With the school year starting up soon, there are lots of fun and exciting back-to-school activities and offers in Downtown Brooklyn to ease back into the semester with. We’ve gathered a few of them here for you to explore.

Play ping-pong at Brooklyn Commons Park

The Push returns to Brooklyn Commons for free games of ping-pong! Starting August 20, tables will be out every Tuesday evening from 4:30 to 6:30 PM. Take a break from assignments and due dates by playing casually or competitively with local table tennis aficionados. Sign up!

Catch Up on Writing Assignments at The Center for Fiction

(For students age 21+) How’s that word count coming along? Whether you’re already in the flow or need some extra motivation, The Center for Fiction is providing space for you to work alongside fellow writers at 45:15 Writing Sessions on Sunday, August 25. Arrive at 5:45pm, grab a drink, and settle in for 45 minutes of writing beginning at 6pm. Take a break at 6:45pm, then dive back in at 7pm for another lap. At 7:45pm, pat yourself on the back for all the progress you made. Click here for event info and tickets.

Explore Schools Back to School Bash and Giveaway at Atlantic Terminal

Get ready for an unforgettable day of excitement and celebration when Atlantic Terminal welcomes the new school year! The upcoming Explore Schools Back to School Bash at Atlantic Terminal Plaza will be packed with fun activities for everyone, including thrilling games, live music, face painting, and surprise giveaways. Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 24 and join Explore Schools for a day filled with laughter, joy, and unforgettable memories. The event will take place on Atlantic Terminal’s outdoor plaza. Click here to RSVP!

Enjoy your mid-day break from classes with free lunchtime concerts 

Every Thursday this September, head on over to Willoughby Plaza between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM for free live music and entertainment! Willoughby Plaza is surrounded by a variety of dining options, such as Willo B’s Cafe, CAVA, Norm’s Pizza, Shake Shack, Panda Express, Raising Cane’s and more — so you’ll have no shortage of options with which to accompany the show. Check out the lineup. 

Brooklyn Book Festival

On Saturday, September 28, check out the Brooklyn Book Festival’s main day for a literary celebration that includes readers, publishers, booksellers, and hundreds of authors. More than 200 local, international, debut, and iconic authors are presented in panel discussions and book-signings on the festival’s outdoor stages and with partner venues in Downtown Brooklyn.

For younger students, visit the Brooklyn Book Festival’s annual Children’s Day at Brooklyn Commons Park in Downtown Brooklyn. With a Picture Book Stage, Young Reader’s Stage, Performance Stage, Workshop Room and a dedicated Makers & Creators area, families will enjoy a full day of readings, workshops, performances, book signings, and art projects with favorite authors and illustrators.

BrIC FAMILY DAY

On Saturday, September 7th, make one more stop before you head back to your routine – BRIC Family Day: Back to School! This fun-filled event is designed to inspire creativity and excitement for the upcoming school year for your little ones, with a whole bunch of activities, including a scavenger hunt, friendship bracelets, vision boards, back-to-school pictures, a glass-blowing demo from UrbanGlass, and more!

New York Transit Museum Sales

Check the New York Transit Museum website for special offers on transit-themed items. This NYC-themed backpack and this NYC subway drawstring bag make great gifts and are both perfect for storing books, pencils, and other school supplies. Check out the list of everything on sale here!

STUDENT Rush Tickets for at BROOKLYN ACADEMY OF MUSIC

Students aged 29 and under can get rush tickets for live events at BAM, which includes up to two $20 tickets to live performances and up to two $11 tickets for any regular-price film screening.

Student Discounts at Target

Join Target’s circle program for free and verify your student status to get 20% off of one qualifying purchase. Target is located in Downtown Brooklyn at City Point BKLYN.

Art Supplies Sale at Blick Art Materials

Looking to get artistic this school year? Save 30-65% during Blick’s biggest paint sale of the year. Also, save between 20-55% on select drawing and sketching pencils, and 25% off select poster frames. More info!

Deals for Students at Apple

Downtown Brooklyn’s Apple Store has student discounts and lots of free classes to help you get ready for the upcoming school year with the best and latest tech.

As the new school year approaches, the neighborhood is alive with activities and events to smooth out the transition back into the classroom. Downtown Brooklyn has you covered, so be sure to make the most of the back-to-school season by diving into these experiences and starting the year on a high note! Also, don’t forget to check out our events calendar for more things do to in Downtown Brooklyn, and our directory for a full list of options for shopping, dining, and much more!