Thursday, October 1, 2026
Food and music are going to fill the streets of downtown Bellmore this summer as local businesses assemble to nourish the neighborhood’s spirit.
The Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores is partnering with local businesses to create the Bellmore Block Party, which will occur June 18 and again in July.
This June, food trucks and musical acts will take Bedford Avenue by storm from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Musicians will fill the area with 80’s-themed music, the main theme of the event, inviting local adults to socialize with safe and secure fun after working hours.
Robert Saylor, president of the chamber of commerce, is a passionate advocate for community engagement.
“I was born and raised in Bellmore and still reside there,” he said. “We constantly try to find new ways to promote all member’s businesses… we have an Easter parade, we have a Halloween parade, we have a tree lighting, a menorah lighting, all that good stuff.”
An essential part of the event is that admittance is free, according to Chamber Vice President Joseph LoPresti.
“We’re not having any vendors, no crafting, nothing — it’s just for businesses to come out and get exposed, to eat, drink, listen to the music and just have a good time,” he said. “It’s to give back to the community.”
Several businesses are contributing to the event and bringing a wide arrangement of treats and meals.
“We have Donna’s Sausage coming down,” LoPresti said. “We have a lobster truck, we have a barbecue truck, and then on top of it, the restaurants: we have Kumo on the block, we have a really good sushi place. The avenue will be out, but seating will be accommodated, food and drinks.
The two block parties are made possible through a partnership between Bellmore’s chamber of commerce and the Lunchbox Brewing Company, based out of Bedford Avenue, which plans to offer a large outdoor setup.
Patrick Campion, Merrick resident and co-founder of the brewing company, is one of the voices who floated the idea of a revamped community party event.
“We saw how all the other towns surrounding us are doing ‘live after five’ summer street shutdowns… we’re going to bring in live music, we’re going to have a huge stage with some big artists coming in,” he explained. “We’re trying to add some energy to the town, and it’s to really support all the local businesses in there: the restaurants, the bars, some new shops opening up as well.”
This is the first official Bellmore Block Party, said Campion, an experiment that could become an annual tradition that rounds out the town’s annual calendar by adding appealing things for older demographics.
“We do have the street fair, (which is) geared more primarily towards younger kids. This is more for a little bit of an older crowd as well,” he said. “The planning and effort going into these first initial events is to make it sustainable for the next generations to come…. Bellmore is a fantastic, incredible town, and this just elevates it to the next level.”
Local restaurants and businesses sponsoring the event include Avenue Social Kitchen and Cocktails, Twisted Fork Brunch Company, Pierogi Bites and More, Fat Boy’s Burrito Co., Cue Bar, McBride’s Bar and Grill, Chiusano Construction and The Seth Levy Team.
