Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM)

Located in Fort Greene, close to Barclays Center and Mark Morris Dance Center, the Brooklyn Academy of Music is renowned for its cutting-edge programming, including contemporary dance, theater, opera, film and music. Its Next Wave Festival in the fall draws some of the world’s most impressive performers, including Pina Bausch Tanztheater Wuppertal (this renowned company has never performed in Manhattan, always preferring Brooklyn’s most avant-garde vibe). Friday night, there’s a live music series and you can also catch readings, lectures and conversations with the artists. It’s a vibrant cultural center and its diverse programming makes it well worth the trip from Manhattan.