Williamsburg Walks returns this weekend

Reclaim the streets!

Williamsburg Walks, a car-free party on Bedford Avenue, returns to the Northside on June 26 and 27.

The usually month-long event was shortened to just two days this year after complaints from businesses about lack of foot traffic in their stores, and this weekend is jam-packed to make up for it.

A large component of the weekend is devoted to leisure, with open space between N. Fourth and N. Ninth streets set up for picnicking. For those intent on the “walk” portion of the day, though, there will be two tours focused on the history of brewing in the neighborhood, as well as galleries and street art.

If you’re feeling creative as a result, there will be free workshops on tote making, paper making and silkscreening, as well as perfume mixing, pickle preserving and ice cream-making demos, window farming, and how to make an Adirondack chair from salvaged wood.

This wouldn’t be a Williamsburg event if there weren’t music, and impromptu acts by bands playing in the evening at the Northside Music Festival are promised.

And if you’re seeking any reprieve from the heat, be sure to pop in to the local businesses on Bedford Avenue. It might help ensure this event continues.

Williamsburg Walks (Bedford Avenue between N. Fourth and N. Ninth streets in Williamsburg, no phone), June 26 and 27 from 1-7 pm. For info, visit www.williamsburgwalks.org.