Brooklyn Navy Yard Annual Open House

The Brooklyn Navy Yard is holding its annual Open House on Saturday, October 17, from 12 PM to 5 PM, as part of Open House New York Weekend. It's a chance to walk into a 300-acre working campus that is normally closed to casual visitors, and to see the studios and factories of the businesses based there. Admission is free, but you must register through Eventbrite (same-day registration is allowed), and the ticket page lists no refunds. A valid photo ID is required for entry; visitors under 18 only need an adult with them.

There are two suggested tracks. "Creative Currents" focuses on the artists, from painters to photographers and jewelers, who open their studios and talk about their process. "BNY Past, Present, and Future" connects the yard's shipbuilding origins in 1801 with current work in space tech, green energy and robotics. More than twenty studios are open on a drop-in basis, including Brooklyn Clay Industries, Terreform ONE and Aranda\Lasch.

Timed programs are first come, first served and are booked at registration on the day. Brooklyn Roasting Company's coffee session runs every 20 minutes from 12:30 PM, and Kings County Distillery runs hourly tours (sign up on site with ID). The Naval Cemetery Greenway has its own event from 12 to 3 PM, no ticket needed. Food comes from Pizza Yard, Russ & Daughters, Rustik, Transmitter Brewing, Nao's Caribbean Flavors and Wafels & Dinges, with spirit tastings from Arsenal Productions.

Practical notes: check in only at Building 77, expect about five minutes for security screening, and keep bags no bigger than a school backpack. Roller bags, professional camera gear and outside alcohol are not allowed. This is an active industrial site, so stick to sidewalks and be considerate inside working studios.