At a Glance
Time Needed: 180 min.
Ages: All
Allows Food/Drink: No
Luggage Storage: No
30 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217 Get Directions
Feb 7—Feb 8, 2026 Part of Winter/Spring 2026 and BAM Film 2025 Ready your imagination and join us for another weekend of cinematic adventure! Brooklyn’s favorite kids film program is back for its 28th year with a dazzling mix of animated, live-action, and documentary shorts. Created by filmmakers from around the world, these fun-sized movie gems are bursting with curious creatures, courageous kids, and magical moments. BAMkids Film Festival celebrates global perspectives, offering families fresh ways to see and understand our world. We tailor our selections to suit young dreamers (ages 3—5), bold explorers (6—8), and budding cinephiles (9+), but these special films can be enjoyed by viewers of all ages. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite—it just might win a BAMmie Award for Best Live Action or Best Animated short! Includes films with English subtitles.
Learn more: https://www.bam.org/forallyourlife Dec 3—Dec 7, 2025 For All Your Life Created by Leslie Cuyjet Part of Next Wave 2025 and Fall 2025 For All Your Life is a performance, film, and social experiment that investigates the value of Black life and death, drawing on the life insurance industry for method and metaphor. In the film, Brooklyn choreographer and performer Leslie Cuyjet delivers a seminar that reveals how the insurance business is linked to the historical slave trade, how people grapple with the inevitability of death, and how monetary value is affixed to human life. In performance, Cuyjet embodies the passions and conflicts underlying such transactions. Deemed “a potent choreographic force” by The New York Times, Cuyjet is a 2025 Guggenheim Fellow and received a 2019 New York Dance and Performance “Bessie” Award. Her solo Blur earned a 2022 award for Outstanding Choreographer/Creator, and With Marion (2023) reflected on the legacy of her great-aunt, Marion Cuyjet, a pioneer in Black dance education. Learning that major insurers once sold policies on enslaved people became the seed for For All Your Life, complicating Cuyjet’s own understanding of value, mortality, and legacy. Extending beyond the stage, the project includes a companion website (forallyourlife.com), a digital marketplace that invites audiences to confront how Black life and death have been—and continue to be—quantified.
Learn more: https://www.bam.org/optimisticvoices Nov 5—Nov 8, 2025 Optimistic Voices Created by Juliana F. May Part of Next Wave 2025 and Fall 2025 Acclaimed choreographer Juliana F. May is renowned for creating thrillingly elaborate cycles of song, text, and movement from the wreckage of difficult experience. In Optimistic Voices, her BAM debut, May delves into the tangled contradictions of family, eroticism, and motherhood. Influenced by postmodern dance and musical theater, she uses repetition and off-kilter rhythms in pursuit of a new performative language. For Optimistic Voices—performed by Justin Faircloth, Wendell Gray II, Lucy Kaminsky, Gwendolyn Knapp, Kayvon Pourazar, and Anh Vo—May creates a dreamlike landscape from the quagmire of everyday life.
Learn more: https://www.bam.org/LAF Dec 5—Dec 7, 2025 Les Arts Florissants Messe de Minuit and Pastorale de Noël By Marc-Antoine Charpentier Conducted by William Christie Part of Fall 2025 Curious about what Christmas might have sounded like to Louis XIV? Early-music expert William Christie and his world-renowned French ensemble Les Arts Florissants take up that question with style, performing two seasonal works by the French Baroque composer Marc-Antoine Charpentier, Master of Music at the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris. The program includes two key works by Chapentier, among the greatest composers of sacred music during the Grand Siècle: Messe de Minuit pour Noël, a mass setting based on the melodies of 10 French Christmas carols, and Pastorale de Noël, a lyrical recounting of the Nativity story. These performances are a welcome return for Christie and Les Arts Florissants, BAM favorites since their first appearance with a universally celebrated production of Jean-Baptiste Lully's opera Atys in 1989, here making their first BAM appearance since 2019.
Next Wave 2025 welcomes a few of today’s most innovative theater artists—some you may already know and others you’ll be glad to discover. Learn more: https://www.bam.org/theater
Embracing evolution and revolution, BAM champions choreographers who break the mold, questioning what dance can be and do—a spirit that continues this year with Next Wave 2025. Learn more: https://www.bam.org/dance
The closest subway stops to BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music) at 30 Lafayette Ave in New York City are:
1. Atlantic Avenue - Barclays Center Station: This station is served by the B, D, N, Q, R, 2, 3, 4, and 5 subway lines. It's just a short walk away from BAM and provides convenient access to the venue.
2. Lafayette Avenue Station: This station is served by the C train and is located right next to BAM. It's the most convenient option if you're specifically going to BAM.
If you're looking for subway updates and service changes, I recommend checking the official website of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) at www.mta.info. They provide real-time updates, service advisories, and other important information to help you navigate the subway system.
While you're in the area, I also recommend exploring the vibrant neighborhood surrounding BAM. Fort Greene is known for its charming brownstone-lined streets, trendy boutiques, and delicious dining options. Here are a few recommendations:
1. Habana Outpost: This popular Cuban-Mexican restaurant offers a lively outdoor seating area and delicious food. It's a great spot for brunch, lunch, or dinner. You can find more information at www.habanaoutpost.com.
2. Walter's: If you're in the mood for a cozy neighborhood bar, Walter's is the place to go. They have a great selection of craft beers, cocktails, and a relaxed atmosphere. Check them out at www.waltersfortgreene.com.
3. BAM Rose Cinemas: If you're interested in catching a movie, BAM Rose Cinemas is right next to the main BAM building. They showcase a mix of independent, foreign, and classic films. You can find their current schedule at www.bam.org/cinemas.
I hope you have a fantastic time at BAM and enjoy exploring the vibrant Fort Greene neighborhood!
The closest bus stops to BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music) at 30 Lafayette Ave in New York City are:
1. Lafayette Ave/Fulton St: This bus stop is served by the B25 and B26 buses. You can check for updates on bus schedules and routes on the official MTA website: MTA Bus Updates.
2. Ashland Pl/Fulton St: This bus stop is served by the B25, B26, B38, B41, B45, B52, and B63 buses. For the latest information on bus schedules and routes, you can visit the MTA website: MTA Bus Updates.
Please note that bus schedules and routes may be subject to change, so it's always a good idea to check for updates before your visit. Enjoy your time at BAM!
The ideal length of time to plan to spend at BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music) in New York City depends on your interests and the specific events you want to attend. BAM offers a diverse range of performances, including theater, dance, music, and film screenings.
For a single performance, you should allocate around 2 to 3 hours. This includes time for finding your seat, enjoying the show, and potentially grabbing a drink or snack during intermission. However, if you plan to attend multiple events or explore the various offerings at BAM, you may want to set aside a full day or even a weekend.
BAM is not just a performance venue; it also has a beautiful campus with multiple theaters, art galleries, and a café. Take some time to explore the surroundings and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. Additionally, BAM is located in the lively neighborhood of Fort Greene, which offers great dining options and charming streets to wander.
In summary, the ideal length of time to spend at BAM depends on your schedule and interests. Whether it's a few hours for a single performance or a whole day to fully immerse yourself in the BAM experience, you're sure to have a memorable time at this cultural hub in Brooklyn.
The Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) is a renowned performing arts venue located in Brooklyn, New York. While BAM does not have its own food and drink policy, it is important to note that each individual event or performance may have its own rules and regulations regarding food and drink.
Typically, outside food and beverages are not allowed inside the theaters at BAM. However, there are usually concession stands or bars available where you can purchase snacks, drinks, and light refreshments before the show or during intermission. These options may vary depending on the specific event, so it's always a good idea to check the BAM website or contact their box office for more information.
Additionally, BAM is surrounded by a vibrant neighborhood filled with restaurants and cafes. Before or after your visit to BAM, you can explore the nearby area and enjoy a meal at one of the many fantastic dining establishments in Brooklyn. Whether you're in the mood for a quick bite or a sit-down meal, you'll find a diverse range of cuisines to satisfy your cravings.
Overall, while BAM does not have a strict food and drink policy of its own, it's best to be aware of any restrictions or guidelines set by the specific event you are attending.
The Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) in New York City does not have a luggage storage facility on its premises. Therefore, it is advised that you do not bring large bags or suitcases to BAM when attending a show or event. It is always recommended to travel light and only bring essential items with you to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience at BAM. If you do have luggage with you, you may want to consider utilizing a luggage storage service in the city, such as a nearby hotel or a dedicated luggage storage facility.
Yes, the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) is a fantastic cultural institution in New York City that is definitely worth a visit for visitors from other countries and non-English language speakers. BAM is known for its diverse and innovative programming, including theater, dance, music, and film from around the world.
One of the great things about BAM is that they often present performances with subtitles or translations, making it accessible to non-English speakers. They also frequently host international productions, bringing in artists and companies from different countries, which adds to the global appeal of the venue.
BAM is located in the vibrant neighborhood of Fort Greene in Brooklyn, which offers a unique and authentic New York City experience. After enjoying a performance at BAM, you can explore the neighborhood's charming streets, visit local shops and restaurants, or even take a stroll in the nearby beautiful Fort Greene Park.
Whether you're a theater enthusiast or simply looking to immerse yourself in New York City's cultural scene, BAM is a must-visit destination that caters to visitors from all over the world.
The Brooklyn Academy of Music, also known as BAM, offers a diverse range of performances and events suitable for all ages. While some shows may have age restrictions or content that is more appropriate for mature audiences, BAM also presents family-friendly programming that caters to children and young adults.
For families with children, BAM offers a variety of options including theater, dance, music, and film screenings specifically designed for younger audiences. These performances are engaging, educational, and entertaining, making them a great choice for families looking to introduce their children to the arts.
Additionally, BAM frequently hosts special events and workshops that provide opportunities for children and families to actively participate in the creative process. These interactive experiences can be both fun and educational, allowing kids to explore their artistic interests and talents.
To ensure you find the right show or event for your family, I recommend checking BAM's website or contacting their box office directly. They will have the most up-to-date information on age recommendations and content suitability for each performance.
Remember, BAM is committed to providing a diverse range of programming that caters to audiences of all ages, so you're sure to find something that suits your family's interests and preferences. Enjoy your visit to BAM and the vibrant arts scene in Brooklyn!
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