BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Roughly 1,300 people gathered at tables and sat on stoops on Remsen Street and Montague Terrace Saturday for the Longest Table 2026, a dress-how-you-like and eat-what-you-want potluck in Brooklyn Heights.
Though only the second year for the gigantic get-together, the event has already become a beloved neighborhood tradition, attracting twice as many participants as it did its inaugural year.
Menus at Saturday’s Longest Table 2026 ranged from the sublime to deli bagels. Photo: Mary Frost/Brooklyn Eagle
“Today was spectacular,” Lara Birnback, executive director of the Brooklyn Heights Association told the Brooklyn Eagle. While many of the attendees were from Brooklyn Heights or nearby neighborhoods, Birnback said she also talked to people who came all the way from Harlem and Jackson Heights.
“The Longest Table is one of our favorite events to put on because it brings people together in a simple way, to share a meal, some conversation, meet new people or catch up with neighborhood friends,” she said.
The Longest Table 2026 brought together neighbors, old friends and new acquaintances. Photo: Mary Frost/Brooklyn Eagle
The potluck was inspired by The Longest Table volunteer group, which started the communal outdoor event in Chelsea during the pandemic as a way to meet people and build connections. The idea proved so popular, it has since spread across the U.S. and Europe.
Birnback said people brought “everything under the sun” to the feast, from salads and grain bowls to sandwiches, breads and cheeses, cakes and fruit. “And I know someone must have gotten fancy because I saw oyster shells while cleaning up.”
This woman came prepared for the sun. Photo: Mary Frost/Brooklyn Eagle
There were also pizza, bagels from the bodega and more humble fare.“This is a come-as-you-are event and that’s how we like it,” she said. Neighborhood shops Poppy’s and Dellarocco’s also gave discounts to guests.
Birnback gave a shoutout to Hilary Spandorfer, event chair for the second year, and to all the dedicated volunteers. She also thanked City Point, whose sponsorship made the event possible.
The sun, the breeze, the water and a table for 1,300. Photo: Mary Frost/Brooklyn Eagle
BHA intern Lucy Sullivan said they’ve been working on the event since at least January — planning, funding and getting the word out.
Area Councilmember Lincoln Restler (holding his smiling baby Elliot in a Mets hat) called the Longest Table “just delightful.”
“It brings so many folks out from the community to come together, and actually be in community together,” he said. “And the weather is perfect. Folks are in the best spirits, and it’s really wonderful to be here.”
Councilmember Lincoln Restler with son Elliot — obviously a big fan of the Longest Table. Photo: Mary Frost/Brooklyn Eagle
From left: Ryder Mathews and Logan Renert play the “spaghetti game” at the Longest Table on Saturday. Photo: Mary Frost/Brooklyn Eagle
The Brooklyn Heights Association has been planning this year’s Longest Table since January, BHA intern Lucy Sullivan said. Photo: Mary Frost/Brooklyn Eagle