m@: überesque vägaries.

An Ode to Mister Sunday

If happen to be one of the lucky many stuck in the cobwebs of my various social networkings, then I’m sure you’ve seen my ravings about an aptly named Sunday afternoon party called, ‘Mister Sunday’. First introduced by (pictured) superman bestie @mtye, I couldn’t understand why a single party would be an influencing reason to move to a nearby neighborhood. And then I went.

“It’s like being at a friend’s barbeque on a Sunday afternoon, but there’s like 300 people! It’s unbelievable; it’s really nice.” proclaimed 62 year old Mario, who’s been attending for four years and was recently profiled on the party’s website.

And he’s right. A mixed party located on a strange plot of land adjacent to the tidal inlet of (formerly) navigable creeks known as the Gowanus Canal at approximately 400 Carroll Street, between Bond and Nevins. The party’s previous monikers include Sunday Best, BKLYN Yard and even Gowanus Grove. Although it’s a superfund site, it can be pretty majestic at Sunset. There’s no real way to pin down the demographic of the party, but I’ve found it to be one of the more respectful and diverse crowds in NYC. You’ll find characters of every variety, discerning disco queens, families with children playing in the sand, electronic-Gospel die-hards, and adorable pooches on leashes. They serve cold, canned beers (mostly Sixpoint and Brooklyn Brewery varieties) and supersweet sangria or lemonade.

The booming of bass bouncing off old brick buildings can be heard as you approach the Canal’s baby blue drawbridge. The party starts summer Sunday afternoons from 3pm and shuts down promptly at 9pm, making it a fun option for the end of a weekend that doesn’t  (necessarily) require a painful Monday. I’ve been arriving circa 5pm or 6pm depending how hot the afternoon has proven. It’s reduced or free w/ RSVP and entry before 5pm (or if you buy tix in advance), otherwise $10-$12 at the door.

Invite your friends, enjoy some Mexican foodtruck goodies at a picnic tables, and stay until the very end — the best music always happens in the last 40 minutes of the party.

UPDATE 7/21: They put out an amazing video showing off the events and in anticipation of the 100th party coming up 7/29. You’ll love it:

• 07/08/12