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The 2026 Brooklyn Folk Festival, presented by the Jalopy Theatre and School of Music, will take place this Friday, November 6 through Sunday, November 8 at St. Ann & the Holy Trinity Church, enter at 157 Montague Street. As it has over the years, it will present live performances, both on the main stage in the Sanctuary and on a small stage in the Parish Hall that provides space for dancing. The photo shows The Slide Stops, at the 2023 Festival, leading a session of line dancing. They will be back this year. There will also be numerous discussion groups on a variety of music related topics. In addition to traditional American, British, Irish, and Scottish folk music, sounds from around the world will be represented. Festival veterans and local favorites Ali Dineen, Feral Foster, and The Down Hill Strugglers will perform. There’s a complete schedule here, and you can buy tickets here.

At the Penny Bridge Store today, customer after customer expressed their shock and sadness at the sign notifying them that the longtime owner, Hameed Alahri, passed away on October 30, 2026. Hameed was 64 years old.

Hameed’s nephew Omar, who was working the cash register, explained that Hameed suffered a heart attack two weeks prior and never recovered. “He worked day in and day out for 40 years,” said Omar. Hameed sure was ever present at that corner of Clark and Henry Sts. Until a few years ago, Hameed worked seven days a week and he could be seen at the store late into the night.

Hameed immigrated from Yemen in the late 80’s and raised four children with his wife in Coney Island. “He was such a kind man, so good to the community,” said Omar. Hameed was especially helpful with newly arrived immigrants, lending them money and giving them whatever they needed without expecting to be paid back.

Hameed could have expanded to other stores, but he was just happy working at the Penny Bridge, said Omar. “People would tell him to retire, but he loved his job and this neighborhood. He was comfortable here and didn’t want any drama.” The family will continue operating Penny Bridge, according to Omar.

A memorial service was already held with many mourners in attendance. The BHB extends our deepest condolences to Hameed’s family, friends, and all of his customers who will miss him at our corner store.

(Photo of Hameed, courtesy of the family.)

Repast Baroque returns to McKinney Chapel of the First Unitarian Congregational Society, Brooklyn, 121 Pierrepont Street (between Clinton and Monroe Place) on Saturday, November 7 at 3:00 pm with “REVOLUTION: Red, White, and Blue,” the second of a series of concerts, “Color Contrast,” that focus on the relationship of music, the visual arts, and history.

With “REVOLUTION: Red, White, and Blue,” Repast explores the kindred stories of the
American, French, and Haitian revolutions through the music surrounding the cultural turbulence
of the final decades of the 18th century. Our program unfurls in three thematic sections: Red
represents patriotism, sacrifice, and the fervor of resistance; White evokes liberation,
abolitionism, and the pursuit of equality; and Blue embodies justice, perseverance, and
collective hope. With music and texts by William Billings, Francis Johnson, Michael Fortune,
Nelly Custis, Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle, Jonathan Woody, Giovanni Battista Viotti, Belinda
Sutton, William Steffe, and Julia Ward Howe, Repast is joined by soprano Sonya Headlam,
bass-baritone Jonathan Woody, violinist Shelby Yamin, and clarinetist Dominic Giardino in this
unforgettable concert celebrating the revolutionary spirit.

There’s more information and buy tickets here.

This weekend – late Friday night, October 30 to early Monday morning, November 2 – there will be no Manhattan bound service at High Street, as Manhattan bound A trains will be re-routed to the F line from Jay Street-Metro Tech to West 4th Street-Washington Square and C trains will be re-routed in both directions to the F line between Jay Street-Metro Tech and 34th Street-Herald Square. This means extra service in both directions at York Street in DUMBO.

The following work week – Monday morning, November 2 through Friday evening, November 6 – late nights to early mornings all week 4 train service will be suspended in both directions between Grand Central-42nd Street and Utica Avenue-New Lots Avenue. For those traveling to or from Brooklyn, 3 trains, which normally do not serve Brooklyn late at night, will be running from Manhattan to Brooklyn and serving all 4 train stops in Brooklyn. Those traveling to or from the East Side of Manhattan should use the N or R.

These are the PLANNED changes affecting local service for this weekend and for the following week. Always check MTA Info for unplanned service changes that may affect local service or service on other parts of your trip, or for planned service changes that affect stations to or from which you may be traveling. You can also get real time service alerts: register here.

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My Sunday schedule was hectic: ushering at Grace Church, followed by a shopping trip to Sahadi’s and Damascus Bakery on Atlantic Avenue, followed by early voting at Borough Hall. Having completed my duties, I headed home quickly along Montague to deliver the goodies I’d bought in time for a visit from Martha’s and my daughter and two granddaughters. Open Streets Montague, presented by the Montague Street BID and the New York City DOT, was underway, and I paused briefly at the stand of the Brooklyn Women’s Exchange to watch woodcarver Dennis J. Taylor (photo) at work and to admire some of his creations. The day’s main events had yet to begin as I hurried home.

Fortunately, the ever dependable Mary Frost of The Eagle was there at prime time to document and, along with Will Hasty, to photograph the main action, including dogs in Halloween costumes, adults and kids square dancing, and much more.

State Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon notifies us of a community meeting this coming Thursday, October 29 from 6 to 8 pm, at which representatives of the New York City Department of Transportation will discuss and take questions about the plan to repair the Central Section of the BQE, which we now understand includes construction of an elevated bypass that will necessitate temporary closure of  Harry Chapin Playground as well as Squibb Park. The repair plan will also require closure of segments of the Promenade in sequence. This meeting is part of the City Environmental Quality Review (CEQR) process. Ms. Simon says, “We’re working to ensure the roadway is safe and that the community is involved in the BQE planning process.” you can see her interview on NY1 here. Tickets, which are free, are required to attend the meeting; get them here. Act quickly, as the website says few are left. The CEQR process is lengthy, so there will likely be more opportunities for your participation. We’ll keep you advised.

Ms. Simon also says, “Vote!” Early voting began today, and continues every day through November 2. Click here to find your polling site, a daily schedule of voting hours, and a link to a sample ballot.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, this weekend (late tomorrow evening, Friday, October 23 through early Monday morning, October 26) should be a “green light weekend,” as there are no planned cancellations, route changes, or station skips directly and negatively affecting service at any local stations.

The following work week – Monday morning, October 19 to Friday evening, October 23 – late nights to early mornings all week there will be extra service in both directions at High Street as F trains will be re-routed to the A/C line between Jay Street-Metro Tech and Canal Street. This means no overnight service at York Street in DUMBO.

These are the PLANNED changes affecting local service for this weekend and for the following week. Always check MTA Info for unplanned service changes that may affect local service or service on other parts of your trip, or for planned service changes that affect stations to or from which you may be traveling. You can also get real time service alerts: register here.

This Sunday, October 25, is the final Open Streets Montague for 2026. It will feature a dog costume contest from noon until 2 pm near the Montague Diner, between Clinton and Henry streets. Nearby, at the same time, Ciara Halligan Art will thrill kids with face painting. Wanna bow to your partner and do-si-do? From noon to 4 pm renowned dance caller Sammy Osmund, along with fiddles by the Katydids, will guide you through the moves. Location not specified, but we’re guessing between Henry and Hicks; in any event the sound of the caller and fiddles should guide you there. There will also be soccer events for adults and for kids, and a wood carving demonstration. There’s more information here.

As always, Open Streets Montague is presented by the Montague Street BID and the NYC DOT. Montague Street between Clinton and Henry and between Henry and Hicks will be closed to traffic from 10:00 am until 7:00 pm; all parked vehicles must be moved from these blocks by 10:00 am Sunday.

As a bonus, here’s  Mary Frost’s Eagle story, with photos received from the Brooklyn Heights Association, about last week’s Open Streets Montague with a pickleball theme.

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On Thursday, November 5, from 5 to 8 pm the Brooklyn Women’s Exchange, 137 Montague Street (between Clinton and Henry), which is celebrating its 170th year in Brooklyn Heights, will present its annual Holiday Open House.

 It’s a wonderful opportunity to kick off your holiday shopping, discover unique handmade gifts, and support the talented artisans and craftspeople who make BWE so special.  Enjoy homemade nibbles and bubbles as you mingle and shop!

The following weekend – Friday, November 6 through Sunday, November 8 – Deborah O’Connor will be at the Exchange to work her scissors magic and create silhouette portraits.

These personalized works of art are a wonderful way to capture a moment in time and make treasured gifts for family and friends. Stop by and take part in this beloved BWE tradition!

You can reserve a time for your silhouette session here.

This weekend – late Friday night, October 16 to early Monday morning, October 19 – there will be no Manhattan bound service at High Street, as Manhattan bound A trains will be re-routed to the F line from Jay Street-Metro Tech to West 4th Street-Washington Square and C trains will be re-routed in both directions to the F line between Jay Street-Metro Tech and 34th Street-Herald Square. This means extra service in both directions at York Street in DUMBO. There will be reduced service at Clark Street and at the 2/3 platforms at Borough Hall as 2 trains will be running every 15 minutes.

The following work week – Monday morning, October 19 to Friday evening, October 23 – late nights to early mornings all week there will be extra service in both directions at High Street as F trains will be re-routed to the A/C line between Jay Street-Metro Tech and Canal Street. This means no overnight service at York Street in DUMBO.

These are the PLANNED changes affecting local service for this weekend and for the following week. Always check MTA Info for unplanned service changes that may affect local service or service on other parts of your trip, or for planned service changes that affect stations to or from which you may be traveling. You can also get real time service alerts: register here.

The Pickleball Tournament is now fully registered, but you and friends may still play a game at one of several courts available from noon to 5:00 at locations on Montague between Clinton and Henry and between Henry and Hicks. As before, there will be free walking tours of Brooklyn Heights provided by McNeil Tours beginning at 1:00 and 3:00 pm. Registration is encouraged, but you may simply show up in front of Khaosan Thai Restaurant, 128 Montague, near the corner of Henry, at the appointed time. Even long time Heights residents may find these tours informative, as our neighborhood is so rich in history.

As always, Open Streets Montague is presented by the Montague Street BID and the NYC DOT. Montague Street between Clinton and Henry and between Henry and Hicks will be closed to traffic from 10:00 am until 7:00 pm; all parked vehicles must be moved from these blocks by 10:00 am Sunday.

Photo: Brooklyn Heights Association

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This Saturday, October 17, Brooklyn Bridge Park will present its annual Harvest Festival on Pier 6, near the foot of Atlantic Avenue, from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Activities will include a pumpkin patch, arts and crafts, live music, dancing, magic, story readings, and more. It’s all free. There’s more information here.

Photos: top two and bottom left, John Eng; bottom right, Alexa Hoyer.

Next Sunday, October 18 from noon until 5:00 PM, weather permitting, on Montague Street between Henry and Clinton, as part of Open Streets Montague, there will be a pickleball tournament, administered by the Brooklyn Heights Association. The registration fee is $30 for a team of two. There’s more information and you can register here. Only a few slots are still available, so act quickly. Casual courts will be available for those who wish to play without competing in the tournament.

We’ll give you more information about the coming Open Streets Montague events on Wednesday.

Photo: Picklerpeej, see page for license, via Wikimedia Commons

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, this weekend (late tomorrow evening, Friday, October 9 through early Monday morning, October 12) should be a “green light weekend,” as there are no planned cancellations, route changes, or station skips directly and negatively affecting service at any local stations.

The following work week – Monday morning, October 12 through Friday evening, October 16 – late nights to early mornings Monday to Tuesday and Tuesday to Wednesday there will be no service at Clark Street or at the 2/3 platforms at Borough Hall, as 2 train service will be suspended in both directions between South Ferry (where 2 trains will terminate in Manhattan) and Atlantic Avenue-Barclays Center. 4, A, F, N, and R trains should all be running normally. Late night to early morning Wednesday to Thursday the only service at Court Street or at the N/R platforms at Borough Hall and at Jay Street-Metro-Tech will be Manhattan bound N trains, as Brooklyn bound N trains will be re-routed to the Q line between Canal Street and DeKalb Avenue, and R train service will be suspended in both directions between Whitehall Street-South Ferry and 59th Street Brooklyn. Late night to early morning Thursday to Friday the only service at Court Street or at the N/R platforms at Borough Hall and at Jay Street-Metro-Tech will be Brooklyn bound N trains, as Manhattan bound N trains will be re-routed to the Q line between DeKalb Avenue and Canal Street, and R train service will be suspended in both directions between Whitehall Street-South Ferry and 59th Street Brooklyn.

These are the PLANNED changes affecting local service for this weekend and for the following week. Always check MTA Info for unplanned service changes that may affect local service or service on other parts of your trip, or for planned service changes that affect stations to or from which you may be traveling. You can also get real time service alerts: register here.

This Sunday, October 11, from noon until 4:00 pm Jalopy Theatre and School of Music will, in conjunction with the Montague Street BID and the NYC DOT, present this week’s edition of Open Streets Montague. The fun begins from noon until 12:45 in the Entertainment Tent on the block between Henry and Hicks when “the countrified king of New York City’s family entertainment scene,” Hopalong Andrew, performs. From 1:00 to 4:00 pm at the same location you can get up and dance when “[t]he katydids bring the fiddle, and Sammy Osmund, one of NYC’s favorite square dance callers, takes the mic to get everyone moving.”

In addition to the tag sale there will be free walking tours of Brooklyn Heights provided by McNeil Tours beginning at 1:00 and 3:00 pm. Registration is encouraged, but you may simply show up in front of Khaosan Thai Restaurant, 128 Montague, near the corner of Henry, at the appointed time. Even long time Heights residents may find these tours informative, as our neighborhood is so rich in history.

Montague Street between Clinton and Henry and between Henry and Hicks will be closed to traffic from 10:00 am until 7:00 pm; all parked vehicles must be moved from these blocks by 10:00 am Sunday.

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Mary Frost of The Eagle has visited the Brooklyn Heights Association’s 2026 Designer Showhouse, a recently restored “1852 Greek Revival mansion” located at the corner of Monroe Place and Clark Street (photo by Mary, used with permission). As Mary tells it in her story, this is

[t]he most ambitious showhouse to date, [for which] 19 teams of designers, decorators and architects have transformed six levels of the home, which includes nine bedrooms, an elevator and a roof deck.

Her story is replete with dazzling photos, many by Eagle photographer Beth Eisgrau-Heller, of rooms reflecting different theories of design, along with pictures of the designers who are quoted on the “why and how.” There is also coverage and a photo of the BHA team who brought the project to completion.

The Showhouse will be open Thursdays and Fridays from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, through Sunday, November 1. You may buy tickets here. “All proceeds from the Showhouse support the critical work of the Brooklyn Heights Association to build community, advocate on behalf of the neighborhood and preserve its architectural legacy.”

Addendum: House Beautiful has its own take on the rooms in the Showhouse.

The event will take place from 6:00-7:30pm at the Amphitheater at Herbert Von King Park, 670 Lafayette Ave. in Brooklyn. Speakers include City Council Member Chi Ossé and state Sen. Jabari Brisport, along with energy organizers, experts and utility customers who will share their experiences with Con Edison and National Grid. The event is organized by the Public Power New York coalition.

There’s more info, directions, and you can register here.

As reported by Mary Frost in the Eagle, there’s a new free accessible high tech restroom (see Mary’s Eagle photo, used with permission) located in Columbus Park directly across Cadman Plaza West between Montague and Pierrepont streets, facing the construction site of One Montague Place, our soon to be 51 story neighbor. The restroom is provided by Throne Labs, which will have an attendant on hand during its operating hours, which are 7 am to 10 pm daily, to assist with entry or any other problems. The Eagle story quotes City Councilmember Lincoln Restler: “In Downtown Brooklyn in particular we get lots of complaints about people relieving themselves in the street and we expect this Throne bathroom will help prevent that.”

So, there it is. Want to be royalty (yes, even on No Kings Day) if only for a short time? One of Throne’s high tech features is that, after fair warning, when you’ve been enthroned for ten minutes the door automatically opens. You’d best finish issuing your royal decrees on social media before then.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, this weekend (late tomorrow evening, Friday, October 2 through early Monday morning, October 5) should be a “green light weekend,” as there are no planned cancellations, route changes, or station skips directly and negatively affecting service at any local stations.

The following work week – Monday morning, October 5 through Friday evening, October 9 – late nights to early mornings Wednesday to Thursday and Thursday to Friday the only service at Court Street and at the N/R platforms at Borough Hall and at Jay Street-MetroTech will be Brooklyn bound N trains, as Manhattan bound N trains will be re-routed to the Q line (over the Manhattan Bridge) from DeKalb Avenue to Canal Street, and late night to early morning R train service will be suspended in both directions between Whitehall Street-South Ferry and 59th Street Brooklyn.

These are the PLANNED changes affecting local service for this weekend and for the following week. Always check MTA Info for unplanned service changes that may affect local service or service on other parts of your trip, or for planned service changes that affect stations to or from which you may be traveling. You can also get real time service alerts: register here.

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