According to The New York Times, Afropunk is the “most multicultural festival in the United States.”
The festival’s goal is to present the importance of unity and diversity through music, film, visual arts, and fashion.
The music acts from the previous festivals ranged from hip-hop to R&B to rock and soul and each year from the stage is sent many powerful messages.
Afropunk is a dynamic representation of American cultural diversity through the arts and a visit to the festival is a unique experience that definitely will expand your worldview.
Afropunk started in Brooklyn in 2005, but its popularity throughout the years helped bring the festival to London, Paris, and Johannesburg.
It is more than just a music festival: it is a global movement that is spreading a positive message all over the world.
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Afropunk Festival Dates & Location
Afropunk Festival Brooklyn is held in Brooklyn, New York, at Commodore Barry Park.
The 2021 dates have not yet been announced.
Afropunk Lineup
The lineup for 2021 has not been confirmed, and previous performers have included Gary Clark Jr., SZA, Macy Gray, Sampha, Thundercat, Willow Smith, King, Junior Astronomers, and Soul II Soul, among others.
Afropunk Tickets
Single-day General Admission Tickets vary from $45 to $55 depending on whether you buy at early-bird or regular pricing.
Weekend General Admission Tickets range from $65 to $90.
VIP tickets are available too, single-day passes cost $110 while weekend passes cost $250.
VIP tickets have expedited entrance, exclusive viewing areas, and access to bars and lounges.
Getting to and from Afropunk Festival
About 70,000 people go to the Afropunk festival at Commodore Park and most of them are using public transportation.
Here is a useful tip: if you want to avoid crowded buses and subways arrive early and leave early.
- Subway – Take the F Train to York St. or the B, Q, and R lines to DeKalb Ave.;
- Bus – Take the B52 to Fulton St./Bond or the B69 to Flushing Ave/N Portland Ave;
- Bike – There are bike accommodations available at Afropunk;
- Car – You are in New York, so going by car to the festival is not recommended;
Where to Stay for Afropunk
If you are a music and art lover, Brooklyn is the perfect place to stay in New York.
While in Brooklyn tour the galleries in Williamsburg or admire the street art in Bushwick.
Here is a list of interesting hotels and hostels in Brooklyn:
- Hotel RL by Red Lion, a beautifully designed hotel in Bushwick with rooms that start at $141 per night.
- Dazzler, a 4-star hotel less than 3 miles from Commodore Park with rooms starting at $247 per night.
- NY Moore Hostel, a great option for only $115 per night.
New York City has a solid public transportation system, so you can stay anywhere in Brooklyn and yet make it to the festival on time.
What to bring
- Clear backpack/bag or small purse;
- One recyclable water container;
- DO NOT BRING alcohol, large bags, umbrellas, and lawn chairs;
Afropunk Festival Useful Tips
- Support the vendors – usually, they are small businesses from the local community;
- Check out the acts before entering and make a lineup schedule;
- Check the weather – summers in NYC can be hot and humid, so dress accordingly and most important wear a hat;
- Carry cash;
- Park exits and ticket sales are final;
Brooklyn Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Brooklyn Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: HIGH
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
