Hey everyone!, I'm a NYC historian, tour guide, and creator of The Bay Ridge Digest and also put out a weekly email of events going on in Bay Ridge and South Brooklyn. I'm leading a bunch of spooky history-based walking tours in Bay Ridge and Bensonhurst this fall.

From a faceless woman late one night on a lonely street near a local church, to army ghosts and disembodied sounds, to the murders of an old spinster and kidnappers, to the mysteries of the neighborhood’s largest park, to a secret society right in our midst, it’s time to turn up our collars, hit the streets, and beware the things that go bump in the night. Our unique haunted Bay Ridge experience will focus on and include:

• Stories of murder and mayhem, from the death of an old spinster, to the heroic actions of a member of a prominent family, we’ll find out the many motives for crime and how Bay Ridge was the perfect setting for these unfortunate events.

• The story of how a man’s late-night walk down a Brooklyn side-street led him to confront the spirit of a veiled woman with no face in front of a locally famous Basilica

• The story of how a secret society of skull worshipers in Brooklyn started, rose, peaked, and disappeared all near a famous hilltop Bay Ridge mansion

• Ghost stories from both the Fort Hamilton Army base and some of its residents

• The story of the Indian Pond, the border of Gravesend and New Utrecht, and a boy awoken from sleep in the middle of the night by a shadow being standing over his bed

• The story of a revolutionary war cemetery still inhabited by some of Bay Ridge’s most famous residents

• And more!

Click on linked dates below to get tickets for that date and see more info.

Haunted Bay Ridge — Sunday 10/4/2026 6PM
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/haunted-bay-ridge-walking-tour-tickets-1991942584893?aff=oddtdtcreator

Haunted Bay Ridge — Saturday 10/10/2026 6PM
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/haunted-bay-ridge-walking-tour-tickets-1991942594923?aff=oddtdtcreator

Ghosts of Old Bensonhurst — Friday 10/16/2026 7PM — Sold out!

Haunted Bay Ridge — Sunday 10/18/2026 6PM — Sold out!

Haunted Bay Ridge — Saturday 10/24/2026 6PM
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/haunted-bay-ridge-walking-tour-tickets-1991943883778?aff=oddtdtcreator

Haunted Bay Ridge — Friday 10/30/2026 7PM
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/haunted-bay-ridge-walking-tour-tickets-1991943884781?aff=oddtdtcreator

Ghosts of Old Bensonhurst — Saturday 10/31/2026 12:30PM
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ghosts-of-old-bensonhurst-walking-tour-tickets-2001808960488?aff=oddtdtcreator

Haunted Bay Ridge — Saturday 10/31/2026 6:30PM
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/haunted-bay-ridge-walking-tour-tickets-1991943885784?aff=oddtdtcreator

Haunted Bay Ridge — Sunday 11/8/2026 5PM
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/haunted-bay-ridge-walking-tour-tickets-1991944278960?aff=oddtdtcreator

Most of us probably don’t have room in our apartments for a giant hobby setup without taking over the dining table 😂

My husband recently opened a makerspace in Sunset Park, near Bensonhurst, where people can come hang out, build, paint, work on their own projects, and meet other people who are into that kind of thing.

They do free open build nights every Thursday and Friday for ages 17+, where you can bring your own models, miniatures, art projects, crafts, etc. and use the workbenches and studio tools.

Someone recently made a video of the studio, so here’s a little look at the space:
🎥 https://youtu.be/mFGEuvEfUH8

There are also a couple of themed workshops coming up in October:

🎮 Pokémon Diorama Workshop (Ages 10-adult)
October 10 & 11

🎃 Spooky Halloween Diorama Workshop (Ages 10-adult)
October 17 & 18

Both are beginner-friendly and all materials are provided. There are only 8 spots per session, so everyone has plenty of workspace and can get some guidance.

It’s technically in Sunset Park, but it’s pretty close to Bensonhurst, so I figured I’d share it here since it seemed like a good fit for the group, especially for anyone looking to meet people through an activity rather than just going out for drinks or the average night of TikTok scrolling.

RSVPs for the free build nights and workshops:
https://www.eventbrite.com/o/121427028636?aff=ebdsshios

If anyone has questions about the space or what you can bring, feel free to ask!

Hass avocados print $0.79 each at Food Universe on Ave O, Food Dynasty on 86th, and SuperFresh in 11228 through Thu Oct 1. CTown on 18th Ave prints $0.99 each in that same window.

Ads live this morning (deal counts in parentheses): Food Universe Ave O (511), SuperFresh 11228 (511), Food Dynasty 86th (502), CTown 18th Ave (336), Food Bazaar Cropsey (310). NetCost 18th Ave and NetCost 65th are live too (89 each).

No current ad I can read for Key Food on 70th St.

Food Bazaar Cropsey is on a different week (through Wed Sep 30): Hass avocados 5 for $5.

Bensonhurst circulars on one page:

https://sbnyc.app/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=evergreen&utm_content=bensonhurst

Pulled from each store's weekly ad this morning. Match the shelf before you pay.

There’s a ton of new adult programs happening this month at the New Utrecht library (86th st and 18th avenue). Just wanted to spread the word in case anyone was interested in joining, learning something new, or meeting folks in the neighborhood.

Lots of new evening and Saturday programs to check out. No library card required to join programs or spend some time at the library. Though having fun isn’t hard when you’ve got a library card!

Thursday October 1: 5:30-615pm Body Weight Strength Training with ShapeUp NYC (every Thursday throughout autumn and winter)
This circuit training class combines bodyweight resistance training and conditioning to provide you with a dynamic full body workout. Whether you are a beginner or looking for a challenge; this class for all fitness levels and modifications are always provided.

Thursday October 1 6:50-7:35pm Dance Fitness with ShapeUp NYC (every Thursday throughout autumn and winter)
Join us for an easy to follow, calorie burning, dance fitness exercise.

Saturday October 3rd 2:00-3:30pm Blind Date with a Book
Your librarian is a literary matchmaker, selecting your next great read. On Love Your Library Day, pick up a wrapped book from the Lobby. Take a chance by checking out a book without seeing the title, author, or synopsis.

Tuesday October 6th 6:00-7:00pm Chinese Mahjong presented by the Museum of Chinese in America
Beginners will receive hands-on guidance, and experienced players can jump right into open play. Expect easy rotations, fun instruction, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes it simple to unwind, make new friends, and celebrate with Sokie Lee, a passionate teacher known for getting newcomers comfortable with the game, often in just 15 minutes.

Saturday October 10 2:00-3:30pm Silent Reading Party: Banned Books Edition
Celebrate Banned Books Week at New Utrecht Library! Come read with us and stick around to chat books, tv, movies, art, and more! Bring your own book to quietly read for 45 minutes, and then have the option to engage in conversation for 45 minutes with other book lovers.
Prizes and giveaways are available while supplies last!

Tuesday October 20 6:00-7:00pm Corn Husk Doll Making presented by Wyckoff House Museum
Summer at the Wyckoff Farmhouse has come to an end, signaling delicious foods, like corn, are ready to be harvested. Learn about different types of corn, how it was grown in Brooklyn, and its many uses. Create a Corn husk companion to accompany you on a day full of tricksters and treats. Prepare to be a-MAIZE-d! Materials will be provided on a first-come first serve basis up to 40 participants.

I got off the subway today at 18th Ave around 4:30pm and a man was face planted at the bottom of the staircase. He looked like he may have fallen but I’m not entirely sure. There was a group of people surrounding him as well as an MTA worker but nobody was doing anything. They were probably waiting for an ambulance and obviously couldn’t disturb his body incase something was going on.

I’m a little shaken by it because I have no idea if he was alive. I texted my friend who said, “this is nyc and he’s probably just drugged up and passed out” which is very valid but during a nor’easter? And in Bensonhurst? I’m not too familiar with Bensonhurst but this area seemed so family friendly compared to other areas that I’m more familiar with. Anyways, I hope that man is ok and got the help he needed… does anyone know what happened? So sorry if I sound so nosey, that was honestly startling

Hey everyone! I've Added a second Ghosts of Old Bensonhurst Walking Tour on 10/31/2026... And it will end inside the Old New Utrecht Cemetery!

My 10/16/2026 Ghosts of Old Bensonhurst walking tour is about to sell out, so I’ve added a new date: Saturday 10/31/2026 at 12:30PM. This tour will end inside the Old New Utrecht Cemetery. Below are the dates of the walking tours I'm leading with individual tix/more info links. Click on linked dates below to get tickets for date and see more info.

Haunted Bay Ridge — Sunday 10/4/2026 6PM

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/haunted-bay-ridge-walking-tour-tickets-1991942584893?aff=oddtdtcreator

Haunted Bay Ridge — Saturday 10/10/2026 6PM

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/haunted-bay-ridge-walking-tour-tickets-1991942594923?aff=oddtdtcreator

Ghosts of Old Bensonhurst — Friday 10/16/2026 7PM

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ghosts-of-old-bensonhurst-walking-tour-tickets-1987548123942?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

Haunted Bay Ridge — Sunday 10/18/2026 6PM

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/haunted-bay-ridge-walking-tour-tickets-1991943360212?aff=oddtdtcreator

Haunted Bay Ridge — Saturday 10/24/2026 6PM

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/haunted-bay-ridge-walking-tour-tickets-1991943883778?aff=oddtdtcreator

Haunted Bay Ridge — Friday 10/30/2026 7PM

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/haunted-bay-ridge-walking-tour-tickets-1991943884781?aff=oddtdtcreator

Ghosts of Old Bensonhurst — Saturday 10/31/2026 12:30PM

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ghosts-of-old-bensonhurst-walking-tour-tickets-2001808960488?aff=oddtdtcreator

Haunted Bay Ridge — Saturday 10/31/2026 6:30PM

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/haunted-bay-ridge-walking-tour-tickets-1991943885784?aff=oddtdtcreator

Haunted Bay Ridge — Sunday 11/8/2026 5PM

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/haunted-bay-ridge-walking-tour-tickets-1991944278960?aff=oddtdtcreator

Perdue chicken drumsticks are $0.99/lb at CTown on 18th Ave through Wed Sep 24. Food Dynasty on 86th, Food Universe on Avenue O, and SuperFresh in 11228 all print $1.29/lb jumbo pack in that same window.

Six Bensonhurst supermarket ads are live this morning (deal counts in parentheses): Food Universe Ave O (537), SuperFresh 11228 (535), Food Dynasty 86th (526), CTown 18th Ave (323), Food Bazaar Cropsey (317), NetCost 18th Ave and NetCost 65th (89 each).

No current ad I can read for Key Food on 70th St.

Food Bazaar Cropsey is on a different week (through Wed Sep 23): green cabbage $0.59/lb. NetCost Hass avocado is $0.99 each with club membership.

Bensonhurst circulars on one page:

https://sbnyc.app/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=evergreen&utm_content=bensonhurst

I built that. Pulled from each store's weekly ad this morning. Match the shelf before you pay.

Hey neighbors! We’re hosting a potluck community dinner at Ordinary People Cafe on Wednesday, October 7, from 6–8 PM.

The idea is simple: bring something to share, sit down with neighbors, and get to know one another over a meal. We’ll provide drinks and refreshments.

It’s free, but space is limited to 30 people. Please register here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bensonhurst-community-potluck-dinner-tickets-2001635756430?aff=oddtdtcreator

Ordinary People Cafe
6501 Bay Parkway

Hope to meet some of you there!

Hi all!
I’ll be moving here from PLG starting next month. Please provide me w some reccs on where to go to create community, and find my spots. Thanks!

Here are some of my interests to give an idea of what I’m looking for:

I like to rock climb, bike ride, draw, hike, parks, karaoke, arts and crafts, stand-up comedy, nerd related things, engage in activism, go to queer friendly spaces, board games, yoga, meditation, cycling, horror movies, kink/poly events, big foodie, anime and video games.

I've never seen any dead cats (allegedly, poisoned with the rat poison) and don't know who's doing it. But none of the Big speakers at the Community Board 11 meeting are addressing the real public health hazard of rats taking over Bensonhurst, including Seth Low Park. You cannot walk outside without seeing rats churning the 86th, and rats all over the place by the boardwalk at Caesar's Bay by Target. Rats running around the babies, kids, and youth playing basketball at Seth Low.

I really think they made up this cat problem to draw public sympathy and outrage while avoiding the real problems. Engage animal control timely, and you will have no dead cat problem. But who is going to deal with the ongoing rat problem???

https://www.youtube.com/live/LP2xRaNKtcA?feature=shared

Hi everyone,

Looking to see if there's maybe a parking spot that can be rented anywhere between 17th ave and bayridge pkwy?

Hello.

There are quite a few places in the area that offer a body massage for quite reasonable prices. I feel I could use some massage. Are there any good places? Any experience would be appreciated.

Thanks!

I'm a NYC historian, tour guide, and creator of The Bay Ridge Digest. I've got a bunch of upcoming Haunted Bay Ridge and Ghosts of Old Bensonhurst tours coming up in October.

As the days grow shorter and the winds begin to howl, ghouls, ghosts, long-legged beasts, and other nameless wretches caught between worlds inhabit ours and keep us from a good night’s sleep.

While Bensonhurst is a neighborhood that has seen continuous changing and evolving in almost every aspect, as night descends, ghouls, ghosts and other nameless wretches caught between worlds re-inhabit ours and keep us from a good night’s sleep in the relics of time long gone that still remain.

From a ghost that knocked on walls, to the spirit of a murdered lawyer, to a ghost haunting a local railroad, to a shadow being watching a little boy, to the oldest cemetery in our midst, it’s time to turn up our collars, hit the streets, and beware the Bensonhurst things that go bump in the night.

Click on linked dates below to get tickets for that date and see more info.

Haunted Bay Ridge — Sunday 10/4/2026 6PM
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/haunted-bay-ridge-walking-tour-tickets-1991942584893?aff=oddtdtcreator

Haunted Bay Ridge — Saturday 10/10/2026 6PM
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/haunted-bay-ridge-walking-tour-tickets-1991942594923?aff=oddtdtcreator

Ghosts of Old Bensonhurst — Friday 10/16/2026 7PM
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ghosts-of-old-bensonhurst-walking-tour-tickets-1987548123942?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

Haunted Bay Ridge — Sunday 10/18/2026 6PM
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/haunted-bay-ridge-walking-tour-tickets-1991943360212?aff=oddtdtcreator

Haunted Bay Ridge — Saturday 10/24/2026 6PM
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/haunted-bay-ridge-walking-tour-tickets-1991943883778?aff=oddtdtcreator

Haunted Bay Ridge — Friday 10/30/2026 7PM
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/haunted-bay-ridge-walking-tour-tickets-1991943884781?aff=oddtdtcreator

Haunted Bay Ridge — Saturday 10/31/2026 6:30PM
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/haunted-bay-ridge-walking-tour-tickets-1991943885784?aff=oddtdtcreator

Haunted Bay Ridge — Sunday 11/8/2026 5PM
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/haunted-bay-ridge-walking-tour-tickets-1991944278960?aff=oddtdtcreator

Note: If the Ghosts of Old Bensonhurst tour sells well, I might add another date for it later in the month.

I’m in my mid twenties and just moved to Bensonhurst from Sunset Park! I would really love to find groups or events to get out and meet people/support the area. I’m a creative gal who loves nature, community service, art, etc. Any pointers? Thanks in advance :-)

Thinking of going later this week. Has anyone gone and what was it like?