We’ve rounded up some of the best Halloween happenings in and around Cobble Hill below.

Events marked with an asterisk* may sell out, so grab those tickets before they vanish. 👻

We’ll keep adding to this guide as more spooky happenings are announced, so bookmark this page and check back throughout October!

For the Little Boos 👻

Harvest Festival @ Brooklyn Bridge Park

Fall fun is taking over Pier 6! Brooklyn Bridge Park’s annual Harvest Festival is back with an afternoon packed with autumnal activities for the whole family. Little ones can make their way through a kids corn maze, pick out a mini pumpkin, get their faces painted and enjoy arts and crafts, educational activities, live music and more. Costumes are encouraged, so consider this the perfect excuse for an early Halloween dress rehearsal. Best of all, it’s completely free!

Where: Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 6
When: Saturday, October 17 | 11 AM–3 PM

Paint a Pop @ The Chocolate Room*

Read more

✨ Local Happenings and New Openings ✨

• Get ready to sweat! Heatwise Yoga just opened its new Carroll Gardens studio. They’re kicking things off with a limited class schedule, with more classes to be added as they settle into the new space. Founding memberships are still available for presale.

• Jane’s Carousel is celebrating 15 years on the Brooklyn waterfront. To mark the milestone, Two Trees shared never-before-seen footage of Jane and David Walentas telling the story of how they discovered the 1922 carousel, Jane’s decades-long restoration and how it ultimately found its home beneath the Brooklyn Bridge. A sweet piece of neighborhood history worth a watch.

• A piece of DUMBO pizza history is now part of the neighborhood map. Old Fulton Street has been co-named “Patsy and Carol Grimaldi Way” in honor of the couple who brought their famed coal-fired pizza to the street in 1990 and helped usher in a new era for the neighborhood. The new street sign was dedicated outside Juliana’s at 19 Old Fulton Street, the original home of what became Grimaldi’s.

• Brooklyn is getting one of the country’s only middle schools specifically designed for LGBTQ+ students and their allies, first reported by Hell Gate. Miss Major Middle is set to open tuition-free in Fort Greene in 2027, starting with sixth grade. Founded by former math teacher Joji Florence, the school aims to create a supportive environment for queer and trans students, with the neighborhood itself playing a role in the curriculum.

There’s a lot happening around the neighborhood this week, but I’m especially excited about the new Insider perks we’re starting to roll out. I love being able to connect you with local businesses and experiences in a way that comes with a little something extra for our paid subscribers. More to come!

Hope to see you around the neighborhood!

Shannon

🎃 The Spookiest Stoops in Cobble Hill & Across Brooklyn

Halloween is almost here, and our Spooky Stoops Map is coming to Cobble Hill! This year, we’re expanding our popular Halloween map across Brooklyn.

Last year’s Spooky Stoops Map for our sister publication Park Slope Pulse reached 330K+ views and was featured in the New York Post.

🏆 Think You Have Brooklyn’s Spookiest Stoop? Submit your home or business to be added to the map and for a chance to win our Brooklyn’s Spookiest Stoop trophy and be featured across our Instagram pages & Substacks, reaching nearly 100K Brooklyn locals.

Submit your stoop 👻

Neighborhood Job Board 📌

This week’s featured openings include an Executive Director at BloomAgainBklyn in Cobble Hill, a Studio and Retail Associate at Darling, and part-time holiday sales roles at PORTA on Atlantic Avenue, plus dozens of other opportunities across nearby neighborhoods.

Browse this week’s Neighborhood Jobs

Do you have a story we should be sharing? 🗞️ Submit your tip anonymously here, or email us

Our Top Picks

Events with an asterisk* tend to sell out- reserve tickets early!

Today, October 8:

The Napkin Network Friendraiser @ Royal Palms Shuffleboard (6:30pm-8:30pm): The evening will bring together friends and community members for drinks, bites and conversation while raising awareness for the organization, which helps provide essential supplies to mothers and families in need.

Friday, October 9:

MOUV x Ursa Major Pilates and Skincare @ MOUV (4:00pm)*: MOUV Pilates is teaming up with skincare brand Ursa Major for a special afternoon of movement and self-care. Choose from a reformer or heated mat class, then stick around for drinks, skincare discoveries and a gift bag for all attendees.

Read more

✨ Local Happenings and New Openings ✨

• After the beloved 122-year-old Caputo’s Bake Shop closed in Carroll Gardens this spring, fifth-generation baker James Caputo is starting a new chapter in Park Slope. Caputo Bagels opens October 5th at 81 Fifth Avenue, serving sourdough-based bagels, sandwiches and a nod to a longtime Caputo’s favorite: the famous lard and provolone bread, reimagined as a bagel. Head over to our sister Substack Park Slope Pulse for the full story of what to expect and a first look at the space.

• Smør is opening its new Carroll Gardens location TODAY at the corner of Court and President Streets. The neighborhood outpost will serve pastries, coffee, breakfast, lunch and other favorites, along with a new to-go window for quick pickups. Doors open at 8am, and the first 25 customers will receive a special Smør goodie bag.

• Joe & The Juice is coming to Court Street! Opening next door to The RealReal, they’ll bring the signature lineup of coffee, fresh juices, smoothies and sandwiches to the neighborhood. Pink “Opening Soon” signage is already up in the windows, though an official opening date has yet to be announced.

• Mizik Ayiti! Residency at Haiti Cultural Exchange: Residency Series returns this fall with Brooklyn-based Haitian American drummer and bandleader Gashford Guillaume. Each Thursday, Guillaume will lead a rotating lineup of guest musicians for performances blending Haitian grooves with jazz, soul, R&B and global sounds. Tickets include a complimentary beverage, with special pop-up offerings from Bon Pâtés.

• The Atlantic Antic™ @ Atlantic Avenue from Hicks Street to Fourth Avenue (12:00pm-6:00pm): Atlantic Antic returns for its 51st year, taking over more than a mile of Atlantic Avenue with hundreds of local vendors, food, live music, shopping, kids’ activities, and entertainment throughout the day. One of Brooklyn’s favorite annual traditions and always a neighborhood highlight!

October is officially here and we’re ready for all the fall happenings!

We lucked into a last-minute reservation for Lucali’s exclusive two-night takeover of Red Hook Tavern last week, part of a special Chase Sapphire and OpenTable experience. After a pre-dinner drink at Tavern Next Door, we headed over for shrimp scampi, chicken parm and plenty of pasta. Such a fun night, and next up, we’ll have to make it to Lucali itself to finally try those famous pizzas!

Hope to see you around the neighborhood!

Shannon

Neighborhood Job Board 📌

This week’s featured openings include roles at BRIC in Downtown Brooklyn, Tres Belle Spa in Boerum Hill, and Plate in DUMBO, plus dozens of other opportunities across nearby neighborhoods.

Browse Neighborhood Jobs

Do you have a story we should be sharing? 🗞️ Submit your tip anonymously here, or email us

Our Top Picks

Events with an asterisk* tend to sell out- reserve tickets early!

Today, October 1:

Pints & Periods: Presented by Kt x MNTD @ Talea Beer Co. (6:00pm-8:00pm): Kt by Knix and MNTD are teaming up for a free “Dads Night” designed for dads. For father figures and the men who support the girls in their lives, the evening takes the awkwardness out of talking about periods with a candid conversation led by a period expert. Enjoy bites and beers from TALEA while learning how to better support daughters, plus take home a Kt Period Emergency Kit and MNTD goodies.

Weekend Events:

FAD Market @ Empire Stores DUMBO (October 3-4 from 11:00am-6:00pm): Enjoy a fresh lineup of more than 35 independent makers and artisans. Browse everything from jewelry and stationery to books, chocolates, home goods and specialty foods, with plenty of new-to-FAD vendors in the mix.

Read more

We’re In Gothamist!
Gothamist featured our Substacks Park Slope Pulse, Cobble Hill Collective and Clinton & Greene this week in a story about the rise of hyperlocal publications across NYC - and even described what we’ve built as a “mini media empire”!

Thank you to everyone who reads, subscribes and supports our work to continue investing in local coverage. ❤️ And thank you to Gothamist reporter Hannah Frishberg for taking the time to tell our story!

Read the Gothamist Story

The Ritz-Carlton is coming to Brooklyn Heights

A new chapter is coming for one of Brooklyn Heights’s most historic buildings. Marriott International and developer SomeraRoad have announced plans to transform the former Hotel Bossert at 98 Montague Street into The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Brooklyn Heights.

The landmark building will become 61 luxury residences, with restoration plans preserving many of its historic architectural details. And even if you don’t take up residence at the Ritz, you’ll still be able to enjoy Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group will open a 3,200-square-foot restaurant on the ground floor, its first full-service restaurant in Brooklyn.

Before its Ritz-Carlton era begins, a quick look back at the Bossert’s more than century-long history:

The “Waldorf-Astoria of Brooklyn”: Opened in 1909 by lumber magnate Louis Bossert, the hotel became one of Brooklyn’s most glamorous social destinations. Its famed two-level Marine Roof drew crowds for dining, dancing and live music with views toward Manhattan.

A legendary Dodgers celebration: When the Brooklyn Dodgers won the 1955 World Series, thousands of fans descended on Montague Street to celebrate. Inside the Bossert, Dodgers stars Johnny Podres and Duke Snider famously joined a conga line through the hotel.

An award-winning restoration: The Jehovah’s Witnesses purchased the deteriorating property in 1988 and undertook an extensive restoration while using it as lodging for visitors to their nearby headquarters. They sold the building in 2012.

After more than a decade of stalled plans to revive the Bossert as a hotel, SomeraRoad acquired the property in 2025. Construction on its next chapter is now underway, with completion of The Ritz-Carlton Residences anticipated in 2029.

Here’s what’s happening this week:

✨ Local Happenings and New Openings ✨

A new Georgian restaurant has opened on Atlantic Avenue. BEBO which we reported back in July brings traditional Georgian flavors to the neighborhood in a warm, homey setting.

goop kitchen is now open in Downtown Brooklyn. Gwyneth Paltrow’s delivery and takeout concept has arrived at 383 Bridge Street, bringing its menu of gluten-free bowls, salads, rotisserie chicken, pizza, pasta and more to the neighborhood.

Inspire Movement is launching a six-week Pilates equipment series designed to help you build a stronger, more well-rounded practice. With just four people per class, you’ll learn the foundations of the Reformer, Mat, Wunda Chair, Cadillac and more while gaining a better understanding of how your body moves across each.

DoorDash has reached a $131.5 million settlement with New York City over delivery worker pay violations dating back to 2023. The company says more than 200,000 NYC Dashers were underpaid or paid late under the city’s delivery worker pay rules, and that every impacted worker will receive the amount they are owed and be contacted directly with payment details.

Cobble Hill Steal ⚡️:

Lobster Week is back at Red Hook Lobster Pound. The tenth annual end-of-summer tradition returns September 28 through October 4, with $29.95 lobster dinners served all day, every day, plus beer and wine specials. The dine-in-only deal includes a 1.5 lb Maine lobster with corn, potatoes and plenty of butter. Reservations recommended!

Between being featured in Gothamist (!!) and another very full week of neighborhood news, it’s been an exciting one over here. I’m hoping to make it to the MATER anniversary party at Salter House, and BEBO is already at the top of my list to try. See you around the neighborhood!

Shannon

A quick note: Starting next week, most of the Cobble Hill Collective weekly newsletter will periodically be paywalled. The opening section will remain free, with our full Top Picks and additional neighborhood recommendations available to paid subscribers - while sponsored newsletters will be free for everyone.

Subscribe here to continue receiving the full newsletter in your inbox.

Thank you so much for reading and supporting Cobble Hill Collective - we’re grateful to have you as part of this community. 💛

Sponsored by Flea Boutiques

Shop adorable Children's & Kids items at Flea Cobble Hill

Flea on Smith Street is a locally owned boutique specializing in women and children's clothing and accessories. Our baby/ kids section features adorable organic cotton clothing, Maileg mice & accessories and Montessori approved wooden toys. All of our baby section has been bought by our family's youngest buyer and niece, Margot, age 5! Come see our collection at our Smith Street store (135 Smith Street), or if you're looking for older kids, please visit our Park Slope store (211 5th Ave) or shop our kids section online!

Shop Now

Our Top Picks

Events with an asterisk* tend to sell out- reserve tickets early!

Today, September 24:

MATER Soap 10 Years Party @ Salter House (6:00pm-8:00pm): Head to Picture Room, 117 Atlantic Avenue, at Salter House for an anniversary party featuring MATER soap, tarot readings, custom temporary tattoos, wine and more.

Weekend Events:

Vintage Quilt Pop-Up @ The Six Bells (September 25-27): Appalachian Culture Club is taking over the Cobble Hill shop with a curated collection of one-of-a-kind vintage quilts. Everything is first come, first served – early browsing is encouraged!

AQUA COSMOS: The Hudson Canyon Takeover @ Brooklyn Bridge Park (September 25-26, 7:00pm-10:00pm): The Brooklyn Bridge is going underwater, sort of. Brooklyn Bridge Park will host a free immersive projection featuring deep-sea footage, archival ocean imagery and whale sounds on the underside of the bridge. Head to Emily Warren Roebling Plaza to catch the 18-minute experience, with no reservations required.

Sunday September 27:

The Atlantic Antic™ @ Atlantic Avenue from Hicks Street to Fourth Avenue (12:00pm-6:00pm): Atlantic Antic returns for its 51st year, taking over more than a mile of Atlantic Avenue with hundreds of local vendors, food, live music, shopping, kids’ activities, and entertainment throughout the day. One of Brooklyn’s favorite annual traditions and always a neighborhood highlight!

Tuesday September 29:

Sara Bennett Discusses Looking Inside: Women with Life Sentences @ Central Library (6:30-8:00pm): Former public defender Sara Bennett has spent the past 13 years photographing women convicted of homicide and sentenced to life in prison in New York State. Join Sara and three of the women featured in her new book, Looking Inside: Women with Life Sentences, for a mind expanding conversation as three of the women envisaged in Bennett’s book bring their stories to life. The conversation will be moderated by social justice organizer and writer Piper Anderson.

Wednesday September 30:

Flowers & Wine with Your Best Friend Co @ June Wine Bar (6:30pm)*: Enjoy an evening of floral arranging led by Floriconvento, with wine from June. The $118 ticket includes a glass of wine, all floral supplies and a statement arrangement to take home. Come solo or bring a friend!

Submit an event to be considered for this weekly events roundup!

Do you have a story we should be sharing? 🗞️ Submit your tip anonymously here, or email us

Follow us on Instagram

Neighborhood Job Board 📌

This week’s featured openings include a Senior Director of Media at BRIC, several new roles at Plate in DUMBO, and a Store Manager at Brooklyn Made Store at City Point, plus dozens of other opportunities across nearby neighborhoods.

Browse Neighborhood Jobs

✨ Cobble Hill Insider ✨

This week’s Insider section includes:

A major retailer is making its way to Cobble Hill. Insiders, find out who’s moving in below • A new Brooklyn Heights collab is giving us an extra reason to book a little Friday self-care

Read more

Consider this your week of moving through Cobble Hill and beyond, with a little bit of everything: high energy strength, Pilates, sculpt, yoga, a waterfront run, and more.

Inside this guide: seven days of workouts in and around Cobble Hill, what we love about each one, plus a Google Map to make planning your week easy.

Monday: Arms & Abs at Barry’s

There is truly nothing more energizing than kicking off the week with a Barry’s class. No matter what happened over the weekend, you’ll leave that red room feeling ready to take on whatever Monday, and the rest of the week, throws at you. One of my favorite instructors, Alycia, an OG Barry’s lead instructor who has been teaching for more than 20 years, is on the Monday morning schedule, making this an especially solid way to start the week.

Highlights: High-energy start to the week, strength and cardio, Alycia on Monday mornings. New to Barry’s? Get your first class free.

Tuesday: Brooklyn Bridge Park (Run or Walk)

Whether you choose to walk it or run it, starting the day along Brooklyn Bridge Park is about as ideal as it gets. Making your way along the waterfront, wandering through the piers, people watching, and ultimately ending up grabbing a coffee in the area. The best part? You can make this as chill or challenging as you want.

Highlights: Free! Waterfront views, easy to customize, perfect excuse for a post workout coffee.

Below the paywall: the rest of our ideal workout week, from sculpt and Pilates to hot yoga and a Saturday sweat session, plus a Google Map of every spot.

Read more

Here’s what’s happening this week:

✨ Local Happenings and New Openings ✨

• DUMBO finally has a farmers market! The new Brooklyn Bazaar Farmers Market has opened at Jay and Water Streets, bringing produce from upstate farms to the neighborhood on the weekends. It’s starting small, but there are already plans to grow the lineup and potentially keep things going through the winter.

• Activate is bringing its interactive gaming experience to City Point, where you become the player — jumping, climbing and problem solving your way through high-tech game rooms. Learn more and be first to hear updates.

  

• Carnegie Diner & Cafe has opened at DeKalb Market! Visit them at City Point and expect their signature all-day breakfast alongside burgers, sandwiches, salads and more.

• A JAY-Z library card is now available at the Brooklyn Public Library, celebrating the 25th anniversary of The Blueprint with a new limited-edition card honoring the landmark album. It’s available now at BPL locations across the borough on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.

• A herd of buffalo is coming through Brooklyn this weekend. Forty life-size buffalo puppets, joined by more than 100 performers and 150 puppeteers, will make their way from Downtown Brooklyn through Brooklyn Heights to Brooklyn Bridge Park as part of Return of the Buffalo: Tatanka Owe Akupi, a large-scale public art performance created with Lakota and Lenape elders.

One thing I’m particularly looking forward to is our FORM50 meetup on October 4! Excited to meet some of you in person. We only have 15 spots for this one, so come join us for a workout and hopefully a drink afterward!

Shannon

✨ Continue reading our ‘Cobble Hill Insider’ section at the bottom just for paid subscribers who want to stay a step ahead - soft openings & exclusives!

Do you have a story we should be sharing? 🗞️ Submit your tip anonymously here, or email us

Sponsored by Flea Boutiques

Shop Seasonal Sales at Flea Cobble Hill!

Flea on Smith Street is a locally owned boutique specializing in women’s clothing for the everyday, including all those special moments in your life! We recently launched a baby’s section, featuring adorable organic cotton clothing, Maileg mice, and wooden toys! Fall new arrivals are coming in daily, so we are making room and offering 30%-50% off select summer styles (including baby items) online or in store!

Shop Now

Our Top Picks

Events with an asterisk* tend to sell out- reserve tickets early!

Today, September 17:

Stories Sips + Songs @ Liz’s Book Bar (7:00pm): This event brings Nashville and NYC singer-songwriters together for an intimate evening of original music, storytelling, and community. The Nashville-style songwriter round will feature performances from Risa Binder, Kenny Sharp, Camden West, and NLX, with a few fun throwback questions mixed in along the way.

Saturday September 19:

New York Transit Museum Bus Fair @ Brooklyn Bridge Park (10:00am-3:30pm): Calling all bus lovers! The New York Transit Museum’s free Bus Festival is back at Emily Warren Roebling Plaza. Expect vintage buses to climb aboard, hands-on activities, transit trivia and plenty of fun for all ages.

Carroll Park Fall Fair @ Carroll Park (10:00am-5:00pm): The Carroll Park Fall Fair is back! You can shop clothes, art, crafts, toys and more, with all donations benefiting Carroll Park.

Sunday September 20:

FAD Market @ Montague Open Streets (12:00pm-6:00pm): Shop 60+ makers, designers + small businesses offering everything from jewelry and apparel to home goods and artisanal treats, all as part of Open Streets on Montague.

Phoebe Jon X Cuyana Event @ Phoebe Jon (12:00pm-5:00pm): Phoebe Jon will be featuring Cuyana's newest bags and small accessories along side their fall collection. Light bites and refreshments will be served from 12-5pm. Cuyana will be offering 15% off everything and Phoebe Jon 15% off full-priced pants.

Book these popular events in advance:

Join us for a private FORM50 class and meet fellow neighbors! On Sunday, October 4 at 12:30pm, we’re taking over FORM50 Brooklyn Heights for a 50-minute signature workout with a small group of 15 local neighbors. Come solo or bring a friend, then stick around afterward for an optional drink nearby to keep the conversation going. Get your ticket here!

Vinyl Nights Presents Return to ’76 @ New York Transit Museum (Saturday, September 26th, 6:00pm-9:00pm): Step into the groove at this one-night-only fundraiser celebrating 50 years of the New York Transit Museum, from their debut in 1976 to today. The Museum transforms into a two-level dance party powered by the rich, analog sound of vinyl. Dress to impress in your boldest 1970s-inspired looks and come ready to dance. Ticket price includes admission and two drink tickets. $50.

Submit an event to be considered for this weekly events roundup!

Neighborhood Job Board 📌

This week’s featured openings include a Part-Time Baker at Bạn Bè, kitchen and bar support at Olympia Wine Bar in DUMBO, and a Website Editor/Designer opportunity in Carroll Gardens, plus dozens of other roles across nearby neighborhoods.

Browse Neighborhood Jobs

✨ Cobble Hill Insider ✨

This week’s Insider section includes:

A new $100K-a-year club + more under construction: Brooklyn Heights is in building mode • A Brooklyn runway is calling for models, no experience required

Read more

Here’s what’s happening this week:

✨ Local Happenings and New Openings ✨

• Doubles is bringing Caribbean-inspired fare to Brooklyn Heights. The Hamptons favorite is opening a new location at 90 Henry Street. Expecting to serve its lineup of chicken, sandwiches, salads, smoothies, ice cream, cold beer, and more.

• If you remember PLATE from our Insider section back in May, we have an update. Now with an official Instagram, describing itself as “a grocery store, technically” they’re teasing an upcoming opening we’ll be keeping an eye on!

• Lantern Thai Kitchen is closing after 20 years in Brooklyn Heights. The neighborhood spot first opened in 2006 and have announced that its final day of service will be September 30. After two decades of serving Thai comfort food and becoming a familiar fixture in the community, Lantern is inviting neighbors to stop by for one last favorite dish before the doors close. Be sure to pay them a visit before they close, they’ll certainly be missed!

• Returning members and hopefuls at the Brooklyn Nets Team Hype audition are asked to describe Brooklyn in a dance move.

• Brooklyn’s protected bike network is finally complete with NYC DOT finishing the redesign of Ashland Place in Downtown Brooklyn. They’ve converted the street to one-way traffic and added a two-way protected bike lane. The project fills the final gap in a continuous 5.5-mile protected cycling lane stretching from Sunset Park to DUMBO, while also shortening pedestrian crossings along the redesigned block.

A lot to catch up on this week including a $21.5M Smith Street deal that has me very curious about what could be coming next 👀 As for this week’s plans, the Italian wine tasting to kick off “big red” season at Brooklyn Wine Exchange is calling my name. See you around the neighborhood!

Shannon

✨ Continue reading our ‘Cobble Hill Insider’ section at the bottom just for paid subscribers who want to stay a step ahead - soft openings & exclusives!

Do you have a story we should be sharing? 🗞️ Submit your tip anonymously here, or email us

Sponsored by Flea Boutiques

Shop Fall Arrivals at Flea + Save 10%

Flea on Smith Street is a locally owned boutique specializing in women's clothing for the everyday, including special events! We also have a baby/ children's corner offering organic cotton clothing & wooden toy corner! In honor of celebrating our fifth year in business, we are offering our neighbors 10% off on new arrivals their next purchase with promo code: smithstreetneighbor online & in store! Shop seasonal sales, fresh fall arrivals, & our new Min & Mon bags!

Shop Now

Our Top Picks

Events with an asterisk* tend to sell out- reserve tickets early!

Today, September 10:

dapperQ presents Legacy @ Brooklyn Museum (6:00pm-10:00pm): Celebrate the 11th year of New York Fashion Week’s largest LGBTQIA+ fashion show, presented by queer style platform dapperQ. Start the evening with a happy hour and shop featured and local designers before the runway showcase. $20/$12 members.

The Wines of Grifalco @ Brooklyn Wine Exchange (7:00pm)*: Get ready for “big red” season with an evening of Italian wine. Enjoy a tasting of the family winery’s volcanic Aglianico wines from Basilicata. The class is the perfect way to ease out of rosé season and into fall.

Weekend Events:

FAD Market @ Empire Stores DUMBO (September 12-13 from 11:00am-6:00pm): Kick off the fall season with a weekend pop-up and browse a curated lineup of local makers, artists, and independent designers.

PlayWell’s Back to School Bash @ PlayWell Brooklyn (September 12-13 from 10:00am-2:00pm): Celebrate the new school year with a morning of arts and crafts, goodie bags, and plenty of back-to-school fun. Families can also enter a raffle to win a staff-recommended book or five-pack of Open Play sessions. Plus, bring a donation for PlayWell’s School Supply & Sensory Toy Drive and receive 10% off your next Open Play session. RSVP here.

Saturday, September 12:

BRIC Family Day: Back to School @ BRIC House: Kick off the new school year with a day of creativity, fun, and family connection. Enjoy a special story time with Fort Greene's Greenlight Bookstore, or try your hand at some arts and crafts!

Book these popular events in advance:

Join us for a private FORM50 class and meet fellow neighbors! On Sunday, October 4 at 12:30pm, we’re taking over FORM50 Brooklyn Heights for a 50-minute signature workout with a small group of 15 local neighbors. Come solo or bring a friend, then stick around afterward for an optional drink nearby to keep the conversation going. Get your ticket here!

Stories Sips + Songs @ Liz’s Book Bar (Thursday September 17 at 7:00pm): This event brings Nashville and NYC singer-songwriters together for an intimate evening of original music, storytelling, and community. The Nashville-style songwriter round will feature performances from Risa Binder, Kenny Sharp, Camden West, and NLX, with a few fun throwback questions mixed in along the way.

Vinyl Nights Presents Return to ’76 @ New York Transit Museum (Saturday, September 26th, 6:00pm-9:00pm): Step into the groove at this one-night-only fundraiser celebrating 50 years of the New York Transit Museum, from their debut in 1976 to today. The Museum transforms into a two-level dance party powered by the rich, analog sound of vinyl. Dress to impress in your boldest 1970s-inspired looks and come ready to dance. Ticket price includes admission and two drink tickets. $50.

Submit an event to be considered for this weekly events roundup!

Neighborhood Job Board 📌

This week’s featured openings include a Kitchen Manager at Doubles Brooklyn in Brooklyn Heights, a Part-Time Retail Associate at Open Invite in Red Hook, and a Social Media Video Intern at Brooklyn Org, plus dozens of other opportunities across nearby neighborhoods.

Browse Neighborhood Jobs

✨ Cobble Hill Insider ✨

This week’s Insider section includes:

Who’s behind the $21.5M Smith Street deal? • A prominent Brooklyn real estate developer files a rezoning plan for a massive mixed-use project in Gowanus

Read more

Editor’s note: A large section of this article - about half - was missing when it was originally published. We’re republishing the complete article today. Please continue reading below to see the previously missing sections.

Nick Bello is a writer and photographer based in Park Slope. He loves to capture local scenery as well as research local history. Follow him on Instagram @nbello8 or on substack at:

South Brooklyn History

Discovering history in and around South Brooklyn 📚

By Nick Bello

Atop the glass patio table before me, in the backyard of artist Bettina Magi’s Red Hook home on Coffey Street, are a bowl of cherries, a bowl of nuts and two cannon balls from the Revolutionary War. Magi points to the fig tree at the back of her yard. It grew from a clipping from her father’s childhood home in Italy that he brought here in 1914, sneaking it under his coat as his boat made its way past the Statue of Liberty toward Ellis Island. Magi says the cannon balls were found under that fig tree by her son Paul under unfortunate circumstances.

Years ago when Paul was young, he had a bunny named Barrington who died and was buried under the fig tree. Barrington was named after Great Barrington, the town in Massachusetts where they got him. To bury Barrington, who was a rather large bunny, Paul dug a two-foot hole beneath the fig tree under the watchful eye of his mother. In the process of digging the hole, Paul unearthed the two cannon balls, stunning Bettina.

A Fort Called Defiance

Long before Red Hook was Red Hook, it was a series of marshy swampland that the Lenape people called Ihepetonga. When the Dutch settled in the area in 1636, they called it Rood Hoeke, after the red (Rood) clay soil that was found there and the Dutch word Hoeke which translates to “point” or “corner”. Red Hook featured a large landmass with an estimated elevation of 40-50 feet named Cypress Tree Island, due to the number of Cypress Trees found there. The Continental Army fortified this hill in the early months of 1776 as the Revolutionary War turned towards New York. Crews of soldiers, along with forced laborers from Brooklyn (townspeople and slaves), worked tirelessly to complete it in just a few days. When Washington inspected the fort on April 10th, he said “Fort Defiance was small, but an exceedingly strong defensive position.” Furthermore, Major Samuel Shaw, who was stationed at the fort, had high praise for its construction:

“I am now [June 11th, 1776] stationed at Red Hook, about four miles from New York. It is on an island, situated in such a manner as to command the entrance of the harbour entirely, where we have a fort with four eighteen-pounders, to fire en barbette, that is, over the top of the works, which is vastly better than firing through embrasures, as we can now bring all our guns to bear on the same object at once. The fort is named Defiance. Should the enemy’s fleet make an attempt, they will, I think, be annoyed by it exceedingly. It is thought to be one of the most important posts we have.”

Fort Defiance was one of three fortifications built to control the East River. Along with these fortifications, the Continental Army sunk logs into the river that would tear up the hulls of any of the British ships that passed through. On June 9th, the British Army – under the command of General William Howe – set sail from Halifax en route to New York. Howe, along with his brother Admiral Richard Howe, compiled a force of more than 20,000 soldiers and hundreds of ships. Some conservative estimates say that the British brought 200 ships, while others say it was 400 ships. Washington did not find out about this until June 28th, one day before the British ships were sighted from Staten Island. A private in the Maryland Brigade of the Continental Army named Daniel McCurtin wrote of the scene:

“I spied as I peeped out the Bay something resembling a wood of pine trees trimmed…. In about ten minutes the whole Bay was full of shipping as ever it could be…. I thought all London was afloat.”

The British fleet eventually made landfall on Staten Island and met minimal resistance from the small detachment of Continental soldiers on the island. While the site of the massive British fleet was unnerving for the green Continental soldiers, there was cause for celebration in early July as the Continental Congress had signed the Declaration of Independence. However, this glorious news did not reach New York until July 6th. On July 9th, Washington ordered for celebrations to be held in Manhattan as brigades marched to what is now City Hall park, where Washington read the declaration. After the reading, mobs made their way over to Bowling Green Park where a giant statue of King George III was torn down and defaced. The head of the statue was paraded on a stake up to a tavern in what is now Washington Heights. The rest of the statue, which was made of lead, was reportedly brought to Connecticut and melted down to be turned into musket balls to be used by Continental soldiers.

This joy, however, was short-lived, as on July 12th, soldiers and residents watched in awe as two British ships, the Phoenix and Rose, sailed past the batteries at the head of New York Harbor and made their way up the Hudson River with ease. Washington was unhappy with his soldiers as instead of taking up arms to fire upon the two ships, they had stood around and watched the action, showing how inexperienced his army was.

On the morning of August 22, 1776 the British landed on the beaches of Gravesend, beginning the invasion of Long Island. In the days to come, skirmishes would break out between both sides as the British moved into position for the main assault. On August 24th, two British ships, the HMS Roebuck and HMS Repulse, set sail from Staten Island in an attempt to cut off Long Island from Manhattan where a majority of Washington’s army remained. As the ships set sail, however, it became clear that the weather would be a challenge as the much heavier Repulse had trouble moving. The much lighter 44-gun Roebuck was able to move, but the wind died out as the ship approached Fort Defiance in Red Hook. Seeing the stalled ship, Fort Defiance let her have it as the ship returned fire. Both would be heavily damaged as the Roebuck eventually made its way back to Staten Island.

On the morning of August 27, a detachment of the Continental Army fired the first shots of what would become the Battle of Brooklyn when they spotted British soldiers foraging for watermelon outside of the Red Lion Inn that was located in present day Sunset Park. Over the next 24 hours the British would show their might, outflanking the Continental Army and forcing them to retreat across the Gowanus Creek to the safety of what is now Cobble Hill. It appeared that Washington’s army was on the brink of annihilation.

On the night of August 29, Washington began evacuating his army to Manhattan from the Brooklyn ferry crossing using boats that were operated by Colonel John Gloover and his men, who were sailors and fishermen from Marblehead, Massachusetts. Under the cover of darkness, the Continental Army evacuated across the river with haste and order. As the morning sun began to rise, a fog settled over the river allowing cover for the last remaining troops of Washington’s Army to escape. By 7 AM, all 9,000 troops made it safely across the river.

Revealing The Past

Jonathan Bream has a cool perk to his job as a construction inspector for the New York City Department of Design. “I can actually do a little bit of the archaeology and pull some stuff out of the ground or whatever that’s coming up,” Bream told me. “They’re allowing me to do that as long as I don’t get in the way of the construction.” Like Bettina Magi, Bream also unearthed a cannonball one day while working on Reed Street and Van Brunt Street in Red Hook.

“Well, actually, when I first found it, when we first pulled it out of the ground, it was just a hunk of metal. But then I saw the cannonballs that Bettina had unearthed when she dug a grave for her rabbit.” Bream said. “It’s like, oh, this looks pretty much the same. And then with that, I figured it was the older stuff because what we were finding there was redware, what I call the sgraffito wear, or Dutch redware. Then I just put two and two together and it was probably a cannonball. We looked at it, took some measurements… and all seemed to be saying that it was a cannonball. Now, how it got where it was, I mean, again, probably the stuff that went to Fort Defiance fell out of use.”

After the war, Fort Defiance was no longer useful for the newly-formed United States and was left to be reclaimed by nature. As Brooklyn began to evolve into a shipping hub in the late 19th century, Cypress Hill was eventually leveled to make way for docks, and artifacts from Brooklyn’s past became buried deep below the surface of the ever-changing borough.

In 2006, the Bettina’s neighbors were the first to reportedly find cannon balls in Red Hook in a similar fashion. According to a Qns.com article, their neighbor was burying their pet iguana in their backyards when they struck an iron object in the ground. The neighbor threw the object to the side, thinking nothing of it – but a few days later, when cleaning up the debris, he realized what he had found and contacted a local historian named John J. Burkhard. At that time many residents of Red Hook were unaware of the role their neighborhood played in the Revolutionary War. “One of the things that used to bother me: Every year they’d have these Battle of Brooklyn commemorations, and there’s never any mention of Red Hook,” Burkhard said in the article. “History happened here. I’d like to have something like that down here; maybe it’s wishful thinking, but I’d love to see it happen.”

Bringing Back The Fort

20 years later, Burkhard’s wish is becoming a reality for the 250th anniversary of the battle. In 2024, Mattias Kalwill, a Red Hook resident originally from Argentina, learned about the history of Fort Defiance and hatched a plan to both educate the public and give back to the community, a park. Kalwill learned of the cannonballs Bettina had from a friend, and told her about the idea he had for a park that would partially recreate the fort while also serving the neighborhood.

“She called me and just started telling me about, I met these guys” , Paul said of his mother’s first encounter with Kalswill who discussed hid idea for the park inspired by Fort Defiance. “ And then she had told them about the cannonballs and Mr. Barrington. Matti, he just got so excited about Mr. Barrington.”

Kalwill recruited Bettina to join the organization he was forming called Friends of Fort Defiance. Since then the group has been off and running on developing the park, working with the Open Space Institute to help fund their idea. Kalswill recruited Tim Khalifa, who has spent seven years as an architect for public projects around New York City. Khalifa is also a Red Hook resident and met Kalwill four or five years ago. According to Khalifa, the two had been bouncing ideas off each other for a park on a desolate plot of land at the end of Coffey Street near Louis Valentino Park that is owned by UPS. Over time, as Kalwill learned about Fort Defiance and the history of Red Hook, the park plan began to take shape as a piece of living history.

“There was this opportunity to start to think about not just like, the idea of it becoming a park,” Khalifa said. “It’s more like, can this become something for Red Hook for the community that celebrates the history of Red Hook and at the same time provides green space for people in the neighborhood.”

Their park plan features a hill similar to Cypress Tree Island where Fort Defiance once stood, a detail that might go overlooked by most visitors, but serves as a nod to the history of Red Hook. The plan also features a lighthouse as well as marsh lands that represent the marshes that once made up Red Hook. “I think once we sat down and started sketching, it became clear that the whole actual space and the story of the space can really be shaped by its history,” Khalifa said.

Not only will the park provide much-needed greenspace for Red Hook, it is also designed to serve as a barrier to sea and prevent flooding that has become all too common with climate change. During Hurricane Sandy, Bettina and Paul said that their street was one of the only streets that did not flood. They believe that’s because Coffey Street is slightly above sea level, as a result of the former Cypress Tree Island. “When Sandy hit and all of Red Hook flooded,except for my mother’s house,” Paul said. “ I did go out for a walk during the height of the surge. And I kind of saw the perimeter of what is I guess called Cypress Island. So that was the moment it dawned on us that that was most likely the site of Fort Defiance because the other areas were all swamp land and wouldn’t have had an attack.”

Renderings of the proposed park (Courtesy: Friends of Fort Defiance)

With the park plan developed, the Friends of Fort Defiance are working with the Open Space Institute on gathering support from the city and state, as well as finding a way to purchase the lot from UPS. They have also held two educational sessions for curious residents at the Waterfront Museum. According to Kalwill and Khalifa, they have received strong support for the project from those they have presented it to. The project has moved faster than expected according to Kalwill, who said that they are ten years ahead of schedule.

However, the park is just one piece of the puzzle. With the support of Brooklyn 250, a state funded program that is bringing the Battle of Brooklyn to life via free programing, the Friends of Fort Defiance have created two exhibits on Coffey Street that feature not just the cannonballs, but additional objects that Jonathan Bream and others have found in Red Hook. The exhibits are on view at 160 Coffey St and 169 Coffey St through August 30th. They also held an event on August 22nd in honor of the 250th anniversary of the battle, featuring a panel that included historians and those involved with the project. The organization has also worked to co-name Coffey Street as Fort Defiance Place. The renaming was passed by the New York City Council on June 30th, and Kalwill said they plan on doing a formal event to commemorate the co-naming at a later date.

Red Hook looks different than it once did 250 years ago and will certainly experience more change in the years to come. With these changes comes the very important question of how these changes will help protect the neighborhood from the pressing issue of climate change. The solution to this may be to look to history and revert the land to what it once was.

Here’s what’s happening this week:

✨ Local Happenings and New Openings ✨

• Café Wands, a new craft coffee house and all-day café from Chez Fifi partner Justin Wands, will replace the former Gus’s space this fall. The laptop-free space will focus on thoughtfully sourced coffee, house-made pastries and food. shares the full scoop.

• Sam’s Restaurant is officially reopening September 10 under new owner Georgia Fulton. Grub Street reports that the nearly century-old Cobble Hill institution will retain much of its old-school charm and beloved menu, including baked clams, veal parm, pasta, and, of course, its iconic pizza.

  

• Bạn Bè, NYC’s first Vietnamese American bakery, is planning its return and has launched a Kickstarter to make it happen - we are so happy to hear this news! Founded by Doris Hồ-Kane, the campaign is raising funds ahead of a planned reopening later this fall.

• A little local love for Brooklyn General Store, which has been nominated by USA TODAY for both Best Fabric Store and Best Yarn Store! You can support the beloved Carroll Gardens shop by casting a vote.

• What’s happening to old-school Carroll Gardens? Curbed took a deep dive into a shift we’ve been watching closely: the disappearance and changing hands of many of the Italian institutions that have defined the neighborhood for generations. Sam’s and Ferdinando’s have new owners, Caputo’s Bake Shop has closed, and the buildings housing Mazzola Bakery are now asking $9.75 million, raising questions about which pieces of old Carroll Gardens will survive the neighborhood’s next chapter.

Happy Labor Day weekend! If you’re sticking around, I recommend checking out the newly opened Pony’s and enjoying some time in Red Hook while the weather is still warm. I’m still thinking about their seasonal spritz and decadent chive butter. Whether you’re staying close to home or soaking up the last bit of summer elsewhere, there’s lots to look forward to around the neighborhood this September.

Shannon

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Sponsored by Revolution Motherhood

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Meet Revolution Motherhood, the strength and body education program created by Park Slope mom Rachel Welch after 20 years of research and work in women’s fitness. Its signature HEAL program combines personalized support with the community of group fitness, moving moms from body re-education and injury recovery into full-body strength training.

Now enrolling in Park Slope and DUMBO, with classes beginning September 14 and just 15 spots per program. Cobble Hill Collective readers get $25 off any 8-week program with code PSL25.

Book Your Spot

Our Top Picks

Events with an asterisk* tend to sell out- reserve tickets early!

Today, September 3:

Thursday Vinyl @ Clover Club (8:00pm-11:00pm): Kick off Labor Day Weekend early at Clover Club, where DJ Castro will be spinning funky classics all night alongside summer cocktails and plenty of good vibes.

Nightly September 3-5:

Luis Otero @ 69 Atlantic (7:15 and 9:30pm shows): Venezuelan magician Luis Otero makes his NYC debut with Magia Chévere, an intimate evening of sleight-of-hand, humor, and seriously impressive card magic. With just 26 seats per show, guests can also enjoy complimentary wine curated by Popina, with a portion of proceeds supporting World Central Kitchen’s Venezuelan earthquake relief efforts.

Friday, September 4:

Jam Session @ Café Brume (8:00pm-10:00pm): Enjoy a jam session with Lucious Crawford, Dylan Lizza, Ian Smith, and Troy Blakney. Expect live swing, plenty of their Alpine-inspired food and drinks, or bring your own instrument and join the jam after the first set.

Sunday, September 6:

Sunday Funday with Good Time Pilates @ Threes Brewing (11:00am)*: Good Time Pilates is wrapping up its summer series at Threes Brewing. Join them for an outdoor mat Pilates class, followed by beers (or coffee!), hangs, and a little post-workout community time.

Monday, September 7:

Labor Day Live @ Time Out Market (2:00pm-10:00pm): Celebrate Labor Day with one last summer rooftop party at Time Out Market. Enjoy a DJ, specialty cocktails, food from the market’s vendors, and the Manhattan skyline views.

Save the Date for September 27:

The Atlantic Antic™ returns for its 51st year, taking over more than a mile of Atlantic Avenue with hundreds of local vendors, food, live music, shopping, kids’ activities, and entertainment throughout the day. One of Brooklyn’s favorite annual traditions and always a neighborhood highlight!

Submit an event to be considered for this weekly events roundup!

Neighborhood Job Board 📌

This week’s featured openings include a Server at F+F Restaurant and Bar and several new hospitality and creative roles across Brooklyn, plus dozens of other opportunities across nearby neighborhoods.

Browse Neighborhood Jobs

✨ Cobble Hill Insider ✨

This week’s Insider section includes:

A new DUMBO creative space is opening this month, and we have the launch weekend details • A popular Florida fitness studio is making its NYC debut in Downtown Brooklyn

Read more

Here’s what’s happening this week:

✨ Local Happenings and New Openings ✨

• We’re celebrating 20K followers with a giveaway alongside Dinah and 69 Atlantic! One lucky winner will receive a meal for two plus tickets to a magic show featuring Venezuelan magician Luis Otero. Enter by August 28.

• Light Switch, a new day-to-night coffee shop and wine bar, has opened at 333 Court Street in the former Brooklyn Strategist space. They’re serving coffee and pastries by day before transitioning to wine, spritzes and small plates in the evening. is sharing more opening details.

  

• CorePower Yoga has officially opened its new Downtown Brooklyn studio, bringing its signature heated yoga and sculpt classes to the area. Founding memberships are available through September 19.

• Help local students start the school year prepared! Council Member Lincoln Restler, The Service Collective and Spread Love Brooklyn are collecting new backpacks, notebooks, pencils, crayons and other school supplies at 410 Atlantic Avenue through August 28.

• The city is moving forward with plans to build a temporary highway above Furman Street alongside Brooklyn Bridge Park while a half-mile stretch of the deteriorating BQE is rebuilt. According to Gothamist, the two-level temporary roadway would be roughly the same height as the existing highway and is intended to keep traffic moving during the major reconstruction project.

• Two New York favorites are teaming up for the holidays: West Elm has announced a Holiday 2026 collection with Russ & Daughters inspired by the iconic appetizing shop’s history and Jewish traditions.

NYC Restaurant Week:

Last call for Summer NYC Restaurant Week! Check out these participating local spots: French Louie, Barbalu, Shan, Lele’s Roman, Malvan, Levant on Smith, and ABC Kitchens DUMBO.

It’s hard to believe we’re already heading into the final days of August! Luckily, there are plenty of ways to make the most of these late-summer days around the neighborhood, from rooftop spritzes and block parties to a few new spots to check out.

See you around the neighborhood!

Shannon

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Sponsored by Prospect Berkshires

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Planning a fall escape? Prospect Berkshires is a lakeside retreat surrounded by 30 acres of woods, with thoughtfully designed nature cabins, saunas, hiking trails and plenty of ways to slow down outdoors. Dine at The Cliff House, now led by the team behind Williamsburg’s Meadowsweet, then wind down with s’mores around the campfire.

Use access code PARKSLOPE20 in the ‘Access Code’ field (not ‘Promo Code’) during booking for 20% off weeknight stays from Sept 1, 2026-Jan 30, 2027. Blackout dates apply; holidays excluded.

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Our Top Picks

Events with an asterisk* tend to sell out- reserve tickets early!

Today, August 27:

Free Unheated Flow @ Tangerine Yoga (9:00am)*: Enjoy a free 60-minute unheated vinyasa flow where the class will be filmed for future Tangerine marketing materials. Come ready to flow and potentially make your Tangerine debut! Save your spot.

Sunset Spritz Hour @ Time Out Market (5:30pm-7:30pm): Soak up the last of those late summer evenings with spritzes and skyline views on the Time Out Market rooftop. Sunset Spritz Hour includes pitchers of Aperol, Hugo, Limoncello and seasonal spritzes perfect for an after-work drink while the sun sets over the skyline.

Friday, August 28:

Los Burritos Juárez Collaboration (12:00pm – sold out): Los Burritos Juárez is teaming up with James Beard Award-winning chef and cookbook author Rick Martínez for a special collaboration. The menu features a Taco Gobernador, Burrito de Langosta and Torta de Lechón. We suggest going early!

Saturday, August 29:

Community STEAM Family Day @ MakeInspires (10:00am-12:00pm): Cobble Hill Collective and MakeInspires are hosting a free Community STEAM Family Day. Kids in grades K-9 can explore the makerspace, meet the instructors and try activities like robotics, spin art circuitry, LEGO builds, magnet tiles and giant Lite-Brite.
Plus, join MakeInspires founder Travis Sluss for a LIVE FAMILY Q&A on kids, learning, creativity & technology. Coffee & pastries will be provided by Brooklyn Granary & Mill with back-to-school goodies from Sit Still Kids Hair Salon RSVP (FREE) here.

Dumbo Dads - Brooklyn Heroes Run with FDNY @ Ziggy’s Roman Cafe (8:30am): Enjoy a family-friendly morning run through Brooklyn Bridge Park, ending at Engine 205/Ladder 118 where kids can explore the fire trucks, snap photos and enjoy snacks. The 2.5-mile run kicks off from Ziggy’s Roman Cafe, RSVP here.

Rhodora Block Party (all day): They’ll be taking over Willoughby and Adelphi all day Saturday for a street party with dancing and one last celebration of summer.

Submit an event to be considered for this weekly events roundup!

Neighborhood Job Board 📌

This week’s featured openings include a Graphics Team Member at Shop Cat in Red Hook, an Executive Initiatives & Board Liaison at Brooklyn Arts Council, plus dozens of other opportunities across nearby neighborhoods.

Browse Neighborhood Jobs

✨ Cobble Hill Insider ✨

This week’s Insider section includes:

US Open season calls for a Honey Deuce. Here’s where to find one in Brooklyn. • Free Reformer Pilates is coming to Cobble Hill for one day only

Read more

Pizza, martinis & late nights: Meet the team behind Frenzie

Just one week ago, chefs Brendan Kelley and Daniel Grossman, the duo behind Confidant, opened their newest neighborhood venture right next door: Frenzie, a casual pizza and wine spot designed to carry the night a little later.

“As a team we really wanted to do something fun and casual,” they shared. “What could be better than pizza and wine?!” Originally envisioned with more of a daytime focus, Frenzie evolved into a nighttime concept after the team saw when customers were coming through the doors at Confidant. The result is a spot that works just as well for an early family dinner as it does for a late-night pizza and martini.

Kelley and Grossman bring experience from two very different heavy hitters in New York’s pizza scene, Roberta’s and L’Industrie. What they took from both was a focus on good products and attention to detail. “Our focus is simple: make good food with attention to detail and respect for the amazing ingredients we source.”

The team points to the sausage and peppers pizza and smashed cucumber salad as two favorites, along with the Frenzie martini and a shakerato, think an espresso martini-meets-carajillo made with Amaro Averna. If they were ordering for a first-timer, they’d go with a martini, pan con tomate, cucumber salad, steak tartare, vodka ’nduja pizza and tiramisu. Hot tip: only 16 tiramisus are available each night, first come, first served.

Frenzie is intended to be a livelier counterpart to Confidant. Earlier in the evening, expect a more relaxed atmosphere, and as the night goes on, the lights dim, the music gets louder while the pizza and drinks keep flowing.

“You can start your night at Confidant and end it at Frenzie, or you can flip flop.” — Brendan Kelley & Daniel Grossman, Co-Owners of Frenzie

The team says Atlantic Avenue’s energy made it a natural place to expand. “So many good options already exist, and we are just trying to add to that.” When they’re not at their own restaurants, some of their neighborhood favorites include Elsa, Henry Public and Long Island Bar.

As for what they hope Frenzie becomes for Cobble Hill, the goal is simple: staying power. “Longevity is everything,” they shared. “Being a place people can rely on carries significant weight. A place for everyone to create great memories for years to come.”

Frenzie is now open and currently walk-in only. Visit them at 129 Atlantic Ave..

Here’s what’s happening this week:

✨ Local Happenings and New Openings ✨

• Carroll Gardens is getting a new all-day neighborhood coffee shop and bar. Light Switch - founded by Henry Cummings - is opening Summer 2026 at 333 Court Street (the former location of The Brooklyn Strategist), serving coffee, wine, beer, and light bites from morning to night.

• Pony’s, a new Red Hook spot for everything from morning coffee to late-night martinis, is officially opening its doors this Saturday.

• Val’s is coming to Red Hook! The new community-focused bar and diner is taking over the former Pitt’s space, with plans for classic diner fare, burgers, blue-plate specials, weekly pizza nights and a flexible space for co-working and neighborhood gatherings. has more of the scoop.

• The Brooklyn Heights Designer Showhouse is returning this fall, taking over the recently restored 1852 landmarked One Monroe Place. Open to the public from October 2–November 1, the historic mansion will be transformed by 17 designers and architects.

• A floating pool prototype, being built in Red Hook and slated to debut in the East River in 2027, is nearing completion. The pool, which was initially proposed in 2021, uses filtered river water.

• Brooklyn developers Tankhouse and Lonicera Partners are in contract to buy the historic church at 360 Schermerhorn Street in Boerum Hill for $28.3 million. The developers plan to demolish the 1890s-era building and replace it with a residential development.

Business Buzz:

Hotel Ceramics is popping up at Dinner Party this weekend. Stop by for brunch, sip coffee from one of Hotel’s signature chunky mugs while shopping the ceramics in person.

Thursdays are for Negronis at Table 87. Enjoy $9 Negronis all day every Thursday, with eight variations to choose from!

NYC Restaurant Week:

Just a couple weeks left of Summer NYC Restaurant Week! Check out these participating local spots: French Louie, Barbalu, Shan, Lele’s Roman, Malvan, Levant on Smith, ABC Kitchens DUMBO, and Aromi.

One more for your late-summer list: Leland’s garden patio is officially open and taking reservations! We recently stopped by for a garden party and it’s a lovely spot to make the most of these last summer evenings.

See you around the neighborhood!

Shannon

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Sponsored by MakeInspires

FREE Community STEAM Family Day at MakeInspires!

Looking for a fun Saturday morning with the kids? Join MakeInspires and Cobble Hill Collective on August 29 from 10:00am–12:00pm for a FREE Community STEAM Family Day at MakeInspires’ Brooklyn makerspace! Families can try hands-on STEAM activities, explore the makerspace, meet the instructors, join a Family STEAM Challenge, and hear from founder Travis Sluss during a live parent Q&A. Plus, enjoy coffee and pastries from Brooklyn Granary & Mill and offers from Sit Still Kids while you connect with other local families.

Save Your Family’s Spot

Have another question or topic you want answered? Leave us a comment on Instagram here.

Our Top Picks

Events with an asterisk* tend to sell out- reserve tickets early!

Today, August 20:

Movies with a View: Bridesmaids @ Brooklyn Bridge Park (6:00pm): The summer series continues with a free waterfront screening of Bridesmaids. Come early to picnic on the lawn and catch the sunset, plus grab a free sample of Rita’s new Shirley Temple Italian Ice from their treat truck!

Friday, August 21:

Pop Edit Night @ Loafer’s Cocktail Bar (9:00pm-1:00am): Enjoy a night of deep house, disco and pop edits with DJs Adam Ward and Mason Deruloo.

Saturday, August 22:

NYC Summer Streets @ Grand Army Plaza (9:00am-5:00pm): Summer Streets is taking over Eastern Parkway from Grand Army Plaza to Buffalo Avenue with a day of open streets and free activities for all ages. Walk, bike or explore the route and stop by community programming along the way, including free drop-in beadstringing with UrbanGlass.

Casanara 2-Year Anniversary Block Party @ 983 Fulton Street (12:00–7:00pm): Celebrate their second anniversary with a free community block party hosted by Saint James Joy.

Sunday, August 23:

Sachette’s Bakery Pop-up @ Anaïs Wine Bar (12:00pm-sold out): Enjoy this bakery pop up with cookies, galettes, cakes and more. Stop by early to snag your treats before they’re gone!

Summer Series with Arthur @ Popina (12:00pm): Popina is bringing back its Summer Series with Greenpoint favorite Arthur for a casual backyard dinner featuring a buffet of dishes from both restaurants, drinks and live music. Tickets are $85 and include two drink tickets for cocktails, beer or wine.

Submit an event to be considered for this weekly events roundup!

Neighborhood Job Board 📌

This week’s featured openings include an Experienced Cake Decorator at One Girl Cookies, several new roles at BRIC, and an Executive Initiatives & Board Liaison at Brooklyn Arts Council, plus dozens of other opportunities across nearby neighborhoods.

Browse Neighborhood Jobs

✨ Cobble Hill Insider ✨

This week’s Insider section includes:

A luxury skincare destination quietly opened its second Brooklyn location • One of Smith Street’s biggest properties just sold • A new wellness destination is coming to Brooklyn Tower

Read more

We’ve rounded up wellness and self-care spots around the neighborhood, from recovery and relaxation to fitness, beauty, and prenatal care.

Inside this guide: 10 neighborhood spots to help you relax, recharge, and feel your best. Plus one wellness destination we can’t wait to try when it opens, and a Google Map of every location.

A Day of Wellness: Bathhouse Atlantic Ave

This popular wellness concept opened their location in the neighborhood just a couple months ago and it’s already gained plenty of popularity. They’re offering saunas, pools alongside massage and scrub treatments.

Highlights: First time? Get 50% off your day pass through August by booking through this link.

Head and scalp treatment: Botanic Head Spa

Release any built-up tension with a head and scalp treatments at Botanic Head Spa. They’re offering a range of services from a signature chair head spa, steam scalp treatments, and even hot stone massages.

Highlights: As part of their soft opening, you can get a 60-minute head & scalp treatment for $68.

Below the paywall: the rest of this guide, including a highly anticipated wellness destination coming soon, plus a Google Map of all the spots.

Read more

✨ Local Happenings and New Openings ✨

• Frenzie, the new pizza and wine spot from the team behind neighborhood favorite Confidant, officially opens today at 4 PM, with walk-ins only.

  Chefs Daniel Grossman and Brendan Kelley - whose backgrounds include Roberta’s and L’Industrie - tell us Frenzie is designed as a livelier, more casual counterpart to Confidant, equally suited to an early family dinner, date night or a later night out.

  “As the evening progresses, the lights will dim, the music will get louder and we’ll keep the pizza coming and the drinks flowing.”

  

  Expect pizzas alongside dishes like smashed cucumber salad, pan con tomate and steak tartare, plus cocktails including the Frenzie martini and a shakerato made with espresso and Amaro Averna.

  And their order for a first-timer? “Martini, pan con tomate, cucumber salad, steak tartare, vodka ’nduja pizza and a tiramisu for dessert” - but move fast on the tiramisu: they’re making just 16 each night, first come, first served.

• Winner, the acclaimed Brooklyn bakery and cafe from Michelin-starred chef Daniel Eddy is opening a new location at 100 Flatbush Avenue. Known for its breads, pastries and seriously good sandwiches, Winner is expected to open its new Downtown Brooklyn space this fall.

• DONT MATTER, a new spot for vinyl and cocktails has officially opened at 55 Sands Street. This spot pairs drinks with a music-focused atmosphere.

• Construction is underway on a new 51-story luxury tower at 205 Montague Street and Cadman Plaza West in Brooklyn Heights. The mixed-use development will feature 136 residences, plus a jazz club, membership club, and high-end Japanese restaurant BondST.

• A parking lot at 55 Smith Street has sold for $58 million, with the new owner planning to transform the site with two residential buildings. One of the developments is expected to include 99 units.

• The Ursas, the 30 foot and 13 foot bear sculptures created by Bushwick based artist Jen Lewin, arrive at their permanent home on the Gowanus Canal.

• Brooklyn’s Bridge: A New Musical is showing for a limited time! On stage at The Space at Irondale through August 23, the new musical brings Brooklyn history to life through the extraordinary story of Emily Roebling and her pivotal role in completing the Brooklyn Bridge after her husband, Chief Engineer Washington Roebling, became bedridden.

Business Buzz:

• The paint and wallpaper brand, Farrow & Ball has unveiled a refreshed showroom on Atlantic Ave featuring its first U.S. “Studio” concept, with a greater focus on personalized consultations. The backyard has also been transformed by Brooklyn-based landscape designer Brook Klausing into an outdoor showroom.

  

• 16 Handles is coming to Park Slope! They’re opening a new location at 148 7th Avenue with a new storefront currently under construction and expected to open in a couple months.

NYC Restaurant Week:

There’s still time left for Summer NYC Restaurant Week! Check out these participating local spots: French Louie, Barbalu, Shan, Lele’s Roman, Malvan, Levant on Smith, ABC Kitchens DUMBO, and Aromi.

Lots of local news to catch up on this week! We’ve got new spots opening in DUMBO and Downtown Brooklyn, a beloved bakery expanding, some big development updates, and plenty happening this weekend. Plus, Insiders can scroll to the bottom for two more openings coming our way 👀

See you around the neighborhood!

Shannon

✨ Continue reading our ‘Cobble Hill Insider’ section at the bottom just for paid subscribers who want to stay a step ahead - soft openings & exclusives!

Do you have a story we should be sharing? 🗞️ Submit your tip anonymously here, or email us

Our Top Picks

Events with an asterisk* tend to sell out- reserve tickets early!

Today, August 13:

Movies with a View: Do the Right Thing @ Brooklyn Bridge Park (6:00pm-11:00pm): The summer series continues with a screening of Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing. Set in Bed-Stuy on a hot summer day, the iconic Brooklyn film follows neighborhood tensions as they build toward a tragic confrontation. Plus, cast your vote for the August 27 screening. Challengers, The Great Gatsby, and Ocean’s Eleven are in the running!

Poetry & Pours @ June Wine Bar (7:00pm-9:00pm)*: Sip your way through five seasonal wines, each paired with a poem hand-selected by local poets Sharon Lin and Stephanie Niu to complement the flavors, mood, and notes of each glass. The two-hour guided tasting includes live poetry readings, with food available for purchase.

Friday, August 14:

Midsummer Nights: Strings N Skins @ Brooklyn Conservatory of Music (6:30pm): Close out the free outdoor summer jazz series with Brooklyn-based Strings N Skins, known for blending Haitian and Colombian sounds through percussion and violin. Founded by Haitian vocalist and percussionist Okai and Latin Grammy Award-winning Colombian artist La Lulu, the band brings its distinctive sound to the final performance of the season.

Saturday, August 15:

Third Saturdays @ Time Out Market (9:00pm–1:00am): Make it a late night in DUMBO with DJ Mike Medium of the Heavy Hitters and Hot 97, plus special guest DJs. Expect hip-hop, R&B, reggaeton, throwbacks and more. You’ll also enjoy specialty Patrón cocktails. Free RSVP, 21+.

Sunday, August 16:

Summer Spritz with Brooklyn Heights Association @ City Point (2:00pm–4:00pm): Join the Brooklyn Heights Association for an afternoon of spritzes on City Point’s new patio. Bring a friend and enjoy a spritz, $5 for members and $10 for non-members.

Pet Portraits by Diana Ross-Gotta @ Saturn Road (4:00pm-8:00pm): Bring your pup along for a live 20-minute portrait session with artist Diana Ross-Gotta, who will capture them in graphite or watercolor pencil. Portraits are pay-what-you-can, with a portion of proceeds benefiting Hearts & Bones Rescue.

Submit an event to be considered for this weekly events roundup!

Neighborhood Job Board 📌

We’re hiring for a part-time Sponsorships & Partnerships Lead - see today’s job board for more info!

This week's featured openings include a Fulfillment Assistant at NAOMI NOMI, barista and baker roles at Bolo Bolo, and a Warehouse Inventory Manager at Urban Staging, plus dozens of other opportunities across nearby neighborhoods.

Browse Neighborhood Jobs

✨ Cobble Hill Insider ✨

This week’s Insider section includes:

A popular Japanese lifestyle retailer is making a big move into Downtown Brooklyn • A new private club is teeing up in DUMBO

Read more

The right after-school activity doesn’t just fill an afternoon. It gives kids a place to belong.

What we built at Child’s Play NY is somewhere kids can’t wait to get back to, where they find their people, take creative risks, and discover skills that will last them a lifetime. I love when I watch a student who was too shy to say their name in the first class absolutely command the stage during the final performance. I love when I hear about the teens who built friendships by performing in Shakespeare plays year after year who have a group chat called “The Play’s the Thing.”

This fall, we’re welcoming young performers into our production classes in Brooklyn Heights, where students spend the semester rehearsing and performing a fully staged musical or Shakespeare play. Whether they’re just discovering theater in Lion King Kids (Grades 1–3) or interested in tackling Something Rotten Jr. or Twelfth Night (Grades 6–8), the work is both joyful and rigorous.

Explore Fall Classes & Register

What Makes Child’s Play NY Theater Special?

Because our productions are capped at just 12 students, the teaching artists get to know and support each performer. Casting is thoughtful with plentiful material. Each rehearsal builds toward the production through achievable weekly goals in scenework, music, choreography, and ensemble work. Along the way, our signature improvisation games encourage creativity, confidence, and bold artistic choices.

Our teaching artists bring their MFAs, professional theater experience, years of teaching expertise, and a genuine love of working with young people into the room. The musicals are rehearsed and performed with music directors and dedicated choreography, while the Shakespeare ensembles receive individualized coaching. Every production culminates on our stages before family and friends.

Over the past 15+ years, we’ve produced scores of shows and become the trusted theater partner for schools including Packer, Berkeley Carroll, PS 8, PS 29, PS 58, Brooklyn New School, the International School of Brooklyn, and many others throughout New York City. But what parents tell us they value most isn’t the performance, it’s seeing their children become more confident, more collaborative and more expressive.

If you’re looking for an after-school activity that gives your child a community, a creative challenge, and memories they’ll carry long after the final bow, we’d love to welcome you this fall.

Enrollment is now open, and spots are limited. We hope you’ll join us.

Explore Fall Classes & Register

What Parents Say

“Child’s Play is magical! They nurture an environment that makes both Shakespearean plays and contemporary musicals fun and engaging. Our son absolutely loves it. His confidence and enthusiasm for imagination, language, and creativity has grown so much. We couldn’t be happier!” — Annaleigh Ashford and Joe Tapper

“What a wonderful program. Our daughter has learned so much and it’s so great to see the creative work she and her castmates are doing and how much they’ve grown as performers throughout their time at Child’s Play. Highest recommendation.” — Peter Fornatale

Read more five-star reviews on Google.

How to Get Involved

Production classes take place weekly in Brooklyn Heights

• The Lion King Kids - Musical Production for Grades 1-3 | Tuesdays or Thursdays

• The Tempest - Shakespeare Production for Grades 3-5 | Sundays

• Legally Blonde Jr - Musical Production for Grades 4–6 | Mondays or Wednesdays

• Something Rotten Jr – Musical Production for Grades 6-8 | Sundays

• Twelfth Night – Shakespeare Production for Grades 6-8 | Tuesdays

Fall classes are already filling, with some sections now waitlisted. Explore current availability and register today.

Explore Fall Classes & Register

Thank you to Child’s Play NY

Sponsored content like this allows Cobble Hill Collective to continue delivering top-quality local coverage to our community. Your support helps fund our dedicated writers. Interested in advertising with Cobble Hill Collective? Contact us to learn more about partnership opportunities.

✨ Local Happenings and New Openings ✨

• Borough Hall Station Renovation Complete: The MTA completed its $106 million renovation of the Borough Hall subway station, adding new elevators, accessibility upgrades, restored historic details, and flood-prevention improvements following the 2018 ceiling collapse. A few finishing touches remain but the station is now fully open to riders.

  

• Fini Pizza is encouraging young readers to turn pages into pizza with its new Fini Reads program. Kids and teens 17 and under who read three books in one month can earn a free pie. A delicious way to keep reading all summer long!

• All in One Deli Mart closes after more than 30 years in Brooklyn Heights. All in One Deli Mart, formerly known as Peas N' Pickles, has officially closed its doors. A longtime neighborhood staple, the market and the Lee family behind it will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.

• Brooklyn's housing market continues to heat up, with the median home sale price reaching $899,000 in the second quarter of 2026. Carroll Gardens ranked as NYC's fourth most expensive neighborhood, while the Columbia Street Waterfront District and DUMBO also cracked the city's top 10. Park Slope, Cobble Hill, and several other Brooklyn neighborhoods also saw significant year-over-year price increases.

Business Buzz:

Next Stop Vegan has launched a new Creative Caribbean Brunch, bringing bold and island inspired flavors to your weekend brunch. Expect inventive dishes and shareable mimosa towers for a fun new take on brunch.

NYC Restaurant Week:

It’s Summer NYC Restaurant Week! Check out these participating local spots: French Louie, Barbalu, Shan, Lele’s Roman, Malvan, Levant on Smith, ABC Kitchens DUMBO, and Aromi.

Before we jump into this week’s events, a quick note that we’ll be taking a short summer break next week. We’ll be back in your inbox on August 13 with all the latest neighborhood news, openings, events, and more.

In the meantime, if you’re looking for ways to enjoy the rest of the season, don’t forget to check out our Summer Bucket List Guide. Wishing you a wonderful couple of weeks, and we’ll see you around the neighborhood!

Shannon

✨ Continue reading our ‘Cobble Hill Insider’ section at the bottom just for paid subscribers who want to stay a step ahead - soft openings & exclusives!

Do you have a story we should be sharing? 🗞️ Submit your tip anonymously here, or email us

Our Top Picks

Events with an asterisk* tend to sell out- reserve tickets early!

Today, July 30:

Midsummer Nights Series: Flute Fest @ BKCM (outside 58 Seventh Ave): BKCM's free Midsummer Nights series continues with Flute Fest, an evening celebrating jazz and improvisation curated by Melanie Charles as part of her Make Jazz Trill Again movement. Flutists of all ages are also invited to join a free Flute Link Up & Open Jam in the BKCM Garden.

Movies with a View: Clueless @ Brooklyn Bridge Park: The summer series continues with a free waterfront screening of Clueless. Before the movie starts, director Amy Heckerling will join New York Times editor Veronica Chambers for a special conversation. Don’t forget to grab your picnic from Poppy’s before!

Friday, July 31:

7 Years of Fabulous @ Someday Bar (7:00pm-late): Celebrate seven fabulous years on with a Vegas-inspired shotgun anniversary party. Expect specialty cocktails, shot roulette, drag performances, an Elvis contest, and an all-night celebration. No cover required.

Saturday, August 1:

One Year Anniversary Party @ Landmark Cevichera (4:00pm-late): Celebrate their first anniversary and enjoy complimentary tuna tostadas, the first round of shots on the house, and a live DJ.

25th Anniversary Party @ Zombie Hut: Cheers to 25 years of Zombie Hut with tiki drink specials, prizes for the best tiki attire, and food from The Meat Hook grilling in their backyard. Wear your favorite Hawaiian shirt or grass skirt and enjoy!

Sunday, August 2:

Pacho Pop-Up @Anaïs Wine Bar (12:00pm-4:00pm): Cool off with a taste of the Mediterranean as Pacho brings its fresh gazpacho for a special afternoon pop-up. Pair a bowl with a glass of wine and stop by for a laid back summer collab.

Wednesday, August 5:

A Midsummer Night’s Popup with Twice Desired @ Café Brume (5:00pm-7:30pm): Twice Desired is partnering with Café Brume for an evening of vintage shopping, designer fashion, and happy hour cocktails. Browse a curated collection of luxury fashion, jewelry, accessories, and unique finds while enjoying drinks and light bites.

Submit an event to be considered for this weekly events roundup!

Neighborhood Job Board 📌

We’re hiring for a part-time Sponsorships & Partnerships Lead - see today’s job board for more info!

This week's featured openings include a Part-Time Family Experience Associate at The Bramble, Executive Assistant and Special Events Coordinator roles at BAM, plus dozens of other opportunities across nearby neighborhoods.

Browse Neighborhood Jobs

✨ Cobble Hill Insider ✨

This week’s Insider section includes:

Reserve your seat for a complimentary chef's tasting lunch • A major new residential development is almost complete

Read more

✨ Local Happenings and New Openings ✨

• World Cup Fever in the Neighborhood! Restaurants and bars across the neighborhood were packed over the weekend as fans gathered to watch the World Cup together. This was the scene outside Bar Tabac during Saturday’s game.

• Formerly Claw Daddy's, Surf n’ Chicks is the newly rebranded spot. They’re serving up seafood favorites like oysters, shrimp, and boils alongside crispy fried chicken and classic comfort sides.

• Shania’s Max Bet Coming Soon! Promising cocktails, late-night hours and the motto “You can’t lose all the time,” the team has started teasing the opening. Keep an eye on our sister account Park Slope Pulse for more updates as the opening approaches.

• Artist Open Call at Saturn Road! They’re accepting submissions for its upcoming fall exhibition, A Woman's Work: The Art of Womanhood. Women artists are invited to apply, whether they’re emerging or established. Applications are open through August 16, with the exhibition running September 7–November 13. Apply here.

• Opening a small business in NYC could soon get easier - the city has announced more than 50 proposed reforms aimed at cutting red tape and reducing unnecessary fines. The plans include dedicated case managers for new business owners, streamlined requirements for barbershops and childcare providers and the elimination of some outdated restaurant permits.

NYC Restaurant Week:

It’s Summer NYC Restaurant Week! Check out these participating local spots: French Louie, Shan, Lele’s Roman, Malvan, Levant on Smith, and Aromi.

It's another busy week around the neighborhood! NYC Restaurant Week is here, there are lots of free outdoor events to enjoy, and Liz's Book Bar is hosting what looks like an incredible evening with Zahra Tangorra featuring a conversation and tasting inspired by her new memoir.

See you around the neighborhood!

Shannon

✨ Continue reading our ‘Cobble Hill Insider’ section at the bottom just for paid subscribers who want to stay a step ahead - soft openings & exclusives!

Do you have a story we should be sharing? 🗞️ Submit your tip anonymously here, or email us

Sponsored by Markets for Makers

Markets for Makers Returns to Brooklyn

Want something fun to do this weekend with the whole family? Markets for Makers is coming back to Industry City Brooklyn with their incredible Brooklyn Summer Market! There, you can shop 90+ of the best local and national makers, craft at DIY stations, enjoy delicious food and drinks, snap pics at themed photo walls, and fill your free market tote up with all your goodies! Kids under 12 get in free, so bring the whole family, and get 20% off when you use code PARKSLOPE20 at checkout! See you there!

Get Your Tickets

Our Top Picks

Events with an asterisk* tend to sell out- reserve tickets early!

Today, July 23:

Midsummer Nights series with Rasin Okan @ BKCM (outside 58 Seventh Ave): Enjoy the first of this free Summer Concert series! It’s a free performance by Rasin Okan, a Brooklyn-based Haitian roots music ensemble. RSVP here, seating is first-come, first-served.

Extra Sauce: An evening of food tasting with Zahra Tangorra @ Liz’s Book Bar (6:30-8:00pm)*: Join chef and author Zahra Tangorra for an evening of conversation, audience Q&A, and a tasting menu inspired by her new memoir, The Good, the Bad, and the Onions. Each ticket includes a selection of dishes made by Zahra herself, with wine pairing recommendations available for purchase.

Multi-day events:

Pokémon Day Out @ Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 6 (July 24-26): Celebrate 30 years of Pokémon with a free, family-friendly event featuring games, activities, interactive experiences, and plenty of surprises for fans of all ages. Admission is free, but advance reservations are strongly encouraged, with walk-ups welcome as space allows.

Friday, July 24:

Brooklyn Americana Music @ Pier 3 Greenway Terrace (7:00pm-9:00pm): Enjoy an evening of live music and waterfront views for a free sunset concert featuring jazz and Americana artists. Bring a blanket, pack a picnic, and settle in for performances by local and international musicians.

Jerry Pepper’s Pop-up @ Strong Rope Brewery (2:00pm-dark): Their one-day pop-up at Strong Rope Brewery will serve burgers, their new Pepper's Dog, and vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Kick off the weekend with burgers, beer and great views!

Saturday, July 25:

Kids & Grownups Creature Cups - Pottery Workshop @ Still life (10:30am)*: In this workshop kids and their grown ups will learn the basics of ceramic handbuilding while creating their very own functional creature cups! Purchase tickets here.

Live Music on Hoyt Street @ Hoyt Open Street (4:00pm-6:00pm): Enjoy a free live performance by guitarist Fredrix Clark at this weekend’s Open Streets on Hoyt Street between State Street and Atlantic Avenue.

Volunteer Opportunity: Street Cleanup with District 39 (9:45am-11:00am): Join a community street cleanup, meeting at the corner of Nevins Street and Carroll Street. You’ll help pick up litter with your neighbors. Gloves, trash pickers, and bags will be provided, and all are welcome. Reserve your spot.

Submit an event to be considered for this weekly events roundup!

Neighborhood Job Board 📌

This week's openings include a Fulfillment Associate role at Apply Stickers in DUMBO, a Front Desk Coordinator position at PKLYN in Gowanus, and freelance gardening opportunities with Red Fern Brooklyn in the Navy Yard area, plus dozens of other local jobs across nearby neighborhoods.

Browse Neighborhood Jobs

✨ Cobble Hill Insider ✨

This week’s Insider section includes:

Want first dibs on one of the neighborhood’s most sought-after events? • Get in early on one of the neighborhood's newest wellness openings

Read more

✨ Local Happenings and New Openings ✨

• Frenzie Coming Soon! After previously sharing that the team behind Confidant had taken over the neighboring space for their new concept, Frenzie, a funky, vintage-inspired wine bar, new signage has now gone up, signaling that opening day is just around the corner. We'll be sure to share updates as soon as an official opening date is announced.

• Red Hook Focacceria Now Open! They’re serving small-batch focaccia and breads made with Italian flour, long fermentation, and clean ingredients. The bakery will be open at 421 Van Brunt St on Saturday and Sunday, with limited daily quantities, so be sure to arrive early!

• The former Macy’s building is getting a major makeover. Plans have been announced to transform the former department store into BKX, a 440,000-square-foot destination combining retail, restaurants, entertainment, wellness, and cultural spaces. Developers say it will offer the largest contiguous retail space currently available in New York City, leasing is already in the works.

• Starting this week, Diljān Bakery is debuting a new lineup of Afghan-inspired pizzas featuring naturally fermented dough, stone-milled flour, and unique toppings like Wild Mountain Afghan cumin and kebab house flavors. Pre-orders are now open.

• Brooklyn's most expensive home sale of the year just happened in Brooklyn Heights. A historic townhouse at 192 Columbia Heights sold for $24.5 million in an off-market deal, making it the borough's priciest residential sale of 2026 and the third-highest sale in Brooklyn history.

• Brooklyn Public Library has received a $1 million grant from the Andrew Carnegie Foundation to grow programs supporting immigrants and teens. The funding will help expand English classes, legal and career services, citizenship support, and college readiness programs across the library system.

• If you've been thinking about applying for this year's Atlantic Antic Festival, there's still time. Vendor applications remain open through August 31 for Brooklyn's annual street fair returning September 27.

Neighborhood Steal: 🦞 Restaurant Week at Red Hook Lobster Pound

From July 20 through August 16, enjoy a two-course lunch for $30 or a three-course dinner for $45 at Red Hook Lobster Pound. The special menu includes favorites like lobster bisque, fish & chips, blackened fish tacos, and mussels, with discounted beer and wine available too.

There are so many fun food updates this week! I'm curious, which one is at the top of your list? The new focaccia bakery in Red Hook, Afghan-inspired pizza from Diljān, or the upcoming wine bar? I have a feeling all three are going to be popular.

See you around the neighborhood!

Shannon

✨ Continue reading our ‘Cobble Hill Insider’ section at the bottom just for paid subscribers who want to stay a step ahead - soft openings & exclusives!

Do you have a story we should be sharing? 🗞️ Submit your tip anonymously here, or email us

Our Top Picks

Events with an asterisk* tend to sell out- reserve tickets early!

Today, July 16:

Illustrate recipies & eat pizza with Bianca Bosso @ Ziggy’s Roman Cafe*: Join artist and culinary creator Bianca Bosso for a creative evening of pizza, specialty drinks, and cookbook illustrations. Guests will learn how to transform a favorite recipe into a hand-drawn cookbook page using acrylic markers, with all materials provided and a take-home booklet. Tickets HERE.

Hops Hill 12-year Anniversary @ Hops Hill on 886 Fulton (12:00pm-close): Marking its 12th anniversary, the celebration will feature beer giveaways, exclusive merch, pizza from Impasto, and Junior's cheesecake. Stop by anytime from noon until close.

Multi-Day Events:

Daiqs & Dogs @ Grand Army (July 12th-19th): Grand Army is celebrating National Hot Dog Day and National Daiquiri Day with a weeklong fundraiser benefiting A Humane World for Animals. Stop by for specialty hot dogs and daiquiris, with proceeds helping support animal welfare while you enjoy a summer treat.

FAD Market @ St. Paul (July 18-19 from 11:00am-6:00pm): Shop more than 60 independent makers selling everything from handcrafted jewelry and home goods to specialty foods, apparel, and beauty products. The market is free to attend and pet-friendly.

Saturday, July 18:

Love Island-Themed Workout @ /impact/ Group Fitness (10:00am)*: Love Island fans, this one is for you! Expect a high-energy workout, island-inspired vibes, the show's soundtrack. Save your spot here.

Sunday, July 19:

Bastille Day Celebrations: Check out L’Appartement 4F’s festive block party with French wine and charcuterie or Le French Tart Deli’s afternoon of pastries and live music in celebration of Bastille Day right here in our neighborhood. Brooklyn French Bakers will also be celebrating with fresh pastries, sandwiches, and other French favorites.

Finals Watch Party with Brooklyn Heights Association @ Montague St (12:00pm-6:00pm): Catch the World Cup Final during Montague Open Streets. They’re hosting a free watch party featuring multiple outdoor screens, youth soccer clinics, open play, sticker trading, and a Bastille Day celebration.

Tuesday, July 21:

F&F Pizza Sessions @ F&F Pizzeria (starting at 5:00pm)*: The next installment of F&F Pizzeria's Pizza Sessions brings Wylie Dufresne (Stretch Pizza) and Bret Lunsford (Sally's Apizza) for an evening of exclusive pies, unlimited food and drinks, and one-night-only creations. Tickets are almost gone.

Submit an event to be considered for this weekly events roundup!

Neighborhood Job Board 📌

This week's openings include a bookseller position at Books Are Magic, an events role at Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and retail opportunities at Powerhouse Arts, plus dozens of other local jobs across nearby neighborhoods.

Browse Neighborhood Jobs

✨ Cobble Hill Insider ✨

This week’s Insider section includes:

A new cocktail bar promising late-night drinks is opening soon • A new restaurant inspired by a grandmother's kitchen is opening soon

Read more

If you own a business in the neighborhood, David Energy can install free batteries in your space - and guarantee it lowers your ConEd bill.

Energy costs have jumped 40% in the last five years. More than half of your bill comes from a demand charge, a fee tied to your peak power use. David Energy’s batteries lower that charge automatically, with no disruption to your business and nothing to manage on your end.

Hundreds of NYC businesses have already signed up for the batteries - most of them through word of mouth from other owners. Shan Restaurant, Confidant and Hungry Ghost are among them.

Dinah, a modern reimagining of a classic 1930s Brooklyn diner in Brooklyn Heights, recently had their batteries installed.

“For any small business owner that’s on the fence I would say there’s really no risk. It’s free install, David Energy does all the work for you. They’re very nice and easy to work with. They’ll accommodate you and your space, and you can’t lose.” - Ina Howard, Owner of Dinah

Ready to save on those costly utility bills? Book a free consultation - no commitment required.

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Thank you to David Energy

Sponsored content like this allows Cobble Hill Collective to continue delivering top-quality local coverage to our community. Your support helps fund our dedicated writers. Interested in advertising with Cobble Hill Collective? Contact us to learn more about partnership opportunities.

Here’s what’s happening this week:

✨ Local Happenings and New Openings ✨

• Two Historic Crew Ships Sink in Red Hook: Nick Bello reported that Victory Chimes, a historic schooner connected to Crew, sank in Red Hook just days after the historic Pilot went down on July 1. The cause of both incidents remains under investigation. Crew, the company behind Fireboat at Brooklyn Bridge Park, Montero's Bar & Grill on Atlantic Avenue, and the former floating restaurant Pilot, describes its mission this way: "We create, restore, and operate places in and around the water. We preserve old ships and buildings, and bring forgotten waterfronts back to life." The company is now focused on understanding what happened and safely raising the Pilot.

• Good news for Ban Bé fans: the beloved neighborhood bakery is teasing a major announcement. After closing its original storefront earlier this year, founder Doris Hồ-Kane says "breaking news" is coming next week.

• A new neighborhood bar is getting ready to open at 479 Atlantic Avenue. Bronze Tavern recently unveiled its new signage and says an official opening date is coming soon.

• Poppy's is bringing back its popular Summer Picnic Series at its Henry Street location, just in time for Brooklyn Bridge Park's Movies With A View. Every Thursday, stop by for a special picnic-friendly menu before heading to the waterfront.

• Red Hook Pool, which is one of five Olympic-sized pools in Brooklyn, is currently shut down due to mechanical issues. Last year, the swimming spot’s opening was delayed due to a broken pipe.

Live jazz on a patio at Goog Thai Cook Shop sounds like a pretty great way to kick off the weekend. Hope you find something fun to check out this week, too!

See you around the neighborhood!

Shannon

✨ Continue reading our ‘Cobble Hill Insider’ section at the bottom just for paid subscribers who want to stay a step ahead - soft openings & exclusives!

Do you have a story we should be sharing? 🗞️ Submit your tip anonymously here, or email us

Sponsored by Treasure It

Buy, sell & give in your neighborhood

Treasure It is a built-in-Brooklyn app for buying, selling, and giving secondhand things in your neighborhood, without the endless messages and flaky pickup plans of big resale sites. Never get asked “is this still available?” again. Clear item status, streamlined scheduling, reminders, and match credits help make handoffs easier from start to finish. Buy, sell, and give without the chaos.

The first 75 people to use promo code SLOPELIVING will get two free match credits at sign-up. Join 2,000+ Brooklyn neighbors today. Visit www.treasureit.fun for more info or download here.

Our Top Picks

Looking for a full lineup of summer events? Check out Our Ultimate Summer Bucket List.

Events with an asterisk* tend to sell out- reserve tickets early!

Today, July 9:

Cheese & Wine Apéro @ Léa Fromages Cheese Shop (7:00pm-8:30pm)*: Spend your evening at Léa Fromages for a guided tasting of cheeses paired with thoughtfully selected wines. The apéro will explore the stories behind the cheesemakers and winemakers while you sample a curated selection of both.

Friday, July 10:

Crumbl Cobble Hill Grand Opening @ Crumbl Cookies (11:00am-2:00pm): Crumbl is officially opening its Cobble Hill location with a grand opening celebration. Festivities will include giveaways, free swag, raffle entries for a chance to win free cookies for a year, and special gifts with every purchase while supplies last. The first 100 customers will also receive a commemorative grand opening T-shirt and sticker.

Jazz Sessions @ Goog - Thai Cook Shop (6:30pm-9:30pm): Looking for Friday night plans? Goog Thai Cook Shop is hosting live jazz every Friday. Enjoy dinner, drinks, and live music on their Red Hook patio.

Weekend Event:

FAD Market @ Empire Stores DUMBO (July 11-12 from 11:00am-6:00pm): This weekend market features more than 35 independent makers, designers, and small businesses. Browse handmade jewelry, apparel, home goods, ceramics, specialty foods, art, and more while shopping directly from the creators behind each brand.

Saturday, July 11:

AVES Bakery Popup @ Anaïs Wine Bar (12:00pm): AVES Bakery is popping up with its beautifully decorated sugar cookies and slices of its brand-new cookie cakes. Pair your sweet treat with a glass of wine before they're gone.

Legal Aid Society Community Joy Day @ Lena Horne Bandshell⁠ Prospect Park (3:00pm-8:00pm): Enjoy a free afternoon of live music, family entertainment, and community celebration presented by The Legal Aid Society as part of BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn. Expect performances by Saint James Joy and Pahua, a staging of Pinocchio by Puppetmobile, and free books from Brooklyn Book Bodega.

Sunday, July 12:

Summerween @ Hoyt Street Garden (10:30am): Enjoy a free family-friendly Summerween celebration featuring read-alouds from local authors Rebecca Scheckman and Lauren Fornoles, along with crafts, an illustration demo, pumpkin seed planting, and summer treats.

Wimbledon Watch Party @ Popina (11:00am): Catch the Wimbledon men's final at Popina as Thatcher's Wine takes over the wine list for the day. Expect rare bottle pours, special wines by the glass, and plenty of tennis.

Submit an event to be considered for this weekly events roundup!

Neighborhood Job Board 📌

View and list jobs by Brooklyn neighborhood for free! Have a link to a job listing already? Simply copy and paste the link and it will auto-fill the rest.

Browse Neighborhood Jobs

✨ Cobble Hill Insider ✨

This week’s Insider section includes:

A new luxury tower with a jazz club and the first Brooklyn location of celebrity-favorite Japanese restaurant is coming to Brooklyn Heights • Your guide to Bastille Day celebrations in Brooklyn

Read more

This bucket list isn’t about checking off destinations. It’s about making the most of the season in our corner of Brooklyn, whether that’s taking the ferry just because, finding the perfect frozen drink on a hot afternoon, or pretending you’re spending the weekend upstate without ever leaving the neighborhood. Consider this your guide to a very Brooklyn summer.

Inside this guide: 25 ways to make the most of summer, 40+ local spots to visit, and a Google Map so you can plan your perfect Brooklyn summer.

Summer Treats

Summer and sweet treats go hand in hand. That’s hardly groundbreaking, but some traditions are classics for a reason. Whether you’re chasing childhood nostalgia with soft serve and candy or opting for the grown-up version in the form of a frozen margarita, these are the seasonal indulgences we’re embracing all summer long.

• Enjoy frozen drinks at the newly opened Titán. Plus Lobo, Congress Bar, and Landmark Cevicheria

• Try the neighborhood’s best croissants. Two local favorites, Brooklyn French Bakers and La Bicyclette, were recently named among New York City’s best croissants by French Morning. Sounds like the perfect excuse for a pastry crawl

• Cool off with soft serve from Mister Cheeks, gelato from Dolce, or Italian Ice from Court Pastry Shop

• Pick up candy and hot dogs from BonBon and walk along Brooklyn Bridge Park

Classic Summer Days

Who says field trips have to end after school? While they may look a little different these days, there's still something magical about a midday adventure. The kind that requires nowhere important to be, leaves room for a little spontaneity, and reminds you that summer is meant to be enjoyed outside of your usual routine.

• Outdoor workout classes and movies at Brooklyn Bridge Park

• Rooftop drinks and skyline views at Alma, Time Out, or 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge

• Pastries and a stroll along the Promenade (Ferrane or L’Appartement 4F)

• Catch summer music nights in Cobble Hill Park

• Try out kayaking for free in the East River with the Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse

Below the paywall: the rest of this guide, including our list for summer nights, side quests, and rainy day plans, plus a Google Map of all the spots.

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