Concert Venue Review: Williamsburg Waterfront

On Thursday eve, I attended my first ticketed concert at the Williamsburg Waterfront, aka East River State Park, in Brooklyn. The Williamsburg Waterfront is a fantastic, beautiful venue for an outdoor concert, with magnificent views of the iconic New York City skyline. Being outdoors in such a large space, the acoustics felt a bit spotty at times, but overall the quality was respectable, the vibe was relaxed, and the bands were enjoyable (Having arrived late, I saw Brooklyn's own indie rock band, TV on the Radio, and just a little bit of the Canadian-based, mega-sized, Broken Social Scene).

I also reveled at the mutli-million dollar condos surrounding the park and wished I could afford to live there...

This summer's concert series at the Waterfront is sponsored by the not-for-profit, community "greening" organization, The Open Space Alliance for North Brooklyn. OSA has hosted both free and benefit concerts this summer at the Waterfront, and will continue to host shows through the end of September. You can still purchase tickets for Widespread Panic and Bright Eyes on September 17, and Fleet Foxes and The Walkmen on September 24 at ticketmaster.  Don't forget to become a fan of The Williamsburg Waterfront on facebook.

Concertgoers at The Williamsburg Waterfront take in
the iconic NYC skyline between sets. 

What to know if you go:

• Bring your ID if you want to purchase alcohol and be prepared to wait on line for a "21+" wristband. Then be prepared to wait on line for a drink ticket. Then be prepared to wait on line for a drink. 
• While there is a separate section for consuming alcoholic beverages, the view from this area is mostly unobstructed. However, the mainstage area is decidedly better, so drink fast!
• The food lines are not any more promising, but you can consume food anywhere in the venue, and the food is GOOD. (Although, at least at the most recent show, one of the vendors ran out very, very quickly. We were told they were going to restock, but I do not know whether or not they did.)
• No pets, bottles/cans/coolers, backpacks, bicycles, skateboards, open umbrellas, or chairs are allowed in the park. 
• Cameras are okay, but no zoom lenses. 
• The closest subway is the L train at Bedford. 
• All events are rain or shine!!

View of TV on the Radio from Mainstage Area

View of TVOTR from alcohol consumption area

Broken Social Scene,
with glimpse of mulit-million dollar condo in background