Presented by Hope Center Development Corporation

Brownsville
Community Expo
2026

A day for neighbors, families, and partners, bringing together the resources, services, and connections that make Brownsville thrive.

Sunday, August 9, 2026 285 Hegeman Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11212 12:00 PM – 4:30 PM Free & open to all
The Hope Center Development Corporation
51
Community Vendors in 2025
1,200+
Neighbors Reached
35+
Services On-Site
$0
Cost to Attend
About the Expo

One day. Whole community.

Each summer, the Brownsville Community Expo turns Hegeman Avenue into a hub where families connect with the resources, services, and partners that strengthen Brownsville year-round.

The Expo is a free, all-day outdoor event held in partnership with the Brownsville Recreation Center. Over 50 community partners and city agencies set up across the corridor, offering health screenings, financial guidance, educational resources, childcare information, senior services, housing support, and more.

The day includes a vendor village, breakfast and lunch trucks, kids zones, a 3-on-3 basketball clinic, a back-to-school giveaway, bagged grocery distribution, and an afternoon gospel concert on the main stage.

The Expo is presented by the Hope Center Development Corporation, a Brooklyn-based nonprofit serving Southeast Brooklyn through food security, health education, economic growth, crisis intervention, and community programs year-round.

What to expect

A day built around your family.

From morning to evening, the Expo offers something for every age, ranging from practical help, joyful celebration, and connection with neighbors.

12:00 PM

Worship & Concert

The day's main moment combines open-air worship and gospel music into a single block on the main stage. Begins at noon and runs roughly one to two hours.

All Day

Vendor Village

50+ vendors across the corridor that includes: health, housing, education, employment, financial services, government agencies, and family resources.

12:00 PM

Breakfast & Lunch Trucks

Hot food on-site throughout the day. Breakfast trucks open at noon; chicken & waffles and BBQ at 2:00 PM.

12:30 PM

Kids Zones

Two kids zones with field-day activities, bouncy castles, face painting, a game truck, and supervised play.

12:30 PM

Basketball Clinic

3-on-3 tournament and skills clinic on Basketball Court 2 — for youth and young adults.

1:00 PM

Food Distribution

Bagged groceries distributed to families on Hegeman & Sackman. First come, first served, while supplies last.

2:30 PM

Back-to-School Giveaway

Free backpacks and school supplies for kids, distributed at Brownsville Playground. Bring your child.

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Featured Artist

Featured artist segment anchored inside the worship and concert block. Past years have included Praise Xpress and Victory Music & Dance. 2026 lineup announced soon.

All Day

Health Screenings

Blood pressure, dental exams, mental health resources, women's and men's health, HIV information, nutrition at the vendor village.

Run of the day

Schedule & timeline.

The 2026 schedule is taking shape. Worship, concert, and core program times are confirmed below; the featured artist lineup and any remaining timing details will be published as the program comes together.

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Community Registration & Welcome
Welcome stations open along Hegeman Avenue. Final vendor setup wrapping.
12:00 PM
Worship & Concert Block Begins
The combined worship and gospel concert experience kicks off the day at the main stage on Hegeman Avenue.
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Featured Artist
Featured artist segment anchored within the worship experience. Lineup announced soon.
12:00 PM
Breakfast Trucks Open
Hot breakfast on Hegeman & Sackman.
12:30 PM
Vendor Village · Kids Zones · Basketball Clinic
50+ vendor tables open across the corridor. Kids zones 1 & 2 and 3-on-3 basketball begin on Court 2.
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Bagged Food Distribution
Groceries distributed at Hegeman & Sackman, while supplies last.
2:00 PM
Lunch Trucks Open
Chicken & waffles, BBQ, and more on Hegeman.
2:30 PM
Back-to-School Giveaway
Backpacks and school supplies distributed at Brownsville Playground.
4:30 PM
Closing & Clean-up
Thank you for joining us. See you next year.
Get involved

Four ways to join in.

Whether you're coming as a family, bringing your organization, donating your time, or sponsoring the day — there's a place for you.

01

RSVP

Let us know you're coming so we can plan food, supplies, and a warm welcome for your family.

Attend the Expo
02

Vendor

Table at the vendor village. Nonprofits, government agencies, health, education, financial, and family services welcome.

Apply to Vendor
03

Volunteer

Join the volunteer team — setup, check-in, hospitality, kids zone, food distribution, or breakdown.

Sign Up to Help
04

Sponsor

Sponsor the Expo and put your brand in front of 1,200+ Brownsville neighbors. Tax-deductible through HCDC.

Sponsorship Info

Brownsville is not just a place on the map. It's a movement, a people, a powerful testimony of what community can do with unity and vision. The Expo is our reminder that we are not forgotten, we are not forsaken, and we are not finished — we are Brownsville Strong.

It is with hearts full of hope that we welcome you to the 2026 Brownsville Community Expo. Whether you come as a family, a neighbor, a vendor, or a sponsor — you belong here. Thank you for being part of the transformation.

Bishop Dr. R.C. Hugh Nelson & Rev. Diana Nelson

Ebenezer Urban Ministry Center · Co-host of the Expo

Presented in partnership with

Hope Center Development Corp
Ebenezer Urban Ministry Center
Brownsville Recreation Center