as a toast to the end of another successful Bushwick Open Studios.
18. Maps and Mimosas
Norte Maar, 83 Wyckoff Ave
SAT 11AM-2PM
Maps-N-Mimosas has been around (almost) as long as Bushwick Open Studios so make sure you stop by, grab a Mimosa (and a map) and check out Norte Maar’s group exhibition, Hecho en Bushwick.
19. Meryl Meisler: Paradise and Purgatory: Sassy 70’s Book Launch
Bizarre Bar & Black Box Gallery, 12 Jefferson St
FRI 7PM-4AM
Legendary New York photographer, Meryl Meisler is celebrating her latest book, Purgatory & Paradise: SASSY ’70s Suburbia & The City with drag performances, go-go dancers, an all-night dance party and open bar (7PM-8PM). The photographs depict Meisler’s coming of age from her childhood in Long Island to the strange underbelly of the NYC street life. Don’t miss the honor of seeing the photographs in person while picking up a copy of her celebrated second book.
20. Bushwick Open Studios After-Party and Caricatures
Tutu’s, 25 Bogart St
SAT 11PM-4AM
Bushwick darling and dance party du-jour, Tutu’s is throwing an after-party to help sweat off your obligatory BOS day drinking. During the day, stop by the restaurant for a hand-drawn personal caricature and at night, DJs Mr.JPatt and Lukie Kabuki will remind you why Bushwick is the neighborhood all other neighborhoods aspire to be.
21. Unofficial BOS Closing Party
Paper Box, 17 Meadow St
SUN 2PM-late
Looking for a perfect way to cap all the excitement from a very exciting weekend? Head over to Paperbox for a full on day to night music event. Two rooms of music including live performances and nothing but good vibes. This party will feature internationally acclaimed DJ, Jessica Diaz who will be making a one-only stop over for this extra special day.
As a way to show support for all the celebrating artists – BOS registered artists will receive exclusive reduced tickets (with RSVP only) and BOS attendees will also be able to partake in a reduced ticket fee. RSVP to [email protected] for more details. Must RSVP to be listed, so don’t wait another minute.
Tandem, 236 Troutman St
FRI 10PM-4Am
Head over to Tandem for the 2 year anniversary of #TandemFirstFridays by Famous in Bushwick! Performances by Napkin Killa and Mitch Felito. Also celebrating the launch of #SaveArtSpace. Get there early to avoid the line!
