Festivals are an important part of many cultures. Although they first appeared in England in the 18th century, South America became the place where festivals grew strong. When arriving in Brooklyn, immigrants introduced various cultural traditions and festivals there.
One of the most large-scale festivals in the borough is the Northside Festival. It is a large public event that takes place in three neighborhoods. Read more at brooklynski.
The fifth power
The Northside Festival was founded in 2009 by a Brooklyn-based company that publishes such magazines as L Magazine and Brooklyn Magazine.
Northside Media Group (NMG) was very concerned about the revival of Brooklyn. The borough has always been a place with many different cultures. For historical reasons, Brooklyn became a kind of haven for those who do not fit in. It is a hub for creative diversity and Northside is a way to express it.
The festival is held every June. Various singers, artists and aspiring actors come there to showcase their skills and talents. In the list of performers were often well-known names, including Guided By Voices, writer Piper Kerman, Beirut, Girlpool, Brian Wilson, and others.
The festival lasts for five days, during which nearly one hundred thousand creative individuals manage to manifest themselves on the streets of Brooklyn each year. Around 30 venues are set up for the fest. That is why everyone eager to show their talents and find their audience can find an appropriate spot.
Different from the rest
Usually, festivals take place in one location. However, Northside occupies three neighborhoods of Brooklyn, namely Williamsburg, Greenpoint and Bushwick. As part of Northside, you can enjoy live music gigs, art and even innovative exhibitions. In McCarren Park, you can find some exposition in the open space. Moreover, the Brooklyn festival presents independent films and short films.
In five days, festival guests can watch a new film, see an extraordinary painting, learn about a new startup and ‘get into the head’ of a decorator who created their own art boutique.
Such multiformity attracts not only a larger number of people but also allows personalities of different backgrounds to express themselves. In addition to the diverting program, the fest is also educational and sometimes even commercial. Given that a potential investor, gallery director, or future music band producer may be in the crowd.
Northside Innovation
This is probably the most profitable part of the festival, as people involved in the world of innovation attend Northside Innovation. For them, this festival is something similar to a flea market where you can buy an antique item for a couple of bucks or find a first edition of a classic book.
In addition, the festival holds lectures and presentations about technological advancements.
People at the festival discuss technology, media space, innovative video content and the promotion of final products. Not only influential people from this field but also famous Brooklynites are involved in all discussions.
In 2016, representatives from companies such as Uber, Samsung, Amazon, the New York Times and others participated in Northside Innovation. The Northside Festival has become a kind of school where you can learn about innovation and startups for free.
Everything is accompanied by good music and delicious food. In fact, no festival in America, regardless of its concept, ever takes place without food. Grills, hamburgers, beer, sweets. In Brooklyn, there are even fests specifically intended to represent the cuisines of different nations.
The Northside Festival concludes with a raucous party held in Williamsburg. This is a vibrant spot where creative Brooklynites and other individuals are on the loose.