AHEAD OF PROJECTED SEVERE WEATHER and flash flooding, Mayor Zohran Mamdani is opening 51 safe overnight locations.
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Month: July 2026
A SURVEY OF LOCAL Greenpoint businesses has found that across the neighborhood, nearly all participants reported sales slowdowns.
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Bay Ridge residents are once again trading traffic for strolling this summer as Third Avenue transforms into a pedestrian-friendly destination filled with music, art, dining and neighborhood pride.
The annual Summer Stroll on Third returned July 24, with three more Friday night events set for July 31, Aug. 7 and Aug. 14.
The strolls will continue from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., closing different sections of Third Avenue to vehicles each week. Like the July 24 event, the Aug. 7 stroll will span 82nd Street to Marine Avenue, while the July 31 and Aug. 14 strolls will take place between 68th Street and 82nd Street. The split schedule allows activity to spread across the avenue while giving businesses throughout the corridor a chance to participate.
Hosted by the Merchants of Third Avenue, the free event invites neighbors to experience the commercial corridor in a new way — on foot.
“It’s an opportunity for community members and residents to come out to Third Avenue on a Friday afternoon into the evening, enjoy the open streets, walk the avenue, see local artists, local nonprofits, arts and crafts, and our local merchants, who open their doors after hours and welcome the community,” James Vavas, president of the Merchants of Third Avenue, told Brooklyn Paper. “It’s an opportunity to build community, for people to get out, see their neighbors and spend time enjoying the beautiful summer evenings along Third Avenue.”
Unlike a traditional street fair packed with outside vendors, Vavas said the Summer Stroll keeps the focus on Bay Ridge itself.
“It’s very different from a street fair in that there aren’t outside vendors selling food,” Vavas said. “This is all volunteer and community-based organizations providing services to the community. The restaurants and businesses serve on the street, and there are artists and musicians who come out to share their talents with the neighborhood.”
Since launching in 2012, the event has become one of Bay Ridge’s signature summer traditions, drawing thousands of visitors over four consecutive Fridays each year.
Vavas said that returning each Friday creates a rhythm for the neighborhood throughout the summer.
“The fact that it’s four consecutive Fridays makes it an event that continues throughout the summer,” he said. “People make plans around it and say, ‘Let’s meet up on this side of the avenue, walk around, see the artists, the musicians and the local craftspeople.'”
Beyond supporting local businesses, Vavas said the stroll strengthens the community by creating a welcoming public space where neighbors can gather safely.
“I think it’s important to continue the tradition because it allows neighbors to come out and gather in a safe space where they can enjoy all the different businesses, artists and musicians that come out to celebrate and participate in the Summer Stroll,” he said.
For first-time visitors, Vavas believes the experience of walking down the center of Third Avenue is reason enough to attend.
“You can hear different types of music, taste foods from around the world and see local artists and community members sharing their talents,” he said.
This year’s Summer Stroll series will include a parking lot orchestra, outdoor dining and games “for all.”
