Prospect Park Alliance, the nonprofit that cares for Brooklyn’s Backyard, is welcoming the season with a double-weekend celebration at the LeFrak Center at Lakeside.
The Fall Harvest Festival and Halloween Celebration take place Friday through Sunday, Oct. 24–26 and Oct. 31–Nov. 2, 2025, featuring festive activities for all ages.
The fun continues into the following weekend, Nov. 1–2, with the first skate of the season, including free admission, mini skating lessons and special sessions in figure skating, hockey and stick n’ puck.
Families can also enjoy pumpkin painting, costume contests, arts and crafts and more. Pre-registration is required for all skating activities except public skate.
This season marks a new chapter for the LeFrak Center following extensive renovations plus new management by Ekstein Development Group and Purslane. Ekstein, known for operating popular city rinks such as City Ice Pavilion and World Ice Arena in Queens, now oversees the Lakeside rinks, while Purslane, part of the Oberon Group, brings its signature seasonal, sustainable fare to the café.
Lakeside remains one of Brooklyn’s top winter destinations, offering 30,000-square-feet of connected indoor and outdoor skating rinks with serene lake views.
The newly refreshed Duck Island Café & Bar keeps skaters warm with seasonal favorites like hot chocolate, cider, plus Flatbush’s own Hibiscus Brew, alongside hearty snacks such as chili dogs and sheet-pan pizza.
The ice skating season at Lakeside runs daily with lessons, leagues and freestyle sessions for skaters of all ages and skill levels. Offerings include youth programs with the NY Rangers and NY Islanders, adult hockey leagues, figure skating sessions, birthday party packages and private rentals.
