The Art in the Park Meetup: Vending, Networking & Creative Workshops

This is your moment to be outside with people who are open, kind, and building their lives. Join us for live music, art, and connection.
About this Event

This is your moment to be outside with people who are open, kind, and building their lives. Join us for live music, art, and connection.

Join us Saturday, July 11 at Maria Hernandez Park in Brooklyn for The Art in the Park Meetup.

This is a community art gathering for artists, creatives, vendors, neighbors, families, and anyone looking to get off the internet and connect in real life.

We’ll be open from 2–7 PM. Come anytime during that window.

We are meeting in the center plaza of Maria Hernandez Park. Walk from any entrance toward the center of the park, and you’ll find us there.

All artists interested in participating must receive approval from Lailani Gibson prior to the event.

This event includes local artists, vendors, community activities, giveaways, and free creative workshops:

3 PM: Sound Bath with @solful_sounds
4 PM: School to Pr*son Pipeline with @rootedinthework
5 PM: Impact of Plants and Healing Our Planet with @sugaa.e

Free giveaways will be available for the first 100 attendees who RSVP and show up.

All are welcome. Come alone, bring a friend, bring your art, bring your vending items, or just come for the vibes.

For exact artist/vendor details follow and message @nonlocalai or @theartmeetup on Instagram.

Rain plan: If needed, we will meet at 3 PM at Time Out Market, 55 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, on the ground floor for modified workshops and grounded conversations. You are still welcome to bring your vending items and art for showcase.

Please check @nonlocalai and @theartmeetup for updates before and during the event.

Donations help cover ponchos, supplies, giveaways, printing, future venue costs, and the community labor it takes to keep The Art Meetup going. Donate here: https://www.lailanigibson.com/donate

If you know of a future indoor or outdoor venue that could be a good fit for Art Meetup events in 2027, nominate a venue here: https://forms.gle/AzpfUBFxnFKx3Gq68

Donate via RSVP or here

Stay Connected
Event updates: Follow @nonlocalai
The Art Meetup: Follow @theartmeetup
Meet the organizer: Visit LailaniGibson.com
NYC art jobs and creative resources: Explore The Creative Plug on Substack
Upcoming events: View The Art Meetup on Eventbrite
The Art Meetup playlist: Follow and save on Spotify

Hope you feel welcomed to come as you are, meet someone new, and be part of the community we’re building together.

The Art Meetup was created to give NYC creatives a real place to connect, create, and feel seen. Join us for live music, art, conversation, and community. RSVP now before tickets run out.

The Art Meetup Vendor Collective

Shop Joinoir on Ko-fi
Rooted in the Work · @rootedinthework
@jss.arts
@dandy_in_the_underworld.brand
Celestial Wallflower
@ladybrownart · LadyBrownArt.com
@midorimonday
@byumeyu
@color.me.tasty
@beadsbymimi
Luxer Eats
@boribooksandcafe
Netanyahs.com
@coachkayconnect
@mimisartroom
@ghostcityqueers
@ghostsofcrows
@sea.gravez
@amilakapothecary
@doggy.collar
@cecilia_loher
@daisyl4
@uniique.s
@bellerss_creates
@shopglossedgold
@turnheadsoils
@tonibtells.nyc
@kleoshoes_
@space_chains
@nwao.wav
@itzdiiaamond
@queenshidart
@johnaer.kreations
@mumtahina_
@eternaljewels.nyc
@gregorygarciastarfreezer
@joner144
@giftedwhenfaded
@krist_the_artist
@egdcollective

The Art Meetup is about more than gathering in the park. It is about creating a real cash mob for local artists, vendors, and small business owners where people do not just say they support community, they show up, shop, share, connect, and help keep money moving through Brooklyn’s creative ecosystem.

Local Eats Near Maria Hernandez Park

Coffee, Breakfast and Light Bites

Knickerbocker Bagel
367 Knickerbocker Avenue · 7 AM–3 PM
Bagels, breakfast, and coffee.

Abracadabra Magic Diner
566 Onderdonk Avenue · Saturday and Sunday, 9 AM–9 PM
Turkish-Mediterranean brunch.

Molasses Books
770 Hart Street · 12 PM–12 AM
Coffee, books, and a relaxed neighborhood atmosphere.

Hive Mind Books & Coffee Shop
219 Irving Avenue
Independent books and coffee.

Wyckoff Starr Coffee Shop
30 Wyckoff Avenue · Saturday and Sunday, 8 AM–5 PM
A neighborhood coffee favorite.

Your Way Cafe
17 Wilson Avenue · 7 AM–4 PM
Classic breakfast and diner dishes.

Dayglow
8 Wilson Avenue · 8 AM–5 PM
Craft coffee and colorful drinks.

Sips
5 Central Avenue · 8 AM–4 PM
Espresso and natural wines.

Nook
45 Irving Avenue
A cozy cafe serving coffee and light bites.

Lunch, Dinner and Late-Night Food

El Regalo de Juquila
1209 Myrtle Avenue · 10 AM–4 AM
Authentic Mexican food.

Rebecca’s
610 Bushwick Avenue · 4 PM–4 AM
Bar food and a backyard gathering space.

Birdy’s
1215 Myrtle Avenue · 2 PM–4 AM
A neighborhood dive bar with casual food.

Little Mo
1158 Myrtle Avenue · 12 PM–11 PM
Vietnamese comfort food.

2 Chix
1022 Broadway · 10 AM–4 PM
Brunch and fried chicken.

Zatar Cafe & Bistro
1294 Myrtle Avenue · 8 AM–1:45 AM
Mediterranean dishes with late-night hours.

Queen
247 Starr Street · 12 PM–10 PM
Mediterranean food and cocktails.

Tony’s and Orazio Pizza
336 Knickerbocker Avenue
New York-style pizza.

Pacaya Guatemalan Restaurant
251 Wilson Avenue
Homestyle Guatemalan food.

El Jardin Azuyo
266 Suydam Street
Ecuadorian meals and a neighborhood bar.

Arepera Guacuco
44 Irving Avenue
Venezuelan arepas.

Maa Ka Dhaba
67 Stanhope Street
Indian takeout.

Ayat Bushwick
242 Knickerbocker Avenue
Palestinian comfort food.

Santa Salsa
234 Starr Street · 12 PM–2 AM
Venezuelan street food.

Sea Wolf
19 Wyckoff Avenue
Seafood, tacos, and cocktails.

Rosie Pizza Bar
128 Central Avenue · 12 PM–Late
Pizza and drinks.

Alegria Bar and Grill
266 Suydam Street · 12 PM–12 AM
Salvadoran pupusas and neighborhood energy.

Tortilleria Mexicana Los Hermanos
271 Starr Street
Tacos and freshly made tortillas.

Black Seed Bagels
379 Suydam Street
Hand-rolled bagels.

El Encebollado de Víctor
280 Knickerbocker Avenue
Ecuadorian seafood stew.

Drinks, Bars and Nightlife

Starr Bar
214 Starr Street
Community-focused bar and event space.

Jupiter Disco
1237 Flushing Avenue
Retro-inspired dance club.

Bunna Cafe
1084 Flushing Avenue
Vegan Ethiopian food and a cozy bar atmosphere.

How to Get to Maria Hernandez Park

Subway

L Train: Take the L to Jefferson Street. Walk northeast on Wyckoff Avenue, turn right onto Starr Street, and continue toward the park.

M Train: Take the M to Knickerbocker Avenue. Walk southeast on Knickerbocker Avenue, then turn left onto Starr Street.

Bus

B38: Stops near DeKalb Avenue and Knickerbocker Avenue.
B57: Stops near Flushing Avenue and Knickerbocker Avenue.
B60: Stops near Wilson Avenue and Suydam Street.

Driving From Manhattan

Take the Williamsburg Bridge into Brooklyn. Continue onto Broadway, turn left onto Flushing Avenue, right onto Knickerbocker Avenue, and left onto Starr Street.

The park is located near Starr Street and Knickerbocker Avenue.

Driving From Queens

Take the Jackie Robinson Parkway west and exit toward Bushwick Avenue. Turn right onto Bushwick Avenue, left onto Flushing Avenue, right onto Knickerbocker Avenue, and left onto Starr Street.

Parking

Free street parking may be available along Starr Street, Suydam Street, Knickerbocker Avenue, and the surrounding side streets. Always read posted parking and street-cleaning signs carefully.

Nearby paid parking options may include:

115 Stanwix Street Garage
Approximately a 10-minute walk.

60 Cedar Street Garage
Approximately a 15-minute walk.

The Art Meetup creates welcoming spaces across NYC where Black creatives, artists, culture lovers, families, neighbors, and community-minded people can connect, share their work, discover opportunities, and feel less alone.

RSVP early, invite someone who needs community, and meet us in the park.

Agenda
The Art Meetup

Info: Join us for an afternoon of art, creativity, and community in Maria Hernandez Park. Enjoy local artwork, a community crafts, free workshops, vendors, and opportunities to connect with neighbors. All ages and experience levels are welcome.

?: 02:00 PM
Vendor/ Volunteer Arrivals & Set Up
?: 03:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Art Gallery with Free Workshops and Crafts

Info: Browse artwork by local artists, participate in free workshops and creative activities, make crafts, and connect with community members in a welcoming outdoor setting. No experience necessary and all ages are welcome. Vendors are welcome to participate at no cost. Simply bring your own table and setup.

?: 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Micro-Meditations by Sólful Sounds
Host: @solful_sounds

Info: Trade the noise for peace with a bite-sized, restorative sound session brought to you by Sólful Sounds.

?: 04:00 PM - 05:00 PM
School to Pr*son Pipeline with Rooted in the Work
Host: @RootedintheWork

Info: This workshop invites participants to reflect on the lessons they’ve learned about survival, belonging, and opportunity while living in New York City. Through storytelling and conversation, we’ll explore how communities are shaped by the environments we live in and what it takes to build a city where more people can thrive.

?: 05:00 PM - 06:00 PM
The Impact of Plants and Healing Our Planet with Sugaa.e
Host: @Sugaa.e

Info: The Grass is Green Where We Water It

This workshop discusses the outcome of eating sustainably as individuals or couples in the U.S through food we can grow in our homes. Come and learn about the herbs/veggies YOU can grow in YOUR home; also learn about the benefits of plants in our environments and the things they do to the air we breathe daily.