To-Go Festival Replaces Brooklyn's Smorgasburg For 2020

BROOKLYN, NY — The coronavirus crisis may mean a summer without thousands of foodies flocking to Smorgasburg each weekend, but it hasn't cancelled the popular food festival altogether.

Smorgasburg — which typically brings crowds to East River State Park and Prospect Park for outdoor food markets — launched Monday with a new format friendly to social distancing rules.

Dubbed "Smorg To Go," the newly-envisioned food festival will be open seven days a week in Williamsburg for takeout only. Organizers say more to-go spots will be coming soon.

The 2020 format will include 10 vendors that will rotate each week between 11:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. at a site at 51 North 6th St., which is found across the street from Smorgasburg's usual set-up spot at Marsha P. Johnson State Park.

Diners are encouraged to bring their food over to the park and enjoy it while social distancing.

"Our markets have always been about sharing, bringing people together, and connecting in a free and open public space. We are confident that this strong spirit will persevere, and we hope this attempt will provide a little slice of that when we all need it, badly," organizers said.

Diners are asked to use Smarter Takeout to order their food and should wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines when picking it up.

The organizers are also asking for ideas for new to-go spots. If you have a suggestion email here.