The Brooklyn Museum in Prospect Heights is set to welcome back one of its most beloved traditions this winter, as First Saturdays return for the 2026 season on Feb. 7. A longstanding staple of the borough’s cultural calendar, the free, after-hours series begins the year with programming that honors Black History Month while celebrating art, music and, performance and education.
Held on the first Saturday of select months, First Saturdays has been a cornerstone of the museum’s public programming since its launch in 1988. What began as an experiment in expanding access has become a widely recognized model, drawing visitors from across Brooklyn and beyond.
Each edition of First Saturdays is built around themes connected to the museum’s exhibitions and collections, creating a bridge between the galleries and the communities they serve. Over the years, the series has become known not just for its scale but for its intentional focus on celebrating cultural heritage.
“We are thrilled to welcome visitors to our upcoming season of spectacular performances, curiosity-sparking programming, and most importantly, joy,” Lauren Zelaya, the museum’s director of public programs, said in a statement. “First Saturdays is an essential part of the Brooklyn Museum’s identity, and we are excited to amplify and celebrate the creativity of our borough and create new memories with our community.”
The Feb. 7 kickoff, titled “First Saturday: Imitate No One,” takes its name from a phrase by poet Jayne Cortez and “centers on innovative artists who reenvision tradition while building community.” In tribute to Cortez, who died in 2021, the evening will feature a performance by her band, The Firespitters, along with readings by contemporary poets whose work reflects her influence and legacy.
The night’s programming is also shaped by the exhibition “Seydou Keïta: A Tactile Lens,” which explores the life and work of the celebrated Malian photographer. Keïta’s studio portraits, taken in Bamako in the mid-twentieth century exploring themes of “self-fashioning and African independence.”
Art historian and curator Catherine E. McKinley will lead a guided tour of the exhibition, offering insight into Keïta’s artistic approach and the cultural significance of his work. Guests will also be invited to participate in a hands-on art-making experience inspired by his practice.
Music will play an important role in the programming, reflecting both Keita’s documented history and Brooklyn’s energy. The collective, Cue the record, will host a listening session of Fela Kuti’s 1970 album Gentleman, connecting the sounds of Afrobeat to the era captured in Keita’s photographs. Also in the museum, DJs Autie Spice and Monday Blue will play in the Beauz-Arts Court, while performances by the Brooklyn Ecumenical Choir, Nailah Hunter and Timmy Regisford will fill the lobby.
Magician and storyteller Nicole Cardoza will present a show highlighting the history of Black and women magicians. The evening also includes the Brooklyn pop-up market, featuring local vendors, and a members-only lounge.
Admission to First Saturdays is free, though registration is required and includes general museum admission. Tickets are released on a rolling basis, starting Jan. 16 for museum members and Jan. 20 for the general public. The programs are presented by UGG.
The Feb. 7 program marks the start of a robust 2026 lineup. Upcoming editions include “Freedom Is an Everyday Struggle” on March 7, in celebration of Women’s History Month; “Inkwells” on April 4 for National Poetry Month; “Alter/Altar” on May 2 for AAPI Heritage Month; and special editions recognizing Pride Month in June and Caribbean culture and community in August.
