Northside Festival 2018: A Brooklyn Summer Extravaganza
Brooklyn, New York, came alive in June 2018 as the Northside Festival, a celebration of innovation, music, and ideas, took over the borough's streets. This annual event, now in its ninth year, transformed Williamsburg and Greenpoint into a vibrant hub of creativity, attracting thousands of attendees from around the globe.
What is Northside Festival?
Northside Festival is a multi-day event that combines a music festival, a film festival, and a conference focused on innovation and creativity. It's designed to showcase the best of Brooklyn's diverse and thriving arts, tech, and startup scenes, while also providing a platform for emerging talent.
Northside Innovation
The Northside Innovation conference, held at the Brooklyn Expo Center, was a hotbed of ideas and inspiration. Tech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and investors gathered to hear from industry leaders, attend workshops, and network. Topics ranged from artificial intelligence and blockchain to the future of work and the gig economy.

Notable speakers included Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit, who discussed the power of the internet to connect communities and drive social change. Also present was Reshma Saujani, founder of Girls Who Code, who emphasized the importance of teaching computer science to young girls to close the gender gap in tech.
Northside Music
Northside Music, held across various venues in Williamsburg and Greenpoint, featured over 100 bands and artists. The diverse lineup spanned genres from indie rock and hip-hop to electronic and folk. Headliners included The Flaming Lips, Grizzly Bear, and The Breeders, while up-and-coming acts like Japanese Breakfast, Courtney Barnett, and Car Seat Headrest also took the stage.
The festival's unique venue-hopping format allowed attendees to explore the best of Brooklyn's music scene, from the intimate Baby's All Right to the sprawling McCarren Park. The Northside Music Pass provided access to all shows, making it an affordable way to experience the city's vibrant music culture.

Northside Film
Northside Film, held at the Wythe Hotel, showcased a curated selection of independent films, documentaries, and shorts. The festival's focus on emerging filmmakers and innovative storytelling made it a must-attend event for cinephiles.
Highlights included the New York premiere of "Eighth Grade," Bo Burnham's critically acclaimed coming-of-age film, and "Searching," Aneesh Chaganty's suspenseful thriller about a father's desperate search for his missing daughter. The festival also hosted Q&As with directors and cast members, providing insight into the creative process behind each film.
Northside by the Numbers
| Category | 2018 Numbers |
|---|---|
| Music Artists | 100+ |
| Music Venues | 15+ |
| Innovation Speakers | 50+ |
| Film Screenings | 25+ |
| Attendees | 50,000+ |
With such impressive numbers, it's clear that Northside Festival 2018 was a resounding success. The event not only celebrated the best of Brooklyn but also provided a platform for emerging talent and fostered connections between innovators, artists, and enthusiasts.
As Northside Festival continues to grow, it remains a testament to the power of creativity, innovation, and community. Mark your calendars for next year's event, and get ready to experience the best of Brooklyn all over again.