Big East Harlem Block Party To Feature Restaurants, Music & More

EAST HARLEM, NY — International food, live music, dance, kids' activities and more will be on tap for an open-streets block party in East Harlem on Saturday.

The party marks the return of the open streets on East 100th and 101st streets at Lexington Avenue, which are returning for the season starting Saturday. Organizers have dubbed the area "Restaurant Row," for its concentration of eateries like Effy's Kitchen, La Shuk, Pro Thai, Au Jus barbecue, Mojo Mousse Bar and Burritos Y Mas, among others.

New this year will be "Samba Saturdays," with a live samba band, dance classes, and demonstrations of capoeira — the Brazilian blend of martial arts and dance. It will be held on the remaining three Saturdays in June, as well as July 16.

This coming Saturday, festivities on 100th Street will also include family-friendly activities like water sprinklers, games, raffles, story time and the chance to try specialty dishes from the restaurant row businesses, according to organizers Uptown Grand Central and Union Settlement.

The June 18 edition will feature "Festa Junina," a presentation of Brazilian forro music with dance demonstrations and classes. The band Batala will perform, as will Fogo Azul, an all-women Samba drum line that will open the festivities.

"We are very excited to kick off this year’s SAMBA SATURDAYS and welcome everyone to experience the outstanding local restaurant offerings, diverse and vibrant culture and warm hospitality that makes our community so unique," said Pablo Guzman, director of the East Harlem Working Together campaign, in a statement.

"The support by our residents and small businesses in the past two years has been overwhelming and a true testament of the community’s resilience and perseverance during the hardest times."

Besides Restaurant Row, Uptown Grand Central also runs an open street on East 115th Street at the Park Avenue median.