BROOKLYN — Prospect Heights Neighborhood Development Council is excited to announce the start of its 5th year of Open Streets and community programming on Vanderbilt Avenue and at Underhill Plaza! 

The 2024 Open Streets season in Prospect Heights kicks-off at Underhill Plaza on Car-Free Earth Day, Saturday April 20, in partnership with the Department of Transportation. Special programming will be provided in honor of Earth Day and in celebration of the next season of Open Streets. Throughout the season, recurring programming will be provided on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. 

The Vanderbilt Avenue Open Streets season starts Friday May 3 and will run through the end of September with the following hours:

• Fridays 5pm to 10pm
• Saturdays 12pm to 10pm
• Sundays 12pm to 5pm.

Additionally, Underhill Plaza is open to the public 24 hours/day, with public seating provided from 8am to 8pm.

The 2024 season is 40% shorter than in previous years due to reduced city funding. Despite reduced hours, the season will feature extensive activities and performances all free for the community, including recurring programs throughout the season featuring Skate Everything Skate School, Salsa Salsa Dance Studio,  Shambhala Yoga & Dance Center, and New York Blood Center blood drives, among many other programs.

“Open Streets in Prospect Heights will be back as strong as ever this year despite the reduced resources available to us,” said Open Streets organizer Saskia Haegens. “What we have learned running this program for five years is that our community loves Open Streets, and we will do everything possible to make sure the program is successful.”

Earth Day Celebration at Underhill Plaza

Saturday, April 20:

• 10am – 1pm: Community Cleanup
• 1 – 2:30pm: Neighborhood Plant Swap
• 2 – 4pm: Basil Gershko Jazz Quintet
• 2 – 4pm: Prospect Park Chess Club
• 2 – 4pm: Grammar Table

Vanderbilt Avenue Opening Weekend

Friday, May 3:

• 5:30pm: The Brass Queens will kick off the 2024 season with their all female New Orleans-style jams and show the Avenue why the NYC brass community calls them the “hardest working band in town.” 

Saturday, May 4:

• 1 – 4pm Skate Everything Skate School returns with its 3rd year of residency of free lessons, open to both kids and adults. Participants can bring gear or Skate Everything will provide everything! Meet at Vanderbilt Avenue between Atlantic Avenue and Pacific Street.
• 2 – 5pm: Get Women Cycling will be on the Avenue for a “Bicycle Safety + Fit Check”. 

Sunday, May 5:

• 2 – 4pm: Szecső Szendrődy will round out the weekend with an afternoon of classics from the Great American Songbook.