Jun. 23, 2025 By Gabriele Holtermann The dog days of summer are making an early appearance, and Brooklynites are finding all kinds of ways to stay cool as an extreme heat warning remains in effect for the city through Wednesday. Temperatures are expected to near 100 degrees on Monday and Tuesday, with the heat…
Jun. 23, 2025 By Gabriele Holtermann Fantastical sea creatures, mystical merfolk, antique cars, marching bands and dance troupes took over Coney Island on June 21, showcasing their splashy creativity at the 43rd annual Mermaid Parade. The scorching heat didn’t dampen the spirits of the more than 30,000 spectators who cheered on the colorful, quirky…
Jun. 20, 2025 By Brooklyn Paper Coney Island is one of New York City’s most beloved neighborhoods, a longstanding symbol of its history and culture. With its amusement parks, classic boardwalk restaurants and businesses, and, of course, the beach, The People’s Playground is both nostalgic and ever-evolving. Come summertime, the nabe is a hub…
Jun. 17, 2025 By Kirstyn Brendlen The creatures of the Atlantic Ocean will shimmy up the beach and onto the boardwalk on June 21 as the 43rd annual Coney Island Mermaid Parade returns to mark the unofficial start of summer in Brooklyn. Around 5,000 participants are hard at work sewing together their homemade costumes…
Jun. 11, 2025 By Brennan LaBrie Elizabeth Leacock’s son Xaire, 12, has always been drawn to the water. But when he almost drowned at age six, Leacock knew he needed swim lessons. “At least I’d have some comfort that he’d survive on his own if he were to get himself into trouble,” she said.…
Jun. 2, 2025 By Gabriele Holtermann Music lovers, rejoice. With warmer weather settling in, one of the borough’s most beloved summer traditions, BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!, is just around the corner. BRIC has announced the lineup for New York City’s longest-running free, summer-long outdoor concert and performance series, which has entertained generations of New Yorkers…
May. 20, 2025 By Kirstyn Brendlen Summer has arrived in New York City — unofficially, at least — and Brooklyn’s beaches will open for swimming on Saturday, May 24. Lifeguards will take their stands at Coney Island beach, Brighton Beach, and Manhattan Beach at 10 a.m. that day, and the beaches will be open…
Mar. 31, 2025 By Meaghan McGoldrick O'Neil The People’s Playground is officially open. Luna Park in Coney Island welcomed guests back for the 2025 season with a festive two-day celebration over the weekend. The park opened its gates at 11 a.m. on Saturday, drawing thrill-seekers and families alike. A centerpiece of the opening day…
Jun. 24, 2024 By Kirstyn Brendlen & Erica Price
Scores of colorful mermaids and sea creatures braved scorching heat and a summer storm on Saturday for the 42nd annual Coney Island Mermaid Parade.
Jun. 13, 2024 By Kirstyn Brendlen & Gabriele Holtermann
The sun is out, the temperatures are rising, and Brooklyn’s beaches are beckoning. Brooklyn’s southern shores are home to four main beaches: Coney Island Beach, Manhattan Beach, Brighton Beach and Plumb Beach.