On the Avenue: Fall brings festival fun to Third

September 17, 2022 Editorial Staff

Business owners enjoy interacting with customers at the #FunonFifth events organized by members of the Bay Ridge Fifth Avenue BID. Photo courtesy of Bay Ridge Fifth Avenue BID

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Who’s ready to party?

As the fall season swings into high gear, residents and guests can look forward to some of Bay Ridge’s biggest events, most of which take place right here “on the avenue.”

On Friday, Sept. 30, Bay Ridge Fifth Avenue BID Executive Director Amanda Zenteno and her team will present another #FunonFifth event taking place between 72nd and 85th streets. This event, dubbed “Friday Night Live,” will once again feature live music, outdoor dining, shopping and art showcases for families to enjoy.

“Come strut your stuff while enjoying local restaurants and retail, engage with artists, and dance to live entertainment. All ages are welcome!” BID officials said.

Artists, community organizations and business owners on Fifth Avenue are encouraged to participate by registering online at bayridgebid.com/funon5th.

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The very next day, thousands of costumed kiddies will flood Third Avenue for the return of the Annual Children’s Ragamuffin Parade after a two-year hiatus. This grand Bay Ridge tradition dates all the way back to 1966.

This youngster won a brand new bicycle for his hot air balloon costume at the Ragamuffin Parade a few years ago. Eagle Urban Media/File photo

The 2022 parade grand marshal is Christine Freglette, owner of The BookMark Shoppe at 8415 Third Ave. “Men of the Year” are Roland Roberts and Harry D’Onofrio. They will be formally introduced and saluted at the Annual Ragamuffin Parade Luncheon on Sunday, Sept. 25 at the Bay Ridge Manor, 476 76th St.

On parade day, Oct. 1, children will march in colorful and creative homemade costumes with their families, classmates and friends in an effort to impress the judges and win a prize!

For more details on the parade, call 718-307-7855 or visit ragamuffinparadebayridge.org.

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Following the parade, it’s time for the 49th Annual Third Avenue Festival — one of the biggest events to take place “on the avenue” or anywhere else in New York City — on Sunday, Oct. 2.

“The festival is huge,” Festival Chairman Chip Cafiero told us. “It stretches for 25 blocks, making it the farthest-spanning street festival in New York City.”

However, the best thing about the annual event, according to Cafiero, is its hometown feel.

“What’s great is that this is a community-run festival featuring a ton of local business and nonprofit organizations. It is really family-oriented with lots of rides and games, plus tons of food, including exotic delicacies you won’t find anywhere else!” Cafiero said.

Tens of thousands of visitors flood Third Avenue each year for the annual Third Avenue Festival. Eagle Urban Media/File photo

If you plan to be among the tens of thousands of revelers on Oct. 2, you will surely be entertained.

“We’re going to have at least four dance studios presenting fabulous shows, plus numerous stages set up throughout the avenue with live entertainment all day long,” Cafiero said. “The main stage at 81st Street is going to be part of a community block with activities for kids like rock painting, face painting and arts and crafts.”

Though space is filling up quickly, Cafiero advised us that there is still room for anyone wishing to participate as a food or merchandise vendor, as well as nonprofit organizations. Contact Cafiero directly at [email protected] to be part of this very special event.