Bed-Stuy Alive! returns with a free live concert, the annual Tohma Y. Faulkner Awards ceremony, a children's village, a health zone, local vendors and lots of delicious food from local chefs
The 13th annual Bed-Stuy Alive!, a week-long celebration of Bed-Stuy's people, art and culture, returns this Saturday, October 14 to Restoration Plaza. This year's kick-off event will feature the Restoration Rocks concert, the annual Tohma Y. Faulkner Awards ceremony, a children's village, a health zone, local vendors and lots of delicious food from local chefs. Throughout the week, numerous other events will unfold as the community celebrates the vibrant life of Bedford-Stuyvesant.
Bed-Stuy Alive! is a dedicated community development event that promotes tourism and community pride by introducing thousands of visitors to Bed-Stuy's local shops, businesses and its distinguished art scene. Bed-Stuy Alive! celebrates the neighborhood's many community—driven initiatives that promote health, robust economic development and conservation of green spaces, and highlights the historical significance of one of the largest African American communities in the country.
In the spirit of this year's theme, "Lighting the Path for Our Children: Education Is Our Torch," Saturday's festival will begin with the annual Tohma Y. Faulkner Awards ceremony which recognizes the distinguished work of community members, people who work diligently to make a special impact. Awards will be given out in categories such as Arts & Culture Trailblazer, Community Champion, Youth Achievement Champion and Economic Development Trailblazer, among others.
The festival also includes plenty of kid-friendly activities in its designated children's village; the NYPD rock wall, the FDNY smokehouse, face painting, arts and crafts, and a book and game mobile will keep little guests certainly entertained. The festival's health zone will provide free health screenings and wellness information for the entire family. Guests can also grab a seat and enjoy the flavors of Bed-Stuy in the "Savor Bed-Stuy" food court where local chefs will showcase their many culinary talents and creations.
The week-long celebration will continue on Wednesday, October 19 with "Feast and Savor Bed-Stuy," an initiative of Bridge Street Development Corporation that celebrates food and drink establishments in Bedford-Stuyvesant.
On Saturday, October 21 the 39th annual House Tour will return. The self-guided house tour, organized by Brownstoners of Bed Stuy, gives visitors a chance to take a look behind the doors of the neighborhood's beautiful brownstones and to learn more about their history. This year, the tour makes a very special stop: Weeksville Heritage Center, the historic site of one of America's first free black communities during the early 19th century, will open its doors to the participants of the tour.
What a time to be alive in Bed-Stuy!
Bed-Stuy Alive! Festival
When: Saturday, October 14, 11:00am - 5:00pm
Where: Restoration Plaza | Fulton Street, between Brooklyn & New York Avenues
39th Annual House Tour
When: Saturday, October 21
- 9:00am- 10:30am: Learn ways to purchase a home or how to ensure that your home stays in the family| free
- 10:30am - 3:30pm: Vendors and Fulton Arts Fair sell their merchandise. Do your holiday shopping early!
- 11:00am - 4:00pm: Self-guided house tour. Tickets are $20 and available online. Tickets will be exchanged for the brochures which are required to gain entry to the homes and which lists all participating homes.
Where: Historic Boys & Girls High School 1700 Fulton Street, at Stuyvesant Avenue entrance.
