Frequently asked questions
FAQs for Swamp in the City Festival
May 8-11, 2025
Where is this year's Swamp in the City festival taking place?
The festival kicks off on Thursday night, May 8, aboard the Waterfront Museum & Barge. From Friday to Sunday, May 9-11, we’ll be at Strong Rope Brewery (185 Van Dyke St). On Saturday afternoon, join us for a pub crawl starting at Strong Rope and stopping at nearby bars and restaurants.
How do I get to Red Hook?
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Public Transit: Take the B61 or B57 bus lines, or hop on the NYC Ferry (South Brooklyn route, available until 9 pm). For more details on public transportation options from your location, click here.
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By Car: Parking in Red Hook is usually easy to find, but we encourage using public transit when possible.
Is there food & drink available for purchase at the festival?
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Thursday Night: With a 4-day festival supporter ticket, enjoy a complimentary gumbo dinner before the barge dance.
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Food Vendors: We’ll have a variety of food vendors at Strong Rope Brewery Friday-Sunday. We'll be adding a list of food vendors to the schedule soon!
Will there be dancing?
Absolutely! Most venues have dance floors, and we’ll be offering daily dance lessons throughout the festival.
What about kids?
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Swamp in the City is a family-friendly event, especially during the daytime. Don’t miss the Sunday Family Dance at Strong Rope Brewery (Sunday, May 11 at 11 am).
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For everyone's safety and enjoyment, we ask parents and guardians to refrain from letting little ones run around unsupervised on the dance floor, except during the Family Dance.
I’m coming from out of town. Where should I stay?
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There’s one hotel in Red Hook within walking distance of the festival: The Lodge Red Hook.
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Other nearby hotels in Sunset Park, Brooklyn are just a short distance away by car or public transit. Check Expedia for availability and current rates (prices can fluctuate).
Is there any parking near the festival?
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Street parking is usually available in Red Hook, but we encourage using ride-sharing or public transportation to reduce congestion.
What is the rain plan?
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The festival will go on rain or shine! If it’s raining heavily on Saturday afternoon, we may shorten the pub crawl and limit it to Strong Rope Brewery and a couple of nearby venues. But no matter the weather, we’ll be sure to have a great time!
How can I get involved?
There are three great ways to contribute:
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Sponsor an Artist/Band: Support the festival by sponsoring your favorite artist or band! Your sponsorship helps bring the music to life and supports local talent. Email us for more details on how to sponsor an artist or band.
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Volunteer: Help ensure smooth festival operations in exchange for complimentary admission. We need volunteers to assist with everything from setup to welcoming festival-goers. Email us if you’d like to pitch in!
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House an Artist/Band (if you live in Red Hook): Open your home to an artist or band staying in the area. Providing local housing is a huge help to our performers, and it’s a great way to be part of the festival community. Email us if you’re interested in hosting.
For additional questions, email us at swampinthecity@gmail.com.