Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson kicked off Bronx Week on Monday, April 28, launching a slate of events celebrating the borough’s culture, businesses, and community leaders.
The kick-off came during a press conference at Storyland Book Haven, the Bronx’s only book lounge. The event was emceed by Summer-Rose Castillo, the Emmy-nominated voice behind the title character in PBS’s “Alma’s Way.”
Gibson unveiled this year’s theme, “The Bronx Leads,” alongside the 2026 Bronx Walk of Fame inductees: music executive Lenny “Lenny S” Santiago, journalist Darlene Rodriguez, choreographer Darrin Henson and influencer Roberto “Fanum” Escanio. She also announced Bronx Children’s Museum and Pregones Theater as this year’s Tourism Award recipients.
Bronx Week will run from May 1 through May 17, marking its 54th anniversary with, for the first time, events taking place across the entire borough. Programming includes the Bronx Ball, Bronx Week Parade, Food & Arts Festival, Bronx Week Concert and additional community events.
“We are intentional about making sure that our borough leads in all things good,” said Borough President Gibson at the press conference.
“This is the story of the Bronx. It is one of the billions of strengths of being knocked down, but getting back up and realizing that our strength lies in who we are. Realizing that every setback has been a preparation for a comeback.”
The return follows a sudden cancellation in early March due to fiscal constraints, according to the borough president’s office. Gibson said the expanded, two-week format reflects a renewed commitment to borough-wide participation.
“Under this year’s theme, ‘The Bronx Leads,’ we celebrate not only the extraordinary individuals honored on the Walk of Fame, but also the small businesses, cultural institutions, and residents who drive our borough forward every day,” said Winston Peters, President of Bronx Economic Development Corporation.
“The Bronx is a place of innovation, resilience, and opportunity and Bronx Week invites the world to experience the energy, diversity, and strength that define who we are.”
Major sponsors of Bronx Week include Verizon, Santander Bank, Montefiore Health System, and Albert Einstein College of Medicine, alongside several corporate and community sponsors.
Additional honors, including the People’s Choice Award and the Key to the Borough, will be announced at the Sponsorship Appreciation event on May 5.
Reach Marina Samuel at msamuel@schnepsmedia.com. For more coverage, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram!
