Looking to learn something new, express yourself creatively, or build community — all without spending a dime? This guide highlights free, indoor, and hands-on workshops and classes available across Brooklyn. Whether you’re into painting, woodworking, writing, filmmaking, or fiber arts, these programs are designed to keep you engaged.
Everything listed here encourages you to create, build and explore new skills directly. Programs are offered by trusted cultural institutions, libraries, nonprofits, and artist collectives throughout Brooklyn, with options for adults, teens, and kids.
Brooklyn Public Library (Multiple Branches) offers free classes and workshops across Brooklyn.
Explore expressive art-making with oil pastels in this hands-on creative workshop for all experience levels.
A five-week guided class series focused on drawing and painting techniques using pen and acrylics.
Learn to roll and shape paper into intricate designs in this decorative paper craft program.
A painting class that combines creativity with holistic wellness, led by community health educators.
Try your hand at woodworking using repurposed materials in a safe, supportive library-based makerspace.
Adult Learning
Year-round programs to help adults improve reading, writing, and test-taking skills.
Beginner-friendly ESL classes offered without registration—just show up and learn.
Introductory UX design series for beginners, with project-based learning and portfolio development.
Weekly after-school art classes for kids (ages 4–12) taught by professional artists, focused on self-expression and creativity.
Youth-Focused Arts
Free Art Fridays (Ages 4–12)
Eco-friendly art workshops where kids explore sculpture, collage, and painting with sustainable materials.
Creative Writing Workshops for Youth
Free workshops and publishing opportunities for students ages 6–18 to foster their storytelling voice.
Soft Craft Circle
Join fellow crafters for knitting, sewing, embroidery, or mending in a cozy creative setting.
Mural & Mingle
Help paint a collaborative mural—no experience required, just bring your imagination.
Fiber Clinics
Learn how to fix, upcycle, or creatively mend garments with fiber artists guiding you through.
Creative Writing Workshops for Adults & Teens
Supportive, generative workshops open to all levels of writers—poetry, fiction, memoir, and more.
Community Writing Classes
Free writing workshops with built-in support for editing and publishing, especially for marginalized voices.
Sunset Park
Monthly bilingual sessions that teach how to create handmade books while supporting immigrant storytelling.
Traditional Filmmaking Workshops
Dive into 16mm filmmaking—learn camera use, hand processing, and analog storytelling techniques.
Dance for Parkinson’s
Adaptive movement classes designed to enhance balance, coordination, and joy for individuals with Parkinson’s.
Community Dance Classes
Free weekly dance classes for local children and seniors, hosted in partnership with housing communities.
Museum-hosted events designed by teens, featuring art-making stations, workshops, music, and peer performances.
Brooklyn is full of creative energy, and you don’t need a big budget to tap into it. Every program in this guide is cost-free, hands-on, and indoors — making them perfect options for picking up a new skill, exploring a hobby, or meeting people who share your interests.
Take a class. Join a circle. Build something. Write something. Paint something. These are spaces where anyone — regardless of background or experience — can meaningfully engage learn.
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