Mermaid Avenue is the residential spine of Coney Island — the street Woody Guthrie wrote from, running behind the amusement district — and a closed side street off it gives you the neighborhood version of Coney rather than the tourist one. Expect grills, folding tables and a sound system, with the beach three blocks south when you want it. If you are already heading to Coney for the day, walking inland to a block party is the better half of the trip.
What to expect
Expect a residential street closed to cars, with families setting up along the curb, music from a portable rig, and kids using the whole roadway. Block parties run on neighbor energy rather than programming, so the mood is open and informal. The boardwalk, beach and amusement strip are a short walk south if you want to combine the two.
Good to know
- The block sits on West 19th Street just off Mermaid Avenue in Coney Island, Brooklyn.
- The D, F, N and Q all terminate at Coney Island–Stillwell Avenue, a walk east of the block.
- The street closes to traffic under a street activity permit, so do not park on it.
- Bring folding chairs if you want to settle in; seating is whatever neighbors bring out.
- The beach and boardwalk are three blocks south for a cooldown.
- It is a free neighborhood event on a public street.
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Common questions
Where is the block party?
On West 19th Street off Mermaid Avenue in Coney Island, Brooklyn.
Can anyone come?
Block parties take place on a closed public street, so passersby are generally welcome — just remember it is a residents' event.
Is the street closed to cars?
Yes, it operates under a street activity permit that closes the block while the party runs.
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