Cortelyou Road runs from the Victorian mansions of Ditmas Park east into the Caribbean heart of Flatbush, and a block party out at East 40th belongs firmly to the second half of that street. Expect jerk smoke off the grills, soca and dancehall on the speakers, and neighbors who have been throwing this block party for years. It is Brooklyn at its least curated and most enjoyable.
What to expect
Expect a residential street closed to cars, with grills going along the curb, folding tables and chairs, and music carrying the length of the block. Kids use the roadway for games while adults hold the sidewalk. Cortelyou Road's bakeries and roti shops are within a short walk if you want to add to the spread.
Good to know
- The block sits on East 40th Street near Cortelyou Road in Flatbush, Brooklyn.
- The 2 and 5 at Newkirk Avenue and the Q at Newkirk Plaza are the closest subway options, then a walk east.
- The street closes under a street activity permit, so park off the block.
- Bring a folding chair if you plan to stay a while.
- Cortelyou Road has Caribbean bakeries and takeout nearby.
- It is a free neighborhood event on a public street.
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Common questions
Where is the block party?
On East 40th Street near Cortelyou Road in Flatbush, Brooklyn.
Is it family friendly?
Yes — block parties are daytime neighborhood events with kids using the closed roadway.
Is the street closed?
Yes, under a street activity permit for the length of the event.
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