Commodore Barry Park, located in the Fort Greene neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, is not a nightclub in the traditional sense, but rather a historic public park that has played a significant role in the city’s cultural and musical life, frequently serving as an open-air venue for concerts, festivals, and nightlife-related events. Established in 1836 and named after Commodore John Barry, a founder of the U.S. Navy, the park stands as the oldest in Brooklyn and has long been a gathering spot for the local community.

Over the decades, Commodore Barry Park has evolved from a neighborhood recreational space into an important site for large-scale events, including major summer music festivals like Afropunk and Celebrate Brooklyn. These festivals have brought a nightclub-like atmosphere to the park, transforming it into an epicenter for dance, music, and multicultural expression under the open sky. While the park itself has not changed drastically in terms of its basic layout or location, infrastructure renovations and event-specific enhancements have made it a more versatile venue in recent years, including improved stages, lighting, and sound systems to accommodate world-class performances.

Its reputation is built on its role as a democratic cultural space, welcoming diverse crowds and serving as a platform for social activism, youth empowerment, and the celebration of both local and international music scenes. Over time, Commodore Barry Park has solidified its place in the fabric of New York’s nightlife and festival circuit through its associations with genre-defining events and influential local organizers. Notable artists who have performed at Commodore Barry Park include international stars such as Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, Grace Jones, Janelle Monáe, and Solange, as well as acclaimed local acts like The Roots, TV on the Radio, Santigold, Pro Era, and Flatbush Zombies.