Brooklyn Street Fair Season is Here
It’s that time of year again, when the air is permeated by the sweet smell of fried Oreos and funnel cakes, roasted nuts and kabobs. Select city streets are closed to cars, but open to local vendors and pedestrians. Take a walk in any NYC borough through the spring and summer and you’re likely to turn a corner then walk right into a street fair at any given moment. But for the planners out there, here are some Brooklyn-based block parties to look forward to.
Smorgasburg
Photo by Jake Lorefice
Unless you’re new to the city, you’re probably quite familiar with the largest weekly open-air food market in the country. Catch creatively crafted food and drinks from 100 local vendors on Saturdays at the Williamsburg waterfront and Sundays in Prospect Park.
Smorgasburg
Saturdays, April–October, 2019
Williamsburg
East River State Park
90 Kent Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11211
Prospect Park
East Dr. at Lincoln Rd.
Brooklyn, NY 11225
Red Hook Fest
Free to attend, the Red Hook Fest features a community cookout, DJ-led dance party and live music over two days. Now in its 26th year, this event is a must for all ages. Take part in a neighborhood barbecue, kayak in the harbor, decorate a t-shirt and dance the days away.
Red Hook Fest
May 31–June 1, 2019
May 31
PS 15 Red Hook
71 Sullivan St.
Brooklyn, NY 11231
June 1
Louis Valentino, Jr. and Pier
Ferris St. & Coffey St.
Brooklyn, NY 11231
Bushwick Collective Block Party
Far right mural by Lexi Bella
If you’ve taken a stroll to admire the colorful murals of Bushwick, you’re already familiar with the Collective, a non-profit outdoor street gallery showcasing works from global artists. And as you might guess, this annual block party combines graffiti, street art, live music, live painting, food trucks and local vendors.
Bushwick Collective Block Party
June 1, 2019
Troutman St. & St. Nicholas Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11237
Bay Ridge 5th Avenue Festival
Celebrating its 25th year, this festival is home to all types of live entertainment, food, rides and carnival games. The primary goal of the festival is to get people acquainted with Bay Ridge and the local shops and restaurants that make up Fifth Avenue.
Bay Ridge 5th Avenue Festival
June 2, 2019
69th St.– 85th St., Along 5th Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11209
Seventh Heaven Festival
Photo by Pel
Each year on the third Sunday of June, Park Slope’s Seventh Avenue is transformed into a carless mecca for local artisans, food vendors, musicians and vintage car owners to show us what they’ve got. Now in its 45th year, this festival is a chance to get outdoors, mingle with locals and also a great spot to celebrate Father’s Day.
Seventh Heaven Festival
June 16, 2019
7th Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11215
Midwood Mardi Gras
Another street fair for all ages, the Midwood Mardi Gras has enough rides, games and merchants to keep you busy all day. Admission is free for this annual carnival where you can mingle with Midwood residents and business owners while giving back to the local community.
Midwood Mardi Gras
June 23, 2019
Avenue M & Ocean Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11230
Giglio Feast
Photo by Jim Henderson
Like its counterpart in Nola, Italy, whose centuries-old festival honors St. Paolino, the Feast of Mt. Carmel (aka the Giglio Feast) is a neighborhood tradition taking over the streets of Williamsburg for 12 days each year. Predating the Feast of San Gennaro, this is one of the city’s oldest festivals. Treat yourself to zeppole, catch traditional processions and watch a group of men lift the 4-ton, 65-ft high giglio tower.
Giglio Feast
July 10–21, 2019
Havemeyer St.
Brooklyn, NY 11211
Atlantic Antic
Signaling the end of summer and the start of fall, the Atlantic Antic is a free celebration of local food, art and businesses, with hundreds of vendors and kids’ events. Whether you come for the annual dumpling-eating contest, the live music or the mouthwatering dishes, you’re sure to find one more way to make the most of street fair season.
Atlantic Antic
Sept. 29, 2019
Atlantic Ave., from Hicks St. to 4th Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11201
