Creatures of the Canal Bioluminescent Block Party

Brooklyn, NY — June 2026 — All are invited to join Creatures of the Canal, a bioluminescent block party on Saturday, June 20! This day of cross-canal connections celebrates the reopening of the Carroll Street Bridge. Built in 1899 and closed for repairs since 2021, the Carroll Street Bridge is one of the city’s oldest, and one of only four retractable bridges remaining in the US.

To mark the occasion, enjoy family-friendly festivities that span the Gowanus Canal. Start your day with free canoeing on the Gowanus Canal from the Gowanus Dredgers Boathouse at 2nd St, 11 am–3 pm. The afternoon heats up with a block party at 420 Carroll, featuring a costume-making workshop and contest. Near sundown, see a floating art installation and on-water paddle parade on the Gowanus Canal.

A follow-up to 2024’s Gowanus Art Parade, Creatures of the Canal is a collaboration of Arts Gowanus, Gowanus Dredgers Canoe Club, Mookntaka, The Shop BK, Van Alen Institute, and Council Member Shahana Hanif. The event is free and open to all; RSVPs are recommended at luma.com/creatures.

The rain date is Saturday, July 25. Follow @artsgowanus @mookntaka @theshopbk @van_alen on Instagram for any day-of updates.