The Bushwick Beer Garden
The BBG is a backyard in Bushwick, Brooklyn (Old Germania Heights) that has been crafted to resemble an authentic German Beer Garden. The BBG is a temporary autonomous zone where transactions to occur through the open exchange of ideas rather than of dollars.
Bushwick Beer Garden Origins
It was April, 2008. Bushwick Brooklyn resident Paul Nicholson walked into the backyard of his Harman St. first floor apartment and stated to his roommate Jan VanDamme, "We have to build a beer garden." Without a word, Jan nodded. The next three months would be an intensive whirlwind of wood gathering, sawing, digging, screwing and idea entertaining.
The completed backyard now includes a pergola structure with a homemade table and benches, an "international lounge" surrounded by world flags, a grilling area with slate floor, a floral deck, hammock alcove and even a decorative wooden bar dubbed "The Giraffes Knuckle."
"We decided to stay true to German beer garden style,"
Paul explains. He's worked with wood many times making art
sculptures.
"And we made sure not to include any branded
materials," says Jan who works in advertising. The main
ingredients to the backyard became wood, wrought iron pieces, glass
and candles. Behind the bar, dozens of glass beer mugs await being
filled with imported beers.
And from this a character was
born. The Bushwick Beer Garden even has it's own crest which hangs
overhead as one enters the structure. It resembles a shield of
ancient Europe, divided into quadrants with paintings of things
specific to this beer garden.
"People say to us, 'it doesn't
even feel like Brooklyn'" Jan chuckles. He hopes it will inspire
others to make thier backyards awesome and begin a backyard revival
in Bushwick.
We built the Beer Garden with help from friends and neighbors and we value community over all else. We are committed to the community of Bushwick and the diversity of people and ideas contained within.
- We have a grill available, food is pot luck as is Beer so bring more than you think you will drink.
- It does not cost any money to attend a gathering the beer garden
but donations are welcome.
- Bring your iPod. It generates the
music.
- Watch for themed parties on our facebook group like the
NYC area SUNY Fredonia Reunion, Political Puppet shows, or the
occasional hockey game.
Celebrations at the BBG take place in the form of parties, dinner gatherings and brunches.
This summer we hope to see you at our “get to know Bushwick”
parties that will take place on the 4th Saturday of every
month culminating in Oktoberfest 2010 [weather dependent].
Questions/inquiries:
Jan VanDamme email
website
Paul Nicholson
email website