East Flatbush runs more block parties per summer weekend than almost anywhere else in New York, and this one takes East 53rd off Beverly Road for the middle of the day. The formula is reliable and completely unimprovable: a closed street, speakers, food off a grill, kids with the whole roadbed to themselves. If you want to understand why Brooklyn's block-party culture is genuinely a civic institution, spend an hour on a street like this one.
What to expect
A barricaded block with tables, music and food set out by residents, kids playing in the roadbed and neighbors on stoops along both sides. Everything is resident-organized rather than programmed, so it runs on its own rhythm. Expect it to fill out through the middle of the day.
Good to know
- The 2 or 5 to Beverly Road or Church Avenue puts you within walking distance of the East 50s blocks
- Free to attend, though food is often sold by neighbors — bring cash
- The closed roadbed is flat and fully step-free
- Sound systems here are not shy; earplugs are reasonable if you're bringing a baby
- Church Avenue's Caribbean bakeries and takeaways are a few blocks away
Get Saturday planned every Thursday
One email a week — the best of the NYC weekend board. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Common questions
Who organizes a block party?
Residents of the block apply for a street activity permit from the city, which closes the street to through traffic for the day.
Can outsiders attend?
The street is public and passers-by are generally welcome, though the party is centered on the block's own residents.
More this weekend
