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It’s the last BKLYN LIVE of the year, and 2026 is promising big things for Brooklyn! NYC’s new mayor will be sworn in this week, and the borough offers several ways to celebrate and gather as a community as the city steps into a new era.
Embrace the new year, the new mayor and new opportunities to find community in the borough with this week’s events! And don’t forget to fill out this survey — the new and improved BKLYN LIVE depends on you, too.
Happy New Year!
—Mandie-Beth Chau
Celebrate Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s inauguration at Paragon in Bushwick on Jan. 1, with dancing and guest speakers. Proceeds go to the New York City Democratic Socialists of America.
Bowery Electric hosts a Zohran Mamdani Inauguration Ball on Jan. 3 at 6 p.m., featuring art, drag performances and DJ sets from some of NYC’s favorite performers.
Fans of HBO’s “Heated Rivalry” can gather for the series finale watch party at The Ripped Bodice on Friday, Dec. 26, featuring refreshments, a viewing of the episode and a post-show discussion.
Mommy’s Bar in East Williamsburg hosts a late-night New Year’s party with free and ticketed options, and tickets include a free drink. The kitchen will also be open late, promising bar snacks, dancing and drinks until 4 a.m.
Lovejoys in Bushwick hosts a Latin-Caribbean New Year’s party with free entry with RSVP before 11 p.m.
Celebrate the new year at Gran Torino in Williamsburg. The event is free and includes DJs, dancing and optional dinner.
Ring in 2026 with karaoke at Nin Hao in Prospect Heights. The event is free and promises snacks, drinks and your favorite songs.
Calling all filmmakers: the next NYC Filmmaker Hangout is on Friday, Jan. 2, at McCarren Parkhouse in Greenpoint at 5 p.m. Meet, collaborate with and share your inspiration with other local filmmakers.
Ryder Library gets first major renovation
Photo: Wayne Daren Schneiderman
Eighty-four years after it opened at Grand Army Plaza, the Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) is one of the largest public library systems in the United States and Linda E. Johnson, the BPL’s president and CEO, told the Brooklyn Eagle that libraries “are thriving.”
The Ryder Library, located at 5902 23rd Ave., had a ribbon-cutting to commemorate a major renovation after a three-year closure. The official opening and unveiling, which took place on Tuesday, Dec. 16, attracted dozens of curious spectators.
Johnson said she thinks people will be very excited to see what’s new. “It will be great to welcome everybody back to the neighborhood,” she said.
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A roundup of Brooklyn’s cultural offerings this week, from comedy to theater to music to art, and what critics are saying about them. By Evan Rosen. Read the whole column at the Brooklyn Eagle.
Sports, Holidays, Community, Date Nights
Roebling Rink, Emily Warren Roebling Plaza, Brooklyn Bridge Park
Thursday, Dec. 25, from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Winter skating has returned beneath the Brooklyn Bridge as Roebling Rink offers daily ice skating from every day through Feb. 1. Admission is $16, with discounted pricing available for groups purchasing 10 or more tickets.
Film, Special Screenings
Alamo Drafthouse, 445 Albee Square W, 4th floor, Downtown Brooklyn
Thursday, Dec. 25, through Wednesday, Dec. 31.
A special 70mm engagement of “Marty Supreme,” Josh Safdie’s latest film starring Timothée Chalamet, brings the director’s high-intensity style to the big screen with added collector appeal. Attendees at the 70mm screenings will receive a limited-edition “Marty Supreme” poster and a set of official championship table tennis balls created exclusively for the film’s large-format debut.
Music, Open Mic, Community
Barrow’s Intense NY Tasting Room, 86 34th St., Industry City
Sunday, Dec. 28, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday evenings at Industry City are set aside for live music as Barrow’s Intense NY Tasting Room hosts a weekly musicians’ open mic from 5 to 8 p.m. The event welcomes performers of all styles and experience levels, offering a rotating lineup of solo artists and bands in one of Brooklyn’s busiest multi-building entertainment complexes.
Read more in this week’s “What They’re Saying.”
Avenue N holiday celebration brings together South Brooklyn
Photo: Loretta Chin
For over four decades, the holiday lights over Avenue N from East 58th Street to Ralph Avenue have been an enduring tradition that makes the area shine for the holidays. On Friday, it became the first year it morphed into a full-blown celebration for the entire community.
Participating businesses each contributed hundreds of dollars toward the cost of the light rentals and made various contributions as a way of giving to the community, which sits on the border of Flatlands and Old Mill Basin.
Many of the merchants on the avenue are family-run businesses that have been there for generations, known for specialty gourmet foods, restaurants, quality services and merchandise. They have become a tight-knit community who have formed strong bonds with schools, churches, charitable organizations and each other.
This newsletter is written by Mandie-Beth Chau. Email [email protected] with any questions or comments.