Roebling Plaza sits directly under the Brooklyn Bridge's Brooklyn tower, which makes it one of the few festival sites in the city where the view competes with the food. This is the Grand Tasting — the eating centerpiece of an eight-year-old Creole food festival, five hours long and held in the open air on the East River. Go for the cooking and stay for the hour when the sun drops behind Lower Manhattan across the water; it is the best-sited food event of the weekend.
What to expect
An outdoor tasting on a waterfront plaza with vendors set around the lawn and open sightlines to the bridge and the harbour. The site is exposed, so wind off the water is a real factor in October. Ticketing is handled in advance; check your Eventbrite confirmation for what a ticket does and does not include before you arrive hungry.
Good to know
- Nearest trains: A and C to High St, or F to York St, then walk down to the water.
- The NYC Ferry East River route stops at DUMBO, a short walk from the plaza.
- The plaza is exposed to river wind — bring a layer for the back half of the afternoon.
- Brooklyn Bridge Park has public restrooms near Main Street and Pier 1.
- Late afternoon light on the bridge is the reason to arrive before 5pm rather than at 7.
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Common questions
When and where is the Grand Tasting?
Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 3 to 8pm at Emily Warren Roebling Plaza, 1 Water Street, Brooklyn.
Do I need a ticket?
Yes — tickets are sold in advance through Eventbrite.
Is it indoors if it rains?
The plaza is an outdoor waterfront site; check the organizer's Eventbrite page for weather guidance.
