Atlantic Antic

Brooklyn’s Grand Street Festival of Diversity Spanning 1.5 Miles

2026/09/26

Every autumn, Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn, New York, transforms into the massive one-day street festival known as Atlantic Antic. Stretching for 1.5 miles (about 2.4 km) and crossing neighborhoods like Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill, Downtown, and Brooklyn Heights, this is Brooklyn’s largest and oldest festival, drawing over one million people. Families, foodies, and locals alike come to immerse themselves in Brooklyn’s energy, diversity, and the warm heartbeat of its community for a single unforgettable day.

The event takes place every year on a Sunday in late September. More than 300 vendors and over 50 local shops line the avenue, offering global cuisine, crafts, live music, and art—making Atlantic Antic a must-see highlight of Brooklyn’s fall season that excites with every step.

Main Attractions

Delicious Street Food and Global Cuisine

Atlantic Antic is a true food festival. The street fills with the aromas of grilled sausages, roasted corn, Middle Eastern baklava, Caribbean jerk chicken, and American funnel cakes. Vendors call out, and the smiles of people sampling flavors from around the world create a feast for all five senses.

Music, Dance, and Street Performances

Stages set up along the avenue feature nonstop live music: Arabic tunes, belly dancing, jazz, rock, and local bands. In past years, there have even been camel rides and brass band parades. The kids’ zone offers face painting, pony rides, crafts, and vintage bus displays from the NYC Transit Museum. Laughter, applause, and spontaneous dancing fill the air all day long.

Costumes and Decorations

There’s no official dress code, but dance team costumes, painted children, vendor aprons, and ethnic attire fill the streets with color and personality. Banners, balloons, and artist displays line the avenue, showcasing Brooklyn’s vibrant diversity.

Traditional Food & Drink

In addition to global street food, Brooklyn favorites like bagels, Italian ices, and homemade pickles are popular. Beer gardens and pop-up bars serve craft beers and cocktails, while the aroma of coffee and bakery sweets drifts through the air. The smoky scent of barbecue, tart lemonade, and the warmth of fresh pastries linger on every corner.

Cultural and Historical Background

Atlantic Antic began in 1974 as an effort to revitalize local businesses and strengthen community ties. What started as a balloon parade has grown into a festival organized by the Atlantic Avenue Local Development Corporation (AALDC), held every year except during events like 9/11 or permit restrictions. For locals, it’s a day to celebrate pride, diversity, and resilience—a living tradition that tells the story of both old and new Brooklyn.

More than just a street fair, Atlantic Antic is a symbol of Brooklyn’s past, present, and future, creating a sense of unity where everyone feels glad to belong.

Participant Voices

We came for the pony rides and face painting for the kids, but soon our whole family was dancing to the brass band. My daughter tried jerk chicken for the first time and loved it. It became our best family memory.

Fun Facts

The festival runs along Atlantic Avenue from Hicks Street to Fourth Avenue, covering about 2.4 km in total.
It’s Brooklyn’s oldest festival, dating back to 1974, and the NYC Transit Museum’s vintage bus display is a highlight.
In the early years, there were balloon parades and even camel rides.