Thousands of visitors poured into Brighton Beach on Aug. 24 for the 48th Annual Brighton Jubilee, transforming the iconic Brooklyn neighborhood into a lively celebration of music, food, culture and community spirit.
The Jubilee, hosted by the Brighton Neighborhood Association with support from Kiwanis International and other sponsors, stretched along Brighton Beach Avenue from Corbin Place to Coney Island Avenue. For six bustling blocks, the streets overflowed with hundreds of vendors offering clothing, jewelry, electronics, crafts, services and an endless array of international cuisine.
Entertainment on Brighton 11, where the Brooklyn Band Stage was set up, featured all-day performances ranging from local musicians to international acts, while families and children enjoyed the sights and sounds around them. The aroma of grilled specialties mingled with the sounds of Russian ballads, Latin beats, and American pop, underscoring the Jubilee’s reputation as one of New York City’s most diverse street festivals.
“This festival was created to bring people together and to keep Brighton Beach on the map,” said Pat Singer, founder of the Brighton Neighborhood Association. “Nearly five decades later, it’s still about unity, joy and pride in our community.”
A showcase of politics and community
Political energy was in the air as well. Elected officials and candidates, including Assembly Member Alec Brook-Krasny and mayoral hopeful Curtis Sliwa, were seen working the crowd, meeting residents and greeting vendors. Sliwa noted his strong connection with the Russian-speaking community and Brighton Beach, where many of his Guardian Angels patrolled over the years. Independent candidate Jim Walden, along with representatives from Mayor Eric Adams’ campaign, were also spotted in the crowd.
“Stopping in Brighton Beach, I felt the deep pride this community has for New York City. It’s inspiring,” Walden said.
Major sponsors and neighborhood institutions lent strong support, including NetCost Market, Brighton Bazaar, National Grid, Con Edison, NYC Health + Hospitals, NYC Votes, and Healthfirst. Community groups such as the Shorefront JCC, Brighton Neighborhood Association, and Trana Relief Association — in its third year assisting Ukrainian arrivals and helping them integrate into American society — were on hand to provide services and raise awareness.
Healthcare providers, senior services organizations, and charities filled informational booths, emphasizing the Jubilee’s deeper mission: connecting neighbors with support networks.
Brighton’s seniors in the spotlight
Brighton Beach is home to one of New York’s largest senior populations, with nearly a quarter of residents over 65. The Shorefront JCC continues to serve Holocaust survivors, immigrants, and elderly residents through programs such as dance parties, karaoke, food pantries, and wellness services.
One longtime resident said sharing stories and connecting with neighbors at events like the Jubilee reflects the strong sense of community. A volunteer who works with local seniors at the Shorefront’s food pantry added that supporting older residents brings a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose.
Since its founding in 1977, the Brighton Jubilee has grown into one of Brooklyn’s most beloved summer traditions, drawing more than 125,000 attendees annually.
For Singer, it remains the crown jewel of decades of grassroots community activism.
“It began as neighbors coming together,” she said. “Now it’s the soul of Brighton Beach every summer.”
